Fidál, 12 Mashíyyat (Will), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
In this new and wondrous Cause, the advancement of all branches of knowledge is a fixed and vital principle, and the friends, one and all, are obligated to make every effort toward this end, so that the Cause of the Manifest Light may be spread abroad, and that every child, according to his need, will receive his share of the sciences and arts—until not even a single peasant’s child will be found who is completely devoid of schooling.
It is essential that the fundamentals of knowledge be taught; essential that all should be able to read and write. Wherefore is this new institution most worthy of praise, and its programme to be encouraged. The hope is that other villages will take you for a model, and that in every village where there is a certain number of believers, a school will be founded where the children can study reading, writing, and basic knowledge. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
Question for Consideration
As Bahá’ís, one and all, are obligated to make every effort toward the advancement of all branches of knowledge, “so that the Cause of the Manifest Light may be spread abroad, and that every child, according to his need, will receive his share of the sciences and arts,” what practical steps can be taken to further the goal of universal education?
Perplexity Pro Response 2
To further the goal of universal education as Bahá’ís, practical steps can be drawn from the teachings and guidance found in Bahá’í writings and the Universal House of Justice, focusing on spreading knowledge and establishing educational institutions and programs that combine both spiritual and secular learning.
Establish Community Schools
Found schools in every village with a sufficient number of believers, focusing initially on teaching reading, writing, and basic knowledge. These schools should promote both academic and moral education, fostering good character above all. [1]
Spread the Fundamentals of Literacy
Ensure that every child learns to read and write as a basic right and necessity, helping eradicate illiteracy and ignorance, which are seen as major barriers to progress and unity. [1]
Include Moral and Spiritual Education
Emphasize the development of good behavior, high moral character, and spiritual qualities alongside secular education. Education without character is considered harmful or incomplete. [1]
Encourage Capacity-Building in Communities
Build local capacity to sustain educational efforts by training teachers who are well-qualified in both secular sciences and spiritual principles, and by encouraging collective ownership of education within communities. [1]
Promote the Advancement of All Branches of Knowledge
Encourage the study and dissemination of both sciences and arts beneficial to humanity, ensuring the education includes practical skills and spiritual teachings, aiming to uplift individuals and society. [1]
Foster Inclusive Education
Prioritize education for all children regardless of background, with special attention to educating girls, emphasizing their crucial role as future educators at home and to society. [1]
Create Support Systems
Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í institutions have the duty to support educational efforts, including providing academic equipment, facilities, and assistance to poor children. [1]
Integrate Social Action with Education
Educational initiatives should be connected with broader social action projects that improve the well-being of communities, linking education to social justice and community development. [1]
Encourage Lifelong Learning and Knowledge Integration
Community members should strive to acquire knowledge continuously, blending spiritual and material knowledge harmoniously, thus contributing to the progress of civilization. [1]
These steps, inspired by the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’u’lláh, and guidance from the Universal House of Justice, exemplify a holistic approach to education aimed at fostering unity, justice, and the advancement of civilization. They emphasize that universal education is not only about literacy but the nurturing of moral and spiritual qualities in every individual, leading to a society where no child is devoid of schooling and all can contribute to the collective progress. [1]
Citations
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/536814076. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Practical Steps Toward Universal Education.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. October 6, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/in-this-new-and-wondrous-cause-0IgGkgNJQda6qEoZYrM4Vw#0. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 