Declaration – 6 Shawwal 1419 (1999-01-23)

Letter from Hazrat Agha Haj Dr. Noor Ali Tabandeh, Majzoub Ali Shah
Addressed to Mr. Naser Aghamaleki Sarvestani “Mehr Ali”

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Honorable brother Mr. Aghamaleki Mehr Ali, may God protect him,

I had hoped that the blessed month of Ramadan, in that cradle of mysticism and among the faithful, would deepen connection and closeness more than ever, and further strengthen the region’s good reputation and mystical heritage. The outward means were present too — namely, a designated venue called by the revered name of the Master of Martyrs of Humanity, the Husayniyya — which facilitated visible gatherings. But unfortunately, it did not turn out that way. So, with a broken heart, regretful lips, and a soul cursing Satan and the insidious human ego, I was forced to order the suspension of the Husayniyya’s Ramadan night gatherings. Since then, many of the brethren have expressed their regret through various means of communication, requesting the cancellation of that order. For now, the response to all of them is the following verse: وَاتَّقُوا فِتْنَةٌ لا تُصَبَنَّ الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا مِنْكُمْ خَاصَةٌ .

Your presence in Shiraz should have been well-utilized. People should have listened with both heart and ear to your noble and impartial advice. Sadly, they deprived themselves of that blessing to such an extent that it even brought you to illness and fatigue.

In many cities where the fuqara feel pressure to stop gatherings on Monday and Friday nights, I always respond that we are not the ones who close such gatherings. It is inconceivable for us to suspend them ourselves. Therefore, in Shiraz too, the gathering is not canceled — rather, the means for facilitating it have been removed, and for now, we refrain from holding the gathering at the Husayniyya. Still, even this partial suspension deeply pains the heart and scrapes at the soul.

Now that you are unwell and cannot fully supervise and oversee developments, I have dispatched the honorable brother Mr. Hossein Ali Kashani, may God protect him, to that region. I have asked him to examine the matter alongside and in service to you, and to send me a full report. I hope his visit and cooperation will be beneficial, and that God will grant us success in resolving the issue and reopening the gatherings:

One does not expect anything from outsiders but harm, but a blow from a friend — even as light as a rose petal — is painful, let alone a lash as harsh as one wielded by an enemy.