The first attribute of perfection is learning and the cultural
attainments of the mind, and this eminent station is achieved when the
individual combines in himself a thorough knowledge of those complex and transcendental
realities pertaining to God, of the fundamental truths of Qur’ánic political
and religious law, of the contents of the sacred Scriptures of other faiths,
and of those regulations and procedures which would contribute to the progress
and civilization of this distinguished country… The second attribute of
perfection is justice and impartiality. This means to have no regard for one’s
own personal benefits and selfish advantages, and to carry out the laws of God
without the slightest concern for anything else... The third requirement of
perfection is to arise with complete sincerity and purity of purpose to educate
the masses: to exert the utmost effort to instruct them in the various branches
of learning and useful sciences, to encourage the development of modern
progress, to widen the scope of commerce, industry and the arts, to further
such measures as will increase the people’s wealth... Other attributes of
perfection are to fear God, to love God by loving His servants, to exercise
mildness and forbearance and calm, to be sincere, amenable, clement and
compassionate; to have resolution and courage, trustworthiness and energy, to
strive and struggle, to be generous, loyal, without malice, to have zeal and a
sense of honor, to be high-minded and magnanimous, and to have regard for the
rights of others. Whoever is lacking in these excellent human qualities is
defective. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘The Secret of Divine Civilization’)
