Istiqlál, 05 Raḥmat (Mercy), 182 B.E.
Social Action: The Nature of Bahá’í Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
Another essential requirement is the expediting of the tasks of transcribing, collecting and despatching the Sacred Writings to the Holy Land, and recording the general history of the Cause of God. The Western believers in the far-flung reaches of the free world, who have set about prosecuting important plans, are anxious and expectant that these two tasks be speedily completed and the necessary preparations for their forthcoming projects be made without delay, thus enabling them to give concrete expression to their hopes and plans for the future, and to impart a great momentum to the spread of the Holy Cause.
The same applies to the participation of the friends in charitable, scientific, and literary associations. The friends must, with wisdom and moderation, after careful consultation, and according to their capacity and means, assist any association that sincerely aims to contribute to the common weal and to the best interests of the world of humanity. They should participate to the extent possible, but must refrain from the least involvement in politics, whether in their deeds, hearts, or words, and must shun and avoid any association with malevolent and contending parties. — Shoghi Effendi 1
Question for Consideration
How can the friends “assist any association that sincerely aims to contribute to the common weal and to the best interests of the world of humanity” and “refrain from the least involvement in politics?”
Perplexity Pro Response 2
Bahá’ís are encouraged to assist and participate in associations that aim to promote the common good and the best interests of humanity, such as charitable, scientific, and literary organizations. At the same time, they are strictly enjoined to refrain from any involvement in politics, particularly partisan or divisive political activity. This dual guidance is rooted in the Bahá’í teachings on unity, the oneness of humanity, and the avoidance of conflict and division.
How Bahá’ís Can Assist Associations for the Common Good
Bahá’ís are urged to:
- Collaborate with organizations and movements that are sincerely devoted to the welfare of all humanity, provided these groups are free from political partisanship and divisive agendas.
- Participate in social, educational, scientific, and charitable activities that uplift society, promote justice, and advance knowledge and well-being.
- Engage in public discourse and contribute constructively to conversations on peace, justice, human rights, and social progress, always guided by spiritual principles and a spirit of service [1] [3].
The Principle of Non-Involvement in Politics
The Bahá’í principle of non-involvement in politics means:
- Avoiding affiliation with political parties, factions, or groups that are engaged in political rivalry or conflict.
- Not participating in partisan political activities, campaigns, or discussions that divide people into opposing camps [4] [5].
- Abstaining from any action or statement that could be interpreted as supporting or opposing a particular political party, government policy, or political ideology.
- Obeying the government and the laws of the land, provided this does not require compromising fundamental Bahá’í principles [2] [7].
Reconciling Social Action With Political Non-Involvement
Bahá’ís can assist associations for the common weal while refraining from political involvement by observing several key distinctions:
- Association, Not Affiliation: Bahá’ís may associate with organizations and participate in their activities if these are non-partisan and aligned with Bahá’í principles. However, they must avoid formal affiliation or identification with groups that have political aims or are engaged in political controversy [4].
- Focus on Universal Principles: The Bahá’í approach emphasizes service to all humanity, the promotion of unity, and the application of moral and spiritual principles to social problems. Bahá’ís are encouraged to work with others to advance causes such as education, health, racial equality, and the elimination of prejudice, provided these efforts do not become entangled in political disputes [1] [7].
- Discernment and Consultation: Before participating, Bahá’ís are advised to consult with their institutions and exercise wisdom and moderation, ensuring that their involvement will not inadvertently draw them into political conflict or compromise the non-partisan character of the Faith [1].
- Constructive, Not Adversarial: Bahá’í social action is constructive and cooperative, not adversarial or confrontational. Bahá’ís avoid methods that exacerbate division or enmity, focusing instead on building consensus, fostering dialogue, and promoting the well-being of all [3].
Practical Examples
- Permissible: Participating in a local literacy campaign, volunteering for a non-partisan humanitarian organization, collaborating on scientific research for public health, or joining interfaith initiatives for peace and understanding.
- Not Permissible: Endorsing a political candidate, joining a political party, participating in protests or demonstrations that are partisan or confrontational, or supporting organizations with political agendas [2] [7].
Guidance From Bahá’í Institutions
The Universal House of Justice and Shoghi Effendi have clarified that:
Much as the friends must guard against in any way seeming to identify themselves or the Cause with any political party, they must also guard against the other extreme of never taking part, with other progressive groups, in conferences or committees designed to promote some activity in entire accord with our teachings—such as, for instance, better race relations. [7]
Bahá’ís are to vigorously engage in constructive public discourse and in a wide range of social endeavours aimed at the betterment of the world and the progress of their respective nations. They undertake such activities with humility, discernment and respect for prevailing laws and social conditions, in a spirit of learning and in collaboration with like-minded groups and individuals… While eschewing partisan political activity… [2]
Summary Table
| Permitted | Prohibited |
|---|---|
| Volunteering for non-partisan charities | Joining political parties or factions |
| Participating in scientific and educational work | Endorsing candidates or parties |
| Engaging in interfaith and unity-building efforts | Participating in partisan protests or campaigns |
| Contributing to public discourse on social issues | Making divisive political statements |
Conclusion
Bahá’ís are called to be actively engaged in the betterment of society, working alongside others for the common good, but always in a manner that avoids partisan politics and divisive conflict. Their contributions are guided by the principles of unity, service, and the oneness of humanity, ensuring that their efforts uplift all and do not become entangled in the adversarial dynamics of political life [1] [5].
Citations
[3] Responding to Conflict with Constructive Action: A Bahá’í Perspective on Peace – Uplifting Words
[4] Bahá’í Approach to Non-Involvement in Partisan Political Activity (PDF) – Bahá’í Library Online
[5] Non-involvement in politics – Bahaipedia
[6] Bahá’í Involvement in Politics – Uplifting Words
[7] Political Non-Involvement and Obedience to Government – Bahá’í Library Online
[8] 22 January 2010 – [To an individual] – Bahá’í Reference Library
[9] 23 December 2008 – [To an individual] – Bahá’í Reference Library
[10] The Bahá’í Community – Bahai.works
Follow-Up Approaches Proposed by Perplexity
- Explore examples of Bahá’í participation in charitable associations.
- Identify principles guiding Bahá’í political non-involvement.
- Examine how consultation shapes Bahá’í social action decisions.
- Find teachings on balancing community service and spiritual focus.
- Review historical cases of Bahá’ís aiding society without politics.
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/916330214. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Bahá’í Participation in Associations for the Common Weal Without Political Involvement.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. June 26, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/another-essential-requirement-QH3YT1gPThq.E1AQjxVgvg. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 