Daily Frameworks for 26 June 2025

Istijlál, 04 Raḥmat (Mercy), 182 B.E.

Social Action: The Nature of Bahá’í Social and Economic Development

Quotes for Reflection:

The realities of things have been revealed in this radiant century, and that which is true must come to the surface. Among these realities is the principle of the equality of man and woman—equal rights and prerogatives in all things appertaining to humanity. Bahá’u’lláh declared this reality over fifty years ago. But while this principle of equality is true, it is likewise true that woman must prove her capacity and aptitude, must show forth the evidences of equality. She must become proficient in the arts and sciences and prove by her accomplishments that her abilities and powers have merely been latent. Demonstrations of force, such as are now taking place in England, are neither becoming nor effective in the cause of womanhood and equality. Woman must especially devote her energies and abilities toward the industrial and agricultural sciences, seeking to assist mankind in that which is most needful. By this means she will demonstrate capability and ensure recognition of equality in the social and economic equation. Undoubtedly God will confirm her in her efforts and endeavors, for in this century of radiance Bahá’u’lláh has proclaimed the reality of the oneness of the world of humanity and announced that all nations, peoples and races are one. He has shown that although individuals may differ in development and capacity, they are essentially and intrinsically equal as human beings, just as the waves of the sea are innumerable and different, but the reality of the sea is one. The plurality of humanity may be likened to the waves, but the reality of humankind is like the sea itself. All the waves are of the same water; all are waves of one ocean. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ^{1 2}

Question for Consideration

How are individuals different in development and capacity, but essentially and intrinsically equal as human beings?

Perplexity Pro Response ³

Differences in Development and Capacity

Individuals differ in their development and capacity due to a variety of factors—such as innate talents, education, environment, and opportunities. These differences manifest in diverse abilities, interests, and roles within society. For example, some people may excel in the arts, others in sciences, some in leadership, and others in service or craftsmanship. This diversity is not only natural but necessary for the organization and progress of society, as each person contributes uniquely to the collective well-being, much like the different organs of a body or the varied waves of an ocean [1].

The Bahá’í teachings emphasize that:

Diversity in all created things, whether in kind, in physical appearance, or in station, is the means for their protection, their permanence, unity and harmony. Each part complements the other. [1]

Essential and Intrinsic Equality

Despite these differences in development and capacity, all human beings are essentially and intrinsically equal. This equality is rooted in the spiritual reality that every person is a reflection of the divine and possesses the same inherent dignity and worth. The analogy used by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá likens humanity to the sea: while the waves (individuals) may differ in size and form, they are all made of the same water and belong to the same ocean. Thus, the plurality of human attributes and capacities does not negate the fundamental oneness of humankind [1].

This principle is further clarified:

Although individuals may differ in development and capacity, they are essentially and intrinsically equal as human beings, just as the waves of the sea are innumerable and different, but the reality of the sea is one. The plurality of humanity may be likened to the waves, but the reality of humankind is like the sea itself. All the waves are of the same water; all are waves of one ocean. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Practical Implications

Education and Opportunity

The Bahá’í Faith stresses the importance of universal education so that everyone can develop their latent capacities. Differences in ability should not be a justification for inequality of opportunity; rather, education helps each individual realize their potential and contribute to society [1].

Social and Economic Roles

While not everyone will have the same role or level of capacity, justice requires that all have access to what they need to flourish. Extreme disparities in wealth or status are discouraged; instead, society should be structured to ensure that everyone’s basic needs are met and that each person’s contribution is valued [1].

Unity in Diversity

The differences among individuals are seen as a source of strength and beauty, not division. The goal is to achieve unity in diversity, where each person’s unique abilities are harmonized for the advancement of all [1].

Conclusion

In summary, individuals are different in their development and capacity due to natural, social, and educational factors, but these differences do not undermine the essential and intrinsic equality of all human beings. True equality recognizes and values diversity, ensuring that every person can develop their potential and participate fully in the life of society, contributing to the collective progress and well-being of humanity [1].

Citations

[1] Social Action-A Compilation Prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice August 2020 – Bahá’í Reference Library

Follow-Up Approaches Proposed by Perplexity

• Explore ways to demonstrate equality through education and skills.
• Identify key contributions of women in industrial sciences today.
• Examine how spiritual and material civilization complement each other.
• Analyze the role of independent investigation in overcoming prejudice.
• Investigate examples of unity despite diversity in global communities.

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/916370215. ↩
2. ’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, 283-284. https://www.bahai.org/r/050371704. ↩
3. Perplexity Pro. “All Are Waves of the Same Ocean.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. June 25, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-realities-of-things-have-b-1U3L8qlFRuKspKCVwXwSTw. ↩