Fidál, 05 Mulk (Dominion), 182 B.E.
Quotes for Reflection
This is the day for excellence of character and conduct. We should all adorn ourselves with these ornaments of the Kingdom while still in this world of being, so that we may render fit service to the Threshold of the Most Merciful. — Shoghi Effendi 1
Question for Consideration
What behaviors are associated with “excellence of character and conduct” and enable one to “render fit service to the Threshold of the Most Merciful”?
Perplexity Pro Response 2
Excellence of character and conduct, in this context, means consistently living the virtues that make a person a trustworthy, selfless, and spiritually minded servant of humanity and of God. These qualities are seen as the “ornaments” that enable one to offer service that is truly worthy of “the Threshold of the Most Merciful.” [1]
Core inner qualities
These are repeatedly named as foundations of a saintly character and “the highest and most laudable of all acts”: [1]
- Truthfulness and sincerity in word, intention, and action. [1]
- Trustworthiness and honesty in all affairs, spiritual and material. [1]
- Purity of heart while communing with God, and reliance on Him in all circumstances. [1]
- Patience, forbearance, resignation, and even thankfulness in trials. [1]
- Contentment with what God decrees and detachment from worldly wealth and status. [1]
Such a person “arrayeth [himself] with the mantle of a saintly character” and is adorned with “holy and goodly deeds.” [1]
Moral rectitude and integrity
Excellence of conduct is described as uprightness that penetrates every aspect of life. [1]
- Rectitude, justice, and fairness in judgement and dealings, even when no one is watching. [1]
- Absolute avoidance of deceit, hypocrisy, corruption, bribery, and exploitation. [1]
- Fulfilling one’s obligations and debts with diligence and scruple. [1]
- Chastity, purity, and freedom from base motives in relationships and work. [1]
- Consistency of word and deed: “lest ye walk in the ways of them whose words differ from their deeds.” [1]
Such integrity is called a “citadel of strength” for the faithful and “the bedrock of His Faith and the foundation of all virtues and perfections.” [1]
Spirit of service to others
Rendering “fit service” means turning these inner virtues outward in sincere, practical service. [1]
- Working “for the betterment of the world and [to] live together in concord and harmony,” shunning contention and strife. [1]
- Choosing occupations and services whose benefits “accrue to the nation as a whole,” and treating one’s work itself as worship when done with trustworthiness. [1]
- Serving in public or private positions with detachment, modesty in one’s livelihood, and a constant desire to promote the common good rather than personal gain. [1]
- Being known in one’s city for sincerity, faithfulness, love, honesty, fidelity, and loving-kindness toward all. [1]
This kind of service is described as the “hosts of goodly deeds and a praiseworthy character” by which God’s Cause is assisted and hearts are conquered. [1]
Distinctive daily behavior
The writings link “excellence of character and conduct” to specific, observable habits. [1]
- Speaking with truthfulness and courtesy; avoiding backbiting, mockery, or harshness. [1]
- Showing kindness, generosity, and goodwill, even toward those who oppose or wrong one. [1]
- Exhibiting moderation, dignity, and refinement; avoiding frivolity, ostentation, and behaviour that lowers human dignity. [1]
- Practising consultation, fairness, and cooperation in family, community, and work. [1]
- Being punctual, industrious, and competent, so that one’s reliability itself becomes a testimony. [1]
The aim is that people who meet such a person say, in effect, “This one’s manners and conduct reflect spiritual attributes.” [1]
How this enables “fit service”
The same passage that contains your quotation states that what is needed is “excellence of character and conduct, and compliance with the laws…these are the magnets that attract divine confirmation.” When a person: [1]
- Cultivates these virtues inwardly,
- Manifests them consistently in outward conduct, and
- Directs them toward the welfare of others,
their actions become a channel for divine grace, and their service—however humble—becomes “fit” to be laid at the Threshold of the Most Merciful. [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/642660976 ↩︎
- Perplexity Pro. “This Is the Day for Excellence of Character and Conduct.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. February 9, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/this-is-the-day-for-excellence-3zWSzIJWQaeULjoImE141A#0 ↩︎
Frameworks for Understanding the World 