Istiqlál, 03 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
Thy letter was received. Praise be to God it imparted the good news of thy health and safety and indicated that thou art ready to enter an agricultural school. This is highly suitable. Strive as much as possible to become proficient in the science of agriculture, for in accordance with the divine teachings the acquisition of sciences and the perfection of arts are considered acts of worship. If a man engageth with all his power in the acquisition of a science or in the perfection of an art, it is as if he has been worshiping God in churches and temples. Thus as thou enterest a school of agriculture and strivest in the acquisition of that science thou art day and night engaged in acts of worship—acts that are accepted at the threshold of the Almighty. What bounty greater than this, that science should be considered as an act of worship and art as service to the Kingdom of God. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1 2
Question for Consideration
How is the study and practice of agriculture considered acts of worship?
Perplexity Pro Response 3
The study and practice of agriculture are considered acts of worship in the Bahá’í teachings because they represent both the acquisition of knowledge and the perfection of arts, which are seen as forms of worshipping God when performed with dedication and pure motives. Engaging wholeheartedly in agriculture and related sciences is equivalent to worshipping in churches and temples, as it serves humanity and contributes to the advancement of civilization—goals that are deeply valued in Bahá’í belief. [1]
Science, Art, and Worship
Bahá’í teachings affirm that the pursuit of sciences and arts, including agriculture, is a spiritual act when done with sincerity and excellence. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states that striving in agricultural studies and practice, with the aim of benefiting others and improving society, is “as if he has been worshiping God in churches and temples.” This understanding bridges the gap between material and spiritual life, highlighting that worldly activities, when directed toward service and upliftment, acquire spiritual significance. [1]
Service, Agriculture, and Social Progress
The Bahá’í writings emphasize that service to others, particularly through useful crafts or professions such as agriculture, is identical to worship in the sight of God. Agriculture is singled out for its direct role in sustaining life and providing for society’s needs; thus, excelling in it is not only a practical good but also a spiritual service—an offering acceptable at the “threshold of the Almighty”. [1]
Balance of Material and Spiritual
In the Bahá’í view, material pursuits devoid of spiritual purpose are incomplete; combining material excellence with spiritual intent fulfills the highest aspirations of humanity. Agriculture, as a fundamental profession, begins the chain of economic and social interaction. Thus, excelling in agriculture uplifts not just the individual but also the wider community, reflecting both physical and spiritual prosperity. [1]
Key Quotes from Bahá’í Writings
Strive as much as possible to become proficient in the science of agriculture, for in accordance with the divine teachings the acquisition of sciences and the perfection of arts are considered acts of worship. —Abdu’l-Bahá [1]
…the very pursuit of such a calling is, in the eyes of the One True God, identical with worship. — Bahá’u’lláh [1]
In summary, in the Bahá’í Faith, agriculture is not merely a means of livelihood but a sacred duty when performed consciously as a service to God and humanity, elevating daily work to the level of spiritual devotion. [1]
Citations
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/917666038. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 144-145. https://www.bahai.org/r/391476116. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “The Study and Practice of Agriculture as Acts of Worship.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. October 16, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/thy-letter-was-received-praise-JzM1H0ZyTfeoRt1Pem2apg#0. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 