Our Responsibility toward Society
Coexistence
The human spirit is free from any distinction of sex, race, nationality, or class. This fundamental truth renders all forms of prejudice unacceptable in principle, as they directly hinder the realization of the capacities inherent in individuals and societies. Ignorance lies at the root of prejudice, and this can be addressed through comprehensive systems of education that make knowledge accessible to all members of the human family and prevent it from becoming the preserve of particular groups.
Science and religion are complementary systems of knowledge and its application. Through them, humanity comes to understand the world around it, and civilization advances. When separated from science, religion can descend into superstition and prejudice; when divorced from spiritual values, science can become an instrument of pure materialism. True prosperity, therefore, is achieved through a dynamic harmony between the material and spiritual requirements of life—one that enables lofty ideals to be translated into practical reality, contributes to transformation at both the individual and social levels, and lays the foundations of social systems based on justice and equity.
Respect for the beliefs of others is not merely an expression of openness or a characteristic of an informed and educated individual; it is an ethical and social necessity. We all share this earth, and although our beliefs may differ and our backgrounds may vary, we share a common love for the land we call home. We recognize, moreover, that diversity is an essential part of our human culture and a source of strength that enriches societies and contributes to their cohesion.
Undoubtedly, undertaking this task is both vitally important and complex. The Bahá'í community, however, has committed itself to a long-term process of learning inspired by this vision. This process finds expression in a collective endeavour that invites growing numbers of people from diverse backgrounds and from every segment of society to participate actively in building a community characterized by unity in diversity.
The community of the State of Kuwait is distinguished by its cultural diversity and the presence of people of many nationalities, providing fertile ground for fostering coexistence based on mutual respect. Every member of society has a responsibility to nurture this spirit of tolerance and to strengthen its social fabric, elevating the quality of its interactions and relationships in a way that gives genuine expression to coexistence within the framework of the oneness of humanity. In this spirit, conversations and discussions are held among diverse groups to explore ways of building unity founded upon the principles of justice and equity and of deepening a shared understanding of the meaning of coexistence.
Citizenship
From a Bahá'í perspective, human identity constitutes the foundation of all forms of belonging. Human beings are regarded as members of one human family, and one's sense of self and place in the world cannot be separated from an awareness of one's unity with others and of one's shared responsibility to contribute to the advancement of society.
The history of human civilization has demonstrated humanity's capacity to transcend racial, cultural, and national differences and to build societies founded upon cooperation and service to the common good. Yet these very differences have, at various points in history, been exploited to reinforce division and advance narrow interests. This has given rise to restricted conceptions of identity based on race, gender, or nationality, which have been used to classify and separate people.
Bahá'í thought recognizes that reducing human beings to such narrow affiliations, or making them the primary basis by which individuals define themselves and others, has contributed greatly to the persistence of prejudice—whether such identities have been invoked to justify claims of superiority or have emerged as responses to injustice and oppression. Many of the social challenges confronting the world today have their roots in this fragmented understanding of human identity.
In this context, citizenship, from a Bahá'í perspective, can be understood as a practical expression of the oneness of humanity. Individuals are encouraged to participate actively in the life of their communities in a spirit of justice, mutual support, and service to the common good, while respecting cultural and social diversity as a source of richness and strength rather than a cause of division. True citizenship is not founded upon exclusion or privilege, but upon an awareness of our shared responsibility for the advancement of both humanity and society.
Our Shared Identity
A shared identity constitutes a true foundation for the unity of humanity. It not only enables us to transcend differences arising from birth or upbringing, but also inspires collective action by bringing people together, fostering a spirit of cooperation, building relationships, and contributing to the establishment of communities. Within such a framework, human beings are able to fulfil their twofold purpose: to develop their individual capacities and to contribute actively to the advancement of society.
The principle of the oneness of humanity expresses our essential reality and our common humanity. This truth is beautifully expressed in the following passage from the writings of Bahá'u'lláh:
Unity in Diversity
“Observe the flowers of a garden. Although differing in kind, colour, form and shape, yet, inasmuch as they are refreshed by the waters of one spring, revived by the breath of one wind, invigorated by the rays of one sun, this diversity increaseth their charm and addeth to their beauty. How unpleasing would be the garden if all its flowers were of one colour and all its blossoms of one form and appearance! Diversity of hues, form and appearance enricheth and adorneth the garden, and heighteneth the effect thereof. In like manner, when divers thoughts, forms, opinions, manners and characters are brought together under the power and influence of one principle, they become a source of beauty, harmony and perfection. Nothing short of the all-encompassing power of the Word of God, which embraceth the realities of all things, is capable of harmonizing the thoughts, minds, hearts and souls of the whole of humanity under the shadow of one Tree.”
‘Abdu’l-BaháRelated Topics
The Role of Youth and Junior Youth
Family Life and the Spiritual Education of Children
