Declaration – 8 Rabi‘ al-Thani 1405 (1984-12-31)

Declaration from His Holiness Haj Sultan Husayn Tabandeh, Reza Ali Shah
To the Fuqara Regarding Adherence to Sufi Guidelines

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Since the respected authorized representatives, who must travel to various regions with my permission and under my directive in order to meet with the fuqara and guide the seekers, are heading to those areas, I present the following for general reminder and instruction to all brothers:

1. Gathering and public demonstration in streets and alleys, or accompanying these representatives with large groups as they move through public places, is in no way advisable and provokes envy and hostility from adversaries.
2. Participation in gatherings must be limited to congregational prayer and Sufi sessions. I do not approve of the host extending a general invitation for dinner, lunch, or breakfast, nor do I approve of attendees or fuqara staying behind. Rather, everyone should disperse immediately after the session concludes and not stay for any meals. If this instruction is not followed, the representatives will depart the next day without delay. First, because outsiders may perceive it disparagingly, thinking that the fuqara gather for meals; and second, because arranging food and provisions is currently very difficult, and we should not impose hardship on the host.
3. Kissing feet or the ground invites criticism from outsiders. Even if the fuqara do not do so with the intent of prostration, others may assume it is, which is considered shirk (idolatry). Therefore, the fuqara must refrain from actions that provoke such objections.
4. Separate times will be designated for the gatherings of men and women so they do not coincide and give rise to criticism. If a person comes outside their designated time, they will not be admitted, and should not take offense.
5. The fuqara must conduct themselves in both behavior and speech in ways that inspire others, not repel them. Thus, they must fully uphold the commands of the sacred Sharia and understand that a faqir should behave better than others, lest they bring disgrace upon the noble names and elders of the Sufi order. As it has been said: كُونُوا لَنٰا زَيْناً وَ لٰاتَكوُنوُا لَنٰا شَین ("Be an ornament for us, and not a disgrace"). In speech, do not express exaggerated beliefs or utter extremist views, for this is both against the Sharia and our instructions, and it drives away some beginners and gives ammunition to the adversaries.
6. Constantly strive to ensure that the beginners respect the elders. The observance of hierarchical order, now common in systems, has long been observed among us—indeed, others have taken it from us. Even in prayer, we are taught to say: رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِإِخْوَانِنَا الَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِالْإِيمَانِ .
7. Discord and gloom among the faithful, backbiting, and slander are major sins and among the reasons for unanswered prayers. As stated in the Quran: وَلَا تَجْعَلْ فِي قُلُوبِنَا غِلًّا لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ .
8. In all other religious matters, we must be careful to serve as role models for others. May God grant all of us the success to serve and obey His commands.