Daily Frameworks for 31 January 2026

Jalál, 14 Sulțán (Sovereignty), 182 B.E.

Quotes for Reflection

If any of the friends should enter into the service of the government, they should make their occupation a means of drawing nearer to the divine Threshold: they should act with probity and uprightness, rigorously shun all forms of venality and corruption, and content themselves with the salaries they are receiving, taking pride, rather, in the degree of sagacity, competence and judgement that they can bring to their work. If a person content himself with a single loaf of bread, and perform his duties with as much justice and fair-mindedness as lieth within his power, he will be the prince of mortals, and the most praiseworthy of men. Noble and distinguished will he be, despite his empty purse! Pre-eminent will he rank among the free, although his garb be old and worn! For man, praise and glory reside in virtuous and noble qualities; honour and distinction in nearness to the divine Threshold. The world’s wealth is, by contrast, the stuff of illusion. (Cf. Qur’án, 3:185 and 57:20) Those who lust after it are the followers of evil and, erelong, they shall be plunged into confusion and despair. Which is better—that a man should be thus, or that he should comport himself with consecration and sanctity of purpose and stand out conspicuously for his integrity, uprightness and honesty? Nay, such qualities are better than the riches of Korah, (Name synonymous with great wealth, mentioned (in the form ‘Qárún’) in the Qur’án, 28:76) and dearer than all the treasures of existence. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration

How can one “make their occupation a means of drawing nearer to the divine Threshold”?

Perplexity Pro Response ²

One can make their occupation a means of drawing nearer to the divine Threshold by consciously treating work itself as an arena for worship through character, intention, and service. [1]

Set a sacred intention

• Begin work by dedicating it to God, asking that every task become a means of purification, learning, and service, not just a way to earn money. [1]
• See your profession as one way you “work for the betterment of the world,” which is described as the very purpose of human life. [1]

Practice trustworthiness and integrity

• Resolve that in your work you will be absolutely trustworthy: truthful in speech, accurate in reporting, faithful in promises, and scrupulous with others’ property and time. [1]
• Remember that even a small act of dishonesty or corruption sullies one’s character, whereas steadfast trustworthiness is called the “world’s comeliest garment” and “foundation of all virtues.” [1]

Serve, not exploit

• Choose ways of working, deciding, and using authority that clearly benefit the wider community, not just a small circle or your own ego. [1]
• In positions of responsibility (public or private), aim to be known for rectitude, fairness, and a spirit of service, so that people feel their rights and dignity are safe in your hands. [1]

Be content and detached

• “Content [one]self with a single loaf of bread” means being inwardly satisfied with lawful income, avoiding bribery, manipulation, and greed, even if that leaves you materially modest. [1]
• Detachment does not mean carelessness; it means you work with excellence but do not measure your worth by status, wealth, or promotion, seeing worldly riches as “the stuff of illusion.” [1]

Strive for excellence and competence

• Take pride not in pay or title, but “in the degree of sagacity, competence and judgement” you bring to your work, constantly learning and improving your craft. [1]
• Regard your professional competence as part of spiritual responsibility, since careless or lazy work can harm others, whereas excellence in one’s field is a form of justice and service. [1]

Let your character preach

• In every workplace relationship, reflect qualities such as justice, patience, forbearance, courtesy, and kindness, so that your presence quietly uplifts the environment. [1]
• Aim to be the kind of person of whom others say, “This [person] is unquestionably a Bahá’í,” because their conduct, reliability, and fairness are unmistakably distinct. [1]

A simple daily pattern might be: begin the day with a brief prayer to offer your work to God, renew your intention before difficult tasks, choose integrity over advantage in each decision, and end the day by asking how your work served others and refined your soul. [1]

​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

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/502992493. ↩︎
2. Perplexity Pro. “To Draw Nearer to the Divine Threshold.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. January 30, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/if-any-of-the-friends-should-e-Bp4163cAThCCa9sYTOTetw#0 ↩︎