Daily Frameworks for 16 October 2025

Istijlál, 02 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 182 B.E.

Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development

Quotes for Reflection:

And if, as you pass by fields and plantations, where the plants, flowers and sweet-smelling herbs are growing luxuriantly together, forming a pattern of unity, this is an evidence of the fact that that plantation and garden is flourishing under the care of a skilful gardener. But when you see it in a state of disorder and irregularity you infer that it has lacked the training of an efficient farmer and thus has produced weeds and tares. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ^{1 2}

Question for Consideration

How can fields “where the plants, flowers and sweet-smelling herbs are growing luxuriantly together, forming a pattern of unity…under the care of a skilful gardener,” be a metaphor for people in society and their leadership?

Perplexity Pro Response ³

Fields where diverse plants grow together harmoniously under the care of a skilful gardener can be seen as a metaphor for a society in which people, despite their diverse backgrounds and talents, flourish together under wise and just leadership. This image illustrates how true leadership nurtures the unique qualities of individuals while fostering unity, creating circumstances in which all can thrive without one overshadowing others. [1]

Metaphor of Unity in Diversity

Just as an efficient gardener cultivates a plot so that different plants—each with its own characteristics—can prosper within a unified pattern, so too can leaders cultivate an environment where people’s varied strengths and perspectives contribute to the harmony and prosperity of the whole society. Rather than enforcing sameness, unity is achieved by embracing diversity, leading to “richness” and strength that is not found in uniformity alone. [1]

Role of Leadership

Efficient leadership is compared to a skilful gardener who provides care, guidance, and training, ensuring that individuals do not remain isolated, neglected, or overshadowed by “weeds and tares,” but instead are able to reach their full potential and contribute to collective well-being. Leadership rooted in justice, wisdom, and selflessness creates order, fosters cooperation, and prevents chaos or oppression by seeking the welfare of all, not just a privileged few. [1]

Implications for Society

A disorderly field full of weeds is likened to a society lacking effective leadership, where individuals serve narrow interests, resulting in conflict, injustice, and disunity. In contrast, a flourishing garden reflects a healthy society where justice, fairness, and an appreciation for diversity are upheld, allowing all to thrive together as “fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch”. [1]

In this metaphor, society is understood as a living organism or garden, which requires careful cultivation, reciprocal cooperation, and wise leadership to achieve its highest potential. [1]

Citations

[1] Social Action-A Compilation Prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice August 2020 – Bahá’í Reference Library

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/917666039. ↩
2. Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. “Bahá’í Sacred Writings.” Bahá’í Reference Library, July 2025. https://www.bahai.org/r/510295303. ↩
3. Perplexity Pro. “Society as a Garden.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. October 15, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/and-if-as-you-pass-by-fields-a-guVHxa2iRVGevNYxDY4xNg#0. ↩