Declaration – 24 Shawwal 1445 (2024-05-03)

Declaration from His Holiness, Engineer Haj Sayyid Alireza Jazbi, Sabet Ali Shah
On the Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq (AS)

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To the faithful brothers and sisters, the “fuqara” of the Ni‘matullahi Sultan Ali Shahi Order, may God grant them success,

Greetings and salutations. At the outset, I offer my condolences to you dear ones—true followers of the Ja‘fari school—on the anniversary of the martyrdom of the one who revived the religion of the Best of Creation, the “Speaking Quran”, Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq (AS), who renewed the foundations of Islam, the “Shari‘ah”, and the spiritual etiquette of the “Tariq‘ah”. May he serve as our intercessor, and may God Almighty grant us His mercy and forgiveness, along with the success to act upon the teachings and guidance of that noble figure. As he stated: «کونُوا لَنا زَیْناً وَ لا تَکونُوا عَلَیْنا شَیْناً» (“Be an adornment to us, not a disgrace”). That is, let our way of life be such that those around us may see in us a model and example to follow.

And now, I find it necessary to once again remind the “fuqara” of several fundamental teachings of the Ni‘matullahi Order—teachings repeatedly emphasized by the elders—so that, God willing, any potential misunderstanding may be resolved for both our own community and others.

1. As stated in Pand-e Saleh: One must respect and obey the laws of the nation. As much as possible, tend to your personal responsibilities and refrain from interfering in political matters, lest you become a tool or excuse for others’ agendas. Likewise, avoid meddling in others’ affairs. The essence of the dervish path and “Mysticism” is self-purification and closeness to the Divine, and only those who are inwardly sincere seekers of the path to God belong to it. Since this is a matter of the heart, it must originate from the heart. Therefore, proselytizing and inviting others to the path is strictly against our principles. As Imam Sadiq (AS) said: «کونُوا دُعَاةً لِلنَّاسِ بِغَيرِ أَلْسِنَتِکمْ» (“Call people to goodness by your actions, not by your words”). Accordingly, the “Mashayekh” are instructed not to accept seekers unless it is confirmed that their intention is sincere God-seeking. The elders of this Order have never sought to increase numbers, and quality has always been valued over quantity.
2. The “Shari‘ah” and the “Tariq‘ah” are not separate, just as the body is not separated from the soul in this world. However, the “Shari‘ah” precedes the “Tariq‘ah” in practice. Thus, all seekers are first expected to strictly observe their religious duties before advancing toward “faqr”. To learn the rulings of the “Shari‘ah”, they are referred to qualified jurists with both scholarly and ethical qualifications.
3. Unfortunately, in our current age, political interpretation has become the standard lens through which all actions—including religious and spiritual ones—are viewed. But, as reiterated by past elders, the dervish path is not a political party, and no “dervish”, as such, belongs to any political faction. Nothing in our teachings or practices suggests otherwise. As His Holiness Majzoub Ali Shah also said, a “dervish” must engage in work and civil life, but always “keep the heart with the Beloved and the hand with work.” The dervish’s path does not interfere in social or political affairs, although each individual may personally, and based on their own judgment, participate in such matters. Still, such participation must stem from sincerity, with God in mind, and guided by the reason of faith—not by satanic impulses—so that they do not become a tool for others. Citizenship requires that all obey the laws of the land, especially the “fuqara”, who have always respected the law.
4. Gatherings and assemblies of the “fuqara” are solely for glorifying God and remembrance of the Divine. They also allow for mutual care and support among “fuqara”. However, any worldly discussion—political or financial—is strictly forbidden in such gatherings and causes spiritual discomfort to the host. These sessions, particularly in “Husayniyyas”, which are waqf properties designated explicitly for religious and spiritual ceremonies, must be protected from political misuse. Such gatherings are exclusively held for God’s remembrance and for religious occasions like the birthdays and mourning of the “Ahl al-Bayt” (AS), in accordance with Islamic customs.
5. To prevent any deviation, trustee boards have been appointed for each “Husayniyya” to monitor for suspicious individuals and ensure order, peace, and avoidance of any act that could disturb neighbors or provoke opponents.
6. In Tehran, for over a century, the Amir Soleymani and Haeri “Husayniyyas” have been venues for “fuqara” gatherings. These properties were officially endowed for the religious use of the Ni‘matullahi Gonabadi community. Any misuse or unauthorized claim over these spaces goes against both the law and the expressed will of their donors. Throughout their history, there has been no record of any activity in these “Husayniyyas” other than religious ceremonies. The unfortunate incidents that occurred in Golestan 7th Street of Pasdaran are unrelated to the events held in these spiritual centers and stem from external factors involving both hostile outsiders and misinformed insiders.

In conclusion, I ask all dear “fuqara” to pay close attention to these matters, uphold these principles, and preserve the tranquility of our “Sufi” gatherings.