Injustice is rife. Throughout the world it afflicts every
department of life whether in the home, at the workplace, or in the public
sphere as a consequence of the ill conduct of individuals, groups, or
government. Lamenting the horrors it breeds, Bahá'u'lláh made this poignant
remark: "Justice is, in this day, bewailing its plight, and Equity
groaneth beneath the yoke of oppression. The thick clouds of tyranny have
darkened the face of the earth, and enveloped its peoples." So grave a
situation exists at a time of unprecedented change: opposite processes of chaos
and of order interact in a spiral of turbulence that signals a transition in
the spiritual and social agenda of the world as a whole.
Human society has arrived at a stage in its evolution when
unity of the whole human race is imperative. To not appreciate this reality is
to not grasp the meaning of the current crisis in world affairs. The principle
of the oneness of humankind identifies the code for resolving the far-reaching
issues involved. As Bahá'ís, you understand that this principle implies not
only the ultimate peaceful goal that it signifies but involves, as well, your
participation in the painful tasks entailed in attaining it. Hence, you
appreciate the global connotations of instances of oppression at home or abroad
and accept the responsibility of striving, guided by the principles of the
Faith and in collaboration with others whenever possible, to combat injustice,
for the common good.
(The Universal House of Justice, from a letter dated 21
December 2006 to the Baha’is of Egypt)
