Istijlál, 19 Sulțán (Sovereignty), 182 B.E.
Quotes for Reflection
How foolish and ignorant must a man be, how base his nature, and how vile the clay of which he is fashioned, if he would defile himself with the contamination of bribery, corruption and perfidy towards the state! Truly, the vermin of the earth are to be preferred to such people! — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
Question for Consideration
What can be done to protect oneself from those situations that increase the risk of defiling oneself “with the contamination of bribery, corruption and perfidy towards the state”?
Perplexity Pro Response 2
One can reduce the risk of falling into bribery and corruption by building strong inner safeguards of character, setting clear outer boundaries in work and public life, and choosing environments and practices that reinforce integrity. [1]
Inner safeguards
- Cultivate truthfulness and integrity as non‑negotiable habits in all areas of life, because a truthful person “will be protected from all moral afflictions” and will shrink from every evil deed. [1]
- Strengthen the “fear of God” or moral conscience as the “greatest commander,” and see upright character and pure deeds as its “hosts,” so that pleasing God (or one’s highest principles) outweighs any material gain. [1]
- Practice contentment and detachment from wealth, resolving that even if surrounded by “cities of silver and gold” your heart will not be “seduced by its allure.” [1]
- Reflect regularly on death and the transience of status and riches, remembering that “palaces, citadels and thrones” of the corrupt all vanished, while only character and service endure. [1]
Practical boundaries in work
- Before accepting a role, especially in government or public service, decide that you will be “content with [your] allotted remuneration” and will not seek illicit benefits, commissions, or gifts. [1]
- Refuse any gift, favor, or “small” side‑payment that is tied to using your position for someone’s private gain; even “so much as a single penny” misappropriated is described as sullying the whole community. [1]
- Keep financial dealings simple, documented, and transparent; in business, make “fairness and equity” your criterion so that others are astonished at your truthfulness and trustworthiness. [1]
- If a work environment normalizes corrupt practices, either work patiently to change those norms or, if that proves impossible, be ready to leave that position rather than bend your principles. [1]
Choosing environments and roles
- Prefer employment whose benefits “accrue to the nation as a whole,” not schemes that enrich “a small circle of high officials and a few select individuals.” [1]
- Avoid posts and networks that exist primarily for “extortion, embezzlement and corruption practised at the expense of an exploited populace.” [1]
- Seek colleagues and institutions that value probity, “rectitude of conduct,” and service to the common good, as these make it easier to resist pressure and harder for others to approach you with bribes.[1]
Daily habits that build resistance
- Begin and end the day with prayer or reflection specifically asking to be “clothed in the robe of justice” and illumined by “the light of trustworthiness,” turning your heart consciously away from greed. [1]
- Regularly consult trusted family, friends, or spiritual companions about ethical dilemmas, so you are not isolated when facing subtle or escalating corrupt offers. [1]
- Practise small acts of honesty and sacrifice—repaying debts promptly, refusing to exploit loopholes, being scrupulous in small sums—because these habits train the will to stand firm in greater tests. [1]
- When you make a mistake, admit it quickly, make amends, and strengthen safeguards, so that secrecy and self‑justification do not become a gateway to larger betrayals. [1]
Attitude toward public service
- If called to serve the state, resolve to “apply [yourself] to [your] work with heart and soul,” with “perfect honesty, trustworthiness and godliness,” seeing the role as service to God and humanity, not as a path to personal enrichment. [1]
- Remember that one who contaminates public service with “bribery, corruption and perfidy towards the state” is described as lower than “the vermin of the earth,” whereas one who serves with integrity, even with “a single loaf of bread,” is “the prince of mortals.” [1]
Citations
- 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
- 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/804965486 ↩︎
- Perplexity Pro. “Protection from Defilement.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. February 4, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/how-foolish-and-ignorant-must-sLgqYdFvQ167VxNczB3hAw#0 ↩︎
Frameworks for Understanding the World 