Declaration – 16 Shawwal 1407 (1987-06-13)

General Directive from His Holiness Haj Sultan Husayn Tabandeh, Reza Ali Shah
Regarding the Convening of Fuqara Gatherings

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Fuqara gatherings are to be held solely for the glorification of religious and spiritual rites, for the remembrance of God, seeking intercession from the saints of religion, and listening to spiritual and ethical guidance. Material and political matters must not be discussed under any circumstances, let alone personal conversations or family disputes, which bring dishonor to the name of faqr and the order, and cause disrepute. If such topics are to be discussed in the gathering, it would be better to cancel the meeting altogether, because in addition to disgrace and loss of dignity, it also brings pain and distress to this faqir.

كُونُوا لَنٰا زَيْناً وَلٰاتَكوُنوُا لَنٰا شين

My brothers! Protect the dignity of faqr and do not cause suffering to this faqir or bring disgrace to the order. If you have family disputes, do not raise them in the fuqara gathering, for doing so incurs the wrath of God.