Universal Compulsory Education

Baha'u'llah committed the Baha'i community to the principle of universal education before it was an established concept in any of the governments of the world. He made it mandatory for Baha'is to arrange for the education of their children. He instructed the governance structures of the Baha'i Faith to ensure the education of all children if some parents could not or would not provide it and explicitly directed the Baha'is concerning its funding and administration.

Unto every father hath been enjoined the instruction of his son and daughter in the art of reading and writing and in all that hath been laid down in the Holy Tablet. He that putteth away that which is commanded unto him, the Trustees are then to take from him that which is required for their instruction, if he be wealthy, and if not the matter devolveth upon the House of Justice. Verily, have We made it a shelter for the poor and needy. He that bringeth up his son or the son of another, it is as though he hath brought up a son of Mine; upon him rest My Glory, My loving kindness, My Mercy, that have compassed the world. (Kitab-i-Aqdas, 37)

The emphasis on education is integral to Baha'i community. The reliance on science and reason, the lack of a clergy, the independent investigation of truth, elected administration, and consultation for problem solving necessitate an educated body of participants. Education is the means by which the latent capacities of human reality are revealed.

Man is the supreme Talisman. Lack of a proper education hath, however, deprived him of that which he doth inherently possess. Through a word proceeding out of the mouth of God he was called into being; by one word more he was guided to recognize the Source of his education; by yet another word his station and destiny were safeguarded. The Great Being saith: Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom…. (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, 259–60)

…Schools must first train the children in the principles of religion, so that the Promise and the Threat recorded in the Books of God may prevent them from the things forbidden and adorn them with the mantle of the commandments; but this in such a measure that it may not injure the children by resulting in ignorant fanaticism and bigotry. (Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh, 68)

Strain every nerve to acquire both inner and outer perfections, for the fruit of the human tree hath ever been and will ever be perfections both within and without. It is not desirable that a man be left without knowledge or skills, for he is then but a barren tree. Then, so much as capacity and capability allow, ye needs must deck the tree of being with fruits such as knowledge, wisdom, spiritual perception and eloquent speech. (Compilation on Bahá'í Education, 59)

Baha'u'llah provides additional guidance with respect to the content and usefulness of education. It should produce beneficial results for society by increasing the ability of individuals to serve humankind.

Knowledge is as wings to man's life, and a ladder for his ascent. Its acquisition is incumbent upon everyone. The knowledge of such sciences, however, should be acquired as can profit the peoples of the earth, and not those which begin with worlds and end with words. Great indeed is the claim of scientists and craftsmen on the peoples of the world. Unto this beareth witness the Mother Book on the day of His return. Happy are those possessed of a hearing ear. In truth, knowledge is a veritable treasure for man, and a source of glory of bounty, of joy, of exaltation, of cheer and gladness unto him. Thus hath the Tongue of Grandeur spoken in this Most Great Prison. (Tablets of Baha'u'llah, 51-52)