Transforming Economy for Humankind Benefit
In the face of the ongoing pandemic, the economic hardship experienced by many has been a stark reminder of the vast economic disparities between the rich and the poor. This reality is not lost on the teachings of the Baha'i Faith, which emphasises our moral and spiritual duty to protect and care for the less fortunate.
Baha'u'llah, the prophet and founder of the Baha'i Faith, was affectionately known as "Father of the Poor." He wrote that offering up one's soul is a more glorious thing than hoarding wealth, and that the poor are a trust of God and should be treated with justice and care.
Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'u'llah's son, further expanded on these teachings, stating that economic conditions are divine in nature and associated with the world of the heart and spirit. In a talk in Montreal in 1912, he asked God to endow human souls with justice so that they may strive to provide for the comfort of all.
The concept of "Humanomics," as taught by the Baha'i Faith, proposes an economic system that prioritises human well-being over economic gain. This approach aims to address economic inequalities by focusing on ensuring that basic human needs are met and that economic activities contribute to the spiritual and material welfare of all individuals, not just profit or growth metrics.
In essence, "Humanomics" calls for an economy guided by ethical and spiritual principles, emphasising equity, justice, and service to humanity. This can help restructure economic relationships to reduce inequality and promote social cohesion.
Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith, further elaborated on Abdu'l-Baha's teachings, arguing that the economic problems of the world will not be solved unless the system is changed, as the present financial system is a by-product of the old order and built on wrong assumptions.
Religion, according to Shoghi Effendi, has the power to bring about a fundamental change in human nature to enable adjustment of economic relationships in society. Practicing truthfulness, trustworthiness, and other moral values in economic activities is necessary to make the economic system more sensitive to people's needs and inject morality and spirituality into it.
While the Instagram posts reference a full article for comprehensive details, the core idea is that economic systems should be redesigned around human values and spiritual concepts rather than being driven solely by financial or material objectives. The possibility of the economic system becoming more humane looks like a far-fetched dream, but with desire and effort, it can be transformed into a tool for the prosperity of humanity.
Abdu'l-Baha believed that if human souls were endowed with justice, the material world would become a paradise, and all of humanity would live in joy, happiness, and gladness. The Baha'i Faith's vision for a human-centric economy is a step towards realising this dream, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live a comfortable and fulfilled life, free from the economic challenges that currently plague thousands daily.
[1] Baha'i International Community. (n.d.). Humanomics. Retrieved from https://www.bic.org/humanomics
[2] Office of Public Affairs. (2019, October 14). Baha'i International Community's Statement on the Occasion of the United Nations' International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Retrieved from https://news.bahai.org/stories/1442614-bahai-international-community-statement-united-nations-international-day-eradication-poverty
In light of the Baha'i Faith's principles, it is essential to redesign economic systems around human values and spiritual concepts, as personal-finance should not overshadow human well-being. As Abdu'l-Baha argues, endowing human souls with justice can turn the material world into a paradise, and the Baha'i Faith's vision for a human-centric economy can provide everyone with the opportunity for a comfortable and fulfilled life, addressing the economic hardships experienced by many during these challenging times.
