IJBPAS, October, 2015, 4(10): 6082-6097 ISSN: 2277–4998

DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF CEREMONIES, RITUALS AND TRADITIONS OF THE SUFIS OF NEMATOLLAHI GONABADI DYNASTY IN TEHRAN

1KHADIJEH KESHAVARZ FARHADI, 2DR.MOHAMMAD HOMAYOUN SEPEHR

1Islamic Azad University, Tehran Markaz Unit, Tehran,

2Assistant Professor, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Markaz Unit, Tehran, Iran

*Author for Correspondence E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT One of the most important socio-cultural phenomena of Iran in Islamic period is emergence and spread of Sufism streams, since the streams have had determinant role in social and political evolutions of Iran. Since 6th century, with the establishment of Sufism schools, new features were occurred for Islamic Mysticism or Sufism and the school of Sufism was established. However, with the presence of disputes and conflicts among sheikhs of Sufism, a dynasty was established named Nematollahi Dynasty, which was one of the most famous dynasties of Sufism of conflict and unique branches. In this regard, the main objective of the present study is introducing customs, traditions and rituals of Sufis of Nematollahi Gonabadi Dynasty in Tehran. Applied method in this study is library, document, qualitative and deep- viewing method. In addition, presence in field of study in abbey of Amir Soleimani in Tehran and also abbey of Mazar Sultani in has specified qualitative and descriptive aspects of the study. Keywords: Sufism, nematollahi dynasty, Gonabad INTRODUCTION One of the most important socio-cultural has been always under effect of Sufism phenomena in Iran of Islamic Period is thoughts and beliefs and especially with the emergence and spread of mystical and entrance of Islam in this territory, different Sufism streams. Iran society, as a society Sufism sects were established because of with rich religious and cultural background, cultural reasons and had vital role in social

6082 IJBPAS, October, 2015, 4(10) Khadijeh Keshavarz Research Article

and political evolutions of Iran in inherence and continue their activity and continuous centuries. Sufism is one of the life till the current age. most brilliant and attractive appearances of In this regard, through conducting a deep Islamic culture, which has always inspired study and using one of the novel methods many people. Based on theory of nature, it of anthropology on Gonabadieh, as one of could be mentioned that the truth of Sufism the most important branches of is rooted in divine nature of human and Nematollahi Creed that is currently as one hence, no religion or religious culture can of the most influent and developed be found that has not used Sufism dynasties of Sufism in Iran, the study has orientations. Islamic Sufism that is rooted investigated this issue. in Quran and tradition, in its most History of Nematollahi Sheikhs organized historical form that is Sufism, At the first, an overview should be has had considerable emergence. presented on history of Nematollahi Creed, With the establishment of Sufism schools brief assessment of life of sheikhs and since 12th century, Islamic Sufism created evolutions and manner of formation of new features of its history with many ups branches of the dynasty in regard with and downs and Sufism was begun. Each of estimating mind of readers with process of the mentioned creeds provided some events that can result in establishment of followers for them through claiming for Gonabadi creed. legitimacy, originality and monopoly Nematollahi dynasty, which is attributed to through redemption and began to compete Shah Nematollah Vali that his shrine is in with each other in regard with increasing Mahan Kerman, has been derived from their power and hence, gradually dispute several creeds from the dynasty that have and conflicts on polarity among Sufism some followers in Iran. Nematollahi Sufism sheikhs was increased. The disputes over was in India to the age of Zandieh and by the centuries and among Sufism was that time, Sayed Ma'sum Alishah Dakani enhanced in Qajar Era and then, came to Iran on behalf of Shah Alireza Nematollahi Dynasty found many branches Dakani to publish the sect from India. His as one of the most famous dynasties of first students were Feiz Alishah and his son Sufism and as a result, over the effective Noor Alishah. Nematollahi dynasty was stream of these branches, only a number of faced separating tendencies after Noor branches of Nematollahieh such as Alishah. Gonabadieh could preserve their form and

6083 IJBPAS, October, 2015, 4(10) Khadijeh Keshavarz Research Article

Origin and parentage of Shah sometimes in Mahan. During residence of Nematollah Vali Sayed Nematollah Vali in Mahan, his fame His parentage reached to Prophet was reached to most regions of Iran and Mohammad with a mediator, since he states India and many people traveled to Mahan that: "my 19th ancestor is Prophet to visit him. Ahmad Shah Bahmani from Mohammad, is clear, not hidden". Sayed Dakan asked Sayed to travel to India. Nooredin Nematollah Ibn Abdollah Ibn Sayed sent his grandson to India and Mohammad known as Shah Nematollah provided preparations of transfer of Vali was founder of Nematollahieh sect and Nematollahi Dynasty and travel of Shah from Hosseini Sadat, whose parentage Khalil to Dakan. reaches Imam Ali through Ismail Ibn Jafar. Nematollahi dynasty, which was He was born in Halab on 731 A.H and established by him, became a support for since then, he used to show specific Sufism in Iran and India for long time. dignities and signs and used to do religious Caliphs of Nematollah went to India after prayers and tolerate hard austerities [1]. him and prevailed several Nematollahi However, Sayed Nematollah Vali learnt ways there [3]. official sciences from famous professors Personalities of Shah Nematollah Vali and went to Arabic countries for Hajj on and his Sufism compared to other sects 755 A.H in age of 24. After arriving in 1. He could enter Iranian Sufism to a Egypt and at the time of accommodation, new stage, along with Islamic he became student of Sheikh Al-Sheikhs religion, and could also impress Abu Abdollah Yafei. Although Sayed followers of other sects. Nematollah has been in interaction with 2. One of the differentiation aspects of many leaders and elders, he became student Nematollahi Sufism from other of Sheikh Abu Abdollah Yafei and position sects is its commitment to Islamic of Sheikh Abo Abdollah was reached to Sharia. Hyence, he used to observe Sheikh Ahmad Ghazali and Yafei was the orders and sentences of Islam great man and familiar with implicit and among students. explicit sciences [2]. 3. Shah Vali believed that presence of Sayed Nematollah Vali wnt to Kerman for leader is essential for guiding short time after tolerating many difficulties wayfarers. and went from Kerman to Mahan and spent his rest of life to 25 years in Kerman and

6084 IJBPAS, October, 2015, 4(10) Khadijeh Keshavarz Research Article

No wayfarer can reach perfection position, 1. Cloak is position of guidance, who has not reached perfection (Collection which is granted to the student by of Poems, 60). sheikh of Sufism and is not special 4. Nematollahi Sufism has no specific clothes, although it has been clothing. They believe that business common among some Sufism sects is pleased function by God and to make clothes by pieces of other businessman is friend of God. clothes. However, in Sufism sect no 5. They respect to all obligations of specific clothes is considered and law and rules of Islamic religion they believe that the best clothes are [4]. Virtue and piety. Rituals and customs 2. Commemorate circle refers to In anthropology, ritual has been defined as community of dervishes in the customary ceremonies and preparations and convent and commemorating God the aim by ritual is a series of words, and his orders. conducted actions and manipulated subjects 3. Secret commemorate is and objects, which have been exactly commemorate of God's names that codified that are associated with the belief is expressed by heart, not by tongue. related to active presence of extraordinary 4. Clear commemorate is one of the creatures. Hence, for example religion can divine names or a phrase that is also be defined through being relied on belief in expressed by tongue like Allah or extraordinary creatures and some effective Rahman or Towhid, etc. behaviors against these creatures and also 5. Contentment stone: in some being relied on certain way for contacting dynasties, in regard with austerity them and this way is same Sha'ayer (Rites) they close a stone to their stomach, [5]. The aim by rites and ceremony in this so that they would not become paper is all behaviors, symbols, customs, hungry. rites and specific traditions that can 6. Lasso of unity is submitted to the differentiate Gonabady Dynasty from other Murshid (sheikh), under orders of sects and is sometimes similar and whom he can pass over the Sufism sometimes different from other ceremonies process, so that to reach positions of and common customs in the society. destruction of actions and Terms of Nematollahi Gonabadi personalities and nature of God. Dervishes

6085 IJBPAS, October, 2015, 4(10) Khadijeh Keshavarz Research Article

7. Love thorn is burning and melting Repent and trust of true love, which can sometimes Repent in word means reference and return result in attraction. and based on order of law, repent refers to 8. Sitting in the temple of monotheism turning back from sins and leaving them refers to sitting and saying prayers. and taking way of the Almighty God. 9. Sama is expansion, which can be In Sufism, repent is not same as repent in achieved under condition of religion and sharia, so that a Sufis can submergence in obtained repent from sins, but also the aim by repent commemorate and can be moved is leaving the material, world and taking sometimes unintentionally. way of God and although the actual aim of Sermon Sufis can guarantee the previous fault, it The aim by such preaches is prohibiting pays mostly attention to leaving sins in the people from conducting bad actions and future [6]. doing good things and gaining their The subject of trust is one of the ethical attention to God and connecting to him [6]. bases of Sufism and has gained attention of In the dictionary, it means advising and Sufis and Saleks (seekers). In view of admonishing [7]. Sufism, trust could force sufi to be Monotheism destroyed and submit any kind of intention In the dictionary, monotheism means and desire completely to the God [6]. making unique and faith in unity of the God Allegiance [7]. In terms of Sufism, agreement between three types of monotheism are mentioned henchman and sheikh of Sufism can be as follows: "one is monotheism of God regarded as allegiance. True wishful and from God that is divine knowledge on his applicant would take repent ceremony and unity; the other one is monotheism of God promises to follow a series of relevant rules from his creatures that is associated with and systems of Sufism [6]. orders of God, who should be regarded unit Representation, caliphate and guidance by human and then create monotheism in permission his heart that is monotheism of human from The subject of caliphate and representation God or knowledge of divine monotheism can be necessities of Sufism and the by human". According to him, monotheism principle has been agreed almost by all was that, through which the truth can't be dynasties of Sufism. Elder people of endangered [8]. Sufism used to train henchmen and seekers

6086 IJBPAS, October, 2015, 4(10) Khadijeh Keshavarz Research Article

and select those people as their tool for reaching perfection. Commemorate representatives, who were competent for had two secret and clear types. This was leadership and were able to help followers because; they used to hide the first one in way of Sufism, and used to permit them from people and used to express the second orally or in written from to accept seekers one clearly. During loneliness, Sufi used to and train them. sit in a corner with specific customs and take name of God for several times and his Convent and its foundations lips and tongue used not to be moved and In the dictionary, the word "convent" refers only his heart used to be mention name of to a place, in which dervishes and sheikhs God. Many people of Sufism used to take live and say prayers and has been also the pronoun of "He" instead of "Allah", defined as monastery and abbey of which was also common in Quran. In dervishes [7]. convent and out of it, Sufis had also other The word "convent" (Khaneghag) has been ceremonies: advising ceremony and Sama composed of two words of "Khane" (home) ceremony. In the advising ceremony, and "Gah" (place) and is closer to the Sheikh used to give mystical advises, destiny and it can be mentioned that which were sometimes full of taste and convent means a place with several relish. Mysticism of Sheikh Tabrizi, chambers that has been prepared for rest of ceremonies of Molana, ceremonies of Sa'di dervishes and passengers. It is also clear have been some examples of what used to that when a person becomes resident of a be mentioned in these ceremonies. place, naturally the person needs food too However, Sama ceremony was a spiritual and usually landlords would be responsible custom full of taste and relish. In Iran, for this issue. Hence, convent has been a Pakistan, India, Egypt and Turkey, some place, in which some people had examples of these ceremonies are still accommodation and they were feed and this existed, in which the taste is associated has been followed and has been completed with music and dance [8]. Spenser has constantly [6]. written about structural specifications of Convent that is also named as angle and these centers as follows: ligament was a place for community of "The buildings included some rooms, in dervishes. Chelle Neshini has been also one which ceremony of Advice and Sama used of the instruments of loneliness of people to be hold." Another center that used to be and in belief of Sufism, repeating it was the emerged similar to structure of initial

6087 IJBPAS, October, 2015, 4(10) Khadijeh Keshavarz Research Article

convents was shrine and tombs of followers The word "angle" in terms of Sufism has and sheikhs of Sufism. Presence of a been used to refer to night veil, a cloth that scientist and human-based leader could used to be applied by Sufi to gather his make people to be some around him and furniture in it and fasten it and carry it in use his presence and after his death, they travels [6]. The term angle used to be used to build a shrine for him and through considered as humility and used to be this, his greatness and brilliance used to be named as angle, since Salik was able to displayed in form of a curved building. take a corner in it and say prayers and Through following his way by his children worship God there. In building of convent, and henchmen and prevailing his dignities in addition to chambers of saliks, an angle and kindness and subject t of pilgrimage of was also belonged to manager and sheikh his shrine can be added. Clear of convent. specifications of such places can be found Dynasty of Nematollahi Gonabadi in shrine of Safi Ali Shah 1316 A.H in Dervishes Tehran [9]. Nematollahieh: Nematollahieh was one of Ligament (Robat) is also related to convent. the sects attributed to famous Sufi, Shah In Islam history, Robat has been public Nematollah Vali Kermani, known as Sayed name of camps near the boundaries of and Shah and was from great people of Islamic borders, which in the age of Sufism in 8th A.H century [11]. development of power of caliphs, always a Owners of dictionary have defined dynasty group of Muslims were ready there to as chain and continuous rings [7]. The aim defend against invasions of pagans. by dynasty among people of Sufism has Apparently, roots of the term have been been defined by one sect of Sufism, which derived from interpretation of "Robat Al- its founder was one of the sheikhs and after Khalil" (Anfal Surah/ verse 62), where it is him, his representatives used to be charged advised to Muslims to provide military for leading the sect [12]. In other words and forces for fighting against pagans as much in a better definition, the word in terms of as possible. Residents of Robat, who have Sufism indicates the link and connection been in fact living in boundaries used to be between Velayat and cloak of Sufism, named as Morabetun, who have been through which mysteries of Sufism have Muslim and faithful and had devoted been continued as a chain from Prophet themselves to preserving Islam and Mohammad to his friends and then to defending Islam [10]. Sufism sheikhs one after another and

6088 IJBPAS, October, 2015, 4(10) Khadijeh Keshavarz Research Article

generation by generation. Therefore, it Gonabad is located in south of in could be mentioned that the aim by dynasty the distance between Torbat, , of Gonabadi Dervishes in this study is Ferdows and Birjand and has a fresh and religious group and organization composed arid climate and some of its people work as of followers and henchmen of Sultan Ali farmers and because of hardness of lands Shah Gonabadi and his successors, who and water shortage, they have to tolerate were selected after an important branch and many difficulties in their business. its leaders reached polarity one after Gonabad is a block including three parts another and they used to give the and each part has several villages and its permission of their position to elderly central part is named as Gonabad and its people of Sufism sheikhs and they could be mountainous region is known as Barakooh; attributed to Prophet Mohammad and meaning that is located in range of innocent imams such as a chain. mountain and its northern part of it with flat and hot lands is known as Pasklut and Klut means hill and is used for waste and salty lands and as a klut is between this part and central part, it has become famous as MATERIALS AND METHODS Pastklut. Central part is more important Study of Nematollahi Dynasty has been than it and has several villages such as conducted as a field and depth-oriented Juymand, which is center of offices and study using direct observation and has also today is governing center of Gonabad and applied library documents. The most has been approved by National Council in important method applied in this study has the recent divisions of the country on 1937. been interview. Gonabad city was divided into Kashmar, Scope of the research Bojestan, Ferdows and Tabas; although The present study has been conducted in later gradually according to approval of convent of Amir Soleimani located in board of directors, Kashmar became an Tehran, Imam Khomeini Street, Behesht independent city and Ferdows became also Street on dervishes of Nematollahi an independent city [13]. Gonabadi Dynasty. The dynasty against Nematollahieh Sultan RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Ali Shah Gonabadi Gonabad Dynasty of Gonabadi is one of the most famous strains of Nematollahi, which is

6089 IJBPAS, October, 2015, 4(10) Khadijeh Keshavarz Research Article

named as Bam Al-Salasel. The chain of the continued its life sometimes in movement dynasty is ended to Imam Shah Nematollah and sometimes in weakness. Vali and has passed over Imam Joneid Nematollahi Dynasty at the early days of Baghdadfi, who was one of the biggest invitation, because of good conditions and Sufis in age of Imam Hadi (peace be upon generality of Shah Nematollah and after him) and Imam Askari and as he has been that due to the Shiite religion, has been in same age of small absence of Imam successful in its affairs and has achieved Zaman and has been also permitted to be relative development. After him, grandson guided on behalf of Gharin Al-sharaf Imam of Sayed Nematollah was married daughter Zaman (peace be upon him), Sufis used to of Sultan Ahmad Khan Bahmani, king of name him as Sheikh Al-Taefe and Aval Al- Hind, and sent many gifts to Shah Ghasab fi Gheyba. The great person has Nematollah in two steps to Kerman. been trained by aborted series, which were Through this, economic basis and material permitted to guide people on behalf of aspects of Sufism organization of Imam Reza and Imam Javad and Imam Nematollahi was empowered and its Hadi and has been trained in Karkh. He has advancement was provided. After that, one been watcher and guardian of Imam Reza or two persons of posterities of Shah and has been permitted on behalf of the Nematollah became relative of kingship Imam to guide people and has been in family of Safavid Dynasty and achieved terms of Sufis Sheikh of Sheikhs and the money and position and found political famous dynasties are derived from him. the influence and credit. They could enhance reason for this issue that the dynasty is credit of their family through this. known as Razavieh is that affairs of Sufism Probability emergence of the word Shah have been published by the Imam more beside name of nematollahi Sheikhs, than others, so that affairs of sharia and regardless of historical background of sentences of law used to be published by Sufism, has not been with any reason, since Imam Sadegh (peace be upon him) hence, achieving wealth and distributing them Shiite religion is also known as Jafari among needy people and becoming relative religion. of dynasty of sultans and having title of Education system of Nematollahi Dynasty Prince could empower kinship and reign in and its convent complex has been stable its heart [6]. since early 9th century to the date and based CUSTOMS RITES AND on social rejection or acceptance, it has CEREMONIES

6090 IJBPAS, October, 2015, 4(10) Khadijeh Keshavarz Research Article

Ceremonies and customs and minorities 1-repent ablution; 2- Islam ablution; 3- form wide part of interactions and social pilgrimage ablution; 4- Friday ablution; 5- behaviors of people. Ceremonies, customs wish ablution and symbolic aspects of Gonabadi Sufism Also, 5 things should be provided as can be hold sometimes in common and follows: publicly and sometimes privately and 1-a white cloth 2- coin 3- ring 4- nutmeg different from common customs in the and 5- rock candy society and other groups. In the promised day, the henchman sits in a Customs, ceremonies and special rites of room, along with sheikh and makes his Gonabadieh head and feet nude according to order of Poverty initiation ritual and its customs: sheikh and wears only a shirt and pants. A person, who has tendency for joining the Sheikh fastens the 5 mentioned objects in a dynasty, is named as Taleb (seeker). white cloth and takes it in his right hand The first step for entering manner of and takes hand of seeker with his left hand. dervishes in this Sufism is presence of At this time, murshid sits on the ground and Taleb in the ceremony of initiation and puts his hands on his knees and puts his doing its customs and after end of the head down. Old seeker takes a step toward ceremony, title of dervish would be applied the murshid and prostrates, so that palms for the person. are face to the sky and backs of both hands The first step for initiating to poverty can are on the flat. Then, he stands up and takes be named as step of need; meaning that a step forward and again prostrates. Hence, firstly Salik comes to the place of pole of in third prostrating, he would be placed in the sheikh with a heart full of need and asks front of sheikh and at the same time that for being accepted as Sufi with humility sheikh has hands of seeker in his hands, (however, they need a person from the gives the objects to the murshid with his dynasty members to introduce them) and if right hand. Then, right hand of seeker sheikh accepts them, he can determine a would be placed in hand of pole and then, date and hour, which is usually Friday pole speaks to him about the agreement and evening, for initiating the person and orders necessity of commitment to it and gives to perform 5 types of ablution for the advices such as taking care of prayers and promised day as follows: emphasizing ablution and cleanliness, being good with parents, councilmen of heart thought and commemorate, kindness

6091 IJBPAS, October, 2015, 4(10) Khadijeh Keshavarz Research Article

with people and so on. Afterwards, heart God by people, since in this ceremony it is commemorate would be inculcated to him necessary to take a fasten cloth of rock and he takes method of poverty and need candy and give to pole with the small and a paper including orders of poverty to world" [14]. the new entered seeker and the rock candy About ceremony of need and quality and its would be given to the seeker and others coordinates among written heritage of after the ceremony as consecration (Keyvan elderly people of the dynasty, no significant Ghazvini (Ostovar), 1997). issue can be observed and the reservation is The rock candy is as a consecration for in an extent that current pole of the dynasty Gonabadi Dervishes and is the factor for states in answering a poor person on need brightness of heart and it should not be ceremony and its quality that: it is not given to other people than members of the essential for you to be informed of need dynasty. ceremony and you will understand it, Ceremony of need whenever you are invited to it. One of the most important and mysterious Dig Jush (pot boil) display of special Gonabadi Rites is This is a specific and symbolic ceremony ceremony of need. The ceremony is not for and in other words Ultimate of Sufism, it is all people and only a number of dervishes mysterious with many customs and secrets can attend the ceremony. Hence, majority and many rites, which has not been even of dervishes of the dynasty are unaware of observed by all dervishes and some of them manner of holding the ceremony and this is have heard about it rarely and some of them heart wish of many of them to gain required have not even heard about it. According to competency for being invited to the Keyvan Ghazvini, which is the one and ceremony. only information base in this field, Dig Jush About appellation of the ceremony, it has is similar to agate (Aqiqe) in Islam been written in Ostovar Book that: "the (Keyvan Ghazvini, Behin Sokhan, 1997). ceremony is hold for meeting needs of In Sufism school, it has been considered as audiences based on their talent and the the last level of perfection and the person, ceremony is a market, in which need would who boils the pot, sacrifices his sensuality be bought by God and every participant has (bad nature) such as a sheep and becomes a a shop and a salesperson and God is ready good person and is qualifi3ed for guiding for transaction. The second idiomatic human. According to him, giving boiled pot meaning of need is the small gift given to is a sign for competency of henchman for

6092 IJBPAS, October, 2015, 4(10) Khadijeh Keshavarz Research Article

expressing polarity position. In his opinion, Religious communities should be only for boiled pot is the last position and level of mentioning the God and using his help and Salik and the fifth condition and using help of pure persons of religion and commitment given to the sheikh by material and worldly goals should not be henchman while initiation. Many considered, but also elders have prohibited henchmen are invited to this ceremony for to speak about worldly affairs in the several times, although they have not the religious ceremonies that are only for competency for holding the ceremony. It mentioning God and the valuable time of should be mentioned that only pole can these communities should not be consumed issue permission of holding such ceremony; for worldly goals and they have prohibited although each Murshid and pole has not transaction and dealing in the mosque. also the competency for holding pot boil However, worldly affairs and communities ceremony. In regard with appellation and have not been prohibited, but also manner of holding the ceremony, it should mentioning God and obeying him has been be mentioned that based on Sufism custom, regarded as essential affairs; although they a seeker, who has gained the permission of have mentioned that the special ceremonies holding pot boil ceremony can place the for commemorating God that are named as sheep in the pot after sacrificing it and put circle can be divine ceremonies and pure its led and then makes it boiled, so that it is and truthful souls and spirits are present cooked. The boiling should not be stopped there and also owner of Velayat and the and after a while, pole should remove the leader of the age is also present in the lid of the pot, so that he can take the steam ceremony and the attention should not be as the first person and then, pole can divide limited to worldly affairs, which are not the meat among the participants and significant. This is because; the Almighty audiences [14]. God has no partner and rejects prayer and Therefore, pot boil ceremony has many worship that are polluted to worldly goals rites and customs and special and intentions. Poverty ceremony is one of commemorates and special secrets and the most important examples of Gonabadi mysteries; although it seems currently that rituals and a symbol of commemorate the ceremony is not being hold, since in circles and thinking circles of ancient Sufis. interview with dervishes, they were Poverty ceremonies are so significant in the completely not familiar with the ceremony. mentioned Sufism and have been Poverty ceremonies emphasized by leaders of the dynasty and

6093 IJBPAS, October, 2015, 4(10) Khadijeh Keshavarz Research Article

also they have confirmed and emphasized Iranian identity, it is expected that they respecting it and books and speeches and have some things in common with other lectures of the ceremony. Hence, in regard people of their territory for holding some with respecting the ceremonies, it has been ceremonies and customs. written as follows: Poverty ceremonies are Religious rituals respectful and holly and are specified to Gonabadi leaders have paid special mentioning the God and taking help of attention to holding religious ceremonies elderly people of the religion. The and rituals such as holding religious ceremony should be free from physical celebrations and mourning ceremonies for pollutions and mental filth. Imams from the early days of establishment Maybe the most basic and fundamental of the sect. aspect of differentiation of the ceremonies However, the respect to holding the and its commemorate circles from religious ceremonies has been also ceremonies of Gonabadi is possibility of reflected in practical way of other poles, so participation of all dervishes with no that each of them based on important limitation from pole of the dynasty to religious events, hold celebration or common poor people in the ceremony. It mourning ceremonies and perform lecture should be noted that with the presence in or passion play in these ceremonies. In these ceremonies, majority of dervishes statements of elderly people of Gonabad, find that they should participate the the importance of holding the ceremonies ceremonies according to their statements in has been also emphasized and some special agendas of dynasty pole and they consider instructions have been issued for dervishes high holiness and spirituality for the of the dynasty; for example, holding poverty ceremonies. mourning ceremonies should be free of any Common customs, rituals and kind of incompetent issues and the things ceremonies of Gonabadieh that can cause offense to holly presence of In addition to specific ceremonies, customs imams and weakness of holly beliefs in and symbolic aspects of Gonabadieh, which front of strangers and enemies of Islam, but is a confirmation for their dervish-oriented also mostly true positions of the holly manner, common ceremonies of position should be explained. Gonabadieh that are derived from followers According to the report of dervishes of the of Mulla Sultan Mohammad on one hand as dynasty and common observations, a Shiite Muslim and on the other hand with ceremonies would be hold for different

6094 IJBPAS, October, 2015, 4(10) Khadijeh Keshavarz Research Article

religious rituals and customs and many denied and marriage and having family and people attend the ceremonies. Obtained preserving family are emphasized. Even results from the study indicate that the elderly people of the dynasty believe that ceremonies have no significant difference married people should attend the with other Shiites of Iran and mourning ceremonies, since if a single person has ceremonies for imams, religious attended and then has committed sin, poles celebrations and other aspects of religious of the dynasty would be partner of the rituals of Gonabadieh would be hold very person. In addition, elderly people of the similarly to other ceremonies. Most of the dynasty have prohibited having several ceremonies would be hold in Hosseinieh of wives at the same time for their members. dervishes and participation of public people In regard with marriage ceremony, they is permitted. Based on one of the elders, have stated that it is not different issue and cost of the ceremonies can be provided even marriage sermon should not be through collecting vows of members or by mentioned by the members of the dynasty. charity of dervishes. About emphasizing dervish nature of the It should be also mentioned that in the parties in marriage, no emphasis and ceremonies of respecting poles of the insistence has been existed on this issue. dynasty, the dining would be begun firstly Gonabadieh and mourning ceremony with a cup of coffee and then similar to In regard with manner of burial and holding other Shiites, tea, date and halva would be mourning ceremony of dervishes, the distributed among guests. dynasty is not different from mourning Gonabadieh and marriage rituals ceremonies of other Shiites, since as it was In history of Sufism, leaving marriage and observed by the author in the ceremony of being single for all life has been common burial and mourning of grandfather of among some Sufis and dervishes, since dervish, no difference was observed. they believed that marriage can be a sign Organizational structure of Gonabadieh for attachment to the world and worldly In charismatic organizational structure of wishes and believed also that being single Gonabadi, establishment of hierarchical can be a way for refinement and purity [9]. system was based on innate manner of such idea is not common among all Sufis people and the division from the lowest to and in Gonabadi Sufism, due to the the highest rank includes some titles as attachment to appearances and orders of follows: sharia of Islam, being single has been 1. Poor

6095 IJBPAS, October, 2015, 4(10) Khadijeh Keshavarz Research Article

2. Permitted of prayers to reach position and level of dervishes. 3. Sheikh Major part of beliefs of the followers is 4. Sheikh of sheikhs same Shiite beliefs; although they know 5. Pole exactly that they have special customs and It should be mentioned that the general and rituals and they have significant emphasis common rule in this dynasty states that on their difference with other sects and people should append steps of the dynasty religions and this is the sense of spiritual respectively and achieve higher positions preference and closeness to God. Another and confirmation of competency of Salik difference of the sect with other Shiite for reaching higher position can be possible Muslims is that dervishes have access to only by the pole and based on his ceremonies always in home of the pole and confirmation. However, it seems that the can present their problems. rule has some exceptions too, since through Over the world of Shiite, Hosseinieh has documenting to thesis of Velayat, Vafa Ali gained special position in regard with (a sheikh of the dynasty), has achieved holding Shiite mourning ceremonies order of being a sheikh without spending (passion play, saying prayers and weeper the initial steps and gaining preliminary for imams and advising). permission. REFERENCES CONCLUSION [1] S., Z. Hadaegh Al-Siyahe, Tehran: In this regard, through conducting Tehran University Press. 1969. investigations and analyses, it could be [2] S., D. Tazkarat Al-Shoara, with the found that identity of Nematollahi effort of Edward Brown, Tehran: Asatir Gonabadi sect includes some beliefs, Press. 2003. customs and rituals, which can make life of [3] M., C. M. sheikh manner in view of seekers meaningful and in regard with the philosophy and history and community, specific issues, imagination of having Tehran, Forughi Bookshop. 1966. mystical moods in the materialistic world [4] P., M. & P., M. anthropology dictionary, has played vital role in meaning of their trans. Dr. Asghar Askari Khanghah, religious life. Among Gonabadi followers, Tehran; 2010 in terms of religious beliefs, it has been [5] K. M. history of convent in Iran, Tehran, emphasized that a gonabadi dervish should Tahuri Library Press. 1990. be firstly a true Shiite Muslim and after [6] S., M. and A., 2536; Kherad Persian that, he should pass special steps of Sufism Dictionary, Eskandari Press

6096 IJBPAS, October, 2015, 4(10) Khadijeh Keshavarz Research Article

[7] S., A. mystical aspects of Islam, trans. [10] M., M. J. (1984), culture of Islamic A.R Govahi, Tehran: Office of Islamic sects Culture Publication, 5th edition. 2005. [11] D., A. dictionary, vol.9, under [8] Z., A. value of Sufism heritage, Tehran: supervision of Moien Mohammad and Amir Kabir Publications, 9th edition. Shahidi Jafar, Tehran: Tehran 1999 University Press. 1993. [9] H., A. appearances of mysticism and [12] T., H. history and geography of faces of mystics, Tehran: Ghatre Gonabad, Tehran, Haghighat Publications. 2004 Publications. 2000 [13] Gh, A. Effort of Masud Abbasi. 1997.

6097 IJBPAS, October, 2015, 4(10)