Daily Frameworks for 11 September 2025

Istijlál, 05 ʼIzzat (Might), 182 B.E.

Social Action: Methods and Approaches

Quotes for Reflection:

In their reflections on how to contribute to the betterment of the world, Bahá’ís will undoubtedly recognize that demonstrations are not the only, or even the most effective, means available to them. Rather, they can learn and grow in capacity over time to help their fellow citizens to frame concerns in a way that rises above fissures, to share views in a manner that transcends divisive approaches, and to create and participate in spaces to work together in the quest to enact solutions to the problems that bedevil their nation. As Bahá’u’lláh stated: “Say: no man can attain his true station except through his justice. No power can exist except through unity. No welfare and no well-being can be attained except through consultation.” In this light, justice is indeed essential to resist the vain imaginings and idle fancies of social and political machinations, to see reality with one’s own eyes, and to identify the requirements for an equitable social order. But then unity is essential—forged through consultative processes, including action and reflection—to achieve the power required for positive social change. — Universal House of Justice ^{1 2}

Question for Consideration

How should one behave in accordance with Bahá’u’lláh’s statement, “Say: no man can attain his true station except through his justice. No power can exist except through unity. No welfare and no well-being can be attained except through consultation”?

Perplexity Pro Response ³

One should behave in accordance with Bahá’u’lláh’s statement—“Say: no man can attain his true station except through his justice. No power can exist except through unity. No welfare and no well-being can be attained except through consultation”—by striving to embody justice, foster unity, and practice consultation in every aspect of personal and collective life. [1]

Justice in Action

Justice means dispensing with personal interests for the common good and perceiving reality impartially. It entails: [1]

• Seeing oneself as part of a single human family, regarding another’s welfare as intimately connected to one’s own. [1]
• Seeking truth independently, resisting manipulation or the “vain imaginings” that cause discord in social and political life. [1]
• Treating everyone with fairness and compassion, avoiding prejudice, and promoting equity as a foundation for an “equitable social order”. [1]
  

Fostering Unity

Unity is essential for creating the power needed to enact positive social change. It is forged by: [1]

• Rising above divisions and “fissures” in society, refusing to engage in divisive or partisan approaches. [1]
• Loving all people and subordinating lesser loyalties (such as partisan interests) to the well-being of humankind. [1]
• Valuing diversity as a source of richness and actively drawing diverse groups together for cooperation and collaboration. [1]
  

Practicing Consultation

Consultation is the means by which collective welfare and well-being are achieved. [1]

• It involves respectful, free, and dignified exchange of views, aimed at reaching consensus and truth without rancor. [1]
• Consultation is not about imposing personal opinions but about the collective investigation of reality, detachment from personal bias, and continual action–reflection cycles. [1]
• Every member’s participation is encouraged, and decision-making benefits from the diversity of perspectives without succumbing to stubbornness or discord. [1]
  

Commitment in Social Change

• Bahá’ís are encouraged to work for social change not through demonstrations or conflict, but by nurturing spaces for meaningful, consultative action and collaboration. [1]
• Their contribution includes helping others frame concerns constructively and seeking practical solutions together for the nation’s challenges. [1]
• The means pursued must be consistent with noble ends—unity cannot grow from contention. [1]
  

Everyday Practice

• In personal life: cultivate moral character, pursue useful knowledge, and promote justice and unity at home and work. [1]
• In community: use consultation in decision-making, support inclusive processes, and ensure action is systematic and aligned with spiritual principles. [1]
• In society: participate with others in efforts that serve the common good, always anchoring actions in justice, unity, and collective consultation. [1]
  

In summary, the teachings call for a holistic approach—personal justice, active unity, and consultative public engagement—to build a society where every individual attains their true station, where collective power is positive, and where the welfare of all is assured through loving, inclusive, and systematic consultation. [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 Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• What are practical examples of consultation in Bahá’í communities?
• How can justice be promoted in everyday interactions as per Bahá’u’lláh?
• What role does unity play in fostering social progress according to Bahá’í teachings?
• How can individuals contribute to social action beyond demonstrations?
• What strategies help Bahá’ís address divisive issues while promoting cooperation?

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/259331544. ↩
2. Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. “Bahá’í Sacred Writings.” Bahá’í Reference Library, July 2025. https://www.bahai.org/r/593804052. ↩
3. Perplexity Pro. “Behaving in Accordance with Justice, Unity, and Consultation.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. September 10, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/in-their-reflections-on-how-to-STcQgXgbT_KM13L.EkBb4g. ↩