Kamál, 11 Mulk (Dominion), 182 B.E.
Quotes for Reflection
The permanence and stability achieved by any association, group or nation is a result of—and dependent upon—the soundness and worth of the principles upon which it bases the running of its affairs and the direction of its activities. The guiding principles of the Bahá’ís are: honesty, love, charity and trustworthiness; the setting of the common good above private interest; and the practice of godliness, virtue and moderation. Ultimately, then, their preservation and happiness are assured. Whatever misfortunes they may encounter, wrought by the wiles of the schemer and ill-wisher, shall all pass away like waves, and hardship shall be succeeded by joy. The friends are under the protection of the resistless power and inscrutable providence of God. There is no doubt that every blessed soul who brings his life into harmony with this all-swaying power shall give lustre to his works and win an ample recompense. The actions of those who choose to set themselves against it should provoke not antipathy on our part, but prayers for their guidance. Such was the way of the Bahá’ís in days gone by, and so must it be, now and for always. — written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi 1
Question for Consideration
What are the likely outcomes for individuals and groups when they honor the guiding principles of the Bahá’ís?
Perplexity Pro Response 2
When individuals and groups sincerely honor these guiding principles, the likely outcomes—both inwardly and outwardly—are increasing stability, trust, moral beauty, and long‑term happiness, even amid tests and opposition. [1]
For individuals
When a person strives to live by honesty, love, charity, trustworthiness, godliness, virtue, moderation, and preference of the common good, several outcomes are indicated in the Bahá’í writings:
- Their actions gain lustre and spiritual potency; even ordinary deeds become luminous in God’s sight and attract divine confirmations. [1]
- They experience inner security, peace, and a sense of being under “the protection of the resistless power and inscrutable providence of God.” [1]
- They become increasingly distinguished by noble character—truthfulness, integrity, purity of motive—and thus can more easily influence hearts for the good. [1]
- Over time, hardships give way to joy; tests are not removed, but the person’s steadfastness leads to “ample recompense” and enduring happiness. [1]
An example is someone who conducts business with scrupulous honesty and service to the common good; the texts say such trustworthiness becomes a “stronghold” for humanity, draws prosperity, and can itself be a means of guiding others to God. [1]
For Bahá’í communities and groups
When a community organizes its affairs on these principles, its “permanence and stability” are strengthened because its foundations are sound and worthy. Outcomes described in the writings include: [1]
- The association or group becomes a model for other societies, known for reliability, purity of motive, and concern for the common good rather than private advantage. [1]
- Its collective life becomes a source of peace, security, and tranquillity, since qualities like trustworthiness, justice, and goodwill are said to be “the cause of peace, security and tranquillity.” [1]
- Misfortunes and attacks cannot ultimately shake it; opposition “passes away like waves,” and “hardship shall be succeeded by joy,” so its preservation and happiness are “assured” in the long run. [1]
- Its service—through just administration, upright dealings, and sincere concern for society—helps “the betterment of the world” and the “rehabilitation of the world and its nations.” [1]
Attitude toward opponents
For those who oppose or harm such individuals and communities, the prescribed response is not hatred but prayer for their guidance. This leads to: [1]
- Protection of the believers from bitterness and retaliation, preserving unity and spiritual health. [1]
- A community culture marked by forgiveness, patience, and steadfastness, which itself becomes a powerful spiritual witness. [1]
Ultimate trajectory
Taken together, the picture drawn is that individuals and communities who consistently honor these principles:
- Grow in spiritual capacity and moral radiance.
- Enjoy increasing trust and respect from others.
- Become instruments for peace, justice, and social progress.
- Pass through tests but emerge with deeper joy and more enduring forms of happiness and stability. [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/666130547 ↩︎
- Perplexity Pro. “To Honor the Guiding Principles of the Bahá’ís.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. February 15, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-permanence-and-stability-a-ivecTnHETFeYcmX7nDNVqA#0 ↩︎
Frameworks for Understanding the World 