(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Madaniyyih (The Secret of Divine Civilization), 1875, to The People of Iran -- AB00004)
Government and people: reciprocal trust and the common good
relationship between government and people
Editorial introduction
The progress of a nation depends on the strength of its government, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá writes, and the strength of a government depends on the prosperity of its nation; the two are twins. That reciprocity is the heart of the subject. Where a ruler’s justice, the skill of administrators and the effort of the people combine, their relationship is as sweet as milk and honey. But trust is not left to sentiment. He calls for a treaty between government and people with the rights of each fixed so that neither may transgress, for constitutional arrangements, accountable ministers, elections resting on public confidence, equal justice and equal opportunity, and for rulers who remember that their judgments will be weighed by a divine Judge. Much of this was written amid Iran’s upheavals and foreign intervention, and its warnings against faction and bloodshed belong to that history. Confucius, asked what a state could do without, surrendered arms and even food before the confidence of the people [1], a priority that sharpens the question of how authority earns trust. From here the way leads to constitutional government, to obedience and respect for authority, to elections, and to the meaning of true liberty.
Selected passages
Know this: the progress of the nation depends on the influence, glory, and power of the government, and the power of the government depends on the exaltation, wealth, and prosperity of the nation. These two are twins. Some foolish ones imagine that if the government's authority is diminished, comfort and joy will appear. This is not so. The more the authority of a just government increases, the more the nation advances, and this is an inevitable truth doubted only by the ignorant and oppressive.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1901 or <, to Baha'is of the world -- AB00037)
What is meant by the government that must be obeyed is a just government that protects the rights of all humanity - a constitutional government that operates under sound laws.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Oct-15, to J. Isbrucker -- AB01007)
Therefore, a treaty must be executed between government and people, with the rights of both sides fixed, preserved, clear and specified, so that neither can transgress. It is best if this treaty between government and people be made with the knowledge of foreign powers, so they can be guarantors of this treaty.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Jul-09, to Ibn-i-Abhar -- AB00496)
Now, if peace of mind and joy of conscience are desired, fellowship between government and people must be sought in a pleasing and attractive manner. Every unbiased well-wisher should serve this purpose so that the country may find peace and the nation may attain order and comfort. Without this it is impossible and unattainable. However, it must be implemented with the utmost perfection so that no difficulties arise in the future.
Therefore, a firm covenant must be established between the government and the people, and the rights of both parties must be defined and confirmed.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Apr-28, to Jinab Fadil -- AB01216)
That treatise can certainly be found in Tihran, a copy is sent to you so that you may share it with all the people, inasmuch as that which result in hardships and dissention and mischief are explained clearly in that treatise. In it, the sacred rights of the government, the legitimate rights of the governed, the connection between the statesmen and their subjects and the relationship between the ruler and the ruled and the mechanism of operation between the manager and the managed are clearly laid down.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Jun-22, to Mulla Ali Akbar Shahmirzadi Ayadi -- AB00412)
Every age has its requirements, and today's requirement is that governments be constitutional, as this brings comfort to the world of creation. … Therefore, constitutionalism is preferable, but utmost caution must be exercised so it does not become like other cases. There must be a treaty between the government and the people, with neighboring powers guaranteeing its observance. If violation occurs, there should be consequences. This is to prevent future difficulties.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Jul-17, to Jinab Muhtaram -- AB07452)
'Abdu'l-Baha: "The parliament can remove him, certainly. In a constitutional monarchy the king has nothing to do. All the affairs are settled by the cabinet and the parliament of the nation."
… 'Abdu'l-Baha: "No, the King will appoint the Prime Minister, but he will be responsible to the parliament of the nation. He will be responsible before the members of the parliament and if he is at fault he will be dismissed.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Latimer, Esslemont, Randall et al, spoken on 1919-Nov-17 -- ABU1815)
The election of temporary members of the assemblies of the kingdom should depend upon the choice and satisfaction of the public, for members elected by the people are pledged to carry out their will, and to follow out their instructions.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU3097)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Chapter 78, Strikes, 1904 ca. -- AB00099)
In truth, undertaking that matter oneself was not permissible. However, the government has the right to carry out retribution through other means apart from the heir.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Mar-12, to Aqa Muhsin Khan Firuzi -- AB09248)
The supreme concern of any government must be the establishment of equal justice and equal opportunity amongst its citizens.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Jul-27 in Haifa -- ABU2628)
He must devise new plans of reforms. He must encourage the building of national highways, bridges, schools, railroads, expand the limits of commerce and insure the safety and security of the public.
If he on the other hand devotes his time to luxury, self-gratification, indulgence in personal likes and dislikes, fosters favoritism and laps in the lap of debauchery he is not a ruler but a hydra-headed public enemy.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the Russian Consul-General of Beirut, spoken on 1913-Nov-09 -- ABU1538)
"Now" the Master telling to [sic] the Governor "it is your watch time. You are not doing anything to improve the condition of the sick country. You are putting him to sleep by giving him narcotics to put him to sleep and when you leave what do you care whether the patient will die or live. You have had your night sleep. Instead of watching the patient solicitously and pulling him through you prefer your own rest and comfort."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Aug-25 in Ramleh -- ABU1204)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Dreyfus home in Paris, 1911-Nov-17 -- ABU0253)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to the Baha'is at Baha'i Temple Unity in Chicago, 1912-Apr-30 -- ABU0268)
Then, whether a government is constitutional or republican, hereditary monarchy or democratic, the rulers will devote their time to the prosperity of their nations, the legislation of just and sane laws and the fostering of closer and more amicable relations with their neighbours--thus will the world of humanity become a mirror reflecting the virtues and attributes of the Kingdom of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to an army commander, spoken on 1914-May-12 -- ABU0600)
It is good for a country's development to have two or more political parties, for they check and oppose each other's excesses. But if these parties become selfish and inimical toward each other, they will destroy the happiness of the people. The political organizations must pledge themselves in the sight of God to work for the general progress of the country irrespective of party line and party allegiance.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the Master's entourage, spoken at Baltimore Hotel on 1913-May-06 -- ABU1060)
The inhabitants of a nation must intelligently fulfill the requirements of the constitutional government and abide by all its conditions, otherwise it will bring upon them greater lawlessness and disintegration; for the reins will be taken out of the hands of an able, absolute Monarch and placed into the hands of a number of self-interested, useless parasites.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Jun-15 in Tiberias -- ABU2156)
Asked if it were ever right to rebel against an earthly ruler, He replied:
"Yes, if he deals unjustly and tyranically with his people he forfeits the right to govern them."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Aline Shane-Devin spoken on 1907-Oct-16 -- ABU3550)
Should this momentous matter, which is among the most important of all affairs, be established and promoted, there is no doubt that Iran will soon become prosperous and flourishing, and its honored people will progress day by day in modern advancements and ascend to the highest degrees of success and prosperity.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1905 ca., to Hands of the Cause of God -- AB02483)
Among the addresses of Baha'u'llah in numerous tablets was this: Iran needs laws and principles. It would be better if this matter occurred through consultation with and knowledge of the religious scholars of the nation and nobles of the government.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Jun-11 in Paris -- ABU1602)
Soon you will observe that these disturbing events will pass away and the government will become firmly established and steadfast in utmost stability. Consultation will become the cause of firmness and steadfastness, especially a government whose confirmation and strengthening has been decreed by the Supreme Pen.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1906-Aug-12, to Grandson of Nabil (Qaini) -- AB00933)
We will praise parliament when it blends with the government like milk and sugar, becomes the cause of the country's progress, and promotes justice. Then we will pray and seek confirmation, and pledge and guarantee divine assistance, and we hope it will be so.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910 or <, to Spiritual Assembly of Tihran -- AB00187)
The assemblage of the people and the pillars of the government render to their King the most earnest service and bear for him the weight of every burden, while his sovereignty is in continuous progress and the nation at constant rise. Can aught be preferred to this? On the one hand the sovereignty is preserved and safe, and on the other the nation is day by day advancing.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910 ca. -- AB11815)
Rather, both the government and the people should develop such trust that they would wish for all affairs in the provinces to be entrusted to the pure and goodly hands of the friends of God, and through this means Iran and Iranians would make rapid progress and the means of comfort and ease would be provided for all peoples.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Jun-04, to Yunis Afrukhtih -- AB06140)
And it is hoped from the sympathies and favors of the Glorious Lord that general benefits and good fruits will result from their excellent conduct and wise governance.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Mirza Muhammad Hasan Adib -- AB11901)
For now, the present governing body of Iran cannot be compared to the past. Their intention is the prosperity and comfort and ease and security of Iran. The loved ones of God must give thanks and serve with perfect truthfulness and goodwill and purity and freedom.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Jan-21, to Mirza Ishaq -- AB00757)
Absolutely, absolutely they must not contemplate undertaking any matter without seeking permission and authorization from the government, for praise be to God, the government of His Imperial Majesty is just, agreeable, benevolent, kind and protective of the rights of its subjects.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Hands of the Cause of God -- AB02819)
Never ask such questions of this wanderer, as they are beyond my obligation. This is a matter between loyal subjects and their glorious sovereign. What role has this prisoner in political affairs, and what business has this wanderer? His Majesty is the just shepherd, the monarch who bestows benefit, knowing what is best for his subjects. And loyal subjects seek their comfort and happiness in the shadow of obedience to the crown.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Gul-Surkh Khanum Imami Azami (Faizih) -- AB01872)
Therefore, the pillars of His Imperial Majesty's government must, aside from maintaining justice among the subjects, for the sake of governance itself, show consideration to the practicing divines and prevent the ignorant leaders. They must restrain the hands of such souls, who are like fierce wolves, from aggression, and forbid the attacks of such a rebellious band. Otherwise, day by day they will increase in audacity, interfere in the affairs of the realm, and throw the country and kingdom into confusion.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Lawh-i-Mahmud Furughi, 1898 or <, to Mahmud Furughi -- AB00026)
The epistle was published in India and a printed copy was sent to Tehran through Ali Akbar. All the barbarous and bewildering events of this day are mentioned therein. I set forth, with clear proofs and irrefutable arguments, that all should be obedient to the government, and that the leaders of religion should in no wise interfere in political affairs.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Jun ca., to Hand of the Cause Ali Muhammad Ibn Asdaq -- AB01413)
In France, when several people caused division between government and nation and rose up against the government and overthrew their sincere and kind king, afterwards the nation tore those same instigating persons to pieces and destroyed and eliminated them, and the secret of "whoever digs a pit for his brother, God will cause him to fall into it" became manifest and evident.
Now too the evil clergy are calling the people to uprising, but the end result of these matters, even if the masses follow them and a parliament is established, "their plots will return upon their own necks."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Dec or <, to Mirza Husayn son of Mulla Ali -- AB02050)
This conflict and strife and discord between the government and people is causing the ruin of Iran. I beseech God that the people obey the government and the government deal justly with the people.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Jun ca., to Ali Asghar Usku'i -- AB02364)
The greatest means of progress in this world is the connection between government and people, and the unity of the follower and the followed.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Nayyir et al -- AB01934)
Before the war it was written, that is, in explicit terms in 'Abdu'l-Baha's own hand, that government and people must mix like honey and milk, otherwise Iran would be laid waste, and so forth.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Apr-02, to Siyavash Farsi (Siyavash Sifidvash) -- AB00237)
Regarding the interference of neighboring powers in Iran's affairs that you wrote about - time and again it has flowed from the Pen of the Covenant that government and nation must mix like honey and milk, otherwise it will become an arena for others to prance about and both sides will regret it.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Jul-21, to Muhammad Ali Khan Baha'i -- AB00943)
Similarly, it was written time and again that until the government and people blend together like milk and honey, prosperity and success would be impossible and unattainable. The letters exist, and even in several detailed letters to Tehran it was explicitly written, including to the Shah's trusted confidant, that if the government and people do not blend together and unite, affairs would become entirely disordered and neighboring powers would intervene.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Sep-11, to Qaini, Ahmad son of Nabil-i-Qain -- AB00113)
This is the exact wording of what was written at the start of the revolution: "The government and people must blend together like honey and milk, otherwise progress and success are impossible. Iran will be ruined and the end result will be interference by neighboring powers." Therefore the friends of God must strive with heart and soul to bring about reconciliation between the government and people, and if unable, they should withdraw. Beware, beware of becoming involved in the bloodshed of any Iranian, and so forth. But the more we said, the less they listened - rather, they paid no attention at all.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Feb-12, to Haji Mirza Muhammad Yazdi Alaqihband -- AB00734)
Among them is this passage: the government and people must blend together like honey and milk, otherwise success and prosperity are impossible, Iran will be ruined and finally it will end in intervention by neighboring powers. Therefore, O friends of God, strive with heart and soul so that reconciliation may occur between the government and people. And if you become powerless, withdraw. Beware, beware of becoming involved in the bloodshed of any Iranian.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Jan-03, to Mirza Aqa Bashir Ilahi (Bashirus-Sultan) -- AB12167)
Especially 'Abdu'l-Baha, at the beginning of the revolution and conflict between government and people, wrote explicitly to Tehran repeatedly, and these are the exact words: "Government and people must mix together like honey and milk, otherwise success and prosperity are impossible. … Therefore the friends of God must strive with heart and soul to bring about reconciliation between government and people, and if they remain powerless, they must withdraw.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Jan-10, to Aqa Mirza Habib Baha'i -- AB00947)
However, from the beginning of the revolution, the emphatic statements of the Center of the Covenant to the people of Baha were repeatedly of this kind: that until the government and people mix like milk and honey, progress and prosperity are impossible and unattainable. … Therefore, O loved ones of God, strive so that complete harmony and unity may be achieved between the government and people, and if you remain powerless, withdraw completely.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Mar-24 in Paris -- ABU1542)
We wrote and exhorted them, pointing out that the union of government and the people is like combining milk and honey; otherwise, the neighboring governments will encroach upon the country.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to two Persians from Tihran, spoken at Wilson home on 1912-Aug-24 -- ABU2830)
Even at the beginning of the revolution it was explicitly written that until the government and people mix together like honey and milk, success and prosperity are impossible and unattainable.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Feb-18 in Paris -- ABU2852)
At the outset of that revolution in Persia known as the Constitutional Revolution, I wrote again and again that until such time as that government and its people become commingled, even as milk and honey, their success and prosperity will remain entirely unattainable.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Jan-30 in Paris -- ABU3725)
We have written repeatedly that government and people must blend together like milk and sugar, otherwise progress and prosperity are impossible and unattainable.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Feb-01, to Mirza Aqa Bashir Ilahi (Bashirus-Sultan) -- AB01057)
Among these is this passage: "Until government and people blend together like honey and milk, prosperity and salvation are impossible.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Jan-03, to Yunis Afrukhtih -- AB03672)
And it was written repeatedly that until the government and people mix with each other like milk and sugar, peace and purpose will not be achieved.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Apr-09, to Azizullah Varqa -- AB12134)
Considering such aspirations, how would we engage in the conflict and contention between two minor parties? We are the well-wishers of both sides, leading both unto harmony, so that God willing, the state and the people may mix as honey and milk. Without these, the progress and advancement for mankind will not be realized, nay rather, all efforts will be dissipated and lost.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Sep-26+, to Muhammad Ali Khan Baha'i -- AB01606)
Because today a despotic government cannot be held any more, and until the Royalist and Nationalist can become blended as milk and sugar, tranquility and prosperity cannot be obtained, and further, you must proceed to punish those who martyred one of the Bahais, Seyid Yah Yah, in the city of Sirjan.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Wilson, Engelhorn, Stewart, Brittingham, spoken around 1909-Oct-23 -- ABU0841)
May the complete connection between government and people be restored once again, and may the just monarch rule successfully and govern with perfect power and might from the throne of sovereignty with care for his subjects, becoming the cause of Iran and Iranians' eternal glory.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Jul-11 ca., to Baha'is of Tihran -- AB02279)
Consequently, we in general, who are the well-wishers of the government and Persian nation, with utmost gratification are praising and commending the justice of His Royal Highness, the Prince, and are content and glad; and in order to manifest our thanks we present this petition; and whatever in the line of service is commanded us, we are ready to comply with the most extreme diligence. We ask earnestly from God that the Imperial Government become everlasting, His Imperial Majesty, the just Shah, remain and live long, and His Royal Highness, the Prince, become to every subject a divine gift and that he may become confirmed and helped in all affairs."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1916 or < -- AB02316)
Your duty is to be a well-wisher of that respected person and to guide towards compassion for the people, for the good of all lies in this. Strive as much as you can that these two elements become one element, so that eternal sovereignty may remain in this dynasty and the people may live in utmost freedom and comfort.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- AB10704)
I supplicate unto God that He may assist thee in such wise that both sovereign and vassal may be pleased with thee.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- AB03866)
Make hearts sympathetic, draw souls together, create harmony between ruler and ruled, and bring accord between leader and led.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Apr-28, to Jinab Fadil et al -- AB05997)
Similarly when the government represents the ideals of progress and justice, the people will advance and co-operate in their dealings. The ideal co[m]munication will bind together the hearts and the root of poverty will be struck.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Osman Bey and others, spoken on 1914-Dec-23 -- ABU2685)
in like manner, when the sincere purposes and the justice of the sovereign, the knowledge and perfect political efficiency of the ministers of state and the ambition and enthusiasm of the people are all realized at the same time, then indeed, the millennium of progress and human perfection, the consummation of the glory and the prosperity of state and nation will become accomplished.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU3180)
However, this Oppressed One beseeches God for that which is the cause of the exaltation of the government and the advancement of the nation.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307 ? [1889-1890], to Siyyid Ali Yazdi husband of Hubbiyyih father of Shawqangiz -- BH03091)
Further quotations · supplied wording and references
"Kings must rule with wisdom and justice; prince, peer and peasant alike have equal rights to just treatment, there must be no favour shown to individuals."
ABU1959
As regards what you wrote touching the intervention in the affairs of Persia of the neighbouring States, time upon time it bath been declared by the Pen of the Covenant that the Government (Dawlat) and the People (Millat) should mix together like honey and milk, else the field will be open for the manoeuvres of others, and both parties will regret it. But alas! the two parties would not give ear, but have brought matters to this perilous pitch!
(from a Tablet of 'Abdu'l-Baha, in E.G. Browne, "The Persian Revolution of 1905-1908", p. 426)
Continue exploring
For thought and discussion
Questions to carry forward
- How do the passages connect a government’s strength with the welfare of its people?
- What distinguishes mutual trust from obedience that has no reciprocal protection?
- How do defined rights, consultation, and accountability give practical form to harmony?
- What can be learned from the historically situated warnings about faction and intervention without treating every proposal as timeless?
- Why might Confucius place public confidence above other necessities, and what questions does that comparison raise?
- How can a person contribute to reconciliation while taking injustice and the common good seriously?