A SPECIAL REGARD FOR AGRICULTURE

A Compilation of the Baha'i Sacred Writings and Related Works

Every man of discernment, while walking upon the earth, feeleth indeed abashed, inasmuch as he is fully aware that the thing which is the source of his prosperity, his wealth, his might, his exaltation, his advancement and power is, as ordained by God, the very earth which is trodden beneath the feet of all men.

Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 44

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Agriculture and the Reconstruction of the World

   • Agriculture and World Peace
   • The Farmer and Community
   • Responsibility of Baha'i Institutions
   • Individual Pursuit of Agriculture
   • Material and Spiritual Civilization

   Development and the Divine Economy

   • Economic Teachings
   • Grassroots Development
   • Consultation
   • Village Storehouse
   • Contribution from Earnings

   The Physical World

   • Man and Nature
   • Man and Animals
   • Diet and Health

   

   ABBREVIATIONS:

   • ADJ Advent of Divine Justice
   • AHW Arabic Hidden Words
   • BIC Baha'i International Community
   • BP Baha'i Prayers
   • BW Baha'i World
   • BWF Baha'i World Faith
   • CC Compilation of Compilations
   • CON Consultation
   • DG Directives from the Guardian
   • ESW Epistle to the Son of the Wolf
   • FWU Foundations of World Unity
   • GL Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah
   • GPB God Passes By
   • HH Health and Healing
   • KI Kitab-i-Iqan
   • LOG Lights of Guidance
   • PHW Persian Hidden Words
   • PT Paris Talks
   • PUP Promulgation of Universal Peace
   • RD Research Department of the Universal House of Justice
   • SAQ Some Answered Questions
   • SDC Secret of Divine Civilization
   • SWAB Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha
   • SWB Selections from the Writings of the Bab
   • TAB Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha
   • TB Tablets of Baha'u'llah
   • TR Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Virtue
   • WOB World Order of Baha'u'llah

   
   

   I. AGRICULTURE AND THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE WORLD

   A.Agriculture and World Peace

   • 1. Whilst in the Prison of 'Akka, We revealed in the Crimson Book that which is conducive to the advancement of mankind and to the reconstruction of the world. The utterances set forth therein by the Pen of the Lord of creation include the following which constitute the fundamental principles for the administration of the affairs of men:

     First: It is incumbent upon the ministers of the House of Justice to promote the Lesser Peace so that the people of the earth may be relieved from the burden of exorbitant expenditures. This matter is imperative and absolutely essential, inasmuch as hostilities and conflict lie at the root of affliction and calamity.

     Second: Languages must be reduced to one common language to be taught in all the schools of the world.

     Third: It behoveth man to adhere tenaciously unto that which will promote fellowship, kindliness and unity.

     Fourth: Everyone, whether man or woman, should hand over to a trusted person a portion of what he or she earneth through trade, agriculture or other occupation, for the training and education of children, to be spent for this purpose with the knowledge of the Trustees of the House of Justice.

   Fifth: Special regard must be paid to agriculture. Although it hath been mentioned in the fifth place, unquestionably it precedeth the others. Agriculture is highly developed in foreign lands, however in Persia it hath so far been grievously neglected. It is hoped that His Majesty the Shah--may God assist him by His grace--will turn his attention to this vital and important matter."

   Baha'u'llah, TB, pp.89-90

   2. Yet so it shall be; these fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the "Most Great Peace" shall come... Baha'u'llah, Peace, p.157

   B. The Farmer and Community

   • 1. The farmer is the primary factor in the body politic. 'Abdu'l-Baha, cited by Balyuzi in 'Abdu'l-Baha, p.239

   • 2. The fundamental basis of the community is agriculture, tillage of the soil. All must be producers. Each person in the community whose need is equal to his individual producing capacity shall be exempt from taxation. But if his income is greater than his needs, he must pay a tax until an adjustment is effected. That is to say, a man's capacity for production and his needs will be equalized and reconciled through taxation. If his production exceeds, he will pay a tax; if his necessities exceed his production, he shall receive an amount sufficient to equalize or adjust. Therefore, taxation will be proportionate to capacity and production, and there will be no poor in the community. 'Abdu'l-Baha, PUP, p.217

   • 3. In this day, however, means of communication have multiplied, and the five continents of the earth have virtually merged into one. And for everyone it is now easy to travel to any land, to associate and exchange views with its peoples, and to become familiar, through publications, with the conditions, the religious beliefs and the thoughts of all men. In like manner all the members of the human family, whether peoples or governments, cities or villages, have become increasingly interdependent. For none is self-sufficiency any longer possible, inasmuch as political ties unite all peoples and nations, and the bonds of trade and industry, of agriculture and education, are being strengthened every day. Hence the unity of all mankind can in this day be achieved. Verily this is none other but one of the wonders of this wondrous age, this glorious century. 'Abdu'l-Baha, SWAB, pp.31-32

   • 4. The interference of courts of justice and of the government in difficulties pending between manufacturers and workmen is legal, for the reason that current affairs between workmen and manufacturers cannot be compared with ordinary affairs between private persons, which do not concern the public, and with which the government should not occupy itself. In reality, although they appear to be private matters, these difficulties between the two parties produce a detriment to the public; for commerce, industry, agriculture and the general affairs of the country are all intimately linked together. If one of these suffers an abuse, the detriment affects the mass. 'Abdu'l-Baha, SAQ , p.276

   • 5. When the Baha'i community in a village is a significant proportion of the population, it has a wide range of opportunities to be an example and an encouragement of means of improving the quality of life in the village. Written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly , 25 July 1988. RD, Agriculture and Rural Life, p.5

   C. Responsibility of Baha'i Institutions

   • 1. Briefly, every nation has a day known as a holiday which they celebrate with joy. In the sacred Laws of God, in every cycle and dispensation, there are blessed feasts, holidays and workless days. On such days all kinds of occupations, commerce, industry, agriculture, etc., are not allowed. Every work is unlawful. All must enjoy a good time, gather together, hold general meetings, become as one assembly, so that the national oneness, unity and harmony may become personified in all eyes. As it is a blessed day it should not be neglected or without results by making a day limited to the fruits of mere pleasure. During such blessed days, institutions should be founded that may be of permanent benefit and value to the people so that in current conversation and in history it may become widely known that such a good work was inaugurated on such a feast day. Therefore, the intelligent must search and investigate reality to find out what important affair, what philanthropic institutions are most needed and what foundations should be laid for the community on that particular day, so that they may be established....If, however, the community is in need of widening the circle of commerce or industry or agriculture they should start the means so that the desired aim may be attained...in this wonderful dispensation, philanthropic affairs are for all humanity, without any exception, because it is the manifestation of the mercifulness of God. 'Abdu'l-Baha, LOG, pp.304-305

   • 2. To the trustees of the House of Justice He assigns the duty of legislating on matters not expressly provided in His writings, and promised that God will 'inspire them with whatsoever He willeth.' The establishment of a constitutional form of government, in which the ideals of republicanism and the majesty of kingship, characterized by Him as 'one of the signs of God,' are combined, He recommends as a meritorious achievement; urges that special regard be paid to the interests of agriculture; and makes specific reference to 'the swiftly appearing newspapers,'... Shoghi Effendi, GPB, p.219

   • 3. The responsibilities of the members of the Spiritual Assemblies that are engaged in teaching the Cause of God in Eastern lands have been clearly laid down in the holy Texts. These bid them to work towards the improvement of morals....They similarly enjoin them to lend their support to agricultural and industrial development, to consolidate the foundations of mutual assistance and co-operation... Shoghi Effendi, 30 January 1926 to the Spiritual Assemblies throughout the East, TR, p.15

   • 4. The Local Spiritual Assemblies of such villages must gradually widen the scope of their activities, not only to develop every aspect of the spiritual life of the believers within their jurisdiction, but also, through Baha'i consultation and through such principles as harmony between science and religion, the importance of education, and work as a form of worship, to promote the standards of agriculture and other skills in the life of the people. Written on behalf House of Justice to an individual believer, 27 July 1976. RD, Agriculture and Rural Life, p.3

   • 5. The growing maturity of a world-wide religious community, which all these processes indicate is further evidenced in the reaching out, by a number of national communities to the social and economic life of their countries, exemplified by the founding of tutorial schools, the inception of radio stations, the pursuit of rural development programs and the operation of medical and agricultural schemes.
     A wider horizon is opening before us, illumined by a growing and universal manifestation of the inherent potentialities of the Cause for ordering human affairs. In this light can be discerned not only our immediate tasks but, more dimly, new pursuits and undertakings upon which we must shortly become engaged. Universal House of Justice, Ridvan Message 1983

   • 6. Thus, we can readily appreciate that although it has hitherto been impracticable for Baha'i institutions generally to emphasize development activities, the concept of social and economic development is enshrined in the sacred Teachings of our Faith. The beloved Master, through His illuminating words and deeds, set the example for the application of this concept to the reconstruction of society. Witness, for instance, what social and economic progress the Iranian believers attained under His loving guidance and, subsequently, with the unfailing encouragement of the Guardian of the Cause....Progress in the development field will largely depend on natural stirrings at the grassroots, and it should receive its driving force from those sources rather than from an imposition of plans and programs from the top. The major task of National Assemblies, therefore, is to increase the local communities' awareness of the needs and possibilities, and to guide and coordinate the efforts resulting from such awareness. Already in many areas the friends are witnessing the confirmations of their initiatives in such pursuits as the founding of tutorial and other schools, the promotion of literacy, the launching of rural development programs, the inception of educational radio stations, and the operation of agricultural and medical projects. Universal House of Justice to the Baha'is of the World, 20 October 1983

   D. Individual Pursuit of Agriculture

   • 1. Thou hadst made reference in thy letter to agriculture. On this matter He hath laid down the following universal rule: that it is incumbent upon everyone, even should he be a resident in a particular land for no more than a single day, to become engaged in some craft or trade, or agriculture, and that the very pursuit of such a calling is, in the eyes of the one true God, identical with worship. This rule was exemplified by the Baha'i community at the time when they were facing exile from Iraq, for, while they were making arrangements for their journey, they occupied themselves in cultivating the land; and when they set out, instructions were given for the fruits of their labours to be distributed amongst the friends. Baha'u'llah, from a Tablet to an individual believer. RD; Economics, Agriculture and Related Subjects, p.1

   • 2. Woman must especially devote her energies and abilities toward the industrial and agricultural sciences, seeking to assist mankind in that which is most needful. By this means she will demonstrate capability and ensure recognition of equality in the social and economic equation. 'Abdu'l-Baha, PUP, p.283

   • 3. Thy letter was received. Praise be to God it imparted the good news of thy health and safety and indicated that thou art ready to enter an agricultural school. This is highly suitable. Strive as much as possible to become proficient in the science of agriculture, for in accordance with the divine teachings the acquisition of sciences and the perfection of arts are considered acts of worship. If a man engageth with all his power in the acquisition of a science or in the perfection of an art, it is as if he has been worshipping God in churches and temples. Thus as thou enterest a school of agriculture and strivest in the acquisition of that science thou art day and night engaged in acts of worship - acts that are accepted at the threshold of the Almighty. What bounty greater than this that science should be considered as an act of worship and art as service to the Kingdom of God. 'Abdu'l-Baha, SWAB, pp.144-45

   • 4. Since thy dear child is taking his examinations, my fervent wish at the divine Threshold is that, by the grace and favour of God, he may meet with success, and that in the future he may go on to study agriculture and master its various branches, practical and theoretical. Agriculture is a noble science and, should thy son become proficient in this field, he will become a means of providing for the comfort of untold numbers of people. 'Abdu'l-Baha, Tablet to an individual believer. RD; Economics, Agriculture and Related Subjects, p.7

   • 5. Exert every effort in the fields of development and of civilization, in the acquisition of knowledge, the increase of trade, the improvement of agriculture and the promotion of modern discoveries. 'Abdu'l-Baha. RD, Agriculture and Rural Life, p.1

   • 6. The friends must engage in the work of developing Persia, that is, they must exert great efforts in the promotion of agriculture, industry, trade, education, arts, and science. Ibid.

   • 7. When deciding what course of training to follow, youth can consider acquiring those skills and professions that will be of benefit in education, rural development, agriculture, economics, technology, health, radio and in many other areas of endeavour that are so urgently needed in the developing countries of the world. You can also devote time in the midst of your studies, or other activities, to travel teaching or service projects in the Third World. Universal House of Justice to the European Youth Conference in Innsbruck, July 4, 1983, LOG, p.636

   • 8. Whenever circumstances of military or paramilitary service arise the Baha'i friends should do their utmost to avoid taking part...When the question of National Service, such as you describe in Guyana, includes training in skills and professions useful to mankind, such as agriculture, the friends may certainly volunteer for such services, provided they are definitely assured that their training will not subject them later to call up for military service in combatant roles. Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Guyana, Surinam and French Guiana, September 14, 1975,LOG, pp.409-410

   E. Material and Spiritual Civilization

   • 1. All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization. The Almighty beareth Me witness: To act like the beasts of the field is unworthy of man. Those virtues that befit his dignity are forbearance, mercy, compassion and loving-kindness towards all the peoples and kindreds of the earth. Say: O friends! Drink your fill from this crystal stream that floweth through the heavenly grace of Him Who is the Lord of Names. Let others partake of its waters in My name, that the leaders of men in every land may fully recognize the purpose for which the Eternal Truth hath been revealed, and the reason for which they themselves have been created. Baha'u'llah, GL, p.215

   • 2. Whoso cleaveth to justice, can, under no circumstances, transgress the limits of moderation. He discerneth the truth in all things, through the guidance of Him Who is the All-Seeing. The civilization, so often vaunted by the learned exponents of arts and sciences, will, if allowed to overleap the bounds of moderation, bring great evil upon men. Baha'u'llah, GL, p.342

   • 3. Since my arrival in this country I find that material civilization has progressed greatly, that commerce has attained the utmost degree of expansion; arts, agriculture and all details of material civilization have reached the highest stage of perfection, but spiritual civilization has been left behind. Material civilization is like unto the lamp, while spiritual civilization is the light in that lamp. If the material and spiritual civilization become united, then we will have the light and the lamp together, and the outcome will be perfect. For material civilization is like unto a beautiful body, and spiritual civilization is like unto the spirit of life. If that wondrous spirit of life enters this beautiful body, the body will become a channel for the distribution and development of the perfections of humanity. 'Abdu'l-Baha, PUP, p.11

   • 4. Although material civilization is one of the means for the progress of the world of mankind, yet until it becomes combined with Divine civilization, the desired result, which is the felicity of mankind, will not be attained. 'Abdu'l-Baha, PUP, p.104

   • 5. The highest development of man is his entrance into the divine Kingdom, and the outcome of this human existence is the nucleus and essence of eternal life. If man is bereft of the divine bestowals and if his enjoyment and happiness are restricted to his material inclinations, what distinction or difference is there between the animal and himself? In fact, the animal's happiness is greater, for its wants are fewer and its means of livelihood easier to acquire. Although it is necessary for man to strive for material needs and comforts, his real need is the acquisition of the bounties of God. If he is bereft of divine bounties, spiritual susceptibilities and heavenly glad tidings, the life of man in this world has not yielded any worthy fruit. Abdu'l-Baha, PUP, p.335

   • 6. The crisis that exists in the world is not confined to farmers. Its effects have reached every means of livelihood. The farmers are in a sense better off because they at least have food to eat. But on the whole the crisis is serving a great purpose. It is broadening the outlook of man, teaching him to think internationally, forcing him to take into consideration the welfare of his neighbours if he wishes to improve his own condition. In short it is forcing humanity to appreciate the significance of and follow the precepts laid by Baha'u'llah. To an individual written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 2 March 1932.RD, Agriculture and Rural Life, p.2

   • 7. The oneness of mankind, which is at once the operating principle and the ultimate goal of His Revelation, implies the achievement of a dynamic coherence between the spiritual and practical requirements of life on earth. Universal House of Justice to the Baha'is of the World, 20 October 1983

   • 8. These rising impulses for change must be seized upon and channeled into overcoming the remaining barriers that block realization of the age-old dream of global peace. The effort of will required for such a task cannot be summoned up merely by appeals for action against countless ills afflicting society. It must be galvanized by a vision of human prosperity in the fullest sense of the term - an awakening to the possibilities of the spiritual and material well-being now brought within grasp. Its beneficiaries must be all of the planet's inhabitants, without distinction, without the imposition of conditions unrelated to the fundamental goals of such a reorganization of human affairs. BIC for the Universal House of Justice, The Prosperity of Humankind, 1995, p.1

   

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