Istijlál, 11 Kalimát (Words), 183 B.E.
Quotes for Reflection
The purpose is to emphasize the statement that consultation must have for its object the investigation of truth. He who expresses an opinion should not voice it as correct and right but set it forth as a contribution to the consensus of opinion, for the light of reality becomes apparent when two opinions coincide. A spark is produced when flint and steel come together. Man should weigh his opinions with the utmost serenity, calmness and composure. Before expressing his own views he should carefully consider the views already advanced by others. If he finds that a previously expressed opinion is more true and worthy, he should accept it immediately and not willfully hold to an opinion of his own. By this excellent method he endeavors to arrive at unity and truth. Opposition and division are deplorable. It is better then to have the opinion of a wise, sagacious man; otherwise, contradiction and altercation, in which varied and divergent views are presented, will make it necessary for a judicial body to render decision upon the question. Even a majority opinion or consensus may be incorrect. A thousand people may hold to one view and be mistaken, whereas one sagacious person may be right. Therefore, true consultation is spiritual conference in the attitude and atmosphere of love. Members must love each other in the spirit of fellowship in order that good results may be forthcoming. Love and fellowship are the foundation. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá [1]
Question for Consideration
From a Bahá’í perspective, how can spiritual principles be applied in the voluntary/informal sector to find ways that work and begin to transform the public and private sectors? [2]
Perplexity Deep Research Response: Part VI-c
Practical Starting Points for Voluntary Organizations
For voluntary and civil society organizations seeking to apply Bahá’í-inspired principles in practice, the following starting points reflect the accumulated Bahá’í experience:
Practice consultation systematically
Make the quality of collective decision-making a conscious focus of organizational culture. Train all participants in principled dialogue. Evaluate decisions not only by their outcomes but by the quality of the process through which they were reached. [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
Footnotes
[1] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. THE PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/408874573
[2] Perplexity Deep Research. “The Voluntary/Informal Sector as a Laboratory: Bahá’í Spiritual Principles and the Transformation of Society.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. July 23, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/computer/a/9ecfa362-6f2c-499e-b451-8198a188f127
[3] Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. SOCIAL ACTION. August 2020. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/259331548
[4] The Bahá’ís of Papua New Guinea Office of External Affairs. “Governance with the Spirit of the Betterment of Society.” Media.Bahai.Org.PG. https://media.bahai.org.pg/2022/03/06/governance-with-the-spirit-of-the-betterment-of-society/
[5] Universal House of Justice. “24 November 2009 – To the Believers in the Cradle of the Faith.” Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/139238114
[6] Universal House of Justice. “24 October 2018 – To the Bahá’ís of Iran.” Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/554241431
[7] Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. SOCIAL ACTION. August 2020. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/259331544
Be the Voice of…
Therefore, all souls should consider it incumbent upon them to investigate reality. Reality is one; and when found, it will unify all mankind. Reality is the love of God. Reality is the knowledge of God. Reality is justice. Reality is the oneness or solidarity of mankind. Reality is international peace. Reality is the knowledge of verities. Reality unifies humanity. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá The Promulgation of Universal Peace | Bahá’í Reference Library.
Frameworks for Understanding the World 