Jamál, 10 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 183 B.E.
Quotes for Reflection
All blessings are divine in origin, but none can be compared with this power of intellectual investigation and research, which is an eternal gift producing fruits of unending delight. Man is ever partaking of these fruits. All other blessings are temporary; this is an everlasting possession. Even sovereignty has its limitations and overthrow; this is a kingship and dominion which none may usurp or destroy. Briefly, it is an eternal blessing and divine bestowal, the supreme gift of God to man. Therefore, you should put forward your most earnest efforts toward the acquisition of science and arts. The greater your attainment, the higher your standard in the divine purpose. The man of science is perceiving and endowed with vision, whereas he who is ignorant and neglectful of this development is blind. The investigating mind is attentive, alive; the callous and indifferent mind is deaf and dead. A scientific man is a true index and representative of humanity, for through processes of inductive reasoning and research he is informed of all that appertains to humanity, its status, conditions and happenings. He studies the human body politic, understands social problems and weaves the web and texture of civilization. In fact, science may be likened to a mirror wherein the infinite forms and images of existing things are revealed and reflected. It is the very foundation of all individual and national development. Without this basis of investigation, development is impossible. Therefore, seek with diligent endeavor the knowledge and attainment of all that lies within the power of this wonderful bestowal. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá [1]
Question for Consideration
How does awareness of the material world’s illusory nature influence behavior in a culture of Bahá’í consultation? [2] [3]
Perplexity Computer Response: Bottom line
Awareness of the world’s illusory nature, in the precise Bahá’í sense — real but relative, [4] evanescent, and never the ultimate measure of anything [5] — is the metaphysical footing for consultation’s most distinctive behavioral norms: freedom without insistence, candor without rancor, [6] ownership released, [7] outcomes held lightly, and consequences taken seriously. [8] It is the reason a clash of opinions [9] can be productive rather than destructive: if no one’s status or possessions are ultimately at stake, the truth can afford to win. [10]
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. [11]
Footnotes
[1] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. THE PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/325690063
[2] Perplexity Computer. “Illusion, Detachment, and the Culture of Bahá’í Consultation.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. October 22, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/computer/tasks/f71ce073-8fcc-4591-b1cf-ae5edfb44412
[3] Transformative Leadership Education Staff. “Unite, Decide, Thrive: Using Consultation to Improve Decisions” (Free Online Course). Transformative Leadership Education. https://tinyurl.com/courseconsultation
[4] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. THE PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/391269575
[5] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. THE PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/830166927
[6] Effendi, Shoghi. BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATION: SELECTED MESSAGES 1922–1932. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/532655075
[7] Universal House of Justice. “29 December 2015 – To the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors.” Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/288412515
[8] Universal House of Justice. “29 November 2017 – [To three individuals].” Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/864142681
[9] Universal House of Justice. TURNING POINT: SELECTED MESSAGES OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE AND SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL 1996-2006. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/984756023
[10] Effendi, Shoghi. BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATION: SELECTED MESSAGES 1922–1932. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/837589415
[11] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. THE PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/628985716
