Declaration – 17 Rabi‘ al-Awwal 1406 (1985-11-30)

Seven Directives from His Holiness Haj Sultan Husayn Tabandeh, Reza Ali Shah
To the Brothers and Spiritual Companions

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This is to inform the brothers and spiritual companions:

1. As stated in the declaration and directive dated 1st of Ramadan 1401 AH (July 3, 1981), the noble scholars and exalted clergy, who according to the tradition of ‘Umar ibn Hanzala possess general guardianship on behalf of the Awaited Hidden Imam (may God hasten his reappearance), especially the grand maraji‘, have always been esteemed and respected by this faqir and the elders of our order. This respectful approach has always been our tradition and is also instructed in the noble treatise Pand-e Saleh. Therefore, the fuqara must diligently observe this matter and not neglect the courtesy and respect due to true scholars, as such negligence goes against the views of this faqir and our elders. In this era, when the leadership of the Shi‘a community—and indeed the Muslim ummah—is held by Grand Ayatollah Imam Khomeini (May his blessings continue), all should follow and obey his wise directives. We should also benefit from the guidance of Ayatollah Montazeri (who has been appointed as deputy leader of the Shi‘a and is approved by the great leader). Any failure in this regard would constitute a breach of the general directive of this order.
2. This faqir has supported the Islamic Revolution for many years. Even 22 years ago, during the time of my late father (may his secret be sanctified), I sought his permission and sent a congratulatory letter to His Eminence the Ayatollah, a copy of which still exists. Subsequently, I have continuously expressed support, even during the corrupt regime of the past. I used to report the regime’s corruptions—such as the calendar change and other matters—to the esteemed maraji‘ and scholars, urging action to prevent them. Those who accuse us of being anti-revolutionary do so either out of ignorance or malice. At that time, I openly conveyed the truth through the noble scholars, as I had absolutely no connection with the royal court or its officials.
3. One of the principles of Islam is jihad. If an enemy attacks the Muslims, it is their duty to defend, and they must not neglect this duty. Failure to do so is contrary to Islamic teachings.
4. The Ni‘matullahi Gonabadi fuqara take pride in their Twelver Shi‘a identity. They are part of the Shi‘a, not a separate party, sect, or religion. Therefore, they stand united with other Shi‘a everywhere—in conversation, struggle, jihad, and all other matters. Even now, many groups being dispatched to the frontlines include fuqara, who behave as brothers with others.
5. In the current jihad, many fuqara from various regions have, over the past years, been martyred at the frontlines. In past years, we have held memorial gatherings at the Amir Soleimani Husayniyya in their honor and for the peace of their souls.
6. The fuqara must make a dedicated effort to attain the necessary knowledge of religious sciences and the proper recitation and pronunciation of the Quran. They should also, as much as possible, read classical and contemporary mystical texts—particularly works such as “Misbah al-Hidayah,” “Flight into the Kingdom,” “The Secret of Prayer,” and “Commentary on the Dawn Supplication,” which are among the mystical writings of Grand Ayatollah Khomeini.
7. Friday prayer is one of the major acts of Islamic worship. Though previously less emphasized in Shi‘ism, now that it is held widely by the instruction of Imam Khomeini, we must also participate as much as possible. This faqir, too, has attended on several occasions.

I ask God, the Most Merciful, to grant success to myself and all my brothers in fulfilling Islamic and religious duties.