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SECTION 1
This book is primarily concerned with the material means that, to reach its lofty goals, the
Baha'i community will require in ever-increasing abundance. Much, of course, will have to be said
about the spiritual conditions under which such means are generated and employed, given our
conviction that true human progress depends on achieving coherence between the material and
spiritual dimensions of life. The global civilization to which our labors are giving rise will be both
materially and spiritually prosperous. Throughout human history, a limited number of individuals,
groups, and even nations have enjoyed material prosperity, while others have struggled to survive
in a state of poverty. The prosperity of the civilization we envision-a prosperity that will embrace
humankind in its entirety-is to be governed by spiritual principles, many of which we will
examine in the three units of this book.

SECTION 2
For most of us, our material concerns are confined largely to fulfilling the basic
requirements of a dignified life; we could hardly be considered rich. Yet, whatever our individual
circumstances, it may prove fruitful for us to begin our deliberations in this book by reflecting on
the concept of wealth, for, if a truly prosperous society is to emerge, humanity's attitude towards
wealth has to undergo profound transformation.

In the Tablet ofTarazat, Baha'u'llah states:

"The first Taraz and the first effulgence which hath dawned from the horizon of the
Mother Book is that man should know his own self and recognize that which leadeth
unto loftiness or lowliness, glory or abasement, wealth or poverty. Having attained
the stage of fulfillment and reached his maturity, man standeth in need of wealth, and
such wealth as he acquireth through crafts or professions is commendable and
praiseworthy in the estimation of men of wisdom, and especially in the eyes of servants
who dedicate themselves to the education of the world and to the edification of its
peoples." 1

In The Secret of Divine Civilization, 'Abdu'l-Baha explains the conditions under which
wealth is praiseworthy.

"Wealth is praiseworthy in the highest degree, if it is acquired by an individual's own

efforts and the grace of God, in commerce, agriculture, art and industry, and if it be
expended for philanthropic purposes. Above all, if a judicious and resourceful
individual should initiate measures which would universally enrich the masses of the
people, there could be no undertaking greater than this, and it would rank in the sight
of God as the supreme achievement, for such a benefactor would supply the needs
and insure the comfort and well-being of a great multitude. Wealth is most
commendable, provided the entire population is wealthy. If, however, a few have
inordinate riches while the rest are impoverished, and no fruit or benefit accrues from
that wealth, then it is only a liability to its possessor."2

Giving: The Spiritual Basis of Prosperity - l