Daily Frameworks for 13 November 2025

Istijlál, 11 Qudrat (Power), 182 B.E.

Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development

Quotes for Reflection:

If the health and well-being of the body be expended in the path of the Kingdom, this is very acceptable and praiseworthy; and if it be expended to the benefit of the human world in general—even though it be to their material (or bodily) benefit—and be a means of doing good, that is also acceptable. But if the health and welfare of man be spent in sensual desires, in a life on the animal plane, and in devilish pursuits—then disease were better than such health; nay, death itself were preferable to such a life. If thou art desirous of health, wish thou health for serving the Kingdom. I hope that thou mayest attain perfect insight, inflexible resolution, complete health, and spiritual and physical strength in order that thou mayest drink from the fountain of eternal life and be assisted by the spirit of divine confirmation. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration

How can the health and well-being of the body be expended such that it is acceptable?

Perplexity Pro Response ²

The health and well-being of the body is considered truly acceptable when expended in service—especially in serving the advancement of spiritual and material progress in society, benefitting the human world, and performing deeds of goodness for others. This includes offering one’s energies, talents, and resources for activities such as promoting education, fostering community development, improving health, participating in charitable endeavours, supporting the vulnerable, and striving for justice and unity. [1]

Serving “the Kingdom” and Humanity

• To expend one’s health serving “the Kingdom” means using physical vitality and talents towards the betterment of oneself and humanity, guided by spiritual principles that advance the collective good. [1]
• Acceptable and praiseworthy actions include striving for justice, eliminating prejudice, supporting education for all, and helping others achieve spiritual and material prosperity. [1]
• Participation in social action, the promotion of health, charitable giving, and initiatives aimed at benefiting families, communities, and the disadvantaged are examples of ways one’s strength and health can be acceptably expended. [1]
  

Unacceptable Uses of Health

• Using one’s health and welfare solely for sensual desires, selfish pursuits, or “a life on the animal plane” is strongly discouraged. [1]
• A life spent in such pursuits is considered less preferable than one afflicted by illness or even death, underscoring the spiritual harm that comes from living solely for materialistic or harmful ends. [1]
  

Practical Guidance

• If one desires health, it is recommended to wish for health so it can be dedicated in service to noble purposes: spiritual growth, helping others, and contributing meaningfully to society. [1]
• The aim is to align material circumstances, including physical strength and vitality, with actions that reflect spiritual values—thus serving both spiritual and physical well-being in ways that uplift oneself and others. [1]
  

In summary, the acceptable way to expend bodily health is through serving others, supporting spiritual and material progress, and dedicating one’s life to meaningful, altruistic pursuits, rather than selfish or harmful desires. [1]

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

Reflective and purposeful questions can both improve health and well-being and inspire noble actions by helping individuals and communities align their lives with spiritual and material progress. Such questions stimulate critical thought, foster self-awareness, and motivate service-oriented decisions, thus drawing out acceptable and praiseworthy actions. [1]

Questions to Promote Personal Well-Being

• “What steps am I taking each day to foster both my physical health and spiritual vitality?” [1]
• “How can I integrate healthy habits with regular moments of spiritual reflection or prayer?” [1]
• “Am I seeking balance between rest, exercise, nutrition, and meaningful service to others?” [1]
• “In what ways do my actions support harmony between my mind, body, and spirit?” [1]
  

Questions to Inspire Purposeful Action

• “How can I use my strengths and health to serve others today?” [1]
• “What needs exist in my family or community that I am equipped to help address?” [1]
• “What is a small, concrete step I can take to promote unity, justice, or well-being around me?” [1]
• “What acts of generosity or kindness can I offer to uplift another person’s day?” [1]
• “How do my professional or educational pursuits contribute to the betterment of society?” [1]
  

Questions for Ongoing Self-Improvement

• “Am I open to learning and growth—both materially and spiritually—so I can better serve humanity?” [1]
• “What prejudices, bad habits, or limiting beliefs am I striving to overcome in myself?” [1]
• “Do I regularly consult with others and reflect on my actions to ensure I am living in accordance with high ideals?” [1]
• “How do I encourage and assist others to reach their full potential and well-being?” [1]
  

These questions can be revisited regularly to help ensure that the health and capabilities of the body are channeled toward the common good, while fostering material prosperity and spiritual purpose in both individual and collective life. [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/200088727. ↩
2. Perplexity Pro. “Expending Bodily Health and Well-Being.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. November 12, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/if-the-health-and-well-being-o-HWI5.Q4PS165lzPhE8q04w#0. ↩