Daily Frameworks for 20 September 2025

Jalál, 14 ʼIzzat (Might), 182 B.E.

Social Action: Methods and Approaches

Quotes for Reflection:

The stresses emerging out of the long-term process of transition from a divided world to a united one are being felt within international relations as much as in the deepening fractures that affect societies large and small. With prevailing modes of thought found to be badly wanting, the world is in desperate need of a shared ethic, a sure framework for addressing the crises that gather like storm clouds. The vision of Bahá’u’lláh challenges many of the assumptions that are allowed to shape contemporary discourse—for instance, that self-interest, far from needing to be restrained, drives prosperity, and that progress depends upon its expression through relentless competition. To view the worth of an individual chiefly in terms of how much one can accumulate and how many goods one can consume relative to others is wholly alien to Bahá’í thought. But neither are the teachings in sympathy with sweeping dismissals of wealth as inherently distasteful or immoral, and asceticism is prohibited. Wealth must serve humanity. Its use must accord with spiritual principles; systems must be created in their light. And, in Bahá’u’lláh’s memorable words, “No light can compare with the light of justice. The establishment of order in the world and the tranquillity of the nations depend upon it.” — Universal House of Justice ^{1 2}

Question for Consideration

From a Bahá’í perspective, what is the relationship between wealth and the “light of justice?”

Perplexity Pro Response ³

From a Bahá’í perspective, wealth and the “light of justice” are fundamentally intertwined: wealth is neither inherently negative nor valued as life’s chief aim, but its acquisition and use must always serve the greater good and reflect spiritual principles of justice, unity, and the well-being of all humanity. [1]

Justice: The Guiding Light

Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings present justice as “the light of men,” declaring that “no light can compare with the light of justice. The establishment of order in the world and tranquillity of the nations depend upon it.” Justice, therefore, acts as a touchstone both for individual conduct and for the systems that shape society, ensuring equity, opportunity, and the common good rather than exploitation or oppression. All forms of systemic order—including economic structures—are called to embody justice, creating conditions in which all can flourish according to capacity and need. [1]

Wealth in Bahá’í Thought

The Bahá’í teachings reject both the view that personal wealth and consumption are measures of human worth and the idea that wealth is inherently immoral. Asceticism is prohibited, and wealth is praised when “acquired by an individual’s own efforts and the grace of God,” as long as its use benefits others and promotes collective advancement. Wealth becomes blameworthy only when acquired unjustly or hoarded selfishly, to the detriment of society. [1]

Wealth’s Moral Purpose

Wealth “must serve humanity; its use must accord with spiritual principles; systems must be created in their light.” This means, for example:

• Wealth should be used for philanthropic purposes and the promotion of knowledge, education, and the social welfare of all. [1]
• There should be moderation: extremes of immense wealth and abject poverty are both incompatible with justice. Structures should be devised—such as progressive taxation and opportunities for profit-sharing—that ensure the needs of the poorest are met and society’s prosperity is shared. [1]
• Voluntary generosity and sharing, motivated by spiritual values, are favored over compulsion, as they foster unity and peace. [1]
  

Systemic Implications

The Bahá’í writings call for economic and social systems that are built on the foundation of justice and the oneness of humanity. This implies:

• Institutions and policies must guard against exploitation, systemic inequity, and environmental harm, while encouraging stewardship, cooperation, and ethical enterprise. [1]
• Economic means must never become ends in themselves, but tools toward the realization of a just, unified, and spiritually and materially prosperous global society. [1]
  

In summary, Bahá’í teachings insist that wealth must be a servant of justice, and justice the criterion for the creation, distribution, and use of wealth. This relationship is essential for building both personal and collective prosperity, rooted in the unity and well-being of all humankind. [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

• How do spiritual principles shape economic systems in Bahá’í thought?
• What role does justice play in wealth distribution according to Bahá’u’lláh?
• How can wealth be used to promote universal peace and cooperation?
• What are examples of wealth serving humanity in Bahá’í communities?
• How does Bahá’í teaching reconcile wealth with social equity and fairness?

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/300964814. ↩
2. Universal House of Justice. “1 March 2017 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed September 19, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/r/476802933. ↩
3. Perplexity Pro. “Wealth in the Light of Justice.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. September 19, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-vision-of-bahaullah-challe-ptsFI9KlQIi4ydtc2RdcbA. ↩