Istiqlál, 19 Qudrat (Power), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
Blessed is he who in the days of God will engage in handicrafts. This is a bounty from God, for in this Most Great Dispensation it is acceptable in the sight of God for man to occupy himself in a trade which relieveth him of depending upon charity. The craft of every craftsman is regarded as worship. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
Question for Consideration
From a Bahá’í perspective, what constitutes a trade one conducts that relieves one from dependence on charity and may be regarded as worship?
Perplexity Pro Response 2
From a Bahá’í perspective, a “trade” or occupation that relieves someone from dependence on charity and is regarded as worship is any lawful craft, profession, or productive occupation through which a person supports themselves and contributes to the well-being of society. This principle is rooted in the explicit teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and is further clarified by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice.
Meaning of “Trade” and “Handicrafts”
- In the cited passage, Bahá’u’lláh honors those who engage in “handicrafts” and states that “the craft of every craftsman is regarded as worship” if it prevents reliance on charity. [1]
- “Trade” in this context broadly includes any lawful and productive means of earning a livelihood: handicrafts, skilled trades, professions, industry, agriculture, commerce, and the arts. [1]
- There is no prescribed limit: any honest work that sustains the individual and serves a constructive purpose is encompassed. [1]
Work as Worship
- The Bahá’í Writings emphasize that occupations or trades which contribute to both the material well-being of the individual and society are equivalent to worship when performed in a spirit of service and excellence. [1]
- Bahá’u’lláh writes: “Blessed is he who in the days of God will engage in handicrafts… for in this Most Great Dispensation it is acceptable in the sight of God for man to occupy himself in a trade which relieveth him of depending upon charity. The craft of every craftsman is regarded as worship”. [1]
- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá encourages Bahá’ís to “multiply national crafts and industry, promote trade, improve agriculture, provide learning for all…,” further stating: “Commerce, agriculture and industry should not, in truth, be a bar to service of the one true God. Indeed, such occupations are most potent instruments…” [1]
- Agriculture, in particular, is repeatedly praised as a noble science and a means of providing comfort and advancement for many, with its pursuit described as “acts of worship”. [1]
Avoidance of Dependence on Charity
- The explicit purpose of engaging in a trade is to avoid becoming burdensome to others and to contribute to the common good. [1]
- Self-reliance and the capacity to support oneself and one’s family, rather than dependency on charity, are considered virtues, as these allow a person to uphold dignity and contribute to society, which is central to the Bahá’í ethos. [1]
Range of Valid Trades
- The Writings highlight a broad range of acceptable occupations: education, health, the arts, trades, agriculture, industry, commerce, science, and crafts. [1]
- Any work that is useful, honest, and benefits humanity—whether “ordinary” or “extraordinary”—is praiseworthy. [1]
- The emphasis is on excellence of character and service to humanity, not a particular status or field. [1]
Summary Table
| Acceptable Trades (Examples) | Worship if… | Relieves Dependency if… |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | Done with spirit of service [1] | Provides self-support [1] |
| Crafts/Handicrafts | Done honestly and well [1] | Not reliant on charity [1] |
| Commerce/Business | Upholds integrity [1] | Generates livelihood [1] |
| Professions (teaching, medicine, technology, etc.) | Benefits others [1] | Allows for independence [1] |
| Industry | Promotes collective good [1] | Is constructive/ethical [1] |
Key Principle
Any honest occupation that relieves a person from dependence upon others and is carried out in a spirit of service and excellence, is regarded as worship in the Bahá’í Faith. [1]
This guidance is both profound and practical: the dignity of work and self-reliance, linked to spiritual intention, means that every form of productive and ethical labor, from the simplest craft to the most advanced science, can be a form of worship and contribution to the advancement of society. [1]
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
To clarify the relationship between honest work and fair compensation—ensuring that one receives for one’s labor enough to meet basic needs without reliance on charity—the Bahá’í teachings invite ongoing inquiry and community consultation. Here are questions that can help individuals, employers, and communities reflect on this relationship:
Questions to Clarify Fair Compensation
- What are the actual basic needs (food, shelter, healthcare, education) that compensation must meet for a person to avoid dependence on charity? [1]
- Is the wage or compensation offered sufficient to enable a worker not only to survive but to “live in comfort” and dignity? [1]
- How can the value and dignity of honest work be reflected in compensation practices? [1]
- In what ways can profit-sharing or other cooperative economic arrangements ensure greater equity between employers and workers, as encouraged by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá? [1]
- Are there mechanisms for regular consultation—between workers, employers, and the community—about fairness in wages and working conditions? [1]
- How might community or institutional structures (such as “general storehouses” or social safety nets) ensure that those unable to provide for themselves are nevertheless supported with dignity, and what safeguards prevent misuse or dependency that undermines self-reliance? [1]
- How do broader laws and systems (like moderation in wealth, progressive taxation, and systems discouraging excessive inequality) support or hinder the attainment of these goals? [1]
- How are spiritual principles—such as justice, moderation, compassion, and the avoidance of both extremes of wealth and poverty—applied in compensation policy? [1]
- What obstacles (economic, social, cultural) prevent honest workers from receiving fair compensation, and how can these be constructively addressed through consultation and action? [1]
Bahá’í Principles for Discussion
- Compensation must be just and sufficient for basic needs. [1]
- Profit-sharing and collaborative ownership are encouraged as mechanisms for societal well-being. [1]
- Community consultation is vital for assessing and improving economic arrangements. [1]
- Extreme inequality and poverty are both contrary to Bahá’í teachings; moderation and equity are key goals. [1]
- Charity is praiseworthy but should not take the place of justice in compensation. [1]
These questions can help guide families, workplaces, and communities in considering not just the material, but also the spiritual dimensions of economic justice, always adapting as circumstances and understanding evolve. [1]
Citations
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/587865688. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “The Craft of Every Craftsman as Worship.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. November 20, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/blessed-is-he-who-in-the-days-sbJ_itMUQTG8Z7jHH33SnQ#0. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 