As we observe the International Day of Families this week, the writer explores essential principles for cultivating successful family life, emphasising equality, communication, and mutual respect.
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As we celebrate International Day of Families on 15 May, it is timely to reflect on some principles and requirements for cultivating a new pattern of family life.
Creating a successful family requires new skills and a commitment to equality, which encourage communication and mutual trust, respect and affection between husbands and wives, parents and children.
Bahá'ís view the belief and practice of the equality of men and women as a very important factor that transforms relationships within a marriage.
According to the Universal House of Justice, the international governing council of the Bahá’í Faith, “central to the development of a new pattern of …married life is the principle of the equality of women and men. As this principle is applied between the wife and husband within the marriage, the relationship is strengthened and thrives, and girls and boys will be raised with a new understanding of equality and its practical expression”.
The family is a vital source of both emotional and practical support for its members. When founded on unity, love, happiness, and the principle of equality between women and men, it creates the ideal environment for every member to flourish. In such a home, the physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being of all can be nurtured and strengthened.
It is within the family that teaching justice and fair-mindedness to children should start, and the concept of oneness of humanity can be taught. The social and spiritual values that our children learn at home will apply not only in the context of the family, but outside in the local and national communities, as well as in the world community.
The Universal House of Justice further states that “the application of the principle of the equality of women and men … creates a distinctive relationship between wife and husband as well as among the children and the family as a whole, preparing family members to contribute to interactions in society that release the potential of all. Similarly, adherence to the principle of the oneness of humanity requires that children are provided with experiences that guard them from prejudice of all kinds and enhance their appreciation of diversity, which contributes to the ability to create relationships of unity and oneness in a divided world”.
It is within the family where vision and values for creating a better and peaceful world can be nurtured. United and happy families have a direct impact on the well-being of our communities, the harmony within our nation, and, ultimately, the healthy functioning of global society.
In a united and happy family practices of control, competition, and excessive individualism would give way to those of equality, cooperation and interdependence. Such transformation can take place when individuals try to serve one another, while at the same time keeping justice as the family’s guiding principle.
According to the Universal House of Justice, “The concept of a coherent life of service is as relevant to the life of the family as it is to the life of an individual. The complex demands and opportunities the family faces continually evolve over time. Generally, advancing together on the path of service strengthens the family, and helps it address its many responsibilities across every stage of the life of its members”.
For feedback please contact: secretary.nsa@bahai.org.za or (011) 801 3100
Websites: www.bahai.org, www.bahai.org.za
* The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Pretoria News, IOL or Independent Media.