Declaration – 29 Shawwal 1417 (1997-03-09)

Letter from Hazrat Agha Haj Dr. Noor Ali Tabandeh, Majzoub Ali Shah
to Brothers and Sisters Living Abroad

---

Brothers and sisters living abroad!

Although you are far from our eyes, our hearts remain close, and we hope for the opportunity to see you. Certainly, you share the same wish. First, I pray for the strength and patience for everyone in the mourning of the passing of the noble master, Hazrat Haj Ali Agha Mahboub Ali Shah. Many of you brothers have sent condolences and kind words, for which I am grateful, and I hope to have the opportunity to respond directly. However, if preoccupations and obligations cause a delay in fulfilling this duty, I offer my apologies, and along with collective thanks, I would like to remind you of the following points:

1. Most of the troubles in today’s world stem from the lack of human unity, and among us Muslims, it is due to neglecting the command: وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللهِ جَميعاً وَلا تَفَرَّقُوا . The fuqara are especially commanded to obey this instruction.
2. Try to resolve any misunderstandings or grievances you may have with a brother or sister today, even if you are in the right. Show magnanimity and visit that companion to resolve the tension. I hope they will also come toward you, so that you meet halfway.
3. If you learn of discord or complaints among some of the fuqara, try to mediate and resolve it. If necessary and helpful, invite both parties and bring them face-to-face in a gathering to address the concern. Any customary expenses you incur in this path will be counted among the divine deeds.
4. You, living outside Iran, undoubtedly have a greater need for unity. Be assured that our troubles mainly stem from division and disunity.
5. At a gathering of need during the time of Hazrat Masta’ali Shah, Mohammad Shah Qajar was also present and, by order of the Pir, sat at the end of the assembly. A noble dervish, outwardly low in status, named Gada Ali, sat at the head of the gathering, directly across from him. Mohammad Shah recited the verse:

   Let me praise the gathering of love, where

   The beggar and the king sit face to face.

   Hazrat Masta’ali Shah expelled him from the gathering because, even indirectly, he had identified himself as the king.
   In spiritual gatherings, we are all brothers and sisters and equal, and no one has merit unless they have been granted permission. Even then, that merit is only to the extent that it enables them to fulfill their responsibility. Showing respect to the authorized person is, in essence, respect for the permission itself.

6. Only someone who has received permission may speak, and no tasks or duties should be carried out in spiritual gatherings without permission.
7. Under no circumstances should political matters be discussed in spiritual gatherings. If some of the fuqara are individually involved in such matters, they must not bring them into the gathering. After the meeting ends, all should disperse and not continue the gathering informally. Friendly gatherings should not be scheduled close to or as extensions of the spiritual sessions.
8. In the Pandeh Saleh sessions, the text should be read, and the fuqara should personally study the Pandeh Saleh to the extent that its teachings and even phrases become embedded in their minds.
9. With regard to other Sufi orders, adhere to what is stated in the Pandeh Saleh. Do not attend sessions that do not align with the practices of our order. Under no circumstances should a spiritual gathering be mixed with other sessions. If even those not initiated are considered leaders, errors may occur, such as in the Gnosis journal, Winter 1994 issue, where the author ay Kinney refers to two individuals — neither of whom are among the brethren of our order — as Gonabadi guides, and reports that they founded an “International Sufi Organization.”
10. In spiritual gatherings, Islamic hijab must be observed, and the seating areas for sisters and brothers must be separate. This rule should be followed everywhere, even in private and personal meetings, but in spiritual gatherings, it is among the most binding obligations.
11. The poetic and prose works that are read should come from the great masters of mysticism. The writings of Hazrat Sultan Ali Shah, Noor Ali Shah, Saleh Ali Shah, Reza Ali Shah, Mahboub Ali Shah, and especially the Pandeh Saleh should be read. Poems should come from early Sufi poets such as Hafez, Saadi, Iraqi, Mawlavi, Attar, and others. Refrain from reading poetry based on personal taste or those not from earlier mystics.
12. At the beginning of Maghrib (sunset), prayers should be performed, and a half hour from the prayer time should be devoted to this. Those who finish their prayers earlier should spend the remaining time in silence and spiritual reflection, refraining from conversation.
13. I hope that the covenant you have made with your Lord has led your personal, familial, and social behavior to a level that makes you a model and an example of virtue. The more you strive toward this goal, the more you will be rewarded, as it is a form of honoring the covenant you have made.
14. You are aware of the tragic earthquakes in Bojnourd, Ardabil, and Meshginshahr, which caused extensive damage and loss of life to our fellow countrymen. The fuqara in every city of Iran contributed to the best of their ability and demonstrated:

    If one member is afflicted with pain,

    Other members uneasy will remain.

Thus, they showed complete solidarity with each other, with their fellow countrymen, and with all those who suffer.