Letter – 15 Dhu al-Qa‘dah 1341 AH (1923-06-30)

Letter from Hazrat Agha Haj Sheikh Muhammad Hasan Bichareh Bidokhti Gonabadi, Saleh Ali Shah
to Haj Abolqasem Nournejad (“Saber Ali”) during his studies

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[This directive largely draws upon a guidance note that the late and blessed Agha (may his resting place be sanctified) had written for this humble one during his stay in Isfahan. What has been added pertains to the personal duties of that dear one. I hope God grants him success.]

First: Read this note carefully once a week and reflect upon it so that its instructions are understood and its advice and insights are not forgotten.

Structure your life such that you wake up at least from the time of true dawn (subh sadiq) and dedicate the time until after prayer for worship — whether remembrance (dhikr), contemplation (fikr), or supplication. The best prayers include those from the complete al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya, Du‘a Kumayl, Du‘a Sabah, Du‘a Iftitah, and Du‘a Abu Hamza. Recite Ziyarat Ashura and Du‘a Arafah when the occasion permits and your inner state is suitable. Try your utmost so that, God willing, their meanings influence your state; otherwise, at the very least, reproach yourself. Recite the Quran daily, even if it’s just one section (hizb).

As much as possible, be mindful of the quality of your actions and words, and always seek God’s approval — for the highest form of remembrance is mindfulness of divine commands and prohibitions in all circumstances. While youth comes with its own tendencies, you — praise be to God — are not deeply immersed in youthful impulses. Reflect that death knows neither youth nor old age; it can come at any moment. Life is not guaranteed. That which must eventually be abandoned is better forsaken early. Showing kindness to others is among the greatest acts of worship and the path to a peaceful life. If someone is mentioned, speak of their virtues and conceal their faults — even if they are your enemy or someone hostile to the faith. Avoid speaking ill; anyone perceptive will understand for themselves. In interactions with your brothers in faith, act with love, fraternity, and humility. If they show you respect, do not internalize it as your own worth — realize it is for another reason and respond with even more humility, which enhances your standing.

Show humility to the authorized representatives (ma’zunin) in general. With others, maintain a balanced demeanor — neither servile nor aloof. Avoid strict formality on either end. Honor the older fuqara (fuqara) with sincere affection in social interactions. Respect prominent figures and treat people fairly and considerately, without bias or causing harm. Let your behavior make those close to the Sufi path more enthusiastic and even outsiders more well-disposed, rather than causing confusion or leading the non-darvish community to criticize or oppose. God willing, I am hopeful about that dear one and desire improvement for all.

Do not use tobacco. Not because I disapprove, but because it harms your own body — and by the time you recognize the damage, it will be too late. Youth is valuable. Preserve your physical strength by reducing tea intake, avoiding tobacco, eating in moderation, staying active, and exercising. Guard your bodily substances through restraint and balance. Be content with divine decree, as contentment brings peace of mind and physical health. Never enter into temporary marriage (mut‘a). Not because it is religiously impermissible — I do not prohibit it — but because it often causes chronic illnesses, social stigma, and can negatively affect one’s chances for marriage. If a child is born, it leads to lifelong burdens and family conflict. Exercise utmost caution in this matter.

In all your words and deeds, act with long-term credibility in mind. No one should later say: “He did such and such in a certain place.” Speak respectfully of scholars of all kinds. During holidays and other times, occasionally visit Agha Haj Mirza Hossein and build a relationship with his son. Avoid religious debates. Say: “We consider our elders to be authorized and righteous scholars, and we do not oppose them. Our beard style is traditional and not strictly religious — it is recommended.” Avoid argumentative conversations with seminary students. If you sense an intention for debate, remain silent — except during your own lessons, and even then, avoid competitive spirit. Reserve your visits to the fuqara for Fridays. Keep friendships with prominent figures and elites. As for other students, if they come to your room, treat them respectfully. If you visit their rooms, keep it brief and proper. Do not act superior — when people see your respectful behavior, they will reciprocate. Be kind to your servant. If at any time you become upset, whether with the servant or others, do not express it immediately. Remain silent until the anger subsides, then speak gently. Never say “leave” in a dismissive way — a friend quickly becomes an enemy. If companions or travel mates maintain affection, their bond lasts a lifetime — and the opposite is also true. The simplest way to live a balanced life for both religion and worldly matters is tolerance and quietly setting a good example through your actions. If possible, gather students and begin teaching — teaching is better than learning, even if done with due care toward students. Teach one class in jurisprudence (fiqh), one in principles (usul), and one in logic. When those are completed, move on to theology and philosophy. During breaks, study astronomy, geometry, and similar subjects. Every day, transcribe fifty to sixty verses: ten in large script like calligraphy for banners, twenty as standard practice, and thirty in fine handwriting. Schedule each task in your day, and if you teach, focus on making your lessons understandable — for that is the teacher’s pride, and it requires study in advance.

If a mourning ceremony (majlis) is held in the seminary, attend it — do not remain aloof. Avoid sitting with indecent or foolish people, and even in private, refrain from indecent jokes and lewd talk, for they ruin your reputation and integrity, even among your own peers. Even if you are not strict, you must not come across as careless. Maintain your self-respect. Pride is different from dignity, and humility is different from lowliness. Do not present yourself as either overly strict or overly loose. Never talk about anything except religious or academic matters. Do not get involved in others’ affairs or external issues. Avoid inserting yourself into conversations that do not concern you, even if they are pleasant. Think about the context before and after each word — speak and write in a way that, even if the recipient turns hostile, there is no danger. Assume your companion may become your adversary and act accordingly. Even if someone is your enemy, treat them like a friend on the surface — but never neglect caution. In gatherings, do not interrupt someone until they have finished speaking, unless it is absolutely necessary.

Sleep seven to eight hours daily. If anyone comes from Gonabad, greet them warmly. If they’re willing to visit, host them with their companions. Otherwise, reach out and make an appointment. Receive everyone according to their status — in some cases, even invite fellow students over to meet them. Do not get entangled in financial matters with merchants unless it is with receipts and bringing items to your room. In the market, maintain a dignified presence — such that you are seen as composed, pious, respectful, and wise, not childish or reckless. Do not meddle in others’ affairs — your focus should be solely on your studies and discussions. When it comes to expenses, live frugally — not in a way that draws criticism, but enough to remain discreet. Your personal spending, which no one sees, should be modest. However, in public — like when guests arrive, or on holidays — don’t let people say you live miserably. In these matters, behave with grace and hospitality. When someone is coming over for a meal, set a proper table and setting. Some students, who are not accustomed to taking advantage, will become lasting friends with even small gestures. Offer them refreshments occasionally. Show kindness to good students — sometimes offer them something, even indirectly. Avoid attending outsiders’ gatherings unless necessary, like to avoid alienation, or when it involves Aghazadehs or close friends. When you do attend, be very considerate. Do not go to fuqara’s gatherings more than once or twice a week, as it doesn’t look proper and may distract from your studies. If the seminary owes you anything, refer it to your students. Don’t be stingy or selfish with friends. Be forgiving, generous, and share the expenses with others. Don’t isolate yourself. Do not exceed your share. Manage your own accounts and expenses — not in a way that others feel uncomfortable or you draw attention. Keep everything recorded and approved personally. Trust in God, but act with prudence.

Although some of these points may not be necessary for that dear one — as you are already aware and adorned with such virtues — they are written as reminders. Some topics are repeated, but repetition in times of great concern is not harmful.

At least once a week, write a letter — even a brief one — to keep me updated. If Hajji Mirza Ali-Muhammad, that dear one, wishes, he may take a copy of this letter. If anything is unclear or a discussion arises that you do not understand, write to me and ask. There is nothing more to add. I entrust you to the Merciful God. وَاَسْئَلُ‌اللهَ التَّوفيقُ لِی وَلَكُمْ في جَميعِ الْاُمورِ، إِنْ‌شٰاءَ‌الله (“And I ask Allah to grant success to me and to you in all matters, God willing.”)