Daily Frameworks for 10 January 2026

Jalál, 12 Sharaf (Honor), 182 B.E.

Quotes for Reflection

In connection with the demands for payment of which thou hast written in thy letter, it is manifestly clear that anyone who hath the ability to settle his debts, and yet neglecteth to do so, hath not acted in accordance with the good pleasure of the one true God. Those who incur debts should strive to settle them with all diligence and application. God’s binding commandments with respect to trustworthiness, uprightness and the honouring of rights have been recorded in clear and perspicuous language in all the sacred Books, Tablets, Scriptures and holy Writings. Well is it with him whom the fleeting vanities of the world have not deprived of a lasting adornment, and whom avarice and negligence have not shut out from the illumination of the sun of trustworthiness. These matters, however, depend on the existence of ability, for the making of a demand is contingent upon ability to meet it. By the Lord of the Book, the former is not permissible in the absence of the latter. To this testifieth the Verse: “Respite thy debtor till he findeth means to pay.” (Qur’án 2:280) — Bahá’u’lláh ^{1 2}

Question for Consideration

Given “God’s binding commandments with respect to trustworthiness, uprightness and the honouring of rights…those who incur debts should strive to settle them with all diligence and application”; but what if they lack the ability to do so?

Perplexity Pro Response ³

One who sincerely lacks the present ability to repay has not violated the divine standard of trustworthiness, provided that inability is genuine, not an excuse, and the person continues to strive, within their real means, to honour the debt over time. [1] [2]​

Meaning of “ability”

Bahá’u’lláh explicitly makes the duty to repay conditional on actual capacity: “These matters…depend on the existence of ability, for the making of a demand is contingent upon ability to meet it…‘Respite thy debtor till he findeth means to pay.’” [1] [2]​​
So the moral blame in the passage falls on someone who can pay but “neglecteth to do so,” not on one who is honestly unable despite effort. [1] [2]​​

What trustworthiness requires when unable

When a person cannot presently pay, trustworthiness shifts from performance to intention and candour. [2] [3]​
This means:

• Being truthful with creditors about one’s situation and not hiding resources or evading contact. [2] [3]​​
• Continuing to seek lawful, reasonable ways to fulfil the obligation as circumstances improve, even if the legal system has discharged the debt. [3]​​

The creditor’s responsibility

Bahá’u’lláh links the debtor’s duty with the creditor’s duty of mercy: the Qur’anic verse He cites commands giving the debtor time until means are found. [1] [2]​​​
Thus, pressing for payment in a way that ignores clear inability, or demands what would destroy the debtor’s basic subsistence, is itself contrary to justice and the “honouring of rights,” because the right to payment is conditioned on capacity. [1] [2]​​​

Inner stance of the debtor

Bahá’í teachings treat debts as “sacred” obligations whose moral force continues even when law may release them. [3]​​​
So one who cannot pay now remains spiritually upright by:

• Acknowledging the obligation before God.
• Resolving to repay if ever truly able, and in the meantime preserving integrity in all other dealings. [2] [3]​​​

In short, lack of ability suspends the demand and removes blame for non‑payment, but it does not cancel the attitude of conscientious striving and honesty that trustworthiness requires.

​Citations

1. Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue. Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, Revised August 1990 – Bahá’í Reference Library
2. Debt | Bahá’í Quotes
3. Bankruptcy | Bahá’í Quotes
4. Debt – Bahai9
5. The Baha’i Concept of a “Good Loan” – BahaiTeachings.org
6. Debts | Bahá’í Stories

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

1. What guidance does the Bahá’í Faith give when debtors lack means to pay?
2. How does Bahá’u’lláh interpret Qur’an 2 280 in this context?
3. Are there examples in Bahá’í writings of granting respite to debtors?
4. What practical steps should Bahá’ís take to help indebted believers?
5. How do Bahá’í administrative bodies handle cases of insolvency?

Footnotes

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.“ Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Revised August 1990.  https://www.bahai.org/r/549255783. ↩︎
2. Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. “Bahá’í Sacred Writings.” Bahá’í Reference Library, July 2025.  https://www.bahai.org/r/250820767. ↩︎
3. Perplexity Pro. “The Significance of Trustworthiness and Truthfulness for Commerce.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. January 9, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/commerce-is-as-a-heaven-whose-.gWkzDQTTG2PkKMeFWOdpA#0 ↩︎