Declaration – 23 Sha‘ban 1410 (1990-03-21)

Message from His Holiness Haj Sultan Husayn Tabandeh, Reza Ali Shah
On the Occasion of Nowruz

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This is the message I wrote for Nowruz 1369 (SH), to be read on my behalf at the Amir Soleymani Husayniyya:

Today is the first of Farvardin 1369 (SH), when the sun enters the first point of Aries and the vernal equinox occurs. According to the ancient tradition of Iranians, this day is celebrated as a national festival. This custom dates back to pre-Islamic centuries, and it was presented before the Infallible Imam (peace be upon him), who affirmed it. Mu‘alla ibn Khunays reported it to Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him), and the Imam approved it, recognizing it as the first day of the spring equinox.

However, the Imam emphasized that even at such a time, one should turn their attention to the Creator of the universe—the One who governs the heavens, the earth, the sun, and the moon—and remember God. In doing so, this national celebration also gains a religious dimension, for we invoke: “O Transformer of hearts and eyes, O Director of night and day, O Changer of states and conditions, change our condition to the best of states.”

Thus, we should realize that everything lies under the will and power of God. Just as He turns night into day and day into night, He can turn a darkened heart into a luminous one and transform the world. So, let us turn to Him and seek the opening of our affairs through Him, and let us fill our hearts with His love and joy. Let us ask that just as He removes the cold, lifeless, and withered face of winter and brings new life to the world—making the earth verdant and trees blossom—He may likewise revive our hearts with His mercy and the waters of His forgiveness.

This renewal of nature—this greening of trees and reawakening of the land—is itself a sign of resurrection. God will also resurrect us after the death of our bodies, just as He revives the lifeless forms of nature. The freshness of spring is a sign of the revival of the dead and the Day of Resurrection. Therefore, in this moment, when the dead of nature come to life and the withered trees regain vitality and beauty, we too should remember resurrection and turn toward God. Just as plants rejoice at the onset of the vernal equinox, so should we be joyous and remember the Giver of life to the dead.

This celebration, which is in harmony with the natural order, is of deep significance. I extend my congratulations to all and pray that God awakens us with His remembrance and grants us the success of servitude and turning to Him.