Declaration – 3 Jumada al-Thani 1439 (2018-02-20)

Excerpts from the Declaration of February 20, 2018
by His Holiness Haj Dr. Noor Ali Tabandeh, Majzoub Ali Shah

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• In the past few days, it appears there was a confrontation, though I do not know exactly between whom or how it occurred. Reportedly, several individuals (three military personnel and two Basij members) have lost their lives. I was deeply saddened by this, and from the bottom of my heart, on behalf of myself and the “fuqara”, I offer my condolences to their respected families for their return to God. I have also heard that many “fuqara” are perhaps intending to travel to Tehran—either to offer condolences or for other reasons—however, as I have previously stated, coming to Tehran is not appropriate.
• If their intention is out of concern for my health and they wish to come to Tehran, praise be to God, I am well, and there is no reason for any worry. Therefore, during this time, they should not come to Tehran.
• Fortunately, today the leadership of the country is in the hands of those who believe in God and His Messenger (PBUH). It would be commendable for them to work toward removing the enmities that cause such painful clashes and lead to distress and grief within society.
• Everyone must understand that only those who truly follow both the Shari‘a and mystical teachings are counted as “Dervishes”, and they are the true “Dervishes”.
• Therefore, there may be individuals within the path of “Dervishhood” who act contrary to the teachings of “Dervishhood” and “Mysticism”, or who, due to overwhelming emotions and excessive expressions of feeling, lose control and potentially commit inappropriate and irrational acts in the name of “Dervishhood”. They must be restrained from losing composure. Nevertheless, they are still human beings who must be cared for, so they may recognize and correct their errors.