Declaration – 2 Ramadan 1440 (2019-05-08)

Declaration from His Holiness Haj Dr. Noor Ali Tabandeh, Majzoub Ali Shah
Regarding the Arrival of the Blessed Month of Ramadan and Advice to the “Fuqara” of Gilan Province

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Honorable “fuqara” of the noble Ni‘matullahi Sultan Ali Shahi order (may God grant them success),

I offer my heartfelt congratulations to all believers and “fuqara” on the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan—a month of divine blessings, mercy, and forgiveness. I pray to the Merciful Lord for health and the ability for all to perform acts of worship and obedience. In light of inquiries from some “fuqara” who have shared concerns and challenges, I find it necessary to remind all, especially our dear brothers and sisters in faith in the province of Gilan, of the following points:

1. The honorable “mashayekh” and authorized representatives must serve as examples in their words and actions, embodying the teachings of the transformative school of “Mysticism” through both speech and behavior.
2. It appears that Mr. Mohammad Ma‘roufi “Sadeq Ali” is still suffering from physical weakness and psychological fatigue. Therefore, until his full recovery, “fuqara” should avoid all personal or public meetings with him, except during the official Friday night “faqr” gathering.
3. The foundation of the path of “faqr” and “Mysticism”, which is none other than true “Shi‘ism”, rests on the “permission and command of the living Qutb”. All spiritual matters must be carried out with his permission. Therefore, if Mr. Ma‘roufi, due to illness, has independently issued instructions or altered the “dhikr” or contemplative practices of a “faqir” who had previously been initiated either by himself or other “mashayekh”, such directives are invalid and must be disregarded. Adhere only to what was instructed at the time of spiritual initiation.
4. Renewal of allegiance (“bay‘a”) occurs only after the passing of a Qutb and with his designated successor. Therefore, such renewal is not customary in this noble order following the death of a “mashayekh”.
5. God has declared in the Quran that human distinction lies solely in “taqwa” (God-consciousness): إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ . While respecting those with permission and earlier initiates is necessary, the inner ranks of believers are known only to God and His closest ones. Others should not judge or speculate, as this leads to pride, spiritual harm, and setbacks in the path. The highest station in “Mysticism” is that of servanthood (“‘ubudiyyah”).
6. The leader of all gnostics is the Prophet Muhammad the Chosen One and the Imams of Guidance (peace be upon them), who, until their final breath, were devoted to servitude of God. Despite their divinely ordained infallibility, as seen in their supplications, they always regarded themselves as deficient before God. Thus, no one—especially “fuqara”—is exempt from religious duties. This noble order is distinguished by strict observance of the “Shari‘a” alongside the path of “Tariqa”, leading to “Haqiqa” and “Ma‘rifa”.
7. Each “Sheikh” acts as a “representative of the living Qutb” and may administer “bay‘a” only upon this announcement—not to call people to themselves or issue unauthorized instructions.
8. In Gilan Province, due to the current emotional condition of Mr. Ma‘roufi, the “fuqara” should refer, for spiritual matters (excluding initiation), to the honorable authorized representative Dr. Sarvar (may his success increase). As reminded in the Declaration dated 2018-12-29, religious dues from all cities of Gilan Province must be submitted through him. He shall, in coordination with our esteemed brother Haj Hossein Ali Kashani Bidokhti (may God grant him success), who has been appointed by me to oversee affairs in the province, organize the “faqr” gatherings and related matters and report to me accordingly.
9. Despairing of God’s mercy leads to disbelief. Therefore, all “fuqara” must maintain hope in God’s vast mercy and, strengthened by this light of hope and faith in the ever-open gate of repentance—which is one of the gates of paradise, especially for believers—must continue their worldly affairs and spiritual journey with firm belief and righteous action, certain that divine assistance accompanies them.