Declaration – 23 Shawwal 1441 (2020-06-15)

Advice from His Holiness, Engineer Haj Sayyid Alireza Jazbi, Sabet Ali Shah
To the Fuqara on Observing Health Guidelines and Supplicating to the Divine for Relief from Calamity

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Dear brothers and sisters, please be reminded: This painful affliction that has encompassed all of humanity draws our attention to the story of Prophet Yunus (AS), who continued to advise his people to avoid indecent behavior and turn to God in repentance. Yet, they ignored him and caused him harm. When he could no longer endure their rejection, he cursed them and declared that the punishment would descend upon them in three days, then withdrew from them. This curse also brought hardship upon himself. As it is said, when a prayer—whether good or bad—is accepted, part of it returns to the one who uttered it. Consequently, after enduring much suffering, he was cast into the sea and ended up imprisoned in the belly of a fish. Upon realizing his mistake, he turned to prayer, saying: لَّا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِـمِينَ . And as the Quran explicitly states, God’s mercy always precedes His wrath, not only was he forgiven and released from the fish’s belly and restored to health, but his people too, upon seeing the signs of calamity, all fell in prostration and fervently sought forgiveness and pardon from God. They were granted Divine grace, became believers, and, as it is stated in the Quran, wherever the term “believers” appears, it includes righteous action. Therefore, the dear brethren are advised as follows:

Firstly, in the early dawns when preparing for the morning prayer, they should sincerely seek forgiveness and pardon from the Divine for their misdeeds and moments of heedlessness, so that, God willing, they may be enveloped by Divine favor and grace.

Secondly, strive to perform righteous actions, which at this time primarily involves strict observance of health protocols. Each person should assume they are infected and prevent its spread by all possible means (such as using gloves, masks, and maintaining distance). Ignoring these matters is, in itself, considered a great sin.

Thirdly, care must be taken to use disinfectants only as needed, without excess. Emphasis should be placed more on cleanliness and frequent hand washing with soap and water, in all situations, to protect both oneself and others.

In conclusion, as Baba Tahir said, let us all cry out to the Divine with our whole being and say:

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