Declaration – the First of Ramadan 1401 (1981-07-03)

Directive from His Holiness Haj Sultan Husayn Tabandeh, Reza Ali Shah
To All Fuqara, Regarding Obedience to the Islamic Revolution

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Greetings to the esteemed brothers, May God grant them success in what He loves and is pleased with. The revered scholars and exalted clergy, May God increase their likes—especially the respected Shi‘a maraji‘ (sources of emulation)—hold a lofty position. As was previously stated in a general directive, and has been the tradition of our great elders, and as His Holiness my father, may his noble secret be sanctified, recorded in the honorable treatise Pand-e Saleh, and according to the same letter recently presented to Haj Agha Jazbi, it is appropriate that all brothers remain completely vigilant regarding current affairs and avoid anything contrary to the general directive that has been issued multiple times in the past. This is to prevent causing concern, distress, suspicion, or trouble for themselves and others.

We are obligated to show the utmost respect and courtesy to the Shi‘a clergy, of whose school we are proud adherents—especially toward the leaders of the faith and the great Shi‘a maraji‘. We must uphold the highest levels of respect and unity, most particularly with Grand Ayatollah Khomeini (May his blessings endure), who currently holds absolute leadership in the Shi‘a community and indeed among Muslims at large, and who is the standard-bearer of the Islamic Revolution. We must be obedient and loyal in all the directives issued by His Eminence. We should not deviate from his intentions, and we must follow him in matters of religious practice (taqlid). If the fuqara act contrary to this directive and fail to uphold these obligations, it would cause this faqir displeasure, if not outright disapproval.

I expect that the directives that have been issued and will be issued be fully implemented and acted upon.