(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at 97 Cadogan Gardens in London, 1912-Dec-26 -- ABU1800)
Work as worship: the spirit within the task
work as worship
Editorial introduction
A person who makes a sheet of notepaper as well as it can be made, with full attention and an honest heart, is praising God. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said so without irony, and Bahá’u’lláh had already raised the craft, the trade and the field to the rank of worship, so that the farmer bent over his furrow stands beside the worshipper bowed in a temple. Three things make the equation hold: the work must be useful to others, done with skill pursued toward excellence, and sprung from a pure intention. Idleness is refused, but so is a life swallowed by earning; the hands may be busy while the heart stays turned toward God, and a day holds room for labour, prayer, rest and the care of one’s health and family. The Bhagavad Gita’s counsel to act as a duty without attachment to the fruits of action belongs in this conversation, even though its account of spiritual attainment is its own [1]. The question is not only what we produce but whom it serves and what it makes of us. From here the path leads through useful occupation, the acquisition of a craft, and the fruit every life is asked to bring forth.
Selected passages
(Bahá’u’lláh, Kitab-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Book), 1290-05-15 [1873-Jul-11] -- BH00001)
Know thou that occupations, crafts and sciences which are the cause of progress for the servants of God and bring comfort and prosperity to all creatures, when coupled with the intention of a pure and sincere heart devoted to God, are all worship of God without exception.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1902-Apr-11, to Laura Dreyfus-Barney -- AB11831)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jul-22, to Juliet Thompson -- AB01048)
O friends of God! Your letter was received through Mrs. Stannard and its contents brought the utmost joy, for praise be to God, a spiritual gathering has been established in Paris as well, where souls of assured faith congregate to engage in remembrance of the Kingdom of God and promote those teachings which are the spirit of this age: the oneness of humanity, establishment of universal peace, right and justice, that religion must be the cause of fellowship among people, harmony between reason and science, equality of men and women, liberty and freedom for all humanity, establishment of heavenly morals and love for all humankind even unto animals, universal education, and that crafts, commerce and agriculture are forms of worship - a farmer who tends his field with utmost dedication is like a worshipper who supplicates with utmost humility in a temple, and a worker who labors with honesty and truthfulness is like one who prays. In brief, teachings of this nature which are the spirit of this age and light of this century - whoever catches their fragrance becomes attracted to them, especially since these teachings are reinforced by the Covenant, a Covenant that is the cause of the flame that illumines the horizons, breathes the spirit of life, makes souls luminous, renders them divine, makes them heavenly, makes them shine like candles and gleam like stars.
O friends in Paris! Know that no soul becomes alive except through the spirit of the Covenant, no eye becomes illumined except through the light of the Covenant, no ear vibrates except to the melody of the Covenant, and no heart becomes the manifestation of divine inspirations except through the bounty of the Covenant. The people of Paris are passionate and become attracted with utmost swiftness, therefore the fire of the love of God will blaze intensely in Paris and achieve great diffusion. Some regions of Europe are in a state of intense burning and day by day numerous souls are entering. You have surely heard of this. Now strive to kindle the fire of the love of the Covenant with utmost power so that Paris may surpass other regions. If the Covenant blazes as it should, wondrous effects will appear in a short time, for the moving force in the body of the world today is the power of the Covenant - it is the pulsing artery in the body of contingent beings.
In any case, I am very pleased with these few souls who are in Paris and I have great love for you. My hope is that you will make the gathering full of enthusiasm and become the cause of guidance for others. Convey my greetings to each and every one. And upon you be greetings and praise.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jul-23, to Baha'is of Paris -- AB00903)
As for service, trade and profession - if conducted with trustworthiness, religious devotion and truthfulness - all are acceptable and none is to be preferred over another.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1905 ca., to Hurmuzdyar Haq Pazhuh -- AB05100)
One of the names of God is the Fashioner, and He has always loved and continues to love craftsmanship. Therefore, whoever among His servants manifests this name is beloved in the presence of the Wronged One. Craftsmanship is a volume from the volumes of divine knowledge and a treasure from the treasuries of divine wisdom.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1297 ? [1879-1880], to Mirza Husayn Najjar -- BH02575)
The purpose of knowledge is the benefit of God's servants, and this has ever been and will continue to be the crafts and trades. He has ever said and continues to say: "Know ye the value of the craftsmen, for they have been and continue to be the cause and means for facilitating affairs." The foundation of religion is made firm through God's Law, and the foundation of livelihood through the craftsmen.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1303-02-15 [1885-Nov-23], to Abu'l-Hasan-i-Ardikani (Haji Amin) -- BH00676)
(Bahá’u’lláh, Bisharat (Glad-Tidings; =Lawh-i-Nida), 1308-06 ca. [1891-Jan] -- BH00568)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1902 ca., to Haddad, Ali et al -- AB06647)
Today, whosoever earneth his livelihood through his craft or profession is accounted among those who are nigh unto God, and his deeds are recorded as worship in God's Book.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1300 ? [1882-1883], to Ustad Muhammad Sadiq Kafshduz -- BH10106)
The craft of every craftsman is accounted as worship. This is among the great favors of the Lord for His servants.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1300 ? [1882-1883], to Aqa Husayn Grandson of Dakhil -- BH10133)
In this great dispensation, art (or a profession) is identical with an act of worship and this is a clear text of the Blessed Perfection.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1902-May-14, to Charles Mason Remey -- AB03769)
His Holiness Baha'u'llah has even said that occupation and labor are devotion.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- AB09747)
"That is well. Very well. A day's work done in the spirit of service is in itself an act of worship. Such work is a prayer unto God."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at 97 Cadogan Gardens, ca. Sep. 1911 -- ABU3536)
He had stated that the practice of an Art or Trade in the true spirit of service was identical with the worship of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken in Sep. 1911 in London -- ABU2205)
A painter asked: "Is art a worthy vocation?" Abdu'l-Baha turning to her impressively, said: "Art is worship."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken in Sep. 1911 in London -- ABU3551)
The service we perform is equivalent to worship if we perform it with truth and trustworthiness; it is a cause of human advancement.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at 309 W 78th St in New York, 1912-Jun-12 -- ABU2450)
Man must work and in that work show the qualities of GOD and thus do good. His work, both material and spiritual, must show what he is. By his arts, sciences, inventions and all of his work he must show his best ability.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Breakwell, Hopper, Brittingham, spoken around 1901-Sep-04 -- ABU1794)
Indeed, commerce, agriculture and crafts are not impediments to serving the Divine Unity; rather, they are supreme means for demonstrating religiosity, trustworthiness, and the manifestation of divine qualities, and are clear evidence thereof....
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Mustafa Rumi -- AB06704)
O loving friends! Though outwardly you are occupied with planting, irrigating and harvesting in that farmland, in reality you are sowing seeds of service in the field of devotion, for you have good intentions and are thinking of advancing work through trustworthiness, religiosity and effort.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Jan-17, to Baha'is of Baqiruf Farm, Hasanabad et al -- AB01352)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Jul-25, to Mathilde Forster -- AB12015)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jul-20, to Rachael Small -- AB05132)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Apr-06, to Qudratullah Husaynuf -- AB03674)
The first duty of God's friends and the handmaidens of the All-Merciful is to strive by whatever means possible for the education and training of children, both male and female.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Lawh-i-Tarbiyyat (Tablet of Education), 1914-Apr or <, to Baha'is of Iran et al -- AB00142)
The parents must exert their utmost effort;- thus their children may learn trades and professions. The first and primal thing that is essential for every young man is a trade. This is supremely an industrial age and the man who has not specialized himself in some line, will be crippled on every side and hampered on every step in his pursuit of a livelihood. No sooner the children have laid the foundation of their theoretic and primary knowledge in the school-rooms they must be sent to the workshops to learn the applied and practical sciences.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some friends, spoken on 1915-May-24 -- ABU0106)
God willing, may he strive diligently to acquire perfections and likewise to learn a craft.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1301-06-20 ? [1884-Apr-17], to Mirza Abdullah Falah from Sad -- BH01487)
It is the commandment of the Blessed Beauty, may my life be a sacrifice at His Threshold, that whosoever engageth in a craft should endeavour to acquire in it utmost proficiency. Should he do so, that craft becometh a form of worship.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Jun ca., to Hasan son of Muhammad Isma'il -- AB11144)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Aug-13, to Edwin Fisher -- AB09842)
O servant of God! In your craft, be as diligent as you can, so that it may reach the utmost perfection and excellence, for perfection in all degrees is beloved. Assuredly, if someone perfects their craft, they will be rewarded at the Threshold of Oneness, and that merchandise will be acceptable in the market of the Most Glorious Kingdom.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1898 or <, to Muhammad Halabisaz Zanjani -- AB09242)
Baha'u'llah has said that whoever has an art or handicraft, it is incumbent upon him to endeavor to develop it to the point of perfection - even though that art be as humble as that of weaving coarse straw matting.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to pilgrims in June 1906 -- ABU2900)
This was so that every craftsman might know that craftsmanship is desired and accepted before God. All should strive and endeavor to perfect it, that every thing may attain to its paradise which is its state of perfection.
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to Ismiu'l-Ha (one of the Nurayn-i-Nayyirayn) -- BH09285)
God, exalted be His glory, has loved to witness pleasing crafts from His loved ones. Blessed art thou for what thou hast crafted has been presented before the face of thy Lord, the Wronged One, the Stranger.
God willing, may each of the loved ones be enabled to manifest a craft from among the crafts and be assisted in that which they have been commanded in the Book of God, the Mighty, the Wise.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1296-08 [1879-Jul], to Haji Mirza Muhammad Yazdi Alaqihband -- BH05807)
Today the craftsman of a praiseworthy craft is loved in the sight of God and attaineth unto the glory of acceptance. Thy name was mentioned before the Wronged One, and there was revealed for thee that whose fragrance shall never cease to endure throughout the kingdom of God, the Lord of the worlds. Blessed is the soul that is engaged in a craft or profession. By the life of God! The practitioners of crafts have been and continue to be remembered before His countenance.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307-03-06 [1889-Oct-31], to Ustad Rida (son of Ustad Mahmud Najjar) -- BH08297)
Praise be to Him that I was confirmed instead in the worship of the One true God and servitude at His threshold. God be praised that I managed to perfect the art that I learnt.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Kashani, Husayn son of Ghulam Ali -- AB04288)
O accomplished master! Arts and crafts are among the greatest means of drawing near to the Divine Threshold.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Ali Muhammad Kashipaz -- AB06578)
As to your art, it is one of the teachings of Baha'u'llah that art is identical with an act of worship, and you must go on with your art and improve in it; and through this very Cause you will be able to make great progress in your art, for you will be helped from Above.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU2119)
The perfection of work is man's greatest reward. When he sees his work perfected and this perfection has been the result of incessant labor and application he is the happiest man in the world! Work is the source of human happiness.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some friends, spoken on 1914-Dec-10 -- ABU0488)
Devotion to and love for one's vocation accomplishes miracles.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Jul-11 -- ABU3634)
One must possess stability and capacity, even in worldly and physical matters. How excellent a power is stability and constancy - for example in commerce, agriculture and crafts, how excellent is stability.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken ca. Jan. 1909 -- ABU2434)
And concerning partnership with his honor Afnan and his honor Adib, both are suitable, but you must demonstrate the utmost zeal, effort and skill in commerce so that all may praise you, for in whatever work one engages, one must carry it out with the utmost perfection.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Azizullah Varqa -- AB12494)
Therefore, if several of the friends of God who dwell in any of the cities of truth and who are engaged in the same craft were to unite and work together in partnership, seeking from God the grace to conduct their dealings according to divine qualities, then surely from their behavior would shine forth the light of the Sun of Truth, and their craft and occupation would truly acquire the character of worship.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- AB12800)
Therefore be confident in divine protection and assistance, and seek confirmation from Him, and consult together in all matters both small and great, even regarding agriculture, crafts, commerce and livelihood - each one should repeatedly consult and assist, for consultation is among the divine commands and the cause of complete victory in affairs, attracting divine assistance and grace.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1898 or <, to Baha'is of Asadabad -- AB05193)
Man must work with his fellows. Everyone should have some trade, or art or profession, be he rich or poor, and with this he must serve humanity. This service is acceptable as the highest form of worship."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken in Sep. 1911 in London -- ABU2418)
They are most industrious and you can ameliorate your conditions and increase your crop by watching their ways.
Live a virtuous, upright, honest, truthful life.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Arab villagers from Adasiyyah, spoken on 1914-May-07 -- ABU1467)
The other kind are those affairs which contribute toward the maintenance of livelihood, adding to the comfort, happiness and progress of the human family. Spiritual powers always come to the assistance of such affairs, they increase the moral insight and responsibility of man and add to his awareness and mindfulness."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Pleiades Sylvan Bower, Alhammeh near Tiberias, 1914-May-14 -- ABU2801)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at 309 W 78th St on 1912-Jun-11 -- ABU0749)
The Blessed Perfection Baha'u'llah teaches that the human being - every human being - has a right to peace, freedom, joy and work.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken to Miss St. in Aug 1910 -- ABU3353)
Work is intended to give man self-assurance and dignity.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken to Miss St. in Aug 1910 -- ABU3440)
(Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-Maqsud, 1299-02-29 [1882-Jan-20], to Mirza Maqsud -- BH00140)
God willing, the poor should strive and engage in earning a livelihood, and this is a matter prescribed for every soul in this Most Great Revelation and is reckoned among good deeds before God.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-'Ali, ca. 1289-1290?, to Mulla Ali Akbar Shahmirzadi et al -- BH00718)
God willing, the poor should strive and engage in crafts and trades, for this hath been made obligatory upon everyone in this most great Revelation and is accounted among good deeds in the sight of God. And whoso acteth upon it, the hidden assistance of God will assuredly encompass him.
(Bahá’u’lláh -- BH00445)
Such idle souls are certainly not acceptable, for every soul must pursue some work, craft or profession so that they may carry their own weight rather than becoming a burden for others to bear, like a paralyzing nightmare.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Ali Muhammad Shirazi -- AB02662)
Every person must have a profession, whether it be literary or manual, and must live a clean, manly, honest life, an example of purity to be imitated by others.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Dr. Getsinger, spoken on 1914-Aug-24 -- ABU1198)
Although inherited wealth doth not endure, and unto God belongeth the heritage of the heavens and the earth, man must work through his own efforts and endeavor.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1902-Feb-22, to Hasan Khurasani -- AB07974)
Likewise, We have enjoined upon all to engage in some occupation. Blessed is he who beareth burdens but causeth none to bear his own. Let him engage in craft and profession - a single coin earned thereby is, in the sight of God, more beloved than the treasure that is gathered unrightfully and made ready.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Aqa Muhammad Baqir Nabil Musafir -- BH10890)
Riches earned by personal effort with divine assistance, in various trades, agriculture and the arts, and rightly administered, are justly deserving of praise, forasmuch as if a wise and discerning man acquires them, they become a ready means of benefit to the state.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU3427)
However, engagement therein for the benefit of the servants of God and for one's own benefit to an extent that does not lead to the fire of greed and passion has been and is praiseworthy. The King of the Messengers - may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for His sake - has said: "The one who earns his living is beloved of God."
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299-09-11 [1882-Jul-27], to Mulla Husayn Milani -- BH01092)
O exalted branch! Consider what were the consequences of commerce and agriculture and crafts, and what fruit they bore - were they deadly poison or life-giving honey? Did they harm the soul or bring joy to the conscience? Take heed, O ye who have eyes to see! Therefore think upon such commerce and agriculture and crafts whose fruit is sweet and whose fragrance is ambered and whose profit is great and whose prosperity is in the supreme Kingdom.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Mirza Siyyid Muhammad Afnan (Aqa Mirza Aqa Nurud-Din) -- AB01443)
Verily thy Lord loveth those servants who earn their livelihood, but only to such measure as their earning preventeth them not from the remembrance of God, the Lord of what was and what shall be.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Haji Muhammad Husayn -- BH01921)
It is true that man must work, engage in an occupation so that he may not become a burden on the community but all his ambition must not revolve around this.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some Persians living in Paris, spoken at Baltimore Hotel on 1913-May-05 -- ABU1210)
O thou who art attracted to the divine fragrances!
Every human being is like a farmer: the crop of one is industry, the crop of another is a trade, the crop of yet another is in the political arena, and so forth. But though these crops each have their blessings, yet their result is not eternal, and these cultivated plants will not bring forth an everlasting harvest.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Aug-01, to Hishmatullah (London and Bombay) -- AB08233)
Religion without prayer is no religion; but in this Movement work and worship must go hand in hand; one must help the other.
Yes, in the wondrous verses it is revealed that work and occupation have the status of worship, but this is not evidence that one should abandon the prescribed devotions and remembrances, for the prescribed devotions are from the Book of God and are the cause of the hearts' remembrance, the spirituality of souls, the stirring of spirits, the expansion of breasts, and the manifestation of the love of God, trust, and devotion at the Divine Threshold.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the Master's entourage, spoken at Rue St. Didier 30 on 1913-Mar-14 -- ABU2144)
No occupation can prevent the soul coming to God. Peter was a fisherman, yet he accomplished most wonderful things; but the heart must be turned always towards God, no matter what the work is; this is the important things: and then the power of God will work in us.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to May Maxwell et al, spoken on 1898-Feb-22 -- ABU0982)
The body of man is created for this world, but his heart is made for the habitation of the Holy Spirit… When you are plowing the ground or sowing the seeds or reaping the harvest let all your thoughts and sub-conscious thinking be of God. Your hands and feet will be working but your heart must be attached to the Almighty.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-May-17 in Tiberias -- ABU3244)
By this I do not mean that man must not have a business, that he must not be occupied, that he must not be in commerce. In this dispensation, these things constitute devotion. It is incumbent upon every man to be occupied; but his heart must be free and detached. Occupation is identical with devotion.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some young Baha'i women, spoken on 1912-Oct-17 -- ABU0695)
Now, what dost thou desire? Why art thou sorrowful? Be thou ever happy. Now I will tell thee the essence of service: Share your time with God. Spend half of the day in search of livelihood, guaranteeing your material life and dignified appearance, and dedicate the other half in the acquisition of moral virtues and service at the threshold of God. That is all.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU3735)
A teacher shall sleep at night with the thought that the next day he may be refreshed in order to do his duty more fully in relation to teaching his pupils. Therefore Mrs.--must take good care of her health. Just look at Mr.--'s very good health--see how much work he can do, how much work he can stand! Whatever work is referred to him, he can discharge it fully.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Charles and Mariam Haney spoken in Feb. 1909 -- ABU2284)
Yet all the Prophets of God have enjoined a way of life, and have articulated a set of teachings, that call on people to maintain good health and be engaged in some kind of work, that thereby they may render service to all humanity.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Feb-21 in Paris -- ABU2562)
In this world we are all more or less wood-choppers. If we are attacked with a sickness and survive it we have to work a little more, to chop a few more loads of woods and the world will go on perennially.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Aug-22 in Ramleh -- ABU1352)
There was once a blacksmith in Iran, and to keep his fire going and get the iron red hot so it could be hammered into shape on the anvil, he had a boy apprentice to blow and blow the bellows. Finally the boy, half dead from toil, cried out, "I am dying! I am dying!" And the blacksmith shouted back, "Die and blow the bellows! Die and blow! Die and blow!"
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Ali-Kuli Khan spoken in 1900 -- ABU3092)
Praise be to God that they have been aided to follow God's command, for all are enjoined to engage in craft, trade and agriculture. However, they must act according to what hath been revealed in the Book - that is, they should send something to their families and inform them. These deeds which all are commanded to perform in God's Book have been and shall ever be the cause of glory and the source of blessing and the manifestation of bounty.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1295-01-22 [1878-Jan-26], to Haji Husayn from Ya -- BH01094)
Trust in God and engage in your work and practice economy; the confirmations of God shall descend and you will be enabled to pay off your debts.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Oct-25, to Mcguffin Echole, Florence et al -- AB07534)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1291 ? [1874], to Haji Ali -- BH02898)
Occupy thyself with some occupation, placing thy trust in God, the All-Wise, for all are commanded to engage in some occupation.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1296-09-28 ? ? [1879-Sep-15], to Mirza Siyyid Muhammad Afnan (Aqa Mirza Aqa) -- BH01226)
God, exalted be His glory, hath commanded engagement in craft, earning, and trade. Yours is the action, and His is the blessing and loving-kindness.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1301-07-14 [1884-May-10], to Ahmad Yazdi, son in law of Abdu'l-Baha -- BH01584)
In this Most Great Revelation, engagement in some occupation hath been prescribed for all the loved ones. Be thou occupied with some matter, placing thy trust in God.
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to Husayn Hammami -- BH06986)
Now place your trust in God and return to the regions of Iran, and engage in some occupation and become familiar with some work.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1898 or < -- AB08598)
Be confident in the grace of the All-Merciful and occupy thyself with thy profession in obedience to the command of thy Chosen Lord.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Mirza Ahmad Shirazi -- AB09366)
Occupy thyself with thy craft; He will assist thee as He pleaseth.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290-05-15 [1873-Jul-11], to Ali Akbar -- BH06441)
After it was read before His presence, He said: "Let them place their trust in God in all matters and occupy themselves with their work. … Be not remiss in thy work.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1301-05-05 [1884-Mar-3], to Ali Akbar Yazdi -- BH01897)
Regarding what you wrote about the affairs of the beloved of the heart, his honor the Observer, upon him be Baha'u'llah's glory - I beseech God, exalted be His glory, to open the gates of comfort and blessing upon him and to act with complete steadfastness in accordance with what they have willed, for occupation is necessary and is reckoned before God among good deeds.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306-12-09 [1889-Aug-6], to Uthman et al -- BH00299)
As to what you wrote about business matters, engaging in a profession has been and is beloved before God. We beseech Him to assist you, bestow His blessings, and ordain that which contains your good.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1303-09 [1886-Jun], to Muhammad Ismail Tabrizi -- BH00880)
O Afnan! Be not saddened by thy engagement in outward affairs, for God, exalted be His glory, hath ordained that your occupation is worship itself - this is a decree revealed in the Book aforetime.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1303-02 [1885-Nov], to Haji Mirza Muhammad Afnan -- BH00955)
This matter was the cause of greatest joy, for all are commanded to engage in a craft, which is indeed accounted as worship before God.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1298 ? [1880-1881] -- BH01369)
The occupation that is beloved in the sight of God is engagement in crafts and professions.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1296 ? [1878-1879], to Nasrullah Khi Alif -- BH03787)
Regarding agriculture, He has given a general ruling in these matters, which is that it is obligatory for every soul to engage in a profession, agriculture, or craft, and that very work itself is worship in the sight of God, even if one tarries but a day in any land.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Muhammad Husayn -- BH11762)
On other days they should engage in occupation and the earning of livelihood, and should regard such occupation itself as worship of the Self-Sufficient Lord, so that through this means mankind may be delivered from the idleness and sloth that has overtaken most regions.
(Bahá’u’lláh, On the four festivals (by Nabil-i-A'zam?) -- BH02278)
Engage in commerce.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Ahmad Aqa Balazadih -- AB06893)
I have found a way to gain my living with the sweat of my brow and the labor of my hand.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Nov-08 in Ramleh -- ABU3210)
All servants have been commanded to pursue an occupation in God's Book. Praise be to God that ye have attained this supreme gift. I swear by the Sun of divine utterance that this deed of yours is more glorious in the sight of God than the deeds of those who count themselves among the pillars of the earth. God Himself hath testified and doth testify to this truth.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1297-11-12 [1880-Oct-16], to ibn Muhammad qabl 'Ali -- BH07533)
God willing, he will strive earnestly to learn and acquire crafts. This is a work through which a person becomes beloved and regarded both with God and with people.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1305-10-02 [1888-Jun-12], to Rida father of Aqa Inayatullah -- BH03267)
Thou shouldst continue thy profession and at the same time try to serve the Kingdom of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Aug-15, to Edwin Fisher -- AB11604)
Meanwhile, let all promote the Cause of God through their words, deeds, conduct and character, until such time as wisdom calleth for their presence.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Varqa, Azizullah et al -- AB12449)
In every matter, first of all I consider the glory of the Cause of God. All the expenses which are being made are for the promulgation of the Baha'i principles in the world. We do not charge anything for them. Freely we have received freely we give.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the Master's entourage, spoken at Hotel Marquardt on 1913-Apr-25 -- ABU2017)
This is a fundamental truth; when you breathe forth the breath of the Holy Spirit from your hearts into the world, commerce and politics will take care of themselves in perfect harmony.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU3176)
The most beautiful pentagram comprises: Love, work, prayer, peace and joy; pursue daily its realization!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken to Miss St. in Aug 1910 -- ABU3621)
Continue exploring
For thought and discussion
Questions to carry forward
- What changes when a familiar task is approached as a possible act of worship?
- How do intention, competence, honesty, and benefit to others work together in these passages?
- What distinguishes pursuing excellence from allowing work or earning to absorb the whole of life?
- How might the Gita’s teaching on action without attachment illuminate the relation between effort and its results?
- What forms of cooperation and consultation could make a workplace more expressive of service?
- How could prayer, rest, learning, and practical work support one another in an ordinary week?