Declaration – 1 Ramadan 1441 (2020-04-25)

Declaration from His Holiness, Engineer Haj Sayyid Alireza Jazbi, Sabet Ali Shah
On the Occasion of the Arrival of the Blessed Month of Ramadan

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The arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan, 1441 AH, is congratulated to all Muslims of the world, especially to the Twelver Shi’a, particularly those who have pledged allegiance to the “wilayah” and “imamate” of the Fourteen Infallibles (AS). We pray to the Almighty for health and success for all.

Although this year, due to the widespread illness, the opportunity to attend gatherings is not available to everyone, each individual can still benefit from the spiritual blessings of this month by practicing the teachings at home. We ask God for the success of all in servitude and draw the attention of the “fuqara” to the following reminders:

1. According to previous tradition and the instructions of the elders of the path, it is necessary for the “fuqara” to recite one “juz’” of the Holy Quran daily after performing the noon and afternoon prayers during this month. Care should be taken that this is done with reflection and contemplation to derive greater benefit. “Of course, following public health guidelines and the instructions given by the authorities in this regard is mandatory.” Furthermore, on the blessed nights of this month, with worship and reflecting on one's past and shortcomings, turn in repentance and seek forgiveness and salvation from the One. Just as God states in the Holy Quran: تُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ If you sincerely ask this of Him, God’s forgiveness and mercy — which exceed all things — will encompass you, leading to prosperity in this world and salvation in the Hereafter. For it is said: repentance is one of the gates of Paradise, always open to all.
   Let it be remembered here that in the story of Prophet Yusuf in the Quran, it is said that Yusuf stated: قَالَ لَا تَثْرِيبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْيَوْمَ When Yusuf asked his brothers if they realized what they had done to him and they became remorseful, he responded, “There is no blame on you today,” and out of his noble character, he said nothing more. If Yusuf could exhibit such forgiveness and nobility, is the اَكْرَمُ الْاَكْرَمِين (“Most Generous of the Generous”) and the اَرْحَمُ الرّٰاحِمِين (“Most Merciful of the Merciful”) not even more deserving of saying to His ashamed servants: “Do not grieve,” for He is the most merciful of those who show mercy?
2. We hope that this current affliction and hardship will be lifted and removed by the Divine at the end of this blessed month. But if it continues or returns, as has already been mentioned, each of the “fuqara” should, on Friday and Monday nights, disengage from worldly affairs in their own homes and treat that time as a gathering. With focused remembrance and contemplation, reading mystical texts and reflecting deeply upon their meanings, and performing the evening and night prayers at the earliest time, they can gain spiritual benefit and strengthen their faith. Naturally, those in charge of hosting Friday and Monday night gatherings should ensure the lights of the meeting places remain on during those nights.

O my God, deal with us by Your grace and do not deal with us by Your justice, O Most Merciful of the merciful.