Istiqlál, 16 Asmá’ (Names), 183 B.E.
Quotes for Reflection
The honoured members of the Spiritual Assembly should exert their efforts so that no differences may occur, and if such differences do occur, they should not reach the point of causing conflict, hatred and antagonism, which lead to threats. When you notice that a stage has been reached when enmity and threats are about to occur, you should immediately postpone discussion of the subject, until wranglings, disputations, and loud talk vanish, and a propitious time is at hand. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá [1]
Question for Consideration
What facilitation guidelines should groups adopt when following the steps of a Baháʼí consultation process? [2] [3]
Perplexity Computer Response:
Facilitation guidelines
A facilitator’s role is to protect a process of shared truth-seeking—not to steer the group toward a preferred outcome. Bahá’í guidance describes consultation as frank, loving, calm, and free from domination, secrecy, prejudice, or personal agendas. [4] [5]
- Open with purpose and a reflective atmosphere. State the question clearly, invite prayer or a quiet moment if appropriate, and remind participants that the aim is unity, truth, and service. [6] [7]
- Ensure full and equal participation. Invite each person to express views freely; prevent interruptions, ridicule, pressure, or any pattern in which a few voices dominate. [8] [9]
- Treat ideas as belonging to the group. Once offered, an idea should be examined on its merits rather than attached to the person who raised it; the facilitator can reframe comments around evidence, principles, and consequences. [5] [7]
- Keep disagreement constructive. Encourage participants to listen before responding, speak with moderation, and revise their views when a more sound perspective emerges. [5] [10]
- Separate exploration from decision. First make room to understand differing views and relevant facts; then name the decision, seek unity, and, when necessary, conduct a clear vote. [8] [11]
- Secure collective support after deciding. Record the decision, responsibilities, and next actions. Once made, it becomes the group’s decision, and all members are expected to support implementation even if they initially disagreed. [7] [8]
- Review results without blame. Set a later time to assess outcomes fairly, learn from experience, and revise the action if reality shows a better course. [7]
A useful facilitation prompt is: “What evidence or principle should the group consider before choosing?” It shifts discussion away from advocacy and toward collective inquiry. [7]
Which guideline would be hardest for a group you know to uphold, and what specific facilitation practice could make it easier?
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/342126683
[2] Perplexity Computer. “Facilitation guidelines for Baháʼí consultation.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. September 3, 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] The Bahá’í Faith Staff. “From BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATION”. Bahá’í International Community. https://www.bahai.org/shoghi-effendi/articles-resources/from-bahai-administration
[5] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. THE PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/281413700
[6] Momen, Moojan. “Tag: baha’i history.” The Bahá’í World. https://bahaiworld.bahai.org/library/tag/bahai-history/
[7] Dugal, Bani. “Bonds that Sustain: Bahá’í Community-Building Efforts Through the Lens of Disaster Response.” The Bahá’í World. https://bahaiworld.bahai.org/library/bonds-that-sustain/
[8] The Bahá’í Faith Staff. “Consultation Quotes.” Bahá’í International Community. https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/universal-peace/articles-resources/consultation-quotes
[9] Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. TO SET THE WORLD IN ORDER: BUILDING AND PRESERVING STRONG MARRIAGES. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/153579719
[10] 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/784072277
[11] Effendi, Shoghi. BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATION. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/993297352
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 