Role of youth in the society

Baha’u’llah urged every person to learn and practice an art, trade, craft or profession for the good of themselves, their families and society as a whole. This principle, fundamental to the identity and the spiritual life of all Baha’is, calls each person to develop, train and perfect their art, craft, science or profession to the highest possible level of proficiency, beauty and service. In fact, the Baha’i writings say that work performed in the spirit of service rises to the level of prayer and worship:

“It is enjoined upon every one of you to engage in some form of occupation, such as crafts, trades and the like. We have graciously exalted your engagement in such work to the rank of worship unto God, the True One. Ponder ye in your hearts the grace and the blessings of God and render thanks unto Him at eventide and at dawn. Waste not your time in idleness and sloth. Occupy yourselves with that which profiteth yourselves and others”. – Tablets of Baha’u’llah, p. 26.

The Baha’i teachings encourage everyone to work. Abdu’l-Baha wrote “Every person must have an occupation, a trade or a craft, so that he may carry other people’s burdens, and not himself be a burden to others.” The Baha’is envision a future human society where universal education will train all children and where no one will have to beg, be homeless or live in abject poverty – where everyone will perform useful work, and all will contribute to the welfare of society. Baha’is believe that even the simplest and most basic work can ennoble and exalt our spiritual condition

In the Baha’i Cause arts, sciences and all crafts are (counted as) worship. The man who makes a piece of notepaper to the best of his ability, conscientiously, concentrating all his forces on perfecting it, is giving praise to God. Briefly, all effort and exertion put forth by man from the fullness of his heart is worship, if it is prompted by the highest motives and the will to do service to humanity. This is worship: to serve mankind and to minister to the needs of the people. Service is prayer. A physician ministering to the sick, gently, tenderly, free from prejudice and believing in the solidarity of the human race, he is giving praise. – Abdu’l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 176-177.