Declaration – 7 Sha‘ban 1442 (2021-03-21)

Declaration from His Holiness, Engineer Haj Sayyid Alireza Jazbi, Sabet Ali Shah
On the Occasion of Nowruz 1400 (SH)

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اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّنَا أَنزِلْ عَلَيْنَا مَائِدَةً مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ تَكُونُ لَنَا عِيدًا لِّأَوَّلِنَا وَآخِرِنَا وَآيَةً مِّنكَ وَارْزُقْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِينَ (Quran, 5:114): “O Allah, our Lord, send down to us a table [spread with food] from the heaven to be for us a festival—for the first of us and the last of us—and a sign from You. And provide for us, and You are the best of providers.”

The ancient Nowruz, a legacy of Hazrat Zoroaster (AS) and a heritage of our pure Iranian ancestors, symbolizes national and religious unity with many other cultures. It is said that life becomes sweet when “your thoughts, words, and actions are righteous.” This year, Nowruz coincides with the blessed celebrations of Rajab [the Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)] and Sha‘ban [the birthdays of Hazrat Aba Abdillah al-Husayn (AS), Hazrat Abbas (AS), Hazrat Imam Zayn al-Abidin (AS), and Hazrat Hujjat (AJ)]. May it be blessed for all. It is also narrated that the descent of Prophet Adam (AS), Eid al-Ghadir, and the appointment of Imam Ali (AS) as successor occurred on this day. Since Islam has not opposed this auspicious occasion, and even Imam Sadiq (AS) is reported to have recited the opening prayer of the day for Nowruz, I extend congratulations and greetings to all “fuqara” of the noble Ni‘matullahi Sultan Ali Shahi Order and pray to the Almighty for health, success, happiness, and the lifting of afflictions—especially the eradication of this divine calamity (Corona).

This is the second Nowruz without the physical presence of our noble Master, His Holiness Majzoub Ali Shah (may his lofty station be exalted), although his pure spirit remains ever present and observant of our actions, speech, and behavior. Also, within the dervish family, two revered “Mashayekh”—the late Haj Yousuf Mardani (Dervish Sadeq Ali) and the late Haj Sayyid Ahmad Shari‘at Qomi (Dervish Feyz Ali)—as well as the late Mr. Qa‘ei, prayer leader in Kerman, departed this world last year and are now in the presence of their Master. May their noble souls be joyous and forgiven.

Although it has been said many times, it is once again emphasized that this widespread affliction (Coronavirus), which harms both body and soul, must be viewed as a divine trial and a wake-up call from the slumber of heedlessness, reminding us of our faults and sins. Therefore, it is our duty, as guided by the noble verse «وَبِالْأَسْحَارِ هُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ» (Quran, 51:18 - And in the hours before dawn they would ask forgiveness), to rise at dawn and sincerely repent for past wrongs and seek the strength to avoid future misdeeds. We must remain alert and mindful both outwardly and inwardly, so that the door of Divine mercy may open upon us and we may be enveloped in the grace of the Most Merciful. In addition, let us always observe medical guidelines such as cleanliness and social distancing, and reflect deeply by reading mystical texts—especially “Pand-e Saleh”, which is the essence of these teachings—to cleanse our hearts from egotistical impurities. And with genuine repentance and heartfelt turning, let us recite: رَبَّنَا آمَنَّا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ “Our Lord, we have believed, so forgive us and have mercy upon us. You are the best of those who show mercy.”

So let us strive to cleanse our hearts of selfish impurities and, through true repentance and humble return, remember God more often, seeking His forgiveness and mercy. Let us always turn sincerely to God and implore Him to transform our hearts and eyes into states pleasing to Him and to change our condition to the best of states, bringing us honor before our Lord and not disgrace.

Finally, let us pray for the hastening of the reappearance and advent of the Promised One from the family of Muhammad (AJ), who is the ultimate aspiration of those who know God and the final goal of all seekers of the Divine. May God grant us success in implementing the laws of the Shari‘ah and the etiquette of the “Path”, in rising for pre-dawn supplication, reciting the Quran with reflection, maintaining both inner and outer purity, showing compassion toward God’s creation, humility toward the believers, and purging our hearts of every trace of darkness, bitterness, selfishness, and egotism—which are the greatest veils and obstacles in the path of spiritual development—so that the grounds for his appearance may be laid. And if his advent is not outwardly realized in this world, may it occur within the heart of the believer, filling it with peace and purity.

Unfortunately, as in the previous year, due to medical directives, I am deprived of the opportunity to meet and host the dear “fuqara”, but my heart is with them. I ask God for a year full of blessings, success, and both outward and inward health for everyone.