Declaration – 20 Jumada al-Awwal 1418 (1997-09-23)

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

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Dear and honorable brothers and sisters,

Numerous letters arrive from various towns, some raising personal matters and questions, and others offering general reminders that, if clarified, may benefit all of you, the brethren. On the other hand, life’s events constantly bring about new issues that require attention. Although studying the blessed treatise Pandeh Saleh and the written directives of Hazrat Agha Reza Ali Shah and Hazrat Agha Mahboub Ali Shah—may their ranks be exalted—as well as the instructions from Ramadan 1417, can help resolve many difficulties, it is nevertheless necessary to reiterate and emphasize some of those points. Therefore, I first refer the esteemed brethren to the aforementioned sources, and additionally offer the following explanations:

1. Spiritual and religious gatherings should be held on Friday and Monday nights. The honorable brethren must consider attending these gatherings among their most important duties and try to be present from the beginning. If the host is preoccupied and unable to offer hospitality, the gathering should continue in a rotating format until the matter is resolved and must not be suspended under any circumstances. The fuqara must remain committed to attending.
2. No worldly talk should take place in a spiritual gathering, and discussions related to social or personal worldly matters—although relevant individually—must be kept outside the time and place of the gathering.
3. The program of the gathering and the reading of books should be organized by the person authorized for that task. All responsibilities must be carried out exactly as directed and permitted. Others should not interfere or give instructions. If someone notices an issue or has a suggestion, they should bring it to the attention of the responsible person either before or after the session.
4. Silence must be observed in the gatherings so that everyone can benefit from the reading of the texts and focus on the remembrance of God, turning the gathering into a true circle of divine remembrance. States of spiritual ecstasy that may occur to the seeker are personal and should not be imposed on others. Such manifestations—especially when they disrupt the silence, particularly from the sisters—are inappropriate. Firstly, they reflect a lack of spiritual capacity and insufficient control. Secondly, if one is capable of restraining such behavior but fails to do so, they are either negligent or even blameworthy. Thirdly, these outward expressions disturb others and impose spiritual pressure upon them.
5. In any meeting held as a spiritual gathering, even if attended by a small group who may be close family (mahram), proper Islamic hijab must be observed, and the seating areas for sisters and brothers must be separate.
6. Senior fuqara must align their thoughts, speech, and behavior so closely with the principles of faqr that newer members may take them as role models. God forbid, even minor negligence on their part not only shows a lapse in their own spiritual conduct but also sets a misleading standard for younger or newer individuals, thereby increasing their own responsibility.
7. The issue of addiction is extremely serious. Addiction is both a personal corruption and a source of corruption for others. Addicts who are not fuqara must not be allowed into gatherings. If the person is one of the brethren, then their addiction must have occurred after entering the path, as addiction is not accepted in faqr. Such a person must take heed and at the very least consider the verse: لا تَقْرَبُوا الصَّلٰاةَ وَأَنْتُمْ سُکٰاریٰ and not defile the spiritual gathering, which is a place for the remembrance of God.
8. Under no circumstance should a friendly gathering take place before or after the spiritual gathering in the same location in a way that links to the main session. After the spiritual gathering ends, all fuqara must disperse. Eating and offering food is not part of the spiritual session, except in special cases that are announced publicly in advance.
9. In the path of dervishhood, there is no proselytizing. No one may speak or explain beyond what they have been permitted. Fuqara should lead by example, showing through their conduct that the alchemy of divine love is transforming the “base metal” of their being into gold. This state itself becomes a guide for others. The travels of the elders to various towns are solely for the purpose of offering guidance and care for the spiritual needs of the fuqara—not to spread or promote dervishhood. Ultimately, if someone seeks guidance and their sincerity is evident, they will be supported.
10. Most of the questions that arise have already been answered in the books, especially in Pandeh Saleh, the instructions of Hazrat Agha Reza Ali Shah and Hazrat Agha Mahboub Ali Shah, and the directive dated 7 Ramadan 1417. Brothers who have questions must first study these references carefully. If the answer is not found there, then they may send a letter with their inquiry.
11. As has been repeatedly emphasized, outside of spiritual gatherings and in their personal and individual lives, the brethren—like all other Iranian Shi‘a individuals—are free to make decisions with wisdom and reflection. However, as dervishes, they must in no way engage in politics. A dervish is free, but dervishhood has nothing to do with politics.
12. Unfortunate events should be seen as manifestations of the noble verse: وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْءٍ مِنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنْفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ and one should see oneself as included in: وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ . Just as iron, when placed in a furnace, bears the blows of the hammer and becomes stronger, so too must we endure. Particles that cannot bear it and break off from the iron lose their essential being. The hammer strengthens iron—but it shatters clay. I hope we are granted the blessing of a physical meeting with Hazrat Wali al-Asr (may God hasten his appearance), and, God willing, we will be as tempered steel by then.
13. Throughout the history of Islam, from the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) onward, whenever the believers have spoken with one voice, the greatness of Islam has shone forth. Division and discord are grave sins, unforgivable both by God and by creation. He said: وَلَا تَنَازَعُوا فَتَفْشَلُوا وَتَذْهَبَ رِيحُكُمْ .
14. The reward for following these instructions is described in another verse: وَلا تَهِنُوا وَلا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَنْتُمُ الْأَعْلَوْنَ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُؤْمِنِينَ . Do not weaken and do not grieve—for if you are truly believers, you will be superior.

رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَانْصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ