Istjlál, 03 ‘Izzat (Might), 183 B.E.
Quotes for Reflection
The duties of those whom the friends have freely and conscientiously elected as their representatives are no less vital and binding than the obligations of those who have chosen them. Their function is not to dictate, but to consult, and consult not only among themselves, but as much as possible with the friends whom they represent. They must regard themselves in no other light but that of chosen instruments for a more efficient and dignified presentation of the Cause of God. They should never be led to suppose that they are the central ornaments of the body of the Cause, intrinsically superior to others in capacity or merit, and sole promoters of its teachings and principles. They should approach their task with extreme humility, and endeavour by their open-mindedness, their high sense of justice and duty, their candour, their modesty, their entire devotion to the welfare and interests of the friends, the Cause, and humanity, to win not only the confidence and the genuine support and respect of those whom they should serve, but also their esteem and real affection. They must at all times avoid the spirit of exclusiveness, the atmosphere of secrecy, free themselves from a domineering attitude, and banish all forms of prejudice and passion from their deliberations. They should, within the limits of wise discretion, take the friends into their confidence, acquaint them with their plans, share with them their problems and anxieties, and seek their advice and counsel. And when they are called upon to arrive at a certain decision, they should, after dispassionate, anxious, and cordial consultation, turn to God in prayer, and with earnestness and conviction and courage record their vote and abide by the voice of the majority, which we are told by our Master to be the voice of truth, never to be challenged, and always to be whole-heartedly enforced. To this voice the friends must heartily respond, and regard it as the only means that can ensure the protection and advancement of the Cause. — Shoghi Effendi [1]
Question for Consideration
What basic steps comprise the Baháʼí consultation process? [2] [3]
Gemini Notebook Response:
The Baháʼí consultation process is a structured, non-adversarial approach to collective decision-making and truth-seeking. [4] [5] At a foundational level, Baháʼí guidance summarizes the decision-making process into three core stages: [6]
- Understanding the situation [6]
- Deciding what to do [6]
- Executing or carrying out the decision [6]
In practical application and community workshops, these core stages unfold into a 7-step consultative sequence: [6]
1. Spiritual Preparation and Setting the Atmosphere
Consultation opens with prayer or a quiet moment of reflection to cultivate unity, purity of motive, humility, and detachment from personal preference. [7] Participants strive to approach the conversation in an atmosphere of love, fellowship, and mutual respect. [8]
2. Clarifying the Question and Gathering Facts
Before debating solutions, the group defines the decision needed and establishes all relevant empirical facts. [6] Participants seek reliable information and may bring in technical specialists, experts, or testimony from those affected to ensure a full understanding of reality. [5]
3. Identifying Relevant Principles
The group reviews available guidance and identifies the core spiritual or moral principles that should guide the choice (e.g., justice, unity, equity, or community well-being). [6]
4. Frank, Courteous, and Detached Discussion
Participants express their views with absolute freedom, candor, courtesy, and moderation. [7] A central rule of Baháʼí consultation is the non-personalization of ideas: once an idea is voiced, it ceases to belong to the speaker and becomes the property of the group. [4] The group can modify, combine, or discard the idea without the originator taking offense or feeling personal attachment. [8]
5. Reaching a Decision
The group deliberates calmly, aiming to achieve a unanimous consensus. [6] If unanimity cannot be reached after full discussion, a majority vote determines the decision. [6]
6. United Action and Implementation
Once a decision is finalized, all participants support its implementation with complete unity of action—including those who originally held a differing view. [7] There are no “minority reports” or opposition factions. [5] [9] Wholehearted unity in action ensures that if the decision proves mistaken, the flaw lies in the idea itself rather than a lack of collective support. [5] [8]
7. Reflection and Learning from Results
After taking action, the group evaluates the outcomes, reflects on the results, and adjusts the course if experience shows a better alternative. [7] This turns consultation into an ongoing cycle of collective learning. [7]
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. [10]
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/993417310
[2] Gemini Notebook. “Basic steps in the Baháʼí consultation process.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. September 9, 2026. The Lamp of Guidance: Bahá’í Principles of Consultation
[3] Transformative Leadership Education Staff. “Unite, Decide, Thrive: Using Consultation to Improve Decisions” (Free Online Course). Transformative Leadership Education. https://tinyurl.com/courseconsultation
[4] Heller, Wendy M. and Hoda Mahmoudi. “Altruism and Extensivity in the Bahá’í Religion.” The Bahai World, March 21, 1992. https://bahaiworld.bahai.org/library/altruism-and-extensivity-in-the-bahai-religion/
[5] Uplifting Words Staff. “Baha’i Consultation.” October 11, 2019. Uplifting Words. https://www.upliftingwords.org/post/bahai-consultation
[6] Uplifting Words Staff. “Baha’i Decision Making Process.” Uplifting Words, May 14, 2024. https://bahaiquotes.com/subject/individual-initiative
[7] Applying Bahá’í consultation.pdf
[8] Warwick Bahá’í Bookshop. “Bahá’í Consultation – Making Successful Decisions.” Bahá’í Library Online. https://bahai-library.com/warwick_consultation
[9] Basic guidelines and qualities for Bahá’í consultation.pdf
[10] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. THE PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/628985716
Frameworks for Understanding the World 