Declaration of 11 Rabi al-Thani 1332 (1914-03-07)

The lofty decree of Hazrat Mawla al-Mawali, Hazrat Haj Mulla Ali Gonabadi, Noor Ali Shah II
which has been issued as an announcement to all the followers of the Nematollahi Sultan Ali Shahi order.

In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate

According to the pleasure of Allah and the satisfaction of the prophets, saints, and the righteous, I hereby warn all spiritual brothers and faithful companions to inform one another and convey the following points:

  1. Anyone among the believers, followers of the path of Amir al-Mu'minin, and seekers of the way of certainty who desires the pleasure of this humble servant and other great figures of religion must strive to preserve the outward signs of divine dignity and adhere to the etiquette and obligations of Sharia, which are truly the rights of believers. The closer one is, the more obedient they are to commands. Preserving the inner meaning through outward appearance and guarding the inner essence through external form is essential. Be among the virtuous travelers, not the dishonorable ones.
  2. Speaking ill of the leader of a group, even if they are disbelievers, and uttering offensive words or insults about them is outwardly forbidden and contrary to the words of the All-Knowing King.
  3. If the People of the Book—Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians—engage in consuming liquid intoxicants or pork, they become impure by default due to the impossibility of assuming purity. Therefore, it is not permissible to share meals or interact closely with them under these conditions, unlike with a non-practicing Muslim.
  4. Anyone who has pledged allegiance and embraced faith must annually, on the first of Shawwal, contribute one Sa‘ (a unit of measurement) of their staple food or its equivalent as a reminder of their pledged faith. This should not be delivered to the public treasury but rather directly or indirectly to the leading figure of the time, who will ensure it reaches its rightful recipients. No one is exempt from this except those who lack even enough food for a few days. According to traditions and legal rulings, this is also a matter of religious precaution.
  5. Anyone who has completed the Hajj pilgrimage, performed the circumambulation of the Kaaba, and hosted a banquet must offer a sacrifice during the Eid al-Adha in attendance.
  6. The buying and selling of human beings in this era is contrary to religious principles and against the norms of civilization. All officially recognized slaves and maidservants are hereby freed and are like other citizens of the land.
  7. All those who have received spiritual instruction and become seekers of the heart must recite the Fatiha for the righteous, which is performed instead of the khutbah in the name of the current Sultan, every night and day. This should be done audibly, and laypeople are included in this practice.
  8. Disputes and conflicts among the dervishes and spiritual seekers are causes of divine wrath, both in spirit and material wealth, for both parties. They also cause distress to this humble servant and trouble the Messenger of Allah.
  9. On Friday night and until midday, no dervish should engage in worldly affairs. This time is exclusively for worship, remembrance, visitation, service, fellowship, and communal gatherings, as agreed upon, and not for other purposes.

And peace be upon those who follow guidance.