’Idál, 01 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
Thou hadst made reference in thy letter to agriculture. On this matter He hath laid down the following universal rule that it is incumbent upon everyone, even should he be resident in a particular land for no more than a single day, to become engaged in some craft or trade, or agriculture, and that the very pursuit of such a calling is, in the eyes of the one true God, identical with worship. This rule was exemplified by the Bahá’í community at the time when they were facing exile from ‘Iráq, for, while they were making arrangements for their journey, they occupied themselves in cultivating the land; and when they set out, instructions were given for the fruits of their labours to be distributed amongst the friends. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
Question for Consideration
How does the relationship between generating human value and worship as exemplified by the “universal rule that it is incumbent upon everyone…to become engaged in some craft or trade, or agriculture, and that the very pursuit of such a calling is, in the eyes of the one true God, identical with worship” influence human choices and activities? What questions would lead to further understanding about these implications?
Perplexity Pro Response 2
The relationship between generating human value and worship, as described by Bahá’u’lláh’s universal rule, profoundly influences human choices and activities. In this paradigm, engaging in any honest craft, trade, or agriculture is viewed by God as equivalent to worship, elevating ordinary work into a spiritual endeavor and integrating material progress closely with spiritual growth. When individuals pursue work not just for personal gain but as an act of worship, their motivation shifts toward service, excellence, and the advancement of the wider community, transforming their work into a source of dignity and collective well-being. [1]
Worship Through Work
- Engaging in work such as agriculture, crafts, and trades is seen as worship because it manifests service to humanity and directly contributes to the upliftment of society and individuals. [1]
- This principle encourages every person—regardless of gender, background, or how briefly they reside in a place—to participate in productive, beneficial actions, recognizing their universal value. [1]
Impacts on Human Choices and Activities
- Decisions regarding career, education, and daily activities assume a spiritual dimension, inviting individuals to choose paths where they can contribute to the social and material betterment of humanity. [1]
- The pursuit of excellence, cooperation, and ethical behavior in all fields becomes a religious obligation, fostering social solidarity, eliminating the stigma attached to manual or agricultural labor, and inspiring people to take pride in their contributions to society. [1]
Questions for Deeper Understanding
A range of questions can be posed to further explore the implications of this relationship:
- How does seeing all work as worship shape attitudes toward professions often undervalued in society, such as farming, teaching, or craftsmanship? [1]
- In what ways does this universal rule foster unity and mitigate social and economic inequalities by emphasizing the inherent value of every individual’s contributions? [1]
- How are notions of service, excellence, and consultation integrated into day-to-day work and economic life in communities that center these teachings? [1]
- What educational or social structures best support the realization of work as worship among children and youth as they prepare for their future roles in society? [1]
- How can this perspective influence collective decision-making regarding community development, technology adoption, and economic planning so that material pursuits actively contribute to spiritual growth? [1]
- How do individuals balance personal ambition and economic necessity with the universal imperative to serve and uplift others through their work? [1]
These questions can guide reflection, consultation, and community-building activities and open avenues to apply spiritual principles to daily life and social development. [1]
Citations
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/917666030. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Work as Worship” Edited by Steve Bosserman. October 14, 2025. [https://www.perplexity.ai/search/-SA.Ll19hR72DkDfoUfEbow]. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 