’Idál, 03 Raḥmat (Mercy), 182 B.E.
Social Action: The Nature of Bahá’í Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
The question has been asked: Will the spiritual progress of the world equal and keep pace with material progress in the future? In a living organism the full measure of its development is not known or realized at the time of its inception or birth. Development and progression imply gradual stages or degrees. For example, spiritual advancement may be likened to the light of the early dawn. Although this dawn light is dim and pale, a wise man who views the march of the sunrise at its very beginning can foretell the ascendancy of the sun in its full glory and effulgence. He knows for a certainty that it is the beginning of its manifestation and that later it will assume great power and potency. Again, for example, if he takes a seed and observes that it is sprouting, he will know assuredly that it will ultimately become a tree. Now is the beginning of the manifestation of the spiritual power, and inevitably the potency of its life forces will assume greater and greater proportions. Therefore, this twentieth century is the dawn, or beginning, of spiritual illumination, and it is evident that day by day it will advance. It will reach such a degree that spiritual effulgences will overcome the physical, so that divine susceptibilities will overpower material intelligence and the heavenly light dispel and banish earthly darkness. Divine healing shall purify all ills, and the cloud of mercy will pour down its rain. The Sun of Reality will shine, and all the earth shall put on its beautiful green carpet. Among the results of the manifestation of spiritual forces will be that the human world will adapt itself to a new social form, the justice of God will become manifest throughout human affairs, and human equality will be universally established. The poor will receive a great bestowal, and the rich attain eternal happiness. For although at the present time the rich enjoy the greatest luxury and comfort, they are nevertheless deprived of eternal happiness; for eternal happiness is contingent upon giving, and the poor are everywhere in the state of abject need. Through the manifestation of God’s great equity the poor of the world will be rewarded and assisted fully, and there will be a readjustment in the economic conditions of mankind so that in the future there will not be the abnormally rich nor the abject poor. The rich will enjoy the privilege of this new economic condition as well as the poor, for owing to certain provisions and restrictions they will not be able to accumulate so much as to be burdened by its management, while the poor will be relieved from the stress of want and misery. The rich will enjoy his palace, and the poor will have his comfortable cottage. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1 2
Question for Consideration
What benefits will the rich and the poor enjoy when the economic conditions of mankind are readjusted so none are abnormally rich nor abject poor?
Perplexity Pro Response 3
When economic conditions are readjusted so that there are no abnormally rich nor abject poor, both the rich and the poor will experience significant benefits, rooted in justice, moderation, and spiritual as well as material well-being.
Benefits for the Poor
Relief from Want and Misery
The poor will be “relieved from the stress of want and misery,” meaning their basic needs—such as shelter, food, education, and health—will be met adequately. They will no longer live in a state of deprivation or insecurity.
Comfortable Living
While not all will possess the same level of wealth, every individual will have a “comfortable cottage,” indicating a dignified standard of living for all, without extremes of poverty.
Access to Opportunities
The poor will have greater access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for personal and professional development, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society.
Full Assistance and Reward
The manifestation of divine justice will ensure the poor are “rewarded and assisted fully,” fostering a sense of inclusion and social support.
Benefits for the Rich
Freedom from the Burden of Excessive Wealth
The rich will be “unable to accumulate so much as to be burdened by its management,” sparing them the anxieties and responsibilities associated with excessive fortunes.
Eternal Happiness through Generosity
True happiness for the rich is described as contingent upon giving. By sharing their wealth voluntarily, the rich attain “eternal happiness,” which is spiritual fulfillment and peace of mind that material luxury alone cannot provide.
Enjoyment of Wealth without Guilt
The rich will still “enjoy his palace,” meaning they can live comfortably and enjoy the fruits of their labor, but within reasonable bounds that do not come at the expense of others’ well-being.
Social Esteem and Purpose
By using their resources for the common good—such as supporting education, healthcare, and community development—the rich gain social esteem and a deeper sense of purpose.
Shared Benefits and Social Outcomes
Social Harmony and Justice
The elimination of extreme disparities fosters social cohesion, reduces resentment and conflict, and manifests “the justice of God throughout human affairs”.
Universal Human Equality
Economic readjustment is linked to “human equality [being] universally established,” ensuring that all members of society are valued and have their needs met.
Collective Prosperity
With both rich and poor contributing to and benefiting from the system, society as a whole advances materially and spiritually, creating a prosperous and peaceful civilization.
Voluntary Sharing and Mutual Aid
The system emphasizes voluntary generosity rather than forced redistribution, fostering a culture of mutual aid and cooperation rather than conflict or resentment.
Practical Mechanisms
Moderation, Not Absolute Equality
The aim is not to make everyone exactly equal in wealth, but to abolish extremes through moderation and just laws, such as progressive taxation and profit-sharing, ensuring everyone’s needs are met while allowing for differences in capacity and effort.
Social Safety Nets
Systems such as community storehouses, support for orphans and the incapacitated, and public health and education are envisioned to ensure no one falls into destitution.
Consultation and Participation
Decisions about economic matters are to be made through consultation, ensuring that the voices and needs of all, including the poor, are considered in shaping policies.
In summary
A readjusted economic order, as envisioned in the Bahá’í teachings, ensures that the poor are freed from deprivation and the rich from the burdens of excess, with both groups attaining happiness, dignity, and purpose. This system is rooted in spiritual principles of justice, voluntary sharing, and the recognition that the welfare of each is inseparable from the welfare of all.
Citations
Follow-Up Approaches Proposed by Perplexity
- Explore examples of new social forms emerging from spiritual progress.
- Investigate how divine justice influences economic equality.
- Describe the role of spiritual forces in reducing poverty and wealth gaps.
- Outline benefits for both rich and poor under adjusted economic conditions.
- Examine how spiritual illumination impacts material prosperity and happiness.
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/916370216. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 131-132. https://www.bahai.org/r/841208804 ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Benefits for the Rich and the Poor in a Readjusted Economic Order.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. June 24, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-question-has-been-asked-wi-O5SsI8JbS52o34C98dqZUg. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 