Istijlál, 12 ʼIzzat (Might), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Methods and Approaches
Quotes for Reflection:
Charity, however, does not necessarily imply a project that would fall within the scope of development work; at its simplest, it suggests only the transfer of resources, whether financial or of another kind, from those who have plenty to those who have insufficient. The motive that prompts such a benevolent act is, of course, laudable—Bahá’u’lláh Himself declares that “charity is pleasing and praiseworthy in the sight of God and is regarded as a prince among goodly deeds.” 1 Nevertheless, the manner in which it is carried out must be carefully considered. It is important, for instance, to avoid any hint of paternalism, and the giver should be conscious of the values implicit in any system of redistribution that he or she establishes. — Universal House of Justice 2
Question for Consideration
What considerations are necessary for charity to be “pleasing and praiseworthy in the sight of God and…regarded as a prince among goodly deeds?”
Perplexity Pro Response 3
Charity is “pleasing and praiseworthy in the sight of God” when its manner avoids paternalism, is conscious of the values implicit in redistribution, and expresses genuine love, justice, and respect for human dignity. [1]
Key Considerations for Praiseworthy Charity
Intention and Motivation
Charity must be motivated by sincere benevolence and goodwill, not self-interest or the desire for recognition. Acts undertaken for the universal good, rather than limited or narrow aims, reflect the spirit of charity most beloved by God. [1]
Avoiding Paternalism
The way resources are given is crucial. It is important to avoid any attitude of superiority, which can undermine the recipient’s dignity. The act of giving should be empowering, fostering solidarity and respect. [1]
Justice and Oneness
Bahá’í teachings emphasize justice as “the light of men,” and urge that charity should be part of a system that promotes unity and the well-being of all humanity. Expenditures should be aligned with promoting the advantage of the whole rather than reinforcing divisions. [1]
Consultation and Participation
Charity is most effective and pleasing when paired with consultation and collective involvement. When recipients participate in identifying needs and in decision-making, they feel a sense of ownership, which leads to sustainable benefit. [1]
Free Will and Voluntary Sharing
Sharing and charity should be voluntary, not imposed. Voluntary good deeds lead to societal comfort and peace, whereas forced redistribution leads to turmoil. [1]
Material and Spiritual Balance
True prosperity and effective charity require coherence between material and spiritual dimensions. Acts of charity should be carried out with purity of motive and love, ensuring that material advancement is guided by spiritual principles. [1]
Universal Scope
Charity should transcend barriers of nationality, class, or affiliation and be directed towards all humanity in the spirit of the Bahá’í dispensation. [1]
Avoiding Pitfalls
Self-Righteousness
Acts of charity must be free of self-righteousness or religious zeal that imposes conviction on others. [1]
Means and Ends
Noble goals cannot be achieved through unworthy means. Charity should not be tied to undertakings requiring contention or presuming inherent conflicts of interest. [1]
Core Values
Human Dignity
Every act of charity should respect the dignity of the recipient, avoiding any form of condescension. [1]
Solidarity and Unity
Charity should foster a sense of unity and interconnectedness, affirming the Bahá’í teaching that “the earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens”. [1]
In summary, for charity to be truly “pleasing and praiseworthy,” its motivation, method, and impact must be consistent with justice, unity, voluntary sharing, respect, and genuine concern for humanity’s well-being. [1]
Citations
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How can charity avoid reinforcing inequality or dependency?
- What are examples of charity aligned with dignity and empowerment?
- How do spiritual values shape ethical approaches to giving?
- What distinguishes charity from sustainable development initiatives?
- How can charitable acts foster long-term community integration?
- 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, 71. https://www.bahai.org/r/485442181. ↩
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/300964816. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Charity – A Prince Among Goodly Deeds.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. September 17, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/charity-however-does-not-neces-amb6hmxCQvOrL65Yk4kAFQ. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 