Istiqlál, 02 Kamál (Perfection), 182 B.E.
Social Action: The Nature of Bahá’í Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
O people of the world! Build ye houses of worship throughout the lands in the name of Him Who is the Lord of all religions. Make them as perfect as is possible in the world of being, and adorn them with that which befitteth them, not with images and effigies. Then, with radiance and joy, celebrate therein the praise of your Lord, the Most Compassionate. Verily, by His remembrance the eye is cheered and the heart is filled with light. — Bahá’u’lláh 1 2
Question for Consideration
What considerations should be given when building “houses of worship throughout the lands in the name of Him Who is the Lord of all religions”?
Perplexity Pro Response 3
When building “houses of worship throughout the lands in the name of Him Who is the Lord of all religions,” several key considerations emerge from Bahá’í teachings and institutional guidance:
Core Spiritual and Practical Considerations
Spiritual Purpose
The House of Worship should serve as a collective center for the soul, intended for the glorification of God and the spiritual upliftment of the community. Its function goes beyond architectural beauty to forging bonds of unity and fostering the devotional life of society.
Design and Adornment
Bahá’u’lláh explicitly instructs that these structures be as perfect as possible and “adorned with that which befitteth them, not with images and effigies.” This emphasizes beauty, dignity, and spiritual symbolism rather than ornate imagery or iconography.
Universal Participation and Ownership
The entire community should be meaningfully involved in the planning, building, and use of the House of Worship. This avoids dominance by any single group or resource-rich individuals and fosters grassroots participation, unity, and empowerment [1].
Organic, Capacity-Based Growth
Projects should begin in a manner commensurate with the human and financial resources of the local population and expand organically as capacity grows. Premature or excessively ambitious projects—especially those relying heavily on external support—may become unsustainable and risk undermining local initiative and ownership [1].
Integration of Material and Spiritual Aspects
Houses of Worship are also envisioned as centers for social and economic development. Abdul-Bahá describes them as being associated with institutions like schools, hospitals, orphanages, and places for the relief of suffering and the upliftment of all people, regardless of background [1].
Cultural and Local Sensitivity
The design and use of the House of Worship should reflect and respect the culture and needs of the local community, ensuring accessibility and relevance to all, regardless of belief or background [1].
Justice, Consultation, and Inclusion
Justice demands universal participation; therefore, planning and decisions should be made collectively, in a spirit of consultation, valuing every voice—men, women, youth, elders, and especially those often marginalized [1].
Additional Practical Guidelines
Sustainability and Modesty
Efforts should initially be modest and sustainable, with a focus on gradual growth and learning from experience. External funding should be approached with caution, prioritizing sustainability and true partnership [1].
Education and Service
The House of Worship is not isolated from society but becomes a point from which educational, health, and social services radiate. Efforts to promote learning, character development, and service to all humanity are integral [1].
Freedom from Prejudice and Open Access
Houses of Worship should embody the oneness of humanity—welcoming all, and free from racial, religious, or social prejudice [1].
In Summary
Building a House of Worship is a profound act of community-building, intended to inspire spiritual devotion, serve practical needs, and promote unity and justice. It must be shaped by collective consultation, built at the pace the community can sustain, foster social service, and stand as an open, inclusive sanctuary for “the Lord of all religions” [1].
Citations
Follow-Up Approaches Proposed by Perplexity
- Identify architectural features that symbolize unity and spirituality.
- Explore guidelines for avoiding images and effigies in worship spaces.
- Determine ideal locations for houses of worship worldwide.
- Research how to incorporate community involvement in construction.
- Suggest ways to celebrate and maintain joy in worship services.
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/514080366. ↩
- Bahá’u’lláh. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed August 1, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/r/612600737. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Key Considerations for Houses of Worship” Edited by Steve Bosserman. July 31, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/o-people-of-the-world-build-ye-K6oJSuLtTjCDoVI8atQe.Q. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 