Declaration – 27 Rabi‘ al-Thani 1433 (2012-03-20)

Declaration of Hazrat Dr. Nour Ali Tabandeh, Majzoub Ali Shah
On the Occasion of Nowruz

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In the beginning, we begin in the name of God, the Creator of all existence.

Nowruz is one of the most significant Persian and Iranian holidays. By “Iranian and Persian”, we do not mean limited to the political borders drawn around some people to separate them from others. This holiday is respected in Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and the surrounding regions. Especially since Islam has, from the beginning, been in agreement with this celebration and has ordained joy and festivity for humankind and the believers. Islam has not commanded mourning or hardship, as it views all matters as being in the hands of God, not others. Whatever occurs is considered a divine command.

I especially extend Nowruz greetings to our fellow believers—some of whom are present here, and others, whom we call “the flowers of our family”, are in prison and captivity. Their true place is in our hearts; though their bodies are confined, they reside in our hearts. I have fortunately heard that they are now afforded some level of comfort, but this comfort, when accompanied by disrespect toward the path and suppression of “Mysticism”, does not serve as true compensation. Islam speaks of the dignity and worth of human beings and states: وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِي آدَمَ , and has designated joyful celebrations for humanity in all seasons, for both winter and summer are divine creations and equally honored by us.

Although what follows has been discussed many times and written in books, I offer them again as reminders:

1. Preserving Nowruz and ancient traditions is not in opposition to Islam. Rather, it is one of Islam’s distinguishing features, also discussed in Islamic jurisprudence. “Mysticism” is one of the accepted principles of Islam. Only customs that contradict the core of Islam should be discarded. Otherwise, local traditions are preserved. When Islamic armies entered new lands, they honored this principle. Even in the time of Imam Sadiq (AS), he explicitly stated that Nowruz is blessed and should be observed, and he prescribed specific supplications for it—including the one we recite at the start of the year.
2. The Holy Quran, which elevated the Prophet from the appearance of an ordinary man to the highest ranks of divine favor, is the true source of guidance. So, read the Quran attentively—not just for funerals. It is for the living and the future of humanity. Read it carefully and reflectively so that every word and verse becomes a guide for your life.
3. One of the direct effects of attending “faqr” gatherings is becoming familiar with Islamic principles and divine will. Regular presence on Friday and Monday nights, with discipline, silence, and mindful attention, has significant spiritual benefits. It constantly reminds the “faqir” of their moral commitments and reflects the solidarity and unity of the “fuqara”.
4. The core of Islam is “wilayah” (divinely appointed guardianship), beginning with the Prophet and extending to the Imams. The basis of “wilayah” is the Quran, which says: اللَّهُ وَلِيُّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا and إِنَّمَا وَلِيُّكُمُ اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا... . “Wilayah” means accepting God’s authority over oneself. Those who hold this guardianship are respected by believers. They are alive in God’s presence, as noted in عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ يُرْزَقُونَ . Thus, visiting the graves of righteous religious figures is commendable. The “fuqara” honor the Mazar-e-Soltani in Beydokht, where four great mystics are buried. Let the guidelines for visitation be followed as outlined in the Declarations, and let the dear “fuqara” of Beydokht—honorary custodians of this luminous shrine—serve as models in attending “faqr” gatherings and congregational prayer.
5. The enemies of “faqr” and Sufism are ideological adversaries—not the peace-loving people of Iran. Their main tactic is sowing division among believers to weaken them. Another is to erode belief in righteousness. The Quran says: الَّذِينَ يُحِبُّونَ أَن تَشِيعَ الْفَاحِشَةُ . Those who spread indecency and lies among the faithful are enemies of religion. Another tactic is promoting vice, such as drugs—yet our Order forbade narcotics 150 years ago, a fact they ignore.
6. God describes the Muslim community as a balanced and moderate one. So, we must avoid exaggeration in all behavior, speech, and writing, even if exaggeration is common. God willing, let us remain moderate.
7. God told the Prophet Moses: وَذَكِّرْهُم بِأَيَّامِ اللَّهِ . Remind the people of “Ayamullah”—those days when divine triumphs occurred. Islam includes such days: the Prophet’s birth, Eid al-Ghadir, Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, and others like “Dervish Day” (3 Esfand), which commemorates the unity and devotion of the “fuqara”. Let us honor this day as it has been recognized by many inside and outside Iran.
8. In “Mysticism”, women have a noble place and bear significant responsibility in raising future generations. They must not let social corruption justify laxity or distance from spirituality. Like Asiyah, the wife of Pharaoh, they must preserve their faith and dignity. Our believing sisters must observe modesty and maintain their spiritual responsibilities—especially during visits and “faqr” gatherings—and avoid outward displays of emotion in such settings.
9. Most divisions among believers arise from material disputes. At the start of the new year, as we cleanse our homes, we must also cleanse our hearts of resentment and reconcile with others. In matters of partnership, business, and loans, act according to Quran 2:282, write down agreements to prevent worldly matters from overpowering spiritual bonds.
10. The true Shi‘i school believes politics is a part of religion. In Ziyarat Jami‘a Kabira, we say to the Imams: وَأَنْتُمْ سَاسَةُ الْعِبَادِ (“You are the stewards of God's servants”). Their concern was guiding and protecting the faith. When some weak-hearted companions questioned why Imam Ali’s approach differed from Mu‘awiyah’s politics, he explained that Mu‘awiyah’s ways were deceptive and worldly. True politics must align with piety. The world of “faqr”, following its Master, avoids deceitful politics but upholds righteous engagement. Gaining political awareness is praiseworthy if it serves others and does not violate sacred law.
11. Supplication—calling upon God—originates from the heart. When the tongue joins with focused attention, it becomes powerful. It keeps hope alive and defeats despair, which is akin to disbelief. At the dawn of the new year, let us sincerely pray for goodness and purity for all. Let us repent, so that God’s mercy may cleanse our souls and empower us on our spiritual journey.

    Without the grace of God and His elect,

    Even an angel’s page may be stained with defect.

    Let us remember that God accomplishes all good through the believers. He says: هُوَ الَّذِي أَيَّدَكَ بِنَصْرِهِ وَبِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ . So let us pray with heart and mind: رَبَّنَا آمَنَّا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ .

    Both prayer is from You, and the answer too;

    Safety is from You, and awe also comes from You.

    If we have spoken in error, You correct it;

    You are the Reformer, O Sovereign of Speech.

    You possess the alchemy to transform it all,

    Even a stream of blood, You can turn into indigo.

12. The appearance and return of the Promised One, Imam Mahdi (AJ), is the greatest hope of those who truly know God and the ultimate aim of seekers. Renewing our covenant with the Imam of the time is a divine gift within the reach of the “fuqara”. We must pray for the success to benefit from it and let its sweetness permeate our hearts. By following the Shari‘ah, practicing the manners of the “tariqah”, rising in the early dawn, reading the Quran, maintaining purity, showing kindness, and removing pride and selfishness—the greatest obstacles to spiritual growth—we prepare for his appearance. If not in the world, then in our hearts, where he may manifest and turn the soul into the Throne of God, radiating infinite light and filling our being with peace. This is the true meaning of expectation.

    The one who waits has one eye closed, the other open,

    Watching from which direction the answer to need will be spoken.

    The breath of the waiting ones is short, their lips dry,

    O You who are the answer—hear their cry!