Jamál, 19 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
There are practically no technical teachings on economics in the Cause, such as banking, the price system, and others. The Cause is not an economic system, nor should its Founders be considered as having been technical economists. The contribution of the Faith to this subject is essentially indirect, as it consists in the application of spiritual principles to our present-day economic system. Bahá’u’lláh has given us a few basic principles which should guide future Bahá’í economists in establishing such institutions as will adjust the economic relationships of the world.
… The Master has definitely stated that wages should be unequal, simply because men are unequal in their ability, and hence should receive wages that would correspond to their varying capacities and resources. This view seems to contradict the opinion of some modern economists. But the friends should have full confidence in the words of the Master, and should give preference to His statements over those voiced by our so-called modern thinkers….
… Whatever the progress of the machinery may be, man will have always to toil in order to earn his living. Effort is an inseparable part of man’s life. It may take different forms with the changing conditions of the world, but it will be always present as a necessary element in our earthly existence. Life is after all a struggle. Progress is attained through struggle, and without such a struggle life ceases to have a meaning; it becomes even extinct. The progress of machinery has not made effort unnecessary. It has given it a new form, a new outlet.
… By the statement “the economic solution is divine in nature” is meant that religion alone can, in the last resort, bring in man’s nature such a fundamental change as to enable him to adjust the economic relationships of society. It is only in this way that man can control the economic forces that threaten to disrupt the foundations of his existence, and thus assert his mastery over the forces of nature.
… As already referred to …, social inequality is the inevitable outcome of the natural inequality of men. Human beings are different in ability and should, therefore, be different in their social and economic standing. Extremes of wealth and poverty should, however, be totally abolished. Those whose brains have contributed to the creation and improvement of the means of production must be fairly rewarded, though these means may be owned and controlled by others. — Shoghi Effendi 1
Question for Consideration
How can religion “in the last resort, bring in man’s nature such a fundamental change as to enable him to adjust the economic relationships of society?”
Perplexity Pro Response 2
Religion, according to the Bahá’í teachings, is the only power capable of bringing about the profound change in human nature necessary for the adjustment of the economic relationships of society. This fundamental transformation is not simply a matter of adopting new laws or technical solutions, but of cultivating spiritual qualities such as justice, unity, altruism, and the recognition of humanity’s oneness, which alone can address the roots of economic injustice and imbalance. [1]
Spiritual Principles as Economic Foundation
Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá emphasize that the economic solution is “divine in nature,” meaning that true and lasting reform comes through the inner transformation of the individual and society. Justice is described as the essential force for reorganizing human affairs; it leads to unity and the well-being of all, and must permeate both the creation and distribution of wealth. The welfare of any group is seen as inseparable from the welfare of the whole human race, and self-interest must give way to the common good. [1]
Transformation of Attitudes
Religious teachings challenge prevailing attitudes such as avarice, extreme individualism, and exploitation. In the Bahá’í view, extremes of wealth and poverty should be eliminated not through material force, but through ethical transformation, voluntary sharing, and policies inspired by spiritual principles. The acquisition of wealth is praiseworthy when it enriches society and serves philanthropic purposes, but becomes a liability when used only for personal gain. [1]
Organic Change and Capacity Building
The Bahá’í writings advocate for an “organic change in the very structure of society,” which includes redefining economic relationships in light of humanity’s oneness. Social action is seen as a process driven from within communities, focusing on building their capacity to make decisions for both material and spiritual advance. This process is gradual, guided by learning, and is not a project done by one group for another—it requires universal participation and gradual adoption of just practices, grounded in spiritual motivation. [1]
Integration of Science and Religion
Bahá’í teachings call for the integration of spiritual principles with scientific and technical expertise. Bahá’í economists and professionals are encouraged to reflect on the implications of the Revelation for their work and infuse their fields with these values, harmonizing material progress with moral and social responsibilities. [1]
Conclusion
Religion “in the last resort” enables the adjustment of society’s economic relationships by inspiring individuals and communities to act with justice, unity, and love for all humanity. This spiritual transformation motivates the creation of economic institutions and policies that promote collective prosperity, sustainability, and true liberation from cycles of poverty and exploitation. Only through such a holistic approach—combining spiritual principles, scientific knowledge, and community initiative—can the world achieve a just and enduring economic order. [1]
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
To deepen understanding of how religion facilitates profound change in human nature to adjust economic relationships, one could ask a broad range of questions focusing on key principles, practical implications, and areas for personal and social development. [1]
Fundamental Principle Questions
- How do Bahá’í teachings define the relationship between spiritual principles and economic systems? [1]
- What does it mean that “the economic solution is divine in nature,” and how is this practically manifested? [1]
- What role does justice play in determining fair economic relationships? [1]
Personal and Social Transformation
- In what ways can individuals cultivate the spiritual qualities needed to contribute to a just economic system? [1]
- How do Bahá’í teachings encourage the elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty without promoting forced equality? [1]
- What is the significance of voluntary sharing and ethical motivation in the redistribution of resources? [1]
Practical Application
- How can Bahá’í principles be integrated with contemporary economic policies or institutions? [1]
- What examples exist of Bahá’í-inspired economic initiatives or social action in various communities? [1]
- How do consultation and collaboration contribute to economic decision-making and social progress? [1]
Oneness and Diversity
- What does “oneness of humanity” require in terms of redefining economic relationships at local and global levels? [1]
- How can economic systems reflect both unity and diversity in capacity and contribution? [1]
Knowledge and Capacity Building
- How can scientific methods and spiritual values be harmonized to create lasting economic change? [1]
- What challenges arise when trying to apply spiritual principles in practical economic contexts? [1]
Asking these questions can foster discussion, reflection, and deeper study, helping one to better understand both the theoretical and practical dimensions of how religion may ultimately reshape the economic relationships of society for greater justice and unity. [1]
Citations
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/163186044. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Religion and Fundamental Change in Man’s Nature.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. November 1, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/there-are-practically-no-techn-uyEdF_zfRyuAzXhwJCKGvw#0. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 