Daily Frameworks for 06 November 2025

Istijlál, 04 Qudrat (Power), 182 B.E.

Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development

Quotes for Reflection:

An obvious example arises in discussions of the process of globalization, to which your letter alludes. The immense advantages, that this long-awaited stage in the evolution of human society brings with it, demand of government and civil society comparable efforts to ensure a fair distribution of its benefits to the whole of humankind. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sets the issue squarely before us:
“Consider an individual who has amassed treasures by colonizing a country for his profit: he has obtained an incomparable fortune and has secured profits and incomes which flow like a river, while a hundred thousand unfortunate people, weak and powerless, are in need of a mouthful of bread. There is neither equality nor benevolence. So you see that general peace and joy are destroyed, and the welfare of humanity is negated to such an extent as to make fruitless the lives of many. For fortune, honours, commerce, industry are in the hands of some industrialists, while other people are submitted to quite a series of difficulties and to limitless troubles: they have neither advantages, nor profits, nor comforts, nor peace.”
The challenges posed by this issue, which today affects the whole planet, are on a scale unprecedented in human history. Addressing them will require unity of understanding about what is at stake, an understanding that can be achieved only by searching analysis, open public discussion and an unrelenting commitment to putting into effect agreed upon systems of control. — Universal House of Justice ¹

Question for Consideration

What steps can Bahá’ís take that further government and civil society in making “comparable efforts to ensure a fair distribution of its benefits to the whole of humankind” so that everyone can realize the advantages that the process of globalization—this long-awaited stage in the evolution of human society—brings with it?

Perplexity Pro Response ²

Bahá’ís can contribute substantially to promoting a fair distribution of the benefits of globalization by applying distinct spiritual principles and practical methods in their actions, community life, and social participation. Here are key areas they can focus on to encourage “comparable efforts” by government and civil society, so all humanity can share in the fruits of globalization. [1]

Promoting Universal Education and Knowledge

• Ensuring access to education and the diffusion of knowledge is a right for all, not a privilege for the few. [1]
• Bahá’í efforts consistently counter ignorance through formal and informal educational initiatives, equipping individuals to see beyond prejudice, and to think independently—a foundation for true social progress. [1]
• Participation in generating and applying knowledge strengthens the capacity of individuals and communities to recognize and address injustice. [1]
  

Integrating Material and Spiritual Development

• True prosperity requires a dynamic balance between material advancement and spiritual development. [1]
• Bahá’í projects aim not just for physical well-being, but for the cultivation of virtues such as justice and generosity, which help prevent exploitation and the concentration of wealth. [1]
• Economic development priorities—such as promoting philanthropy, supporting the poor, and ensuring no extremes of wealth or poverty—are guided by both spiritual principles and practical measures. [1]
  

Social Action and Grassroots Initiatives

• Bahá’í-inspired social and economic development is most effective when initiated and led at the local level, with the involvement and empowerment of beneficiaries rather than outside imposition. [1]
• Projects should aim at long-term self-sufficiency and organic growth, utilizing local resources and capacities. [1]
• Examples include schools, health and literacy programs, supporting advancement of women and minorities, and agriculture or environmental initiatives that respond to community needs. [1]
  

Fostering Consultation and Unity

• The principle of consultation is at the core of Bahá’í practice: inclusive, respectful, and systematic dialogue to reach collective decisions at all levels—local, national, and international. [1]
• Consultation also extends into collaborative engagement with wider civil society, non-partisan cooperation, and joint action to further social good beyond denominational boundaries. [1]
• Promoting a culture where differences of opinion are sought for learning and where diversity is seen as a strength advances effective solutions to humanity’s challenges. [1]
  

Advocating for Social Justice and Economic Moderation

• Bahá’ís are asked to exemplify moderation in personal and collective economic life: seeking neither gross accumulation nor unnecessary deprivation, but equitable sharing of resources. [1]
• They advocate for laws and practices that prevent the concentration of wealth and ensure every person’s basic well-being, using mechanisms like progressive taxation and profit-sharing, as inspired by Bahá’í teachings. [1]
• Social justice is advanced by engaging in policy discussions that address the root causes of poverty and promote structures for broader participation and benefit. [1]
  

Engaging in Public Discourse and Systematic Action

• Bahá’ís participate in discourses shaping public opinion, always striving to elevate discussions and avoid adversarial or partisan approaches. [1]
• Sharing insights and experiences from Bahá’í community-building and social action contributes constructively to debates and policymaking around globalization, development, and justice. [1]
• The process of “learning in action”—whereby communities reflect, consult, revise plans, and grow capacity over time—models the kind of persistent, united effort called for by the Universal House of Justice. [1]
  

Through these efforts, Bahá’ís can help create the moral and practical foundations needed for all to benefit from globalization—by building capacity, fostering unity, ensuring justice, and contributing to collective learning and action on a local and global scale. [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/972312600. ↩
2. Perplexity Pro. “Bahá’í Perspectives about the Process of Globalization.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. November 5, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/an-obvious-example-arises-in-d-Gsb8iBU9RLGGhWP5cFxTNQ#0. ↩