Declaration – 17 Rabi‘ al-Awwal 1442 (2020-11-03)

Declaration from His Holiness, Engineer Haj Sayyid Alireza Jazbi, Sabet Ali Shah
On the Occasion of the Birth Anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Imam Sadiq (AS)

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We extend congratulations on the 17th of Rabi‘ al-Awwal, marking the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his pure descendant, Imam Sadiq (AS), to all Muslims around the world, especially to the Shi’a, and in particular to the “fuqara”. It is our hope that, through careful adherence to the commands, we may be worthy of following these noble figures. Taking this opportunity, I draw the attention of dear believing brothers to a few reminders.

The path of “dervishhood” and “faqr” is one that teaches servitude to the All-Sufficient, with no other objective—neither political aims nor seeking followers. As has been stated repeatedly, if someone seeks this path solely with the intention of servitude to God after careful inquiry, and nothing else, then he is trained in servitude to God and in neediness at His threshold. Of course, the first step is observance of religious duties, and if these are performed sincerely, one becomes spiritually prepared to receive the teachings of the “Path of Murtadha”. A spiritual pledge (bay‘ah) and commitment is then undertaken. For this reason, “fuqara” are obligated to fully observe the rulings of the Sacred Islamic Law and must submit, obey, and act accordingly. To do so, it is necessary to follow one of the qualified jurists (“mujtahid”), but one must also understand that the principles of religion and the beliefs associated with them must be based on inquiry, thought, and reflection—not blind imitation. Given that some recent content on various websites has caused confusion, the following points are emphasized here:

1. The Order maintains only two websites—Mazar-e Beydokht and MehreTabandeh—which, by directive, only communicate general matters and the teachings of the elders to the “fuqara”. It has no private websites. If anything is published on personal “fuqara” websites, it does not reflect the principles of this “Sufi Order”.
2. “Faqr” and “dervishhood” is a discipline in which the “faqir” must sincerely carry out the instructions given in order to reach the spiritual stations divinely assigned to each person. There is no need to discuss these matters with anyone else. This is a school of action—not one of discourse or debate.
3. With respect to the representatives of His Holiness Majzoub Ali Shah, as has been confirmed and endorsed by this servant as well, they remain in their assigned missions and, as before, continue the overall organizational duties of the Order after consultation and coordination. Naturally, such coordination does not preclude assigning specialized tasks to individuals with expertise in those areas.
4. Given the current conditions and this Divine affliction (COVID-19), which has arisen due to humanity’s negligence toward Divine commands, it is necessary that the “fuqara”, in the pre-dawn hours, demonstrate the utmost sincerity toward God. They should weep in repentance for past errors and disobedience, commit themselves to carrying out their future actions in accordance with religious standards, and strictly follow the health guidelines issued by health authorities—thereby protecting themselves from infection and also avoiding spreading the disease. In doing so, they will, God willing, earn Divine favor and be preserved from this affliction.
5. Since holding “Sufi gatherings” is currently not possible, all “fuqara” should, on Monday and Friday nights and Friday mornings, forego worldly and personal affairs and hold “Sufi sessions” in their homes. They should perform prayers at their earliest time and read mystical literature—both in prose and verse—and follow the instructions given by the elders on the path of “faqr” without any neglect. In doing so, may this affliction be lifted and our gatherings regain their original vibrancy.

رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِن نَّسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَا إِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِنَا رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنَّا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا أَنتَ مَوْلَانَا فَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ