Declaration – of 2nd Jumada al-Awwal 1388 (1968-07-28)

Letter from Hazrat Agha Haj Sultan Hussein Tabandeh, Reza Ali Shah
Addressed to Mr. Fani in Mashhad as General Guidance for the Fuqara

Hu
121

I extend my greetings and pray to God for the continued health, honor, and success of that noble brother. It has been a while since I received a letter — God willing, no illness has occurred. According to what has been heard, some of the brothers have been negligent in observing the prescribed duties and in adhering to the instructions, and at times, even in the Sufi gatherings, they fail to uphold the dignity and values of faqr. This has been a cause of sorrow and regret — why should some of us bring disrepute upon ourselves, the path of faqr, and our elders!?
If we act against our responsibilities, not only will it cause material and spiritual harm to ourselves, but it will also give outsiders grounds for criticism, tarnish the dignity of faqr, and bring discredit upon others. Our responsibility is far greater than that of others. God, in the Noble Quran, has stated that the reward for obedience and the punishment for disobedience are doubled for the kin of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
The late martyr, may his soul be sanctified, once expressed something to this effect: “A faqir in the state of sin is like someone holding a weapon with the intent to kill his own master.” A faqir must be more mindful than others of the etiquette of the sacred Shariah and must not bring shame upon the righteous.
Sufi gatherings are extremely sacred and dignified, designated for remembrance of God, servitude to Him, seeking intercession from the great figures of religion, and resorting to those sanctified ones. These gatherings must be kept pure from outward defilements and spiritual and moral impurities, and one must enter them with decorum.

Purify yourself, then enter the tavern of ruin,

Lest this ruined shrine be tainted by you.

Those who are unable to observe the proper etiquette would do well to avoid attending such gatherings, for they may incur the displeasure of God, the Prophet, and the great saints of the religion.

I hope the reminders from this faqir have had an effect and that from now on there will be even greater care taken in observing religious etiquette and Islamic rites. I send my greetings to the brothers, pray for everyone’s success, and ask all for their prayers in return.

And peace be upon you. May God grant you success.
Faqir Sultan Hussein Tabandeh
2nd Jumada al-Awwal 1388 – Corresponding to 1968/07/28