Declaration – 19 Muharram 1418 (1997-05-26)

Instructions from Hazrat Agha Haj Dr. Noor Ali Tabandeh, Majzoub Ali Shah
to the Fuqara of America

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Honorable brothers Mr. …

Greetings and prayers for divine success for you and all the brethren.

The matters discussed here, although relevant to all brothers, are addressed to three of the esteemed brothers who comparatively have a longer association than the others, for the sake of convenience. However, all brothers are equally cherished and loved by this humble servant, and are considered recipients of this letter. I pray to God for the health and success of all the brethren and their families.

I was pleased and gave thanks to God upon hearing reports about the creation of an atmosphere of unity, affection, and love among all.

Dear brothers, please pay attention: the atmosphere of familiarity and closeness that has now emerged can make up for the long deprivation of gatherings. It should not be damaged. If any of you have criticisms of a fellow believer, you must address them in private (not publicly), in a friendly manner. Discuss it so that if the criticism is valid, it may be corrected. And if both parties agree that it is not valid, then suspicions are removed. In any case, even if no agreement is reached, no one has the right to treat their opinion as absolute or binding. Rather, with attention to the hadith: لَوْ عَلِمَ اَبوُذَرُ ما في قَلْبِ سَلْمَانَ لَكَفَرَهُ , one must live in friendship with the beliefs of one’s brother, and envision the world of faqr as a flourishing garden where all kinds of flowers bloom and are preserved.

Now that, after a period of interruption and suspension of gatherings, the flame of longing and affection has rekindled and made it possible to reconvene, I draw your attention to the letter I wrote to the “Brothers and Sisters Living Abroad” and emphasize that the resumption of gatherings marks the end of the suspension period. Therefore, all conditions, duties, and authorizations previously set by Hazrat Reza Ali Shah and Hazrat Mahboub Ali Shah—may their stations be exalted—remain in full effect and should continue accordingly.

Based on your collective decision, if deemed appropriate to hold a gathering on Friday morning, and if Mr. … has no objection, the gathering may be held there. The Friday sermon can be recited or its recording, prepared here, may be played. In general, for all gatherings, the manner of hospitality should follow the custom practiced here. Mr. Shariat is also expected to travel to that region soon. Please request his cooperation in organizing the matter in the manner described above. If he deems any changes necessary, he should suggest them to me, and if approved, they may be implemented. At appropriate intervals, one of the brothers should participate in the gatherings of other cities. Wassalam.