Declaration – 16 Muharram 1424 (2003-03-20)

Declaration from His Holiness Haj Dr. Nour Ali Tabandeh, Majzoub Ali Shah
on the Occasion of Nowruz

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This year once again, two traditions coincide for us Iranians, both of which we consider obligatory to observe:

First : The tragedy of Ashura in the year 61 AH, which has placed Muslims in eternal mourning, and we consider the month of Muharram as the time-frame for this grief.
Second : The custom and tradition attributed to Hazrat Zoroaster (AS).

In this season, the renewal of nature and the coming of spring marks the beginning of a new year for us, and the cultured nation of Iran holds both of these traditions in high regard.

1. I wish a blessed and prosperous year for all brothers and indeed for all humanity.
2. Although we lost some of our elders in the past year and tried to honor them, praise be to God, divine grace in other areas brought us comfort:

First : The Islamic and mystical knowledge classes, which have been ongoing for several years thanks to the efforts of some experienced and learned brothers, have been very successful in Tehran and many other cities.
Second : Thanks to the efforts of some brothers, a seminar held in the United States expressed devotion to Hazrat Shah Ni‘matullah Wali, Quddisa Sirruh al-‘Aziz. Gratitude is due to the organizers of this event and the particular efforts carried out with this humble one’s approval.

3. God willing, at the dawn of the new year, we shall strive to make remembrance and devotion to Hazrat Imam Husayn (AS) the sweetness of our souls, to increase our spiritual love, and to eliminate resentment and grief from our hearts. In doing so, we bring clarity to our spirits and allow the seeds of love for Aba ‘Abdillah, planted in the hearts of all believers, to blossom. Focusing on this truth revives the hearts and manifests the harmony between the spring of nature and the spring of love and innate purity.
4. The honorable Mashayekh of the order, who are honored with the duty of guiding God’s servants, must view this service as the highest form of worship and constantly remind themselves of their critical mission. Likewise, authorized individuals must strive in leading congregational prayers, serve as role models in speech and behavior, foster unity among the fuqara, adhere to divine commands, avoid prohibitions, and encourage seekers and travelers on the path to honor religious and national symbols and values. In doing so, they help attract hearts toward the straight path of wilayah.
5. All fuqara must remember that each dervish is a manifestation of faqr and dervishhood and a reflection of mystical truth and wilayah. As conveyed in the noble hadith of the Prophet (PBUH): كُلُّكُمْ رَاعٍ وَکُلُّکُمْ مَسْئُولٌ عَنْ رَعِیَّتِه , they must be ornaments to the path. Especially in these times, it is necessary to be armed with knowledge and elevate their religious and mystical understanding, while adorning themselves with piety, honesty, and integrity.
6. The pioneers and senior fuqara who have walked the path of faqr for many years must take the loyal companions of Imam Husayn (AS) as their model—supporting the religion of God, the Imam of the Age (AS), and embodying zeal, sacrifice, and love of faith. They must act as role models for the youth, accompany and support beginners with kindness, and in turn, the youth should honor and respect their elders.
7. Young people should use their strength and talents to pursue knowledge and virtue, participate enthusiastically and sincerely in faqr services with proper coordination, and avoid anything that wastes their time or the precious capital of youth. They should value the company of the righteous and take lessons from worldly events, which are valuable sources of wisdom.
8. Honorable women must uphold modesty, chastity, religious integrity, loyalty to marriage, and commitment to household responsibilities. They should endure life’s hardships patiently and strive to strengthen the sacred foundation of the family. Observing Islamic hijab—which greatly influences societal life—must be part of their practice. They should take pride in their role in nurturing future generations and regard it as a path to closeness with God.
9. Fuqara who are honored to hold faqr gatherings in their homes, whether inside or outside the country, must consider the host of the gathering to be the master (Mawla) and the fuqara to be guests of the Mawla during the session. Therefore, they must approach the responsibilities and requirements of this honored service with utmost seriousness.
10. Fuqara who serve in various functions of the Husayniyyas and faqr gatherings must remember that service is a spiritual commitment. Sincere service is accepted by God and loved by His friends. Thus, they should perform their duties لِوَجْهِ الله (“for the sake of God”) and strive to carry them out in the best possible manner. Of course, others are responsible for showing them love and appreciation.
11. According to the wise saying of the Prophet (PBUH), gatherings for the remembrance of God are gardens of paradise on earth. He instructed us to partake of their fruits—namely, remembrance of God, knowledge of the truth, divine love, and spiritual virtues. This noble hadith, which is the highest authorization from the leader of humanity for gatherings of faqr and remembrance, reminds us to participate in them regularly—especially on Friday and Monday nights—and to fully observe the etiquettes of order, silence, attentiveness, and mindfulness, so we may increase our benefit and receive divine mercy. In all social interactions, family visits, hospitality, and mutual dealings, fuqara must adhere to all spiritual and religious principles, which increase sustenance and attract divine blessings.
12. As has been repeatedly emphasized in the books of the elders of the order and previous declarations, we must realistically acknowledge the current social crisis of addiction to narcotics and its irreversible damage. Against this major global affliction—promoted for the benefit of a few profiteers to destroy human virtues, honor, religion, and to mislead the youth and devastate humanity—collective responsibility is essential for its eradication. The fuqara bear an especially sensitive and vital responsibility in this regard.
13. The satanic steps of the enemies of wilayah (guardianship) and irfan (mysticism) have existed in every era, merely changing form. Fuqara must always keep in mind the content of the verse الَّذِینَ صَبَرُوا وَعَلَی رَبِّهِمْ یَتَوَکَّلُونَ , which was revealed about Bilal al-Habashi, ‘Ammar ibn Yasir, Suhayb al-Rumi, and Khabbab—loyal companions of the Prophet (PBUH)—and strive with patience, perseverance, and trust in God to worship and obey Him and support His religion, hoping in the promise: كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَأَغْلِبَنَّ أَنَا وَرُسُلِي .
14. As fuqara, we are honored to be Twelver Shi‘ites awaiting the appearance of the ultimate reformer, the divine proof, Hazrat Qa’im, Imam al-Zaman (may God hasten his reappearance). Therefore, by relying on the grace of the saints, maintaining continuous remembrance and thought, preserving purity, practicing the etiquettes of shari‘ah and tariqat, and strengthening the spirit of faith and servitude, we must strive to improve society and help realize the virtuous life—“hayat tayyibah”—promised in the Quran.