Fidál, 09 Qudrat (Power), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
Make ye then a mighty effort, that the purity and sanctity which, above all else, are cherished by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, shall distinguish the people of Bahá; that in every kind of excellence the people of God shall surpass all other human beings; that both outwardly and inwardly they shall prove superior to the rest; that for purity, immaculacy, refinement, and the preservation of health, they shall be leaders in the vanguard of those who know. And that by their freedom from enslavement, their knowledge, their self-control, they shall be first among the pure, the free and the wise. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1 2
Question for Consideration
What behaviors constitute “a mighty effort, that the purity and sanctity which, above all else, are cherished by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, shall distinguish the people of Bahá?”
Perplexity Pro Response 3
Behaviors that characterize “a mighty effort, that the purity and sanctity… shall distinguish the people of Bahá” involve the pursuit of spiritual excellence, moral integrity, community service, and a distinctive commitment to both personal and collective transformation. [1]
Purity and Sanctity in Daily Life
Bahá’ís are called to demonstrate exceptional purity and refinement, not only in outward conduct but also in inner thoughts and motivations. This is seen in avoiding activities and influences that lead to moral impurity, practicing self-control, and striving for sincerity in speech and action. Purity extends to the preservation of health and cleanliness, both physically and spiritually. [1]
Commitment to Knowledge and Excellence
Bahá’ís are urged to surpass others in all forms of excellence, including the acquisition of knowledge that benefits humanity, ethical conduct, and the harmonious development of both material and spiritual aspects of life. The Faith emphasizes lifelong learning and the application of knowledge for the good of society. [1]
Service and Social Action
A distinguishing behavior of Bahá’ís is active service to others: offering assistance to the poor, participation in social action projects, and contributing to the well-being and progress of their communities. This involves strengthening social justice, promoting education, health, and the elimination of prejudice. [1]
Freedom, Self-Mastery, and Detachment
Bahá’ís strive for freedom from social vices and “enslavement” to destructive habits or materialism. Self-mastery—discipline over selfish desires and habits—distinguishes them as “first among the pure, the free and the wise.” [1]
Unity, Consultation, and Cooperation
The Faith calls for unity and harmony in all relationships, the practice of just and loving consultation rather than contention, and prioritizing the welfare of humanity above individual interests. Cooperation, mutual aid, and the rejection of prejudice are expected. [1]
Summary Table
| Distinctive Behavior | Description |
|---|---|
| Purity and sanctity | Clean living, moral and physical, sincerity, safeguarding health [1] |
| Striving for excellence | Leading in knowledge, virtue, and refinement [1] |
| Service and social action | Serving humanity, promoting justice, supporting community needs [1] |
| Self-control and freedom | Avoiding vices, exercising self-mastery, spiritual detachment [1] |
| Unity and cooperation | Practicing consultation, fostering harmony, and mutual support [1] |
In all these areas, Bahá’ís are encouraged to remain humble, consult openly, act with integrity, and see themselves as united with all humanity, striving for both inward and outward transformation that “distinguishes the people of Bahá”. [1]
Citations
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/200088729. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 150. https://www.bahai.org/r/571945827. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “To Distinguish the People of Bahá.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. November 10, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/make-ye-then-a-mighty-effort-t-r891L359REGX_8CntMUzjQ#0. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 