Spiritual solutions to economic problems
Religion Alone Can Enable Man to Adjust the Economic Relationships of Society[edit]
"… By the statement 'the economic solution is divine in nature' is meant that religion alone can, in the last resort, bring in man's nature such a fundamental change as to enable him to adjust the economic relationships of society. It is only in this way that man can control the economic forces that threaten to disrupt the foundations of his existence, and thus assert his mastery over the forces of nature."
- (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, December 26, 1935, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1871)
A New Universal Attitude Needs to be Fostered—Based on Spiritual Verities[edit]
"The inordinate disparity between rich and poor, a source of acute suffering, keeps the world in a state of instability, virtually on the brink of war. Few societies have dealt effectively with this situation. The solution calls for the combined application of spiritual, moral and practical approaches. A fresh look at the problem is required, entailing consultation with experts from a wide spectrum of disciplines, devoid of economic and ideological polemics, and involving the people directly affected in the decisions that must urgently be made. It is an issue that is bound up not only with the necessity for eliminating extremes of wealth and poverty but also with those spiritual verities the understanding of which can produce a new universal attitude. Fostering such an attitude is itself a major part of the solution."
- (Universal House of Justice, Promise of World Peace, pp. 10-11, Haifa, 1985, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1872)
The binding but not compulsory duty (Huqúqu'lláh?) to give to the poor each year is more pleasing to God than compulsory sharing[edit]
"Gracious God! How can one see one’s fellow men hungry, destitute, and deprived, and yet live in peace and comfort in one’s splendid mansion? How can one see others in the greatest need and yet take delight in one’s fortune? That is why it has been decreed in the divine religions that the wealthy should offer up each year a portion of their wealth for the sustenance of the poor and the assistance of the needy. This is one of the foundations of the religion of God and is an injunction binding upon all. And since in this regard one is not outwardly compelled or obliged by the government, but rather aids the poor at the prompting of one’s own heart and in a spirit of joy and radiance, such a deed is most commendable, approved, and pleasing.
"This is the meaning of the righteous deeds mentioned in the heavenly Books and Scriptures."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, par. 78-12-13)
