Declaration – 24th Muharram 1402 (1981-11-21)

Seven Directives from His Holiness Haj Sultan Husayn Tabandeh, Reza Ali Shah
As a Reminder to Faithful Sisters Attending Fuqara Gatherings

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To Haj Agha Jazbi (May his blessings endure); the following points should be reminded to the ladies and sisters attending the Fuqara gathering, and emphasis should be placed on observing them.

1. In the Fuqara gatherings, as soon as one enters the session, they must maintain silence and speak only of remembrance of God, seeking the intercession of religious figures, and necessary religious matters. They should completely avoid political discussions, material matters, personal praises or criticisms. Speaking of others' virtues or faults is entirely forbidden. Of course, slander and gossip are, even more emphatically, prohibited—not only in these gatherings but also outside of them—and are considered major sins. These very actions are the reasons for our superficial and spiritual setbacks and the cause of suspicion or intensified distrust among some toward us.
2. The Fuqara gathering is solely for the remembrance of God, self-reformation, purification of the heart from impurities, and seeking the intercession of the friends of God. Therefore, from the moment one enters, etiquette must be observed. The sacred spirits of those great figures must be regarded as present and watchful. Avoid excessive joking, private conversations, bringing food or snacks, eating during the session, knitting, and similar behaviors. Even in sitting, proper etiquette must be upheld.
3. Our behavior must fully align with religious principles. In religious matters, proper taqlid (emulation) must be followed so that actions do not contradict the sacred Sharia. In congregational prayer, if one chooses to follow the imam, they must know the rules and etiquette; otherwise, if someone among the fuqara or others in the gathering sees an error in the act of following, they may object. It has been repeatedly witnessed that someone unaware of the conditions of following begins to follow at the wrong time, thus invalidating their prayer and drawing criticism.
4. In greetings through handshake (musafaha), maintain a moderate approach; do not exceed the norm in intensity or duration. For example, if the handshake lasts too long or is repeated multiple times between the same two individuals during the same session, it causes discomfort to the other person and provokes criticism from others.
5. In the gatherings, refrain as much as possible from unusual and uncustomary behaviors such as shouting, screaming, bodily convulsions, or uttering words that provoke criticism. True dervishhood is not about chaos or untimely displays; such behavior only stirs antagonism, objections, or envy from others. Our words and actions should set an example and serve to endear outsiders, encourage them, and dispel their misunderstandings. Exceptions are only for situations beyond control, stemming from intense spiritual states of loving faith and overwhelming ecstasy—such cases are not blameworthy, but even then, self-restraint is preferable whenever possible.
6. Children and infants who cause noise, disrupt the order of the gathering, and distract from focus and remembrance should not be brought to the sessions. For sisters with small children or infants, it is an act of worship to stay home and tend to their children, as it preserves the state of reflection and attentiveness of others and maintains the order of the gathering. Those who are unable to observe the above instructions should preferably refrain from attending the session.
7. Large gatherings and crowding in private homes—as has been mentioned repeatedly before—are absolutely not advisable when we visit a home. Gatherings should be limited to the Husayniyya on Thursday and Monday evenings or Friday during Fuqara sessions, and should continue to follow that same arrangement. May God grant all of us success and reform our states and affairs.