Istiqlál, 07 Qawl (Speech), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
With regard to the … magazine, … he suggests that more emphasis be laid on the number and quality of articles, and that the latter be written not only on specific Bahá’í subjects, but should cover a wide range of material, whether social, religious or humanitarian. The science section is, no doubt, very important and has a special appeal to the young and the newcomers. — Shoghi Effendi 1
Question for Consideration
What quality guidelines from a Bahá’í perspective can be applied to articles written that cover not only specific Bahá’í subjects but also a wide range of material, whether social, religious or humanitarian?
Perplexity Pro Response 2
Quality, from a Bahá’í perspective, is not only a matter of style or scholarship, but of spirit, purpose, and effect on hearts and on society. Articles on Bahá’í subjects—and on broader social, religious, or humanitarian themes—are invited to combine spiritual depth, intellectual rigor, and practical usefulness in a way that contributes to the advancement of civilization. [1] [2]
Spirit and Purpose
- Aim to “conduce to the happiness and advancement of society,” not merely to inform or opine. [1] [3]
- Write in a spirit of service, seeing the article as a contribution to the betterment of the world and to the discourse of society, not as self-promotion or partisan advocacy. [1] [4]
- Avoid anything that stirs contention, undermines unity, or causes dissension within or beyond the Bahá’í community; truth should be expressed in a way that fair‑minded souls can appreciate. [1] [5]
Faithfulness to the Teachings
- Ensure clear conformity with Bahá’í teachings when directly discussing the Faith—both in explicit statements and in underlying assumptions and values. [6] [7]
- Reflect core principles such as the oneness of humanity, the equality of women and men, harmony of science and religion, justice, moderation, and consultation, even when the topic is a general social or humanitarian issue. [1] [2]
- When quoting or referencing the Writings or authoritative guidance, handle them with accuracy, reverence, and care, avoiding selective or distorted use to support personal agendas. [4] [7]
Intellectual and Scientific Soundness
- Approach topics with “the methods of science,” grounding claims in evidence, coherent reasoning, and honest engagement with existing knowledge. [2] [3]
- Distinguish clearly between facts, interpretations, and personal views, and be transparent about uncertainties or limits of one’s expertise. [2] [8]
- When treating scientific, economic, or policy questions, show how spiritual principles illuminate them without replacing analysis with pious language alone. [2][9]
Constructive Tone and Language
- Use dignified, measured, and courteous language, even when critiquing harmful ideas or structures; avoid sarcasm, ridicule, or incendiary rhetoric. [6] [7]
- Frame criticism constructively—focusing on principles, patterns, and possibilities for improvement rather than attacking persons or groups. [1] [5]
- Let the “property of milk” be evident in the words: nourishing, accessible, and suited to the reader’s growth rather than harsh, obscure, or needlessly technical. [5] [10]
Relevance and Usefulness
- Address “present‑day requirements of the people”: real needs, questions, dilemmas, and opportunities facing individuals and communities today. [3][11]
- Offer practical insights, examples, or lines of inquiry that help readers translate principles into action—whether personal transformation, community-building, or social action. [1] [8]
- When writing on social, religious, or humanitarian issues, connect them to broader processes of social transformation, not merely to isolated problems. [1] [2]
Breadth with Coherence
- Welcome a wide range of topics—science, arts, economics, education, human rights, environment—while maintaining an underlying coherence rooted in Bahá’í principles. [1] [2]
- Show, implicitly or explicitly, how diverse fields of knowledge can be woven together in service to a just and unified world civilization. [2] [12]
- In “science sections” or technical pieces, make clear how the subject relates to human well-being, ethics, and the long‑term prosperity of humankind, so it does not become detached from spiritual purpose. [1] [2]
Humility, Consultation, and Learning
- Write with humility, recognizing that understanding is progressive and that no single article is definitive; invite continued inquiry and consultation. [4] [12]
- Draw on diverse perspectives—consulting others, especially those affected by the issues being described—to avoid narrow or biased viewpoints. [1] [2]
- See writing as part of a collective process of learning in the community: observing reality, reflecting on principles, acting, and then sharing insights so others can test and refine them. [1] [8]
Ethical and Administrative Norms
- For explicitly Bahá’í content intended for formal publication, follow review requirements (local or national), and welcome editorial input on clarity, accuracy, and dignity. [6] [7]
- Be transparent about the article’s status: personal reflection, scholarly work, institutional statement, or community report, so readers understand its authority and scope. [4] [7]
- Respect copyrights, privacy, and the honour of individuals and communities, aligning all aspects of research, citation, and storytelling with integrity. [6] [13]
Qualities of Character Behind the Pen
- Cultivate truthfulness, justice, compassion, detachment from ego, and a sincere desire to understand reality as it is. [1] [2]
- Let the writing process itself be an act of worshipful service—striving to “scatter pearls of knowledge on the shore of life” in a manner that uplifts hearts and clarifies thought. [3] [10]
Applied together, these guidelines help ensure that Bahá’í and Bahá’í-inspired articles—whether on explicit religious themes or on social, scientific, or humanitarian questions—achieve a high standard of quality: spiritually resonant, intellectually sound, ethically responsible, and genuinely helpful to humanity’s unfolding collective life. [1] [2]
Citations
[2] The Economy: A Bahá’í Perspective – International Environment Forum
[3] Bahá’í News/Issue 659/Text – Bahai.works
[4] Messages of the Universal House of Justice – Bahá’í Reference Library
[5] Expressing Truth with Tact and Wisdom – Perplexity
[6] Literature Review – Bahá’í Quotes
[7] Lights of Guidance/Bahá’í Authors-Writers – Bahai.works
[8] Raising the Quality of Our Systematic Action: Reflection and Planning – Baha’i Blog
[9] Application of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and Scientific Knowledge to Social Reality – Perplexity
[10] Waves of the Sea and Pearls of Knowledge – Perplexity
[11] The Baha’i Faith and Human Rights – Baha’i Blog
[12] For the Well-Being and Progress of the People – Perplexity
[13] Memorandum on Publishing, Bahá’í – Bahá’í Library Online
[14] Appreciations of the Bahá’í Faith – Bahá’í Library Online
[15] The Priceless Pearl, Chapter 14, Guiding Lines – Ocean of Lights
[16] Guidance and Translations – The Bahá’í Faith
[17] Baha’i perspective on church-state separation – Facebook
[18] Bahá’í Administration – Bahá’í Reference Library
[19] Shoghi Effendi: Guide for a new millennium – Bahá’í Reference Library
[20] Guidance for Bahá’í Groups – Bahá’í Library Online
[21] Century of Light – Bahá’í Reference Library
[22] Articles and Resources – The Bahá’í Faith
[23] Resources – Baha’is of the United States
[24] Transparency in the UHJ – Reddit: r/bahai
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/587865681. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Bahá’í Guidelines for Quality of Written Articles.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. November 27, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/with-regard-to-the-magazine-he-Tu0oZtgeT6CumGTqNAEo4g#0. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 