Daily Frameworks for 18 February 2026

‘Idál, 13 Mulk (Dominion), 182 B.E.

Quotes for Reflection

You brought up the question of showing forth honesty and trustworthiness when engaged in the service of the state. These are qualities that must distinguish all the activities of the friends, and the acquisition of which is a religious duty incumbent on every believer. That some of the leaders whom they serve may be unappreciative of their efforts, or fail correctly to value their services, should give no cause for surprise. The reason for such conduct is the remoteness of such men from the True Source of justice, equity and fair-mindedness. We should keep our vision centred on God, not on the doings of His creatures. Every spotless action, every sincere intent of ours will win the commendation of the True One, will be exalted and magnified by Him, and requited with a bounteous recompense. — written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi ¹

Question for Consideration

Does this statement from the quote above, “Every spotless action, every sincere intent of ours will win the commendation of the True One, will be exalted and magnified by Him, and requited with a bounteous recompense,” relate to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s observation the Tablet to Dr. Auguste Forel: “As we, however, reflect with broad minds upon this infinite universe, we observe that motion without a motive force, and an effect without a cause are both impossible; that every being hath come to exist under numerous influences and continually undergoeth reaction. These influences, too, are formed under the action of still other influences,” and if so, how?

Perplexity Pro Response ²

Yes. Both passages express the same spiritual law of cause and effect, applied at different levels.

Shared principle of causation

‘Abdu’l‑Bahá is establishing that in the universe nothing occurs without a cause: “motion without a motive force, and an effect without a cause are both impossible; that every being hath come to exist under numerous influences and continually undergoeth reaction. These influences, too, are formed under the action of still other influences,” and this chain must ultimately terminate in “Him who is the Ever‑Living, the All‑Powerful, who is Self‑Dependent and the Ultimate Cause.” In other words, all the ordered interactions of reality are governed by a conscious, willing Motive Power. [2] [3]

The statement written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi identifies one specific line of that same causal nexus in the moral realm: “Every spotless action, every sincere intent of ours will win the commendation of the True One, will be exalted and magnified by Him, and requited with a bounteous recompense.” Here, pure deeds and intentions are the “causes,” and divine commendation and recompense are the “effects,” arising from the will of that same Ultimate Cause. [1]

How they fit together

1. The Tablet to Dr. Auguste Forel shows that:
   • Every effect has a cause.
   • Chains of causes cannot regress infinitely, but lead to a single Universal Reality, “the Ultimate Cause.” [2] [3]
2. The letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi applies this metaphysical framework to ethics and service:
   • Acts of honesty and trustworthiness are real forces in the spiritual universe.
   • Because God is the Ultimate Cause overseeing all interactions, such acts necessarily generate spiritual effects: God’s commendation, exaltation, and “bounteous recompense,” whether or not human authorities appreciate them. [1]

Thus, ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá explains the general law: all ordered processes and influences in existence operate under the direction of a conscious Divine Cause. The later passage then specifies that this same law governs the inner life of the believer: no “spotless action” or “sincere intent” is causally lost; each is linked through that Ultimate Cause to a definite, God‑given outcome, even if it remains unseen on the human plane. [1] [2] [3]

An illustration: just as the growth of a plant depends on a whole chain of physical causes (soil, rain, sun) ultimately ordered by a higher Will, the growth of a soul serving the state with integrity depends on the chain of spiritual causation in which its truthful, selfless deeds draw down, as their proper “effect,” divine confirmation and reward. [1] [2] [3]

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• How can Bahá’í teachings on trustworthiness shape participation in public service and governance?
• What are examples of Bahá’í friends serving in government?
• How does one cultivate trustworthiness in public service?
• What are quotes by Shoghi Effendi on honesty in state service?
• What challenges do Bahá’ís face in political involvement?

​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
2. Tablet to Auguste Forel | Bahá’í Library Online
3. Star of the West, Volume 14, Issue 4, page 105 | Bahai.works

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/642289268 ↩︎
2. Perplexity Pro. “The spiritual Law of Cause and Effect.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. February 16, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/you-brought-up-the-question-of-oe1l240YTzOz4ca7bo.ElQ#0 ↩︎