Warning – 17 Shawwal 1408 (1988-06-02)

Warning from His Holiness Haj Sultan Husayn Tabandeh, Reza Ali Shah
To All Brothers

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All faithful brothers are fully aware, yet for emphasis, further attention, and a serious reminder, I solemnly state that among the gravest sins are slander, gossip, and sowing discord—especially between two believing brothers, and even more so if they are relatives. Concerning backbiting, it is stated: أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَنْ يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا . The Mi‘raj narrations describe how the Prophet witnessed such punishments. Especially when this includes slander and the intent is to incite hatred or resentment—sometimes leading to the breakdown of families—then the sin is even more severe than backbiting. God will not forgive such a person unless both affected individuals wholeheartedly forgive. The severe consequences of such behavior are both spiritual and worldly; even supplications go unanswered. If both individuals are believers—especially if related by blood—then God's anger is even greater, and the verse وَأَنَّ عَذَابِي هُوَ الْعَذَابُ الْأَلِيمُ applies, along with أَشَدُّ الْمُعٰاقِبينَ في مَوضِع الْنَّكٰالِ وَ ٱلْنَّقْمَة . This has unfortunately occurred multiple times recently in several places and has deeply wounded the heart. How can we expect relief from afflictions or the acceptance of our prayers when this is our state? ظَهَرَ الْفَسَادُ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِي النَّاسِ .

Those who claim religiosity—especially those who profess faqr and faith—yet stir discord between two believing brothers, or relatives bound by spiritual and familial ties, out of malice or ignorance, bring shame to the name of faqr and the order. They earn God's and the Prophet’s wrath and must anticipate dire consequences both in the Hereafter and this world: وَسَيَعْلَمُ الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا أَيَّ مُنْقَلَبٍ يَنْقَلِبُونَ .

Even if someone cannot attend a Sufi gathering due to certain circumstances, that should not be seen as a sign of disinterest in faqr or a lack of love. No one should gossip about such absence unless the person themselves declares their opposition.

We must awaken and strive to reform our speech, actions, and conduct. Do not allow conflict and hostility to grow between brothers. If any exists, work to resolve it. Sadly, we are now entangled in this great sin that destroys faith, blocks the path to God, allows Satan to obstruct us entirely, and prevents our prayers from being answered, as the Du‘a Kumayl says: اَللّٰهُمَّ ٱغْفِرلِیَ ٱلذُّنوُبَ الَّتي تَحْبِسُ ٱلدُّعٰاء .

Once again, I emphasize to the brothers: abandon backbiting, slander, and inciting division. Do not allow resentment to take root between believing brothers—especially those with blood ties. Rather, if even minor grievances arise, make every effort to reconcile and bring about peace.

May God grant us a state of awareness, so we return to ourselves and avoid the path of wrongdoing. May we, like the early believers, show self-sacrifice and altruism: وَيُؤْثِرُونَ عَلَى أَنْفُسِهِمْ وَلَوْ كَانَ بِهِمْ خَصَاصَةٌ . Let us also respect spiritual ranks and degrees: رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِإِخْوَانِنَا الَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِالْإِيمَانِ . Let us remove selfishness and arrogance and refrain from harming others for fleeting personal gain. As stated, strive to bring reconciliation—not division—between brothers.