Declaration – 1st of Rajab 1389 (1969-09-14)

General Instruction from Hazrat Agha Haj Sultan Hussein Tabandeh, Reza Ali Shah
For the Gathering of Faithful Sisters

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I offer my greetings to all faithful sisters, request prayers from everyone, and ask God for their success. I would like to share some points to increase their attention and awareness:

1. Since fulfilling the responsibilities of faqr is more demanding in this era, determination and seriousness must also be greater. One must diligently observe the etiquette of the sacred Shariah and not act contrary to the prescribed duties. Negligence in these responsibilities not only bears divine accountability but also opens the door to criticism of the community of faqr and the elders of the order. Therefore, it is expected that they exercise utmost care in their behavior and speech, knowing that God is present and observing everywhere, and the inner hearts of the elders watch over our conduct. The rulings of the noble religion of Islam are immutable and must be implemented at all times and in all places.
2. Gatherings held by women under the name of Sufi sessions must be simple and free from any displays or ceremonial hospitality. Adherence to formality distracts from the essence of the gathering and leads to preoccupation with appearances. This causes hosts to compete in outward extravagance as is common in material hosting, and results in some who cannot afford such elaborate hospitality being deprived of the blessings of participating. Therefore, women should conduct their gatherings in the same manner as the Sufi sessions of the brothers, avoiding anything beyond that.
3. In Sufi gatherings, they must refrain from بَيْنَ الْاِثْنَيْن (“private discussions between two individuals”) and avoid speaking about material and worldly matters. The purpose of the gathering is remembrance of God, seeking intercession from the elders, and detachment from worldly affairs. Speaking of worldly matters is contrary to this aim. Rather, these gatherings should be filled with utmost decorum and humility in every respect, knowing that God is present and observing, and striving in all things to please Him.
4. If, God forbid, there is resentment or grievance between two individuals, efforts should be made to resolve it so that all may gather in sincerity and unity. Resentment among believers becomes a barrier to the acceptance of prayers. Likewise, others must make a serious effort to reconcile any such discord, and must not say anything that would intensify the dispute. Tale-bearing, gossip, and backbiting only worsen the division and incur the wrath of God.
5. They must carefully observe proper hijab and concealment of the self in accordance with the sacred Shariah and the explicit command of the Noble Quran. Violating the clear instruction of the Quran is sinful and one of the obstacles to the acceptance of prayers.

In Sufi gatherings, there is no room for outward formalities or superficial distinctions. The wealthy and the poor, the common and the noble, are all equal, as per إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ (“Indeed, the most honorable of you in the sight of God is the most God-fearing among you.”). Therefore, everyone must have the utmost love and unity with one another, sit together in sincerity, harmony, and devotion, and be engaged in the remembrance of God. The host must show due respect and offer appropriate hospitality to all, keeping in mind that the attendees are guests of God. Service to them must be rendered with God in mind, for His pleasure, so that it may, God willing, be accepted.