insideofiran/2010-12-07 - Recently a book has been published in Iran called “Estefta’at” (Request for Fatwa). In the first volume of this book there are Fatwas’(religious declarations) of seven religious Scholars’ (some of whom are deceased ) regarding Sufism and Kaneqah (Sufi’s place for spiritual retreat ).

In a report made by Inside of Iran of the statement by the news network of “International Committee in the Support of Iranian Sufis” one can see that the publication of “Estefta’at” which highlights these Fatwas, is publication that is similar to over forty anti-Sufism books, which has been published during the reign of Mohammad Hussein Saffar Harandi as the head of “Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance “.

In these books the request for Fatwas’, is used as means of plotting maliciously against Sufism by disturbing and provoking the readers of these books.

The outcome of requesting these Fatwas, and obtaining them was the main cause for the movement to demolish of Gonabadi’s Hosseiniehs (religious gathering places) and to further spread the repression of Gonabadi Sufi’s.

As a result, over sixty thousand dervishes gathered in mass protest in front of the Iranian parliament building on The Day of Dervish 3rd Esfand (21 February 2009).

In a recent related announcement a suicide bomber who entered ‘Sufis worship place of Nematollahi Order’, who had attacked and injured several Nematollahi dervishes’ and threatened to explode their place of worship has now released from prison.

To release this criminal who was brainwashed with ant-Sufism ideas, alongside the regime’s recent propaganda against Sufism, and “The Nematollahi Order” in their pro-government website “Khabar Online”, clearly illustrates that the Iranian regime are attempting another plot against Sufis in Iran .