The Two-Fold Purpose of Life: A Baha’i Perspective for Youth

As a professor of urban planning and public health, I’m always confronted by students’ desire to “change the world.” I use the opportunity to help students recognize the need for cultivating our personal capacity for reading the realities of our communities through self-reflection and reflexivity as well as cultural humility while simultaneously engaging with like-minded and like-hearted individuals and organizations to create communities that collectively care about each other and the planet we all call home. As I think about ways to enhance my pedagogy in the classroom, I also think about ways I can accompany young Baha’is who are just embarking on their education and trying to find ways to balance life, school and commitment to constructing a world that is more healthy, just and peaceful. This reflection emerged from that process.

The Baha’i teachings describe our lives as having a two-fold purpose: to know and worship God and to contribute to the betterment of society. For youth, this dual mission provides a powerful framework for both personal growth and meaningful action in the world.

Knowing and Worshiping God

Baha’u’llah explains, “The purpose underlying all creation is the knowledge of God.” ^{This means that every soul is created to recognize and connect with its Creator. However, knowing God doesn’t mean merely believing in a higher power—it’s about developing spiritual qualities like love, kindness, and honesty.}

In The Hidden Words, Baha’u’llah shares: “I created thee rich, why dost thou bring thyself down to poverty? Noble I made thee, wherewith dost thou abase thyself?” This reminds us that discovering our true potential is a form of worship. Through prayer, reflection, and aligning our actions with divine teachings, we draw closer to God and uncover our spiritual nobility.

For youth, this connection can be expressed in practical ways: appreciating nature, striving for self-discipline, or simply taking moments each day to reflect on the qualities of God, such as love, justice, and compassion.

Contributing to the Betterment of Society

The second purpose of life is to contribute to the advancement of humanity. Baha’u’llah states: “Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and center your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements.” ^{This calls us to focus on solving problems in our communities and making the world a better place.}

For young people, this purpose can take many forms: helping a classmate who feels left out, volunteering to clean up a park, or using talents like art, writing, or science to inspire others and address social challenges. Abdu’l-Baha encouraged youth to serve humanity, saying: “Be kind to all peoples; care for every person; turn the darkness of ignorance into the light of guidance; and illumine the world and bring felicity to the human race.”

Balancing Both Purposes

Our spiritual growth and social contribution are deeply connected. Abdu’l-Baha teaches that “the happiness and greatness, the rank and station of each soul, depend upon the measure in which they manifest the divine virtues and are promoters of the divine teachings.” ^{When we work to improve ourselves spiritually, we become better equipped to serve others. Similarly, when we serve humanity, we grow closer to God by reflecting His attributes in our actions.}

For youth, this balance might look like praying for strength before organizing a fundraiser or meditating on kindness before stepping up to resolve a conflict among friends. Both aspects of life—the inner and the outer—work together to help us fulfill our purpose.

Conclusion

The Baha’i Writings offer a profound yet practical vision for life’s purpose: to develop our spiritual potential and serve humanity. For young people, this means realizing that every day holds opportunities to grow closer to God and to make a difference in the world. As Baha’u’llah encourages: “Let your vision be world-embracing, rather than confined to your own self.” ^{With this perspective, life becomes an exciting journey of personal growth and collective impact.}