Efforts towards the betterment of humanity from a Bahá'í Perspective

Promoting the well-being and welfare of others is a source of joy and honour. Besides the positive results for those helped, efforts devoted to the betterment of humanity, with pure intentions, also immensely enrich our own lives.  

Through service for the common good, the essential principles of social integration – including love, understanding, sacrifice, humility, and commitment to justice – can be manifested in society. Not only does this service provide directly and immediate benefits to society, but it also creates bonds of solidarity and common purpose among those involved.

The Bahá’í Writings state that, “God is the helper of those souls whose aim is to serve humanity and whose efforts and endeavours are devoted to the good and betterment of all mankind”, and emphasise the importance of contributing to the common good, stating: “Is there any deed in the world that would be nobler than service to the common good? Is there any greater blessing conceivable for a man, than that he should become the cause of the education, the development, the prosperity and honour of his fellow-creatures?”

Motivation to serve others should not be with the hope of recognition and reward, but rather for our love of God. A life of service to humanity requires humility and detachment.  

Willingness to get involved in activities intended to benefit everyone in our communities is one of our most pressing needs today. Engaging in service to humanity, participating in building a better neighbourhood and society, and cooperation are requirements of social cohesion. 

The Bahá'í Writings state: “That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race …  Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth”  and “How excellent, how honourable is man if he arises to fulfil his responsibilities; how wretched and contemptible, if he shuts his eyes to the welfare of society and wastes his precious life in pursuing his own selfish interests and personal advantage”.  

Serving others is not without challenges. It involves accepting a degree of discomfort and sacrifice for the well-being and happiness of others. It is a choice we make to change our lives from being a predominantly self-interested one, to one of caring for and serving others. 

It is important to educate our children in the principle of service to others. When service is coupled with the acquisition of practical skills and technology, it will open many possibilities for development and advancement, of both our children and our communities. Leadership of tomorrow must be guided by universal values, including an ethic of service to humanity. It should find its highest expression in service to their families, community, and humanity.

We also need to foster a new work ethic, based on a spirit of service to humanity: “…work is worship” state the Bahá’í Writings, “when performed in a spirit of service, and can secure the means of existence with dignity and honour”.

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