A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
|
56. to engage in some occupation # 33 |
|
|
It is obligatory for men and women to engage in a trade or
profession. Bahá’u’lláh exalts “engagement in such work” to
the “rank of worship” of God. The spiritual and practical
significance of this law, and the mutual responsibility of the
individual and society for its implementation are explained
in a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi:
|
|
|
With reference to Bahá’u’lláh’s command concerning
the engagement of the believers in some sort of
profession: the Teachings are most emphatic on this
matter, particularly the statement in the Aqdas to this
effect which makes it quite clear that idle people who
lack the desire to work can have no place in the new
World Order. As a corollary of this principle, Bahá’u’lláh
further states that mendicity should not only be
discouraged but entirely wiped out from the face of
society. It is the duty of those who are in charge of the
organization of society to give every individual the
opportunity of acquiring the necessary talent in some
kind of profession, and also the means of utilizing such a
talent, both for its own sake and for the sake of earning
the means of his livelihood. Every individual, no matter
how handicapped and limited he may be, is under the
obligation of engaging in some work or profession, for
work, especially when performed in the spirit of service,
is according to Bahá’u’lláh a form of worship. It has not
only a utilitarian purpose, but has a value in itself,
because it draws us nearer to God, and enables us to
better grasp His purpose for us in this world. It is
obvious, therefore, that the inheritance of wealth cannot
make anyone immune from daily work.
193
|
|
|
In one of His Tablets, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states that “if a
person is incapable of earning a living, is stricken by dire poverty or
becometh helpless, then it is incumbent on the wealthy or the
Deputies to provide him with a monthly allowance for his
subsistence…. By ‘Deputies’ is meant the representatives of the
people, that is to say the members of the House of Justice.” (See also
note 162 on mendicancy.)
|
|
|
In response to a question concerning whether Bahá’u’lláh’s
injunction requires a wife and mother, as well as her
husband, to work for a livelihood, the Universal House of
Justice has explained that Bahá’u’lláh’s directive is for the
friends to be engaged in an occupation which will profit
themselves and others, and that homemaking is a highly
honourable and responsible work of fundamental importance
to society.
|
|
Print Selection