Unity in Diversity is Key to Social Justice and a Better World

We may be asking ourselves whether we are getting any closer to achieving social justice globally, and if not, what do we need to do to achieve it. 

It is the Bahá’í view that, unity in diversity is the key to social justice. It is the requirement of justice that everyone is treated as equals, from whatever race, gender, religion or nationality, they may be.   

The old, inherited patterns of behaviour and belief – such as racism, xenophobia, religious fanaticism, and discrimination against women – are preventing humanity from addressing such challenges, and keep the attainment of social justice a distant goal.  

“No light can compare with the light of justice. The establishment of order in the world and the tranquillity of the nations depend upon it”, states Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith. He further states that the "light of men is Justice. The purpose of justice is the appearance of unity among men”.

Honouring diversity, without making differences a cause for conflict, requires a new way of thinking, based on the acceptance of the oneness of the human family and respect for the rights of every individual.  

“The principle of the oneness of humankind”, in the Bahá'í view, “lies at the heart of the exhortation that we should treat others as we ourselves would wish to be treated. To establish justice, peace and order in an interdependent world, this principle must guide all interactions”.  

Oneness

The Bahá'í concept of the oneness of humanity goes beyond mere tolerance, and advocates a change in our attitudes. It requires that an active effort be made towards establishing genuine unity among world’s diverse nations, races, religions and ethnic groups. 

The Bahá'í Writings state: “Love ye all religions and all races with a love that is true and sincere and show that love through deeds and not through the tongue”. 

The unity that should be at the basis of building a peaceful and just social order, is a unity which honours and embraces diversity. Oneness and diversity are complementary and inseparable. It is not by suppression of differences that one will arrive at unity, but rather by an increased awareness of, and respect for, the values of each culture, and indeed of each individual. 

The social evolution of our human family has led to unprecedented levels of interdependence. The main strategy that will allow humanity to assume responsibility for its collective destiny, according to a statement of the Bahá'í International Community, is: “the consciousness of the oneness of humankind. Deceptively simple in popular discourse, the concept that humanity constitutes a single people presents fundamental challenges to the way that most of the institutions of contemporary society carry out their functions”. 

A universal education that fosters human solidarity, love for the entire human family, and service to common good, in addition to transforming our social and legal systems, would be among the practical steps towards achieving unity in diversity, and social justice for all. 

For feedback please contact:  tshwane@bahai.org.za; or call 076 582 3879

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