Jalál, 02 Mashíyyat (Will), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
The education and training of children is among the most meritorious acts of humankind and draweth down the grace and favor of the All-Merciful, for education is the indispensable foundation of all human excellence and alloweth man to work his way to the heights of abiding glory. If a child be trained from his infancy, he will, through the loving care of the Holy Gardener, drink in the crystal waters of the spirit and of knowledge, like a young tree amid the rilling brooks. And certainly he will gather to himself the bright rays of the Sun of Truth, and through its light and heat will grow ever fresh and fair in the garden of life. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1 2
Question for Consideration
Why is the education and training of children among the most meritorious acts of humankind?
Perplexity Pro Response 3
The education and training of children is considered among the most meritorious acts of humankind because it forms the indispensable foundation for all human excellence and unlocks the latent potential within every person. Education is viewed not only as the means of developing intellectual abilities but also as the essential process through which spiritual, moral, and social qualities are cultivated from the earliest years. [1]
Foundational to Human Excellence
By providing children with both knowledge and moral training, society nurtures individuals who can contribute positively toward civilization’s prosperity, peace, and unity. This dual focus on academic learning and character formation enables people to develop good behavior, high moral character, and a love of truth—qualities essential for the advancement of both the individual and society. [1]
Unlocking Human Potential
Bahá’í teachings liken each human being to a mine rich in gems of inestimable value, and only through education can these treasures be revealed for the benefit of humanity. The efforts invested in the education of children set the course for their entire lives, equipping them with the skills, values, and discernment to distinguish truth from falsehood and to avoid prejudice, superstition, and harmful traditions. [1]
Stability and Progress of Civilization
Education is described as the principal requirement for the well-being and prosperity of every nation; without it, progress stalls, and societies fall into decline. It ensures the development of both material and spiritual civilization, with the former being likened to a body, and the latter to the spirit. True happiness and social order arise only when both aspects advance together, reinforcing the importance of nurturing the whole child—materially, intellectually, and spiritually. [1]
Divine Favor and Lasting Impact
According to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, educating and training children is ennobled by the grace and favor of the All-Merciful, elevating society and drawing down blessings on those who serve in this way. Notably, to nurture or educate a child is equated in the Bahá’í writings to raising “a son of Mine” (God), an act that is said to attract divine loving-kindness and mercy. [1]
In summary, the education and training of children is meritorious because it builds the foundation for excellence, reveals inherent capacities, safeguards social stability, advances true civilization, and attracts spiritual blessings, thereby working towards the abiding glory of humanity in both this world and the next. [1]
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
Recommended follow-up questions to the discussion on the merits of the education and training of children include reflective prompts about the deeper purpose, practical application, and impact of education according to Bahá’í principles. [1]
Purpose and Nature of Education
- What is the true purpose of educating children, beyond academic achievement? [1]
- How does education contribute to both material and spiritual progress in individuals and society? [1]
- What qualities should education seek to cultivate in children to prepare them for service to humanity? [1]
Practical Implementation and Community Engagement
- How can families, communities, and educational institutions collaborate more effectively in the training of children? [1]
- What methods can be used to promote moral and spiritual as well as intellectual development in children? [1]
- How does community involvement in education help address the challenges facing society today? [1]
Addressing Broader Social and Spiritual Themes
- What role does education play in overcoming prejudice, fostering unity, and promoting justice across society? [1]
- How can educational efforts be aligned with the principle of the oneness of humanity? [1]
- In what ways can parents and educators identify and nurture the unique potential within every child? [1]
Each question helps advance understanding about the centrality of education to personal excellence and collective progress, inviting deeper reflection and consultation on how to translate principles into practical action. [1]
Citations
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020 https://www.bahai.org/r/771917490. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 129-130. https://www.bahai.org/r/943893327. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “The Education and Training of Children” Edited by Steve Bosserman. September 26, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-education-and-training-of-agcpg.ShQzK9EDN3pn1K.A#0. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 