Istiqlál, 13 ʼIzzat (Might), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Methods and Approaches
Quotes for Reflection:
The future civilization envisaged by Bahá’u’lláh is a prosperous one, in which the vast resources of the world will be directed towards humanity’s elevation and regeneration, not its debasement and destruction. The act of contributing to the Fund, then, is imbued with profound meaning: it is a practical way of hastening the advent of that civilization, and a necessary one, for as Bahá’u’lláh Himself has explained, “He Who is the Eternal Truth—exalted be His glory—hath made the fulfilment of every undertaking on earth dependent on material means.” Bahá’ís conduct their lives in the midst of a society acutely disordered in its material affairs. The process of community building they are advancing in their clusters cultivates a set of attitudes towards wealth and possessions very different from those holding sway in the world. The habit of regularly giving to the Funds of the Faith—including in-kind contributions particularly in certain places—arises from and reinforces a sense of personal concern for the welfare of the community and the progress of the Cause. The duty to contribute, just like the duty to teach, is a fundamental aspect of Bahá’í identity which strengthens faith. The sacrificial and generous contributions of the individual believer, the collective consciousness promoted by the community of the needs of the Fund, and the careful stewardship of financial resources exercised by the institutions of the Faith can be regarded as expressions of the love that binds these three actors more closely together. And ultimately, voluntary giving fosters an awareness that managing one’s financial affairs in accordance with spiritual principles is an indispensable dimension of a life lived coherently. It is a matter of conscience, a way in which commitment to the betterment of the world is translated into practice. — Universal House of Justice 1 2
Question for Consideration
How do the attitudes towards wealth and possession advanced by Bahá’ís through the process of community building differ from those holding sway in the world?
Perplexity Pro Response 3
Bahá’í attitudes towards wealth and possessions, especially as advanced through the process of community building, sharply diverge from prevailing worldviews by centering justice, service to humanity, and purposeful moderation rather than accumulation or conspicuous consumption. [1]
Key Bahá’í Principles
Bahá’ís regard wealth as noble and praiseworthy only if acquired through honest means and used for the benefit of society, such as philanthropic projects, education, and social welfare. Wealth is not seen as inherently distasteful or immoral, but its legitimacy depends on both the manner of acquisition and the manner of expenditure, always guided by justice and service. [1]
Attitudes in the Wider Society
Contemporary society often esteems self-interest, competition, and material accumulation as core drivers of prosperity and progress. The worth of individuals is frequently measured by how much they can accumulate relative to others, and economic structures tend to reward avarice and self-interest, often disregarding the common good and deepening inequalities. [1]
Role of Wealth in Bahá’í Community Building
Within Bahá’í communities, the acquisition and use of wealth are consciously directed towards community well-being and the elevation and regeneration of humanity, rather than personal gain or social status. [1]
- Voluntary sharing is encouraged—an act regarded as greater than imposed equalization—motivated by spiritual principles and the desire to promote comfort and peace for all. [1]
- Extremes of wealth and poverty are seen as unjust, and moderation is prized, with mechanisms like progressive taxation and voluntary sharing designed to ensure prosperity is broadly distributed and that social justice prevails. [1]
Materialism vs. Spiritual Values
Bahá’í teachings counsel that material progress must be grounded in spiritual values, and personal happiness is achieved through good character, service, knowledge, and solving societal problems, not in possessions or status. [1]
Structural Implications
Bahá’ís reject exploitation, monopolization, and production for violence or immorality, advocating for economic practices that enrich all and avoid harm to people or the environment. Systemic change is seen as essential, not just for economic practices but for all relationships in society, emphasizing the organic oneness of humanity and subordinating individual or group interests to the benefit of the whole. [1]
Summary Table
| Aspect | Bahá’í Attitude [1] | Worldly Attitude [1] |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose of Wealth | Service to humanity, philanthropy | Personal gain, status |
| Process of Acquisition | Justice, honest labor, benefit to all | Aggressive competition, self-interest |
| Distribution | Voluntary sharing, progressive giving | Accumulation, minimal redistribution |
| Extremes of Wealth/Poverty | Must be abolished, moderation prized | Common and often celebrated |
| Happiness & Success | Character, service, wisdom, unity | Material possession, consumption |
In sum, Bahá’í teachings advocate a radical reorientation of attitudes toward wealth and possessions, aligning economic activity with a moral vision of unity, justice, and collective prosperity, contrasting sharply with the acquisition-focused, competitive, and individualistic orientations dominant in the world. [1]
Citations
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- What principles guide Bahá’í community building in managing wealth?
- How do Bahá’í views on materialism contrast with global norms?
- What social effects result from Bahá’í attitudes towards possessions?
- How does Bahá’í teaching define prosperity and wealth use?
- What examples show Bahá’í emphasis on cooperation over competition?
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/300964815. ↩
- Universal House of Justice. “29 December 2015 – To the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed September 18, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/r/521400059. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Attitudes towards Wealth and Possessions.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. September 18, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-future-civilization-envisa-RaDBxi6OQ_adrzHBC4km5A. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 