Letter – 13 Rajab 1391 (1971-09-04)

Letter from Hazrat Agha Haj Sultan Hussein Tabandeh, Reza Ali Shah
To Mr. Haj Ali Tabandeh Upon Receiving Permission to Travel for Leisure to Europe

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Dearest beloved, now that you wish to travel to Europe for brief study and leisure, I found it necessary to remind you of the following points. I hope you pay full attention to all the details and act accordingly:

1. Always be mindful that God is present and watching in all circumstances. Do not neglect remembrance of Him and turning your heart toward Him. An intelligent believer, the more he sees the adornments of the world, the more he should recognize the greatness of their Creator, turn to Him, and bow in reverence.

   The green leaves of trees, to the discerning eye,

   Each is a page of divine knowledge from the Creator.

2. Always be watchful of your actions and the etiquette of the sacred Shariah, and never neglect religious and social observances. For instance, be diligent in prayer and fasting (if you intend to stay in one place for more than ten days), in rising before dawn, and maintaining ritual purity. Religious dedication in such an environment not only earns greater reward from God but also brings greater respect from others. For even in those lands, wise and discerning people tend to respect and trust those who show religious commitment. Especially if you act against expectations, it brings not only criticism upon yourself but also objection from outsiders toward faqr and the spiritual order.
3. Since the matter of lawful slaughter (dhabiha) is of great importance in Shi‘ism, and may be neglected in those lands, I emphasize this: avoid meat not slaughtered by Muslims. Even there, one can uphold etiquette — as I myself did — by consistently consuming vegetarian food or non-meat animal products, except in places like Hamburg which has a Muslim market, or if you are certain the meat is slaughtered by a Muslim. Going without meat for a few days does not weaken a person, but consuming non-Muslim slaughtered meat weakens one's faith and religious spirit, and causes one to be seen as careless and indifferent.
4. Always carry a copy of the Noble Quran with you and recite at least one section every morning. Also carry the noble book Pand-e Saleh and reflect upon its teachings. Take with you a copy of a practical treatise (risalah-ye amaliyyah) from one of the maraji‘, for example Ayatollah Shari‘atmadari, and refer to it for detailed rulings. Also carry a qiblah indicator or a book on determining the qiblah, or a compass, and use it to determine the direction of prayer wherever you are.
5. Refrain from inappropriate amusements and entertainments, especially at night, and avoid association with corrupt individuals. Do not keep company with irreligious youth. Instead, choose to associate with those known for their piety and good character. Do not be influenced by immoral behavior or attitudes that are condemned by the wise of all nations. Such associations not only damage the spirit but also tarnish one’s outward reputation and honor.
6. Even in travel, always seek to acquire spiritual virtues, knowledge, and moral refinement. Meet with devout individuals and those whose behavior is righteous and consistent with the Shariah and ethics, whose companionship contributes to your spiritual growth. Benefit from the presence of scholars so that your journey becomes a true inner and outer exploration, and not merely an external diversion.
7. In every non-Islamic country, if there are Muslim — especially Shi‘a — religious representatives, make contact and introduce yourself. If discussions or questions arise, respond according to your knowledge and refer what you don’t know to the learned. Attend their Friday prayers, which hold special dignity in such environments and serve as a symbol of Islamic presence.
8. In any place where there are Islamic institutions such as mosques or libraries, visit them and meet their administrators so that mutual familiarity is established. And if there is an opportunity or request for financial support for these institutions, contribute appropriately. Offering support to them in the name of religion is pleasing to God.
9. Visiting religious institutions of other faiths — such as churches and Jewish synagogues — is also appropriate and commendable. When entering churches or synagogues, show due respect for these places of worship, for they are also built for the worship of God. A believer should demonstrate respect and engage in prayer. In fact, it is recommended to perform two units of prayer there as well.
10. Reading the sacred books of the Torah and the Gospel is also beneficial. Although the present versions are different from those revealed to Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them) and have been altered, they are still to be treated with respect due to their names. Reading the histories of religions is also commendable, and for the thoughtful and reflective person, it brings added insight.
11. Show politeness and respect toward the elders and clergy of every nation, for this is also part of Islamic instruction. If you wish to ask something of one of them — a priest, bishop, or church official — do so very respectfully and politely, without any tone of objection or confrontation.
12. For every trip, carry a few common medicines — both modern and traditional — for routine ailments. Also bring some summer and winter clothing, so that you do not face difficulties along the way. In conclusion, I entrust you to God and pray for your health and success. Wa al-salaam (And peace).