Consultation (Bahá'í practice) facts for kids

Consultation is a special way of talking about problems and making decisions. It's used by people who follow the Bahá'í religion. Think of it as a super organized and fair way for a group to work together and find the best solutions.

When people "consult," it usually means they discuss something, look at all the facts, and then decide. For Bahá'ís, consultation has some extra important steps that make it unique.

What is Bahá'í Consultation?

Bahá'í consultation is more than just a chat. It's a spiritual and practical process for groups to make wise decisions. It helps everyone feel heard and ensures that the best ideas rise to the top.

Key Steps in Consultation

There are several important steps that Bahá'ís follow when they consult. These steps help make sure the discussion is fair and productive.

Starting with Prayer

Before any discussion begins, everyone involved in consultation prays. This helps them focus on finding the truth and making decisions that are fair and helpful for everyone. It's about asking for divine guidance.

Listening to All Ideas

During consultation, it's important not to prefer one idea over another right away. Everyone should share their thoughts openly. The goal is to listen carefully to all suggestions before deciding.

Avoiding Repetition

To keep the discussion moving forward, participants try not to repeat the same things over and over. Once an idea has been shared, the group moves on to new thoughts and perspectives.

Making a Group Decision

At the end of the discussion, the group works to make a decision that everyone can support. The aim is to reach a shared understanding and agreement.

Voting When Needed

Sometimes, a group might not be able to agree on a single idea. If this happens, everyone votes. The idea that gets the most votes is then chosen as the group's decision.

Supporting the Decision

Once a decision is made, everyone agrees to support it, even if it wasn't their first choice. This means working together to make the decision successful. No one tries to secretly work against the group's choice.

Revisiting Decisions with New Information

If new facts are discovered later, or if the chosen idea doesn't work as well as expected, the group can consult again. They can then consider the new information and make changes if needed. This makes the process flexible and always improving.

Who Uses Consultation?

Consultation is used in many different parts of Bahá'í life. It helps groups work together smoothly and fairly.

Elected Leaders

Bahá'í elected leaders use consultation when they meet in councils. This process ensures that no single person makes all the decisions. It promotes teamwork and shared responsibility among leaders.

Families and Communities

Married couples use consultation to solve problems in their marriage. Parents and children can consult to make family decisions. Teachers and students might also consult in schools. Bahá'ís also consult as a whole community every nineteen days during their regular gatherings.