Declaration – 1 Shawwal 1415 (1995-02-11)

Congratulations from His Holiness Haj Ali Tabandeh, Mahboub Ali Shah
on the Blessed Eid al-Fitr and a Reminder of Several Points to All Fuqara

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To the faithful brothers, the Fuqara of the Nimatullahi Sultan Ali Shahi Order—May God grant them success:

While extending congratulations on the blessed Eid al-Fitr and praying for the acceptance of your devotions and acts of worship, I would like to briefly present a few reminders—points you are already generally aware of and that have been mentioned repeatedly—as further emphasis:

1. Just as in the past the fuqara have been committed to the observance of the sacred laws of Islam and to following the Twelve Imams (peace be upon them), the dear brothers must continue to uphold this righteous path so that they may not fall into the displeasure of God, His Messenger, and the Pure Imams (peace be upon them).
2. Show respect to the seniors in faqr, especially the honorable ma’dhuns, and remind newcomers of the importance of this matter. The esteemed ma’dhuns should also interact with their brothers and sisters in faith with kindness, respect, and gentle speech.
3. Brothers must not neglect attending faqr gatherings and preserving their proper decorum. Participation in these gatherings must be solely for the glorification of the religion and remembrance of God. No worldly or financial motives should be considered or allowed.

Expressing personal opinions and speaking ill of others—which is among the major sins—is incompatible with the sanctity of faqr gatherings. Essentially, during that brief period, one must seize the moment and avoid private conversations, idle talk, or jesting that might disrupt the inner focus and attention of others.

4. The books read during faqr gatherings, whether prose or poetry, are meant to deepen attention, remembrance, and insight in religion. In poetry, using modern or non-spiritual styles, exaggerated expressions, or improper formats is inappropriate for such gatherings. As much as possible, the poetry of mystic poets like Rumi and Saadi should be used. For prose, reading the works of later mystics who were knowledgeable about the religious issues of their time—especially the writings of this faqir’s esteemed ancestors, the recent Qutbs of the Order, and my noble father, His Holiness Reza Ali Shah, may God elevate their noble station—is valuable. It is best that the noble treatise Pand-e Saleh, which encompasses both the laws of shari‘ah and the path of tariqah, be read repeatedly and in rotation.

I hope that God grants all of us the success of worship and obedience, and that He directs all our concerns solely toward attaining His pleasure.