Declaration – 27 Sha'ban 1437 (2016-06-03)

Declaration from His Holiness Haj Dr. Nour Ali Tabandeh, Majzoub Ali Shah
on the Occasion of the Arrival of the Blessed Month of Ramadan

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To the honorable “fuqara” of the noble Nimatullahi Gonabadi Order – may God grant them success:

I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the advent of the blessed month of Ramadan, 1437 AH, and pray to Almighty God for the blessings of health and success in worship, especially in this sacred month, for all “fuqara”. I also thank God that many of the hostilities that stemmed from ignorance and were not rooted in ill intent have now been resolved. I draw the attention of the “fuqara” to the following reminders, and I hope, with divine assistance, they strive to implement them:

1. The recitation of the Holy Quran and participation in congregational prayer are always praiseworthy and recommended, especially in the blessed month of Ramadan, when their significance and merit are even greater. Therefore, Quran recitation sessions should be held in all cities, as they are in Tehran. In cities where there are “Mashayekh” or those authorized to lead prayer, congregational prayers should also be held, and the “fuqara” should attend them.
2. The elders of the Order have always discouraged the “fuqara” from traveling during Ramadan. Thus, “fuqara” should refrain from traveling during this sacred month, especially to Bidokht.
3. “Tasawwuf” (Sufism) and “Irfan” (Mysticism), which represent true Shi’ism and adherence to the “wilayah” (Guardianship) of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), have always faced opposition, and the malicious propaganda of the enemies has taken various forms. Yet the light of truth in this sacred school continues to shine, and this noble Order remains enduring:

   The moon sheds its light while dogs continue to bark,

   Everyone weaves based on their own nature.

   God willing, the remaining animosities will turn into friendship. A “faqir” facing turmoil and hostile propaganda should seek from the Merciful God steadfastness on the path of faith and “wilayah”, clarity of mind against doubts and suspicions that obstruct the way, and strength to resist the propaganda of ignorant enemies. He should not let any pressure or threat intimidate him and should pay no heed to them. To repel the whisperings of inner and outer devils, he should engage more deeply in remembrance and contemplation, attend “faqr” gatherings to strengthen faith, and intensify his resistance against human and jinn devils. He should know that the truth of لاٰفَتیٰ اِلّاٰ عَلي لاٰ سَيف اِلّاٰ ذُوالْفَقار (“There is no youth like Ali; there is no sword like Zulfiqar”) is our supporter and best protector, and that God is sufficient for His servant, as it is said: أَلَيْسَ اللَّهُ بِكَافٍ عَبْدَهُ .
4. Repentance from sins is the duty of all believers. God commands the believers: تُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ (Quran, 24:31 - “Turn to God in repentance all together, O believers, so that you may succeed.”). Repentance leads to happiness in this world, salvation in the Hereafter, and forgiveness of sins. It is a gate of Paradise that is always open to all. May God grant us the success of repentance.
   However, the mistaken concept of “repenting from being a “Dervish”” is, in fact, repentance from Islam, Shi’ism, and even humanity itself. The path of “faqr” and the school of “Mysticism” invite to Islam, “wilayah”, and the straight path of humanity through adherence to religious laws, following the Infallible Imams (AS), remembrance of God, and service to His creation. Should someone, God forbid, “repent” from being a “Dervish”, they have turned away from all spiritual and human virtues and committed a great sin—especially if they falsely claim that this humble one approves of such an act. I renounce that person and this slander. May God protect us from dangers and missteps.
5. If some “fuqara” were once granted permissions and honors of service—whether in spiritual guidance or leading congregational prayer—and were later relieved of such duties due to various considerations, they and all “fuqara” must understand that they no longer have any permission or role. We do not recognize any secret authorizations. That “faqir” has no right to carry special expectations, travel to towns with prior titles and customs, or gather “fuqara” around them. “Fuqara” also must not treat them with any special status or hold gatherings apart from the official “faqr” assemblies that are designated for Friday nights, Mondays, and Fridays. All such behaviors indicate disloyalty to the current leader and cause division among the “fuqara”.
6. The unity and harmony of the “fuqara” is the cornerstone of all social responsibilities of the “Dervish” school. The “fuqara” must be with one another كَأَنَّهُم بُنْيَانٌ مَّرْصُوصٌ so they may stand firm against enemies, strengthen their spiritual bonds, and become a means for mercy to descend, blessings to flow, and afflictions to be averted. Therefore, especially at this time, attending “faqr” gatherings and participating in congregational prayer are among the most essential duties of the “fuqara”, as they reflect unity and cohesion. For this reason, in the city of Shahr-e Kord, the honorable brother Mr. Bahram Mardani Shahr-e Kordi, who is a long-standing “faqir” with a good reputation, is hereby authorized, from this date onward, to lead congregational prayers solely within “faqr” gatherings in Shahr-e Kord. He should consider this permission a divine favor, increase his humility before God, and serve and show modesty toward all of God's servants, especially the “fuqara”. The “fuqara” in Shahr-e Kord should follow him in prayer. He is also authorized to lead Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha prayers in accordance with their rules and conditions. There are no other authorized individuals in Shahr-e Kord.
7. The honorable brother Mr. Haj Hossein Ali Kashani of Bidokht – may God grant him success – according to previous permissions, is assigned, whenever he is able, to travel to the province like other provinces he has been authorized for, to oversee “faqr” affairs, and when necessary, to hold “Mysticism” classes, deliver lectures at “faqr” gatherings and religious events, and respond to questions and clear doubts. The “fuqara” should collaborate and cooperate with him to further promote the sacred school of “faqr” and “Mysticism”. I also extend my thanks for the affection, sacrifices, and services of the “fuqara” of Shahr-e Kord and ask God for the success of all “fuqara”.