Fidál, 02 Qudrat (Power), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
Regarding your questions concerning the Bahá’í attitude on various economic problems, such as the problem of ownership, control and distribution of capital, and of other means of production, the problem of trusts and monopolies, and such economic experiments as social co-operatives: the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá do not provide specific and detailed solutions to all such economic questions, which mostly pertain to the domain of technical economics, and as such do not concern directly the Cause. True, there are certain guiding principles in Bahá’í Sacred Writings on the subject of economics, but these do by no means cover the whole field of theoretical and applied economics, and are mostly intended to guide future Bahá’í economic writers and technicians to evolve an economic system which would function in full conformity with the spirit, and the exact provisions of the Cause on this and similar subjects. The International House of Justice will have, in consultation with economic experts, to assist in the formulation and evolution of the Bahá’í economic system of the future. One thing, however, is certain: that the Cause neither accepts the theories of the Capitalistic economics in full, nor can it agree with the Marxists and Communists in their repudiation of the principle of private ownership and of this vital sacred right of the individual. — Shoghi Effendi 1
Question for Consideration
What “certain guiding principles in Bahá’í Sacred Writings on the subject of economics” can “guide future Bahá’í economic writers and technicians to evolve an economic system which would function in full conformity with the spirit, and the exact provisions of the Cause?”
Perplexity Pro Response 2
The Bahá’í Faith offers ethical and spiritual principles to guide economic development, while leaving the technical specifics to future experts and ongoing consultation. These guiding principles serve as foundations upon which economic systems might evolve to reflect justice, harmony, and the well-being of all humanity. [1]
Core Bahá’í Economic Principles
Oneness of Humanity and Justice
The economic system should be structured to serve the unity and welfare of all people, transcending race, class, nationality, and beliefs. Justice and avoidance of manifest extremes of wealth and poverty are emphasized. The teachings envision “no millionaires… and likewise no extremely poor,” advocating moderation rather than absolute economic equality or laissez-faire approaches. [1]
Rightful Ownership and Wealth
Private ownership is recognized as a sacred right, but excessive accumulation of wealth by a few at the expense of many is not supported. Wealth should be acquired by honest means and its use directed towards the common good, especially to assist the poor, improve public welfare, and promote knowledge and education. [1]
Elimination of Extremes
The abolition of extremes of wealth and poverty is to be achieved through mechanisms such as fair taxation based on capacity and need, systems of social security, and profit-sharing arrangements for workers in enterprises. Laws and regulations should prevent undue concentration of wealth while ensuring every person has their basic needs met. [1]
Work as Worship
All are enjoined to engage in productive work, with the purpose of benefitting society. Work performed in the spirit of service is considered equal to worship. Crafts, trades, professions, agriculture, and industry are all held in high regard as means to serve humanity. [1]
Voluntary Sharing over Compulsion
While economic justice is to be pursued, voluntary sharing and generosity are higher virtues than imposed equalization; spiritual motivation and personal willingness are considered morally superior and lead to lasting peace. [1]
Practice and Organization
Consultation and Collaboration
Major economic and social questions are to be addressed through collective consultation—locally, nationally, and internationally. This process involves seeking truth, giving due consideration to empirical knowledge, and prioritizing unity and detachment from personal bias. It is through this method that Bahá’í communities address practical challenges and evolve their institutions. [1]
Capacity Building and Education
Emphasis is placed on universal education, training in practical skills, and the development of moral character as prerequisites for effective economic development. Community prosperity depends on the knowledge, virtues, and skills of its members. [1]
Material Means as Means, Not Ends
Acquisition of wealth is justified when it serves higher social, spiritual, and humanitarian ends—such as fostering collective progress, supporting education, and infrastructure—and not as an end in itself. [1]
Special Role for Agriculture and Producers
Given agriculture’s foundational importance, special consideration is given to the welfare and prosperity of farmers and producers. Practical instructions, such as systems of local storehouses and boards to oversee distribution and support, are outlined as examples. [1]
Attitudes and Approaches
Adaptation to the Needs of the Age
Solutions are not static; they are to be adapted to the “needs of the age,” balancing tradition with contemporary realities. Ongoing consultation and learning remain essential as circumstances change. [1]
Moral Dimension of Economic Life
The legitimacy of wealth depends on how it is acquired and used, with a focus on ethical standards, the avoidance of exploitation, and the integration of spiritual values in decision-making. [1]
Development through Welfare, Not Warfare
Social and economic progress is to be achieved through peaceful, constructive methods—education, cooperation, charity, and reform—not through conflict, strikes, or coercion. [1]
These principles represent a framework rather than a fixed blueprint. The Bahá’í economic system is intended to be developed gradually, under guidance from spiritual and administrative institutions and in consultation with experts, always aiming towards the well-being, justice, and unity of the entire human race. [1]
Citations
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/391847827. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Guiding Principles for Economic System Evolution.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. November 3, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/regarding-your-questions-conce-Td_4YcXmToWMqtSa56.uxg#0. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 