Daily Frameworks for 10 November 2025

Kamál, 08 Qudrat (Power), 182 B.E.

Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development

Quotes for Reflection:

Let them also study whatever will nurture the health of the body and its physical soundness, and how to guard their children from disease. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ^{1 2}

Question for Consideration

What is the significance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s encouragement that girls “nurture the health of the body and its physical soundness, and how to guard their children from disease?”

Perplexity Pro Response ³

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s encouragement for girls to “nurture the health of the body and its physical soundness, and how to guard their children from disease” highlights the vital role of women’s education—especially in health and hygiene—for the progress and wellbeing of families and society as a whole. [1]

The Importance of Women’s Health Education

Educating girls in health and physical wellbeing is emphasized by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as a matter of lasting significance, because women are often the primary caregivers and the “first educators” of future generations. The education of girls—more so than boys, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stresses—directly impacts the health of entire families, principally children, whose lifelong wellness is deeply shaped by their mothers’ knowledge and practices. [1]

Interconnection of Physical and Spiritual Wellbeing

Bahá’í teachings view the nurturing of the body’s health and the prevention of disease as complementary to spiritual and moral development. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá indicates that physical wellbeing, when directed toward the betterment of humanity or spiritual pursuits, is “acceptable and praiseworthy.” This balanced approach calls women to both learn and teach practices that support the prevention of illness, which not only improves individual lives but also uplifts the wider community. [1]

Social Progress Through Health

The writings link the education of women—including health education—to broad social progress. As women gain knowledge and apply it within their families, communities see improvements in public health, reductions in disease, and the nurturing of children as capable, healthy contributors to society. This empowerment is recognized as foundational for the development of civilization itself. [1]

Lasting Effects on Society

The encouragement that girls learn how to maintain health and guard against disease implies an investment in the next generation. The results of a mother’s training remain with her children “throughout [their] entire life,” as changing established patterns later is far more difficult, underscoring why such education must be prioritized. [1]

In summary, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s guidance places great emphasis on the education of girls in health and hygiene as a means to secure the wellbeing of families and, by extension, the transformation and advancement of society at large. [1]

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

To further understanding about the unique characteristics that women possess for the advancement of society, and how education enables those capabilities, consider reflecting on and investigating the following types of questions: [1]

Questions About Unique Characteristics

• How do spiritual qualities traditionally associated with women, such as compassion, nurturing, and selflessness, contribute to social progress and unity? [1]
• What roles do women play in promoting cooperation, reciprocity, and mutual aid within families and communities? [1]
• In what ways do women’s perspectives and approaches to problem-solving enrich collective decision-making and consultation processes? [1]
• How does the presence of women in leadership roles affect patterns of social organization and community well-being? [1]
• What examples in history demonstrate the distinctive contributions of women to civilization’s advancement? [1]
  

Questions About the Role of Education

• How does education empower women to fulfill their potential and impact society both materially and spiritually? [1]
• In what ways does women’s education promote the elimination of prejudice and encourage equitable participation in society? [1]
• How does the education of girls influence the next generation and contribute to healthier, more just communities? [1]
• What barriers exist to women’s education, and what is their impact on social and economic development? [1]
• How can educational systems cultivate both practical skills and spiritual virtues in women? [1]
  

Questions to Deepen Discernment

• How do women’s talents and abilities become more apparent and refined through opportunities for education and service? [1]
• What processes foster the organic growth of women’s capacities within society, and how can these be supported actively? [1]
• In what ways can men and women collaborate to create the conditions for the full realization of women’s capabilities? [1]
  

Exploring these questions can provide insights into the essential role that women—through their unique characteristics and through education—play in nurturing family life, advancing communities, and contributing to the building of a prosperous civilization. [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/200088720. ↩
2. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 124. https://www.bahai.org/r/152746992. ↩
3. Perplexity Pro. “Critical Dimensions of Women’s Education.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. November 9, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/let-them-also-study-whatever-w-eyfL50JhRsm5CHfHOKwnrQ#0. ↩