Istijlál, 15 Asmá’ (Names), 183 B.E.
Quotes for Reflection
Regarding thy question about consultation of a father with his son, or a son with his father, in matters of trade and commerce, consultation is one of the fundamental elements of the foundation of the Law of God. Such consultation is assuredly acceptable, whether between father and son, or with others. There is nothing better than this. Man must consult in all things for this will lead him to the depths of each problem and enable him to find the right solution. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá [1]
Question for Consideration
What steps can groups take when making decisions by applying guidelines and personal qualities for effective Bahá’í consultation? [2] [3]
Perplexity Computer Response:
Applying Bahá’í consultation
A group can treat consultation as a shared search for truth rather than a contest to win. The Bahá’í writings emphasize unity, free expression, careful investigation, and detachment from one’s own initial view. [4]
- Prepare the group’s attitude. Begin in a spirit of unity and service; participants cultivate purity of motive, humility, patience, and detachment from personal preference. [4]
- Clarify the question and gather facts. Define the decision needed, seek reliable information, and bring in relevant expertise where necessary. [5]
- Let everyone speak candidly and respectfully. Each person offers an idea as a contribution, listens closely, and does not belittle another person’s view. Disagreement is useful when it helps reveal a better understanding. [4]
- Focus on principles, not personalities. Ask which values, goals, and likely consequences should guide the choice, rather than defending who proposed an idea. [5]
- Deliberate calmly. Practice courtesy, dignity, moderation, openness, moral courage, and a willingness to revise one’s view when another argument is stronger. [4]
- Decide and act as one. Seek unanimity where possible; if agreement cannot be reached, accept the majority decision and support its implementation rather than continuing criticism. [4]
- Learn from results. After acting, review what happened and adjust if needed—turning consultation into an ongoing process of collective learning.
A concrete habit: before the meeting, each member can identify one quality to practice—such as patient listening or detachment—and afterward name one moment when that quality either helped or was difficult. [6]
Which of these steps do you think would most improve a group decision you have recently observed, and why?
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/133074523
[2] Perplexity Computer. “Applying Bahá’í consultation.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. September 2, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/b53a99a2-392d-4688-8e26-5c789c3d9fbc
[3] Transformative Leadership Education Staff. “Unite, Decide, Thrive: Using Consultation to Improve Decisions” (Free Online Course). Transformative Leadership Education. https://tinyurl.com/courseconsultation
[4] 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/644110934
[5] Warwick Bahá’í Bookshop. “Bahá’í Consultation – Making Successful Decisions.” Bahá’í Library Online. https://bahai-library.com/warwick_consultation
[6] Office of Assembly Development Staff. “Channels of Divine Guidance: Consultation Part 1: Developing the Requisites for Consultation (PDF).” Core Curriculum for Spiritual Education. http://core-curriculum.bahai.us/downloads/Assembly_Development/2002_0829_oad_wkshpConsult01_Stu.pdf
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 