Daily Frameworks for 19 January 2026

Kamál, 02 Sulțán (Sovereignty), 182 B.E.

Quotes for Reflection

All the friends of God bear witness to the fact that ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá is, from every standpoint, the well-wisher of all governments and nations, and prayeth sincerely for their progress and advancement, especially for the two great states of the east, for these two countries are the native land and the place of exile of Bahá’u’lláh. In all epistles and writings he hath commended and praised these two governments and hath supplicated divine confirmations for them from the Threshold of the One true God. The Abhá Beauty—may my life be a sacrifice for His loved ones—hath offered prayers on behalf of Their Imperial Majesties. Gracious God! How strange that, notwithstanding these conclusive proofs, every day some event transpireth and difficulties arise. But we, and the friends of God, should on no account slacken our efforts to be loyal, sincere and men of good will. We should at all times manifest our truthfulness and sincerity, nay rather, we must be constant in our faithfulness and trustworthiness, and occupy ourselves in offering prayers for the good of all. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ^{1 2}

Question for Consideration

What are the characteristics of people ‘Abdu’l-Bahá considers “the friends of God”?

Perplexity Pro Response ³

‘Abdu’l‑Bahá describes the “friends of God” not as a special class of believers, but as people whose character reflects certain spiritual qualities in their conduct toward all. These qualities appear repeatedly in passages addressed to the “friends of God.” [1]​

Core spiritual qualities

• Truthfulness and honesty in speech and action, so that their words can be relied on by all people. [1] [2]​
• Steadfast faithfulness and loyalty—to God, to the Cause, to covenants, and to their promises and commitments. [1] [2]​
• Complete trustworthiness, such that governments, communities, and individuals feel safe to place their affairs in their hands. [1] [3]​

Attitude to others and society

• Being sincere well-wishers of all governments and nations, obedient to just laws, and praying for the progress and peace of society. [1]​
• Showing the utmost loving-kindness and fellowship to “stranger and friend alike,” without asking whether others “deserve” to be loved. [1]​
• Being a true, loving, and trusted friend to all the peoples of the earth, without any exceptions whatever. [1]​

Conduct under tests and opposition

• Not slackening in efforts to be loyal, sincere and of good will, even when “events transpire and difficulties arise.” [1]​
• Never being defeated by the malice or aggression of others, but responding with patience, forbearance, and contentment with the Will of God. [1] [2]​
• Remaining constant in prayer for the good of all, including those who oppose or misunderstand them. [1]​ [4]

Inner life and motivation

• Hearts characterized by love, certitude, and spiritual joy, not by self-interest or fear of punishment alone. [2] [5]
• Detachment from worldly self-seeking, seeking instead to serve humanity and “promote divine knowledge, culture and the progress of civilization.” [5]​
• Reliance and trust in God in all circumstances, with thankfulness even amid tribulation. [2]​

Social effect of their character

• Inspiring confidence and hope in others, such that even those who have erred repeatedly can still turn to them without despair. [5]​
• Becoming known among people for integrity, dignity, and moral excellence, so that their very way of life teaches and attracts hearts. [3] [5]
• Serving as “true friends” and “skilled physicians,” whose words and example act as a healing balm for the conscience of humanity. [1]​

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• What is the context of this passage in ʻAbdu’l‑Bahá’s writings?
• How have Bahá’í scholars interpreted this passage historically?
• Are there parallel passages praising governments elsewhere in Bahá’í texts?

​Citations

1. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá, #225 – Bahá’í Reference Library
2. Virtues – Bahá’í Quotes
3. Trustworthiness: Baha’i Feast Devotional Program – Uplifting Words
4. Additional Tablets, Extracts and Talks: Extract from a Tablet of ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá – Bahá’í Reference Library
5. Excellence in All Things: From the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá – Bahá’í Reference Library

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/665736298. ↩︎
2. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 294. https://www.bahai.org/r/445636918. ↩︎
3. Perplexity Pro. “As the Friends of God.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. January 18, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/all-the-friends-of-god-bear-wi-J8G3eEWZQ0aEE5kKG_w26w#0 ↩︎