Declaration – 23 Safar 1426 (2005-04-03)

Declaration from Hazrat Dr. Nour Ali Tabandeh, Majzoub Ali Shah
To the Conference on Interfaith Peace

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My address is to those who have gathered at the conference organized by the “Cultural Foundation for Interfaith Harmony and Global Peace.” I was greatly pleased to learn that prominent figures from various religions have begun to reflect seriously on peace, harmony, and unity among religions and faiths in our time. For religion is something that cannot be imposed by force or compulsion; rather, each of us has consciously chosen it. We, as Muslims, have chosen Islam and believe it to be the last divine religion and the most complete among them. Yet this belief cannot be imposed on others, for others must investigate and seek truth for themselves to arrive at that same certainty.

Therefore, as long as followers of different religions have not reached a shared conclusion, all faiths must be respected and valued. Their adherents should be provided the means to continue their search, so that progress toward the unity of religions can be made. However, as noted, one cannot speak of religious unity without respecting the beliefs of others. Thus, although I personally believe that Islamic mysticism is the most evolved form of mystical tradition among the world’s religions, I do not impose this belief on others. Yet I hope others may one day reach the same conclusion that I have.

In recent times, many world leaders and great figures have come to understand this reality. For instance, the late Pope John Paul II, a knowledgeable and perceptive individual, visited Jerusalem and met with Orthodox leaders after centuries of division among Christian denominations. While followers of religions should not abandon their own beliefs, they must show respect for the beliefs of others and cooperate with one another socially—without having to forgo or even soften their own doctrines. This understanding must be deeply rooted in the minds of all the faithful. Fortunately, Islamic mysticism has always paid attention to this principle, and Muslim mystics have historically associated respectfully with followers of other religions. Mystical texts themselves testify to this truth.

In Islamic mysticism, every individual is considered to possess dignity and is given the opportunity to investigate, understand, and then adopt their beliefs based on comprehension. This was evident during the early spread of Islam in Iran. While it is true that the Arabs first embraced Islam and conquered many lands, it would be incorrect to say that they “conquered” Iran in the usual sense. Islam’s arrival in Iran may have involved initial conflict until it reached Ray, but beyond that point, the people themselves embraced Islamic teachings and practiced them voluntarily. How did they come to choose Islam? Because they found teachings in Islam such as respect for human beings and their rights, and support for freedom of expression and belief—values that resonated with them and drew them toward Islam.

Regrettably, in today’s world, political influence has become so dominant that even the lofty teachings of religions have come under its control. Even the advocacy for peace is now often entangled with political agendas, used to support or oppose certain factions. Religious leaders must strive to distance spiritual beliefs from political domination and prevent them from being manipulated by various ideologies. Of course, individuals are free to choose their own political and social paths, and they are also free to follow one of the revealed religions in matters of faith. But when people’s religious emotions are manipulated—something that is sadly widespread in modern politics—it not only distorts beliefs but also deprives people of the ability to make sound choices in faith. The result is greater conflict among followers of different religions. That is why the work of interfaith organizations is vital, and why global peace provides an opportunity for such foundations to continue the search for spiritual truth.

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Let me add that I had previously received a letter from Mr. Maharishi Kapil Adwait, the esteemed president of the foundation, informing me of this conference and inviting me to attend. Naturally, as every letter deserves a reply, I wrote the following in response to that invitation:

Mr. Maharishi Kapil Adwait

Farvardin 14, 1384 (SH) – April 3, 2005

Warm greetings. I received your kind invitation to participate in the conference of the Foundation for Interfaith Harmony and Global Peace. I, too, support the establishment of such a foundation with the stated aim. The history of recent centuries warns us to remain vigilant about the infiltration of enemies into the spiritual domain of religion. Without falling into the abyss of cynicism—but keeping in mind إِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ —we must exercise due caution and uphold God’s word: وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِي آدَمَ as a standard for honoring our fellow human beings.

Religious beliefs are deeply personal and cannot be imposed upon others. Naturally, every religious person believes their own faith is superior—otherwise, they would not have chosen it over others. What all religions share is “faith” itself: the acceptance of spiritual doctrines, commitment to them, and submission to a specific spiritual and social order. We Muslims have chosen Islam because we view it as a religion of peace, sincerity, and freedom. We interact with all honored children of Adam in a spirit of intimacy and spiritual exchange. Since we believe لَا إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ , we consider it not only a right—but a duty—for all people to seek out the most refined spiritual path. We view the provision of freedom for such seeking as a cornerstone of global peace, and we believe it is the responsibility of all humanity—especially the religious—to preserve and establish such peace. In particular, we consider the path of mystical wayfaring essential for the devout of all religions.

Mysticism, which is in fact the true essence and spirit of all divine religions, serves as their connecting bridge and shared foundation. I, the humblest servant of God, along with my spiritual and familial predecessors, have walked this path, made sacrifices to uphold it, and endured unjust attacks—sometimes with patience or, when necessary, in self-defense—in accordance with the verse: وَإِذَا خَاطَبَهُمُ الْجَاهِلُونَ قَالُوا سَلَامًا . India has long been a center of Islamic mysticism, and the efforts of the great Muslim mystic Dara Shukoh to bring Islam and Hinduism closer are approved and admired by all true followers of religion. Today, India remains a symbol of global peace and mysticism, and God willing, it will continue to be so in the future.

Mr. Hossein Ali Kashani Bidokhti, who has studied theoretical mysticism and has been engaged in the mystical path under the guidance of my spiritual predecessors for many years, will attend the conference. If necessary, he will provide explanations. This invitation and its response are themselves steps along the path of mystical wayfaring and contemplative study of gnosis. I pray for your success on the straight path.