Jalál, 03 Asmá’ (Names), 183 B.E.
Quotes for Reflection
In all things it is necessary to consult. This matter should be forcibly stressed by thee, so that consultation may be observed by all. The intent of what hath been revealed from the Pen of the Most High is that consultation may be fully carried out among the friends, inasmuch as it is and will always be a cause of awareness and of awakening and a source of good and well-being. — Bahá’u’lláh [1]
Question for Consideration
Based on the guidelines for Bahá’í consultation, what are some possible reasons for groups having difficulty arriving at decisions? [2] [3]
Perplexity Computer Response:
In Bahá’í consultation, difficulty reaching a decision often points less to a lack of intelligence or options than to a breakdown in the conditions that make collective truth-seeking possible. The guidance identifies purity of motive, humility, patience, detachment, and a spirit of unity as essential qualities. [4]
Possible reasons include:
- Attachment to personal views. When participants defend “my idea” rather than treating every proposal as a shared resource for inquiry, persistence can turn consultation into argument and obscure the truth. [5] [6]
- Unclear question or inadequate facts. A group may debate solutions before it has clearly defined the problem, established relevant facts, or agreed on the principles and purpose that should guide its choice. [5] [7]
- Private agendas or impure motives. Personal interests, status concerns, or a predetermined desired outcome can make members less open to evidence and to one another. [4] [7]
- Insufficient frankness or courtesy. Some members may withhold needed perspectives; alternatively, people may speak with passion, contempt, or defensiveness rather than calm dignity and mutual respect. [8] [9]
- Weak listening and lack of detachment. Taking disagreement personally, belittling others’ ideas, or failing to revise one’s understanding prevents the group from genuinely investigating reality. [8] [9]
- Lack of unity after discussion. Even a sound decision is hard to implement when members continue to criticize it rather than support it, learn from results, and return to consultation if correction is needed. [4] [6]
A useful diagnostic is to ask whether the group is treating consultation as a contest over preferred outcomes or as a shared search for truth and unity. Which of these obstacles seems most likely in the kind of group setting you have in mind?
Footnotes
[1] Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. CONSULTATION: A COMPILATION. February 1978, Revised November 1990. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/737437268
[2] Perplexity Computer. “What are some possible reasons for groups having difficulty arriving at decisions?” Edited by Steve Bosserman. August 21, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/6afe764e-77ae-42b8-85c3-1923db6d96c5
[3] Transformative Leadership Education Staff. “Unite, Decide, Thrive: Using Consultation to Improve Decisions” (Free Online Course). Transformative Leadership Education. https://tinyurl.com/courseconsultation
[4] The Bahá’í Faith Staff. “Consultation Quotes.” Bahá’í International Community. https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/universal-peace/articles-resources/consultation-quotes
[5] Lambshead, Jeremy. “Five helpful habits for effective consultation.” Bahá’ís of the United States, April 16, 2025. https://www.bahai.us/five-helpful-habits-for-effective-consultation/
[6] Uplifting Words Staff. “Baha’i Decision Making Process.” Uplifting Words, May 14, 2024. https://bahaiquotes.com/subject/individual-initiative
[7] Warwick Bahá’í Bookshop. “Bahá’í Consultation – Making Successful Decisions.” Bahá’í Library Online. https://bahai-library.com/warwick_consultation
[8] One Country Staff. “Transforming Collective Deliberation: Valuing Unity and Justice.” Bahá’í International Community. https://www.onecountry.org/story/transforming-collective-deliberation-valuing-unity-and-justice
[9] Hornby, Helen, ed. LIGHTS OF GUIDANCE: A BAHÁʾÍ REFERENCE FILE. 2nd rev. and enl. Ed. 1983. Reprint, New Delhi, India: Baháʾí Publishing Trust, 1988, 176. https://bahai.works/Lights_of_Guidance/Consultation
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 