Jamál, 13 Asmáʼ (Names), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Methods and Approaches
Quotes for Reflection:
O people of God! Give ear unto that which, if heeded, will ensure the freedom, well-being, tranquillity, exaltation and advancement of all men. Certain laws and principles are necessary and indispensable for Persia. However, it is fitting that these measures should be adopted in conformity with the considered views of His Majesty—may God aid him through His grace—and of the learned divines and of the high-ranking rulers. Subject to their approval a place should be fixed where they would meet. There they should hold fast to the cord of consultation and adopt and enforce that which is conducive to the security, prosperity, wealth and tranquillity of the people. For were any measure other than this to be adopted, it could not but result in chaos and commotion. — Bahá’u’lláh 1 2
Question for Consideration
How can community members encourage those with legislative authority to “hold fast to the cord of consultation and adopt and enforce that which is conducive to the security, prosperity, wealth and tranquillity of the people” and thereby avoid adopting any other measure that would likely result in chaos and commotion?
Perplexity Pro Response 3
Those with legislative authority can secure stability and prosperity by embracing authentic consultation and prioritizing the collective well-being in all decisions. This means engaging in deliberate, unified dialogue—consultation—among diverse stakeholders to reach decisions that serve the wider community and prevent disorder.
Community members can encourage those with legislative authority to “hold fast to the cord of consultation” by fostering a culture of inclusive, respectful, and principle-based dialogue in both formal and informal settings, and by modeling and advocating the values of unity, justice, and collective welfare in public discourse and civic engagement. [1] [2]
Building a Culture of Consultation
Promote non-adversarial, inclusive dialogue
Encouraging and participating in decision-making processes that value all voices, welcoming diverse perspectives, and seeking truth rather than defending personal interests fosters collective understanding and unity. [2][1]
Model selfless participation
Supporting the principle that ideas, once offered, belong to the group, and insisting on respectful, courteous exchange helps cultivate an atmosphere where legislative authorities feel empowered to consult authentically. [1]
Organize community consultations
Establishing regular forums for public discussion ensures that the views and needs of the community are visible and can inform legislators, reinforcing their responsibility to consult for the common good. [3]
Advocacy Based on Principles
Encourage responsiveness to feedback
By regularly offering constructive feedback from the grassroots, community members can inspire institutions to remain connected to public needs while protecting them from special-interest manipulation. [4]
Support education on consultation
Promoting awareness of consultative principles through workshops, public talks, and written materials empowers community members to approach governance issues collaboratively and thoughtfully. [5] [6]
Uphold unity and justice
Advocating for decisions and systems that are grounded in spiritual values, ethical norms, and the search for collective truth advances legislative measures that serve the security, prosperity, and tranquility of society. [4]
Avoiding Disunity and Chaos
Discourage partisanship and ego-driven debate
By abstaining from divisive tactics and instead focusing on shared responsibility and mutual learning, chaos and commotion can be avoided, and the legitimacy of law is strengthened. [6] [4]
Support transparent decision-making
Openness in how laws and policies are formulated and enforced ensures trust and facilitates the implementation of measures beneficial to all. [7]
Through these actions, community members can constructively encourage legislative authorities toward consultative approaches that promote peace, prosperity, and social well-being while protecting society from discord and instability. [2] [4]
Citations
[1] Consultation at Baha’i National Convention – Bahá’ís of the United States
[2] Baha’i Consultation – Uplifting Words
[4] Governance from a Bahá’í Perspective – International Environment Forum
[5] Five helpful habits for effective consultation – Bahá’ís of the United States
[6] Consultation – The Bahá’í Faith
[7] Development of the Bahá’í Community Since 1963 – The Bahá’í Faith
[10] Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh – Bahai.works
[11] Wealth and Finances: A Bahá’í Perspective (PDF) – Educational Psychology Interactive
Follow-Up Approaches Proposed by Perplexity
- Suggest ways to promote the practice of consultation among legislators.
- Recommend methods to build trust between the community and authorities.
- Identify principles to foster inclusive and respectful dialogue in governance.
- Propose educational programs to raise awareness of consultation benefits.
- Advise on how to monitor and support the enforcement of beneficial laws.
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/842285746. ↩
- Bahá’u’lláh. Tablets of Baháʾ’u’ʾlláh, Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Translated by Habib Taherzadeh. 1st ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1978, 92-93. https://www.bahai.org/r/979523164. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “A Culture of Consultation.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. August 30, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/o-people-of-god-give-ear-unto-C4.FTuKxTuer2LKjdzk1_A. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 