’Idál, 17 Raḥmat (Mercy), 182 B.E.
Commemoration of the Martyrdom of the Báb
Social Action: The Nature of Bahá’í Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
In this long-term process of capacity building, the Bahá’í community has devoted nearly a decade and a half to systematizing its experience in the teaching field, learning to open certain activities to more and more people and to sustain its expansion and consolidation. All are welcome to enter the community’s warm embrace and receive sustenance from Bahá’u’lláh’s life-giving message. No greater joy is there, to be sure, than for a soul, yearning for the Truth, to find shelter in the stronghold of the Cause and draw strength from the unifying power of the Covenant. Yet every human being and every group of individuals, irrespective of whether they are counted among His followers, can take inspiration from His teachings, benefiting from whatever gems of wisdom and knowledge will aid them in addressing the challenges they face. Indeed, the civilization that beckons humanity will not be attained through the efforts of the Bahá’í community alone. Numerous groups and organizations, animated by the spirit of world solidarity that is an indirect manifestation of Bahá’u’lláh’s conception of the principle of the oneness of humankind, will contribute to the civilization destined to emerge out of the welter and chaos of present-day society. It should be clear to everyone that the capacity created in the Bahá’í community over successive global Plans renders it increasingly able to lend assistance in the manifold and diverse dimensions of civilization building, opening to it new frontiers of learning. — Universal House of Justice 1 2
Question for Consideration
How can “numerous groups and organizations, animated by the spirit of world solidarity that is an indirect manifestation of Bahá’u’lláh’s conception of the principle of the oneness of humankind…contribute to the civilization destined to emerge out of the welter and chaos of present-day society?”
Perplexity Pro Response 3
The Principle of Oneness and World Solidarity
Bahá’u’lláh’s teaching of the oneness of humankind is not a call for uniformity, but for unity in diversity—a recognition that every individual and group, regardless of background or belief, can contribute uniquely to the advancement of civilization. The Universal House of Justice emphasizes that the transformation of society and the emergence of a new civilization require the participation of all humanity, not just the Bahá’í community [1] [2] [3].
How Groups Animated by World Solidarity Contribute
FOSTERING COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SOCIAL ACTION
Community-building efforts
Groups can create spaces for consultation, collaboration, and collective action, addressing local and global challenges with a spirit of inclusivity and solidarity [1] [4].
Social action projects
Initiatives in education, health, agriculture, and the arts—rooted in the principle of service to humanity—help uplift communities and foster social progress [5] [6].
ADVANCING PUBLIC DISCOURSE
Promoting unity and justice
By participating in public discourse, organizations can advocate for the elimination of prejudice, the establishment of justice, and the recognition of the interconnectedness of humanity [1] [7] [8].
Encouraging collective will
Through dialogue and consultation, diverse groups can help cultivate a shared vision for the common good, motivating unified action to address societal challenges [1].
TRANSLATING SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES INTO ACTION
Universal participation
Every member of society has both the right and the responsibility to contribute to the construction of a materially and spiritually prosperous civilization. Social action should be based on the principle of universal participation, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued [1] [6].
Service and virtue
Acts of selfless service, inspired by the recognition of our common humanity, are essential for building trust, fostering cooperation, and advancing the well-being of all [9].
BUILDING NEW PATTERNS OF RELATIONSHIPS
Unity in diversity
Groups can model relationships characterized by love, justice, and reciprocity, demonstrating that diversity enhances rather than detracts from unity [2] [3].
Institutional transformation
Organizations animated by world solidarity can help develop new forms of governance and social organization that reflect the principle of the oneness of humankind, moving beyond “us” versus “them” toward a society defined by “we” [1].
Practical Examples
Interfaith and intercultural initiatives
Bringing together people of different backgrounds to address shared challenges and promote mutual understanding.
Collaborative social enterprises
Organizations that prioritize social value and community well-being over profit, embodying principles of equity and sustainability.
Grassroots educational programs
Initiatives that empower individuals and communities to acquire knowledge and skills for collective advancement [5] [4].
The Path Forward
The civilization destined to emerge will be shaped by the combined efforts of countless groups animated by the spirit of world solidarity. As these groups draw inspiration from the principle of the oneness of humankind, they will:
- Address the needs of their age with creativity and compassion.
- Build bridges across divides of race, class, nation, and belief.
- Foster environments where every individual can contribute to the common good.
- Help humanity move from “hardship to comfort, from poverty to wealth, and from abasement to glory” [5].
In this way, the chaos and fragmentation of the present age become the soil from which a unified, just, and prosperous world civilization can grow—one in which all peoples are active participants and beneficiaries [1] [6] [3].
Citations
[2] THE ONENESS of Humanity – Bahá’í of the United States
[3] One Human Family: Uniting Humanity – The Bahá’í Faith
[4] A Global Community: Elements of a Global Spiritual Endeavor (2006-2021) – Bahá’í Library Online
[6] Contributing to the Advancement of Civilization – The Bahá’í Faith
[7] Baháʼí teachings – Wikipedia
[8] What Does the “Oneness of Mankind” Really Mean? – BahaiTeachings.org
[9] One Human Family: Living the Principle of Oneness – The Bahá’í Faith
[10] The Promise of World Peace – The Bahá’í Faith
[11] THE ONENESS of God – Bahá’ís of the United States
[12] Hope for the World: The Universal House of Justice – BahaiTeachings.org
[13] The Oneness of Humanity: The Cornerstone of the Baha’i Teachings – BahaiTeachings.org
[14] Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings in Action – Uplifting Words
[15] New Letter from the Universal House of Justice About World Peace – Baha’i Blog
[16] Messages of the Universal House of Justice – Bahá’í Reference Library
[17] Guidance for Bahá’í Groups – Bahá’í Library Online
[18] Dear Allies, Your Solidarity Gives Me Hope – BahaiTeachings.org
[20] The Power of the Oneness of Humankind – Baha’i Blog
Follow-Up Approaches Proposed by Perplexity
- Identify practical ways groups can foster global unity and cooperation.
- Explore examples of organizations promoting world solidarity today.
- Analyze how spiritual principles influence social and economic development.
- Investigate methods for building capacity and participation in communities.
- Examine the role of knowledge in advancing an ever-progressing civilization.
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/381390782. ↩
- Universal House of Justice. “Riḍván 2010 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed July 8, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/r/712949052. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “The Role of Groups and Organizations in Building a New Civilization.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. July 8, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/every-human-being-and-every-gr-_TTgJ5ZvSq.j_jcOOJC15g. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 