Declaration – 8 Rabi‘ al-Thani 1406 (1985-12-21)

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

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To the faithful brothers, the following is presented:

Although several years ago necessary reminders and instructions were given regarding the personal and social conduct of the fuqara (may God grant them success), I found it appropriate to reiterate the following points:

1. The fuqara must strictly adhere to the etiquette of the sacred Sharia and must not deviate in their behavior or speech from the commands of the Holy Lawgiver and the guided Imams (peace be upon them). Always remember the words of the Infallible: كُونُوا لَنَا زَيْناً وَلا تَكونوا لَنَا شَین ("Be an ornament for us and do not be a disgrace to us"). Special care should be taken regarding the etiquette of congregational prayer, including correct observance of following the imam and its conditions. Avoid neglecting recommended practices, especially keeping vigil before dawn, engaging in supplications and seeking forgiveness, reciting the Quran, and maintaining purity, all of which have been strongly emphasized. Since proper observance requires knowledge, read the practical treatise (risalah ‘amaliyyah) of your chosen marja‘ to understand their rulings. Neglecting religious obligations draws the wrath of God, His Prophet, and the Imams. A faqir must be a role model in conduct and speech, not the cause of criticism toward the order and its elders. Misbehavior, in truth, amounts to hostility toward the elders.
2. The fuqara must preserve unity, harmony, and brotherhood, prioritizing communal interests over personal material gain, in accordance with the verse: يُؤْثِرُونَ عَلَى أَنفُسِهِمْ وَلَوْ كَانَ بِهِمْ خَصَاصَةٌ . Strive to help relieve each other’s difficulties, and avoid slander, gossip, and accusations—all major sins.
3. Be vigilant even in non-religious gatherings so that nothing contrary to the Sharia occurs. Avoid idle talk and late-night gatherings that waste time, cause neglect of God’s remembrance, and burden one’s family. This faqir, in accordance with the Sharia, is not at all pleased with fuqara participating in frivolous and vain gatherings. Such behavior fosters distrust among outsiders, who may wrongly assume all fuqara behave this way. Particularly those newly initiated on the Sufi path should avoid socializing with those indifferent or disrespectful to religion, as bad company ruins one’s state, speech, and conduct—especially if it involves forbidden acts. Just as drinking alcohol and using hashish is forbidden in Islam, opium and all other narcotics are also prohibited. The fuqara must avoid them both privately and publicly, for indulging in these forbidden things brings God’s and the Prophet’s wrath and the disapproval of the saints.
4. Recite the Holy Quran regularly. Each should benefit from it to the extent of their understanding. Reflect on its meanings if possible. Even those who do not know Arabic still earn reward and spiritual blessing by reciting it attentively and sincerely, with focus on God.
5. The faithful should avoid expressing personal interpretations or opinions in matters of Sufism and mysticism, as this may sometimes contradict the clear text of the Quran, authentic hadiths from the sources of infallibility (peace be upon them), or the insights of mystics and divine scholars. Such errors not only go against the approval of the elders but also draw objections from outsiders. We must strive to eliminate the criticisms of others, not increase their aversion through our behavior and speech. In political matters, those without expertise or knowledge should refrain from expressing opinions—especially in Sufi and religious gatherings, which are meant solely for spiritual and religious purposes.
6. We should avoid large crowds when welcoming or seeing off authorized representatives, and refrain from public displays in streets or public places, as these incite envy from malicious or antagonistic people. Lingering too long after gatherings, or staying for meals such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner where the authorized guests are present, is inappropriate. It goes against the values of simplicity and humility, and may lead others to assume that our gatherings are materialistic rather than spiritual.
7. Faithful sisters must strictly observe proper Islamic covering and hijab, which I have emphasized repeatedly. In their interactions as well, they should observe the commands of the sacred Sharia. They must regard religious gatherings with full respect, avoid idle talk, jokes, or commotion, and uphold both their own dignity and that of the Sufi order. Their presence should be solely for God’s pleasure, His remembrance, worship, and seeking intercession from the saints.

I pray that God grants us all the success to obey and follow the commands of the religious elders, and guides us to the path of His pleasure while keeping us away from that which is contrary to His will.