Istijlál, 14 Mulk (Dominion), 182 B.E.
Quotes for Reflection
It is with deep concern indeed that he has learned of the difficulties you have encountered in your business, and he was particularly grieved to hear of the bitter competition you are meeting from some Persians in New York, who seem determined to ruin and force you out of business, despite the fact that you have shown them kindness, and refused to deal with them harshly. Though the Guardian would advise that you continue keeping such a true Bahá’í attitude of forbearance, he wishes you at the same time not to give way, and not to allow any threat on their part to discourage or demoralize you. However unethical the methods they may employ, it should be your firm conviction that such malicious devices cannot in the long run succeed, and that the most effective way of counteracting them is for you to maintain unreservedly the one true standard of business conduct inculcated in the Teachings. — written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi 1
Question for Consideration
What is Shoghi Effendi referring to as the “one true standard of business conduct inculcated in the Teachings” that can counteract malicious business practices in the long run?
Perplexity Pro Response 2
In this context, the “one true standard of business conduct inculcated in the Teachings” refers to conducting all business on the basis of trustworthiness and its inseparable companions: truthfulness, honesty, justice, and integrity. [1]
Why trustworthiness is central
In the Bahá’í writings, trustworthiness is described as:
- “the greatest portal leading unto the tranquillity and security of the people” and the basis of the “stability of every affair.” [1]
- The “sun” of the heaven of commerce, with truthfulness as its “moon.” [1]
- The “chief means of attracting confirmation and prosperity” in one’s work and trade. [1]
Because of this, business is expected to be carried out with strict honesty, fairness, and protection of others’ rights, even when others behave unethically. [1]
How this counters malicious practices
Letters from and on behalf of Shoghi Effendi repeatedly say that:
- The “guiding principles of the Bahá’ís are honesty, love, charity and trustworthiness, the setting of the common good above private interest.” [1]
- In commerce, believers should so exemplify truthfulness and integrity that people exclaim: “How great is their truthfulness, how high their trustworthiness, and how true is their good will!” [1]
- Unethical schemes “cannot in the long run succeed,” while rectitude of conduct and high integrity draw God’s confirmations and ultimately lead to lasting success and respect. [1]
So in the sentence you quoted, “the one true standard of business conduct” means unwavering trustworthiness, truthfulness, justice, and rectitude in every transaction, which, sustained over time, is seen as the most effective answer to malicious and unjust business behavior. [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/689453685. ↩︎
- Perplexity Pro. “The One True Standard of Business Conduct.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. February 18, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/it-is-with-deep-concern-indeed-4xzJNd2tQ3WIWVjBXJ78FA#0. ↩︎
Frameworks for Understanding the World 