The archives in San Francisco did not have a copy of all these letters of
Murshid Sam to his god-daughter Saadia Khawar Khan.
Some of them from were obtained during a visit to Pakistan by
Neshama Emi Miller. These letters had all been re-typed by Pakistanis and put
in binders. Some text and some dates were omitted in this process. And some
pages were combined with pages from more than one other letter, and these are
included as two different versions.
The heading of the pages in the binders says, “Letters from the
Saint.”
The copy process in Pakistan left some text impossible to read. In that
case, [?] is inserted.
Some letters are not addressed to Saadia, but are addressed to others, and a
copy was included with a letter to her.
27 Sept. 1962
My Dear Saadia:
As-salaam aleikhum.
This is the first of two letters (presumably) in answer to yours of 24th
August. I went to the Central Post Office and was informed I could take out a
money order in dollars. Ten pounds English means $28.00 American (USA); this
machine does not have the British notation. This is not very much from an
American standpoint so I went to the bank and drew the money out. Tomorrow I go
to Sacramento and the P.O. is immediately across the street from the bus
depot.
At the moment I am not too concerned with the compensation for these dollars
so will discuss that last, or in the next letter. The strange thing I do not
comprehend and I have not meditated on it, is that predictions concerning
myself seem to be coming true, almost like a rehearsal turning into a drama,
but with my friends this is not so. This is especially true of fellow mureeds
and I have no time to pray or meditate.
I am busy writing two books and this takes nearly all my time. In this I
have been most fortunate or rather Allah has blessed me. So I now have a fairly
complete program for salinity and will soon be writing to the Civil &
Military Gaze and to “Food and Agriculture” at Karachi. But people expect
more from one than he can give.
I meet very few happy people, and many of friends are unwell too. On top of
that, the Islamic Center here is in a terrible mess. The leaders never would
permit a lecture or report from me and now they are busy fighting each other. I
wrote them saying that a Muslim was one who was either (a) peaceful or (b)
capable of surrendering. I also told them I was more interested in an Imam than
in a Mosque. They began with many Imams and mistreated them all. I have further
advised I was interested in (a) religion (b) informing the American public
about Mohammed (on whom be peace) and his mission. They are interested in
entertainment, social affairs and praising not Allah, but their ancestors.
I am going to Sacramento to meet my former mureed who strayed far from the
Path and has been in endless difficulties. I am not concerned with past
mistakes or even sins. When there is taubah one can change or be changed in a
twinkling of an eye. My re-studying of Kashf-ul-Mahjub has strengthened me
inwardly very much.
My next attention is to those who are in difficulties. I spend considerable
time warning her that it is not my goodness, but my religion that impels me to
this. I know she is emotionally unstable now, which is quite natural. She and
another lady, who have been class mates, both lost their husbands and
fortunately are very good friends. As my dancing partner married a man of
mixed-blood and was socially ostracized, I have cut myself off from all
companions who favored such ostracism. But the time spent at this typewriter
(and my other one which is being fixed) seems endless. Only Allah restricts me
to ten letters a day, though I may do creative writing and have interviews. The
interviews are almost uniformly excellent but when they lead, as above, to the
settling of such a big problem as salinity, you can imagine how deep they must
be and they are.
After Sacramento I am going to hear an old friend speak on Cairo and expect
to meet other friends in that audience. I find the Arabs here far more capable
of organizing than the Pakistanis. I remember when the Arab students met, they
were totally emotional and spent their time lambasting the Israelis or each
other but when it was necessary to get down to serious business, they did get
down to serious business and that was wonderful.
Ayub is in the United States, one finds this out from pictures and
editorials, all very favorable. Many of your countrymen do not imagine how
popular he is. I think it was this that led to the victory of Zafrullah Khan at
the U.N.
Now as to the saris. I may want one to go to UAR and will make inquiry from
the Egyptians. There may be one or two more, I am not expecting many for $28
and you have to consider postage and insurance. Please give my salaams to your
family. I have been well but have not heard from Major Sadiq. On the other
hand, Pir Sufi Barkat Ali and his mureeds write regularly. Only they expect me
to be back soon. I expect it will take four years to accomplish what was laid
before me but then again Allah knows best. God bless you.
Faithfully,
Sufi Ahmed Murad
May Allah’s love be with you forever, Saadia; these are from the
Asma-ul-cards.
Al-Ghaffar (The Forgiver); Supreme Crown, covers your soul.
Al-Mushi (The Accountant); Wisdom crosses you influence.
Al-Kuddus (The Holy One); Understanding, crowns your obstacles.
Al-Ghani (The All-Sufficing); Love, beneath rising from your feet.
Al-Shakir (The Thankful); Power, behind you.
Al-Wajid (The All-Perceiving); Beauty, before you.
Al-Hadil (The Equitable); Endurance, you.
Al-Kabiz (The Closer); Majesty, your house.
Allah; Foundation, hopes and fear.
AI-Hakk (The Truth); Kingdom, outcome.
Allah is within you; you are His instrument and through you He expresses
Himself to the external world.
The man filled with the knowledge of names and forms has no capacity for the
knowledge of Truth.
Sept. 1962
My Dear Khawar Saadia:
I am writing you at this time because a [?] has been given. The Pirs, Allah
bless, were all [?] this and they have not been [?] wrong (I am changing my
typewriter).
There have been interviews far and wide all over the State and in most cases
I must see these people again. I do not know whether I wrote telling what
happened at Riverside where a Persian research scholar “spotted me” and I
had to give a short but inspired talk on the Prophet.
Most of my work has been collecting materials for “How California Can Help
Asia.” But some has been for the Islamabad University and in general this has
been most successful and the people contacted are most interested. So far I
have not met the Consuls General of India, Pakistan and Egypt and have avoided
Iran on account of the catastrophes there of a totally different nature.
The other day I went to Sacramento to the State Fair and everything there
was so lovely; I shall have to make several tours while collecting materials.
Then I telephoned the woman who had been my mureed, who had betrayed me at
every opportunity and has been false in everything and to everybody. I simply
called her up and said: “This is your Murshid.” The reaction was so loving
and lovely. I may see her as soon as possible and this is the sign I was
waiting for, the beginning of my spiritual work in this country. The
astonishing thing was it was exactly as the Pirs foretold. But while I felt
reassured in other things, this was a test and Alhamdulillah, successful.
I have now a large consignment of books from Ashraf and in one instance they
sent a duplicate package. These will be given away. The other day I ran into
the Elijah Muhammad group who believe only in the Negro race but call
themselves “Muslims.” How this can be is hard to fathom. But they treated
me with the utmost courtesy and consideration, something not received from the
“white” Muslims here.
The real reason for my writing is that we have the unfinished business of
your wanting dollar for your friend in England. Will you please send details.
In turn you might do one of several things; the first is to send saris. I find
the saris are too high priced here and if you do send some (no hurry), the
packages must be “Gift-Packages” and not valued over $10 or Rs. 48. At that
time I shall be at several addresses so there will be no trouble in getting
through. But, as I said, there is no hurry.
I hope you have been to Ashraf. Have not looked at “Kashf-al-Mahjub but am
studying Shah Latif and Abu Bakar Siddiq and [?] and Hadith.
Prayer can be wonderful and prayer can be delicate and San Francisco has had
one of the coldest summers on record, no sun or heat, mostly fog. Nor has the
State as a whole been warm; the hottest places (which are usually worse than
Multan or Jacobabad) being at least 10 degrees below “normal.”
My own health has been good and I am always busy, excepting when I feel the
need of relaxation. Please remember me to your Auntie, relative, Mustafas,
etc.
As-salaam aleikhum.
18 October 1962
My Dear
Saadia:
As-salaam aleikhum. A very difficult life quantitatively, I have been much
encouraged by the reports from and concerning Major Sadiq. So I changed certain
habits and asked for guidance concerning any remittance you might make me. It
came out that after sending the one sari to Egypt, to send the balance in
prayer caps here. If you send saris, there could be contention among women. If
you send prayer caps, there would be no contention among devotees.
The next step was to meet with the official Muslims and this is so horrible
I shall not report. I do not recall hardly any occasion when any of these
official Muslims ever went to greet visiting Muslims. And when Mohammad Ali was
here, he made them all line up and greet me, which horrified those who have
rejected me under the behest of two or three non-Muslims whom they have since
found out were frauds.
The story then splits. One part was to look into Islamic culture in this
region and as soon as you get away from Muslims, you can find Islamic culture.
I have taken this up with the Arab Bureau and American friends of the Middle
East. Saturday I go to one of the Art Museums where a course on Near Eastern
Art starts. I told the Arab leader I did not expect to meet any “Muslim”
there. You can understand why Islam is in the hands of Europeans. Indeed the
only set back I have had was to find some parts of Islamic culture in the hands
of Zionists and Urdu is now being taught by a Hindu. Someday I may expect some
Pakistani official to listen that you have not enough people here it is
hopeless.
On the other hand I heard a lecture on UAR and Cairo. It was given by a born
Jew. There were no Arabs present. There was not a single criticism of Nasser or
Islam, something your editors might find hard to believe.
The next meditation suggested I call on what are known as “Black
Muslims.” Now I have in a district very, very integrated your editors would
not be able to understand that either. I find some uneasiness among Negro
Christians because they are exceedingly emotional and have little morality. The
Muslims on the contrary are sober, honest and devotional, if aloof. I received
a most cordial letter from them and met the Imam. I have offered them books I
bought at Ashraf (duplicates) which the official Muslims either ignore or
pigeon hole. Their library is unused and they make fun of it too. They accepted
these with friendship and gratitude. So while this may sound prosaic it is
necessary; after you have sent the sari to Mrs. Shamsi, the balance is to be
used as follows:
Send prayer caps, each package not more than Rs.45 can be less:
1. To me 2. To Imam John
X.
These packages may even be small. It is not necessary to send more than ten,
but if so, hold back until I advise. This may not be too clear. My own head
size is No. 7 in Western terms.
Now as to the Mosque. This is wonderful for it establishes the foundation
which is the true foundation.
Your suggestion about coming here is most wonderful. I would think it over
carefully and pray for guidance because here I might be wishing. The spiritual
love is not the divine love. In the divine love we see Allah and only Allah and
in the spiritual love we see His Attributes rather than His Essence. The most
important attribute is Rahm, which is the root of Rahman and Rahim,
which is in everybody’s prayers and only in the hearts of Dervishes, not
ordinary people. And the reason they are ordinary is that they don’t accept
Rahman and Rahim anymore than “Allaho Akbar.” They say these things a
million times and yet it does not mean much.
The spiritual love is beyond all religions, everything. So I tell first of
the Buddhist I have loved very much. I will skip all stories now but someday,
if my biography is written, the details will be given. Our last conversation
was this: “Samuel, We Ain’t Got It.” And I answered, “Robert,
We Have Got It.”
Now this man occupied a most high position in the Buddhist world. He is gone
and some of his disciples are here. And there is a ridiculous situation, that
while the newspapers and radio and press reject all that your Murshid has to
say about Buddhism and Buddhists, he now occupies one of the highest positions
in the Buddhist world.
The same is true of Hinduism. Your Murshid has the most burning love for the
present head of the Vedanta Order (Ramakrishna Mission). And he met the
associate of this teacher in Dacca, introduced by a Sufi too. The inspirations
have been very great and your Murshid is almost a master of Yoga.
Once in South India we were climbing a mountain, myself and three young men.
They stopped. “What are you stopping for?” “We are tired.” “Yogis are
never tired.” Whereupon your Murshid walked full speed to the top of the
mountain alone. But he was a cheat because he was using Wazifas and tasawwuri
Muhammad, which the Hindus do not have.
My brother Saladin tells me that this was how Kashmir was conquered, not by
warfare but by spiritual demonstration.
Or again, your Murshid met a Khalandar in Rawalpindi. “You have been to
India.” “That is true.” “You had a debate with a great Pundit.”
“That is also true.” “The Pundit acknowledged your superiority.” “He
did.” “What did you say, what happened?” “I Don’t Know.”
Because even though your Murshid says that Hindus are high in fana and not in
baqa, this is not necessarily so.
Hazrat Inayat Khan wrote a complete system of Murakkabah and your
Murshid worked out a method of teaching it in all its facets. These teachings
were taken from him and he has had no means to get them back. Then there was a
pseudo Sufi who is well known and he wrote a book showing all the grades of
Murakkabah which he translated as “Meditation.” He wrote the book and his
disciples claim prestige for him as author but neither he nor they practice
these steps and stages. They are just in books.
So your Murshid took himself to Allah and there are four ways in which Allah
communicates: fana-fi-Sheikh; fana-fi-Pir; fana-fi-Rassoul and kashf. In
fana-fi-Lillah, there is no longer communication but becoming and self
realization.
10th January, 1963
My Dear Khalifa:
There is a sub-title in a piece of Russian music called, “The Tale of the
Khalandar” and this is something like it. On December 31, I was in Hollywood
and asked if I could go to a prayer given by a Mr. Marshall Hughes, a rather
wealthy recluse living in Studio City, some fifteen miles away. These things
developed:
The mother, Mrs. Hughes Sr., has a skin affliction which reminded me in the
unfortunate side of your difficulty. But she also showed she was a person of
great heart. On the other hand, she is conservative in her religious attitude
which keeps me from giving her spiritual treatment beyond a certain point.
After one o’clock, one hour after the New Year, I learned that Mr.
Marshall Hughes has been a very close associate of my own doubly spiritual
brother, Saladin (Paul) Reps from whom I received the prime inspiration for my
poetry.
I also spent most of the evening with a woman whom I found later had been
also closely associated with Saladin (Paul) Reps for twenty years. I told her I
would send for the copy of the poem for her to read and possibly also submit it
to Marshall to see if he would be interested in its publication.
On my return to San Francisco, just as in a story, your letter came and two
days later one also from Saladin in which also he gives the names of his
publishers, one being in San Francisco.
While this was going on, I have had on the one hand great difficulty in
getting through to my former associates and at the same time three or four
doors opening up for me spiritually very suddenly, the first of which results
in a meeting this night. One must assume that a wise Providence wishes to reach
younger people. The heart hunger here is tremendous but the older people are
always looking for a dream pattern delivery while the young want the knowledge,
not the personality.
Your prayer caps have arrived, very satisfactory and I gave four in my
package to a Muslim and kept four; I need these in parties as well as prayers.
I feel that Brother John will also be thankful.
Please send “Saladin” to me but also with any comment you may choose. In
a recent issue of “Time” an article has been published regarding a new
missionary movement with center in Cairo. The intellectuals here reputed me and
the Egyptian staff welcomed me with open arms and blessing. And they also want
to see a copy of “Saladin.” I had just three, two left in Pakistan and one
in Cairo. Therefore I should prefer you send the poem by mail—it may cost a
few rupees and if there is anything left, put it in Zakat.
Between the sad period ending the year and an exciting celebration, I had a
spiritual experience about which I have also written to Major Sadiq. In
addition, I was given for Christmas called “The Whirling Ecstasy”
concerning the relations between Rumi and Shams-i-Tabriz. It is the first time
anybody here ever saw my true guise, but this has been done and in a sense I
would be “exposed” excepting this is apriority. I shall try to find where
one can get copies of it as it is published in Mexico. But I must warn you, it
will surely lead to ecstasy and blessing. It is a marvelous healing in itself
to have it. I would like to get a few of them and in a few days will find out
where this can be done.
I trust that Major Sadiq can send you water of value. I am still unable to
get enough time to consult my lady druggist friend but this may be soon.
The politics of the day presume a new course for Pakistan but I am so
disgusted with my own country in many matters that this will hardly involve me.
The average American would love to help your country but wishes to do it
without loving your country.
January 15, 1963
My Dear Khalifa:
As-salaam aleikhum. Allah knows best. I stopped after copying five lessons,
“Pasi Anfas” or Breath, a sort of kashf signal being given. Then, a long
letter was received from Major Sadiq necessitating some actions which delay a
visit to the University. And yesterday another very important letter from
Rawalpindi with spiritual instructions.
Now, these instructions were intellectually known and they appear in the
Gathas of Hazrat Inayat Khan on the subject of Tasawwuf, not yet copied. But
though they are intellectually known they are not always part of the psyche.
When one receives instructions from a living teacher it imparts a magnetism and
psychic which the intellectual knowledge does not give.
The important thing is that following it:
a. A most important engagement has been made with the father-in-law of a
friend who may become connected with the University of Islamabad, inshallah.
b. A most important engagement has been made for both Major Sadiq and myself
in a new direction. This came from the “mindless” wandering one who is
sometimes compelled to take without apparent reason.
c. Although a book of the writings of Hazrat Inayat Khan was sent you, the
last page on “Health” was not put into the binder. This was found and is
enclosed.
Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate, assures me that this was done for
His purpose that you might now read these pages and be encouraged. In any case,
when you do get the package with the bound copies, please check the pages to
see if anything has been omitted.
The material from Rawalpindi included a speech and ceremony under President
Ayub Khan in his own words. But it came just after visiting the Consulate here.
At the Consulate also I was given the sign to write to “Dawn” of Karachi on
technical matters which also will be taken up in conference as in b. above.
Conference a. is concerning the abstention from alcohol as in India and
Pakistan. There is movement directed against the presence of alcohol and people
who think they are working for peace if they enjoy each other’s company while
drinking.
The weather is most pleasant but no rain and this may produce problems. Yes,
there are ways by which one can invoke or bring the rain but first one should
ask Allah’s permission. Doa is very wonderful and Doa can be very delicate
and Doa can be very important and Doa can be very powerful.
April 7, 1963
My Dear Khalifa:
As-salaam aleikhum. I have not heard from you directly for a long time and
the next is that you have been unwell. It is not enough to wish you health, but
to try to see what is the cause of the trouble and do something about it. I
have been over-busy myself as things are now. I do not know how I can get out
of the responsibilities which a Wise Providence has placed on my shoulders, and
though my health has been good, there is no such thing as a real holiday. I was
going into the redwood country for a few days, though even that is to deal with
some problem of others.
Now, I do not remember exactly what I have written in regard to practices to
maintain health. Disease may be caused by a number of factors. For instance, if
one does not know, one may try at your different prayer intervals, one only
each:
Allaho Akbar or Ya Shafee (inhalation,) Ya Kafee
(exhalation) or Ishk Allah (inhalation), Mahbood Lillah
(exhalation) these on thought, 33 times. See which is most effective in making
you feel better. This need be done only one day, and then you select the one
which helps most. Suppose it is Ya Shafee-Ya Kafee, then you may do
either of these:
Standing up, 101 times, breathing in and out the nostrils and feel the
breath go through the whole body; or
Seated on what I call a chaise lounge (long seat) with feet off the ground.
Feel the breath go out the feet.
When I receive an answer from you, I shall be glad to send detailed
instructions on self-healing. Or, if can get a copy of Hazrat Inayat Khan’s
instructions on “Health,” I shall send you details adding what I have
learned from other sources. And I must apologize but I did not have a chance to
get the proper ointment from the drug stores.
The most difficult, here in life, in practice, is to radiate the universal
love which is called Ishk. It has little to do with personalities and
yet it has everything to do with personalities. When my first Pir-o-Murshid
came to the West he was in the Divine Love. And when he was not in the Divine
Love, he was rapt in Mohammed in fana-fi-Rassoul. The latter was not understood
in the West, and he dropped his music and most ecstatic practices and went into
fana-fi-Lillah. This made him appear the most wonderful of men, and yet he got
so far from others that they only could see his person, and very few have ever
tried to follow his teachings.
These teachings must be given to the world along with the other Sufi
teachings. Hazrat Inayat Khan had the “Four-School Sufism” which is
accepted in general practice in Asia.
The Arab Sufism is somewhat different. There, each school is a part, but one
may take training in all of them. But in the subcontinent, I found the
Suhrawardis, Chistis and Kadiris so mixed-up that this does not matter and
although the Naqshibandis are separate, there seems to be universal concord.
In Indonesia it is different. Islam was revealed to very ignorant Arabs who
were idolaters. It came to India to people who were Buddhists and Hindus. It
came to Indonesia, which evidently saw many prophets, cultures and religions.
It became the cornerstone of the arch, but not the arch itself. Therefore, in
Indonesia, Islam is a universal religion, not a particular religion. The people
regard Mohammed [?] as the customs and traditions for they were not in
ignorance for thousands of years.
If we are going to unite the Muslims, it is not by imposing one system
called “Islam” upon another, and the poor Pakistanis find themselves apart
from both Arabs and Indonesians who outnumber them. The question is here, which
is the Divine Way? When people ask me questions, I give them the proper
practice Fikrs, as above. Surrender to God is a process, not a religion; it is
a way of life, adding to the life. It is not opinions; these wear people
out.
I have ordered Volume IV of the writings of Hazrat Inayat Khan and may
restore them to his original classroom methods, with commentaries and spiritual
practices which may make everything more possible.
Later on, I have a more serious project on “Spiritual Aesthetics,” which
may be sent to you, or to Mrs. Ahmed at the University, but which will be a
project for Islamabad University. It will be based on Hazrat Inayat Khan’s
writings and my comments, based on a fairly comprehensive study of all the
world’s arts.
Concentration: Murakkabah, once, 15 minutes, feeling you are before
Rassoul-Lillah and being instructed by him. If this cannot be done effectively,
then try on occasions to go to Dargah Mian Mir for peacefulness. Though they do
not allow you inside, that does not matter.
My salaams and blessings to your aunt, the Mustafa and friends.
Faithfully,
Sufi Ahmed Murad
P.S. I trust you have mailed “Saladin.” Thank you.
20th April, 1963
88 Fulton St.
San Francisco 17, Calif.
Beloved One of Allah:
For a long time I have not heard and yet letters come to me concerning you.
This is a very difficult thing and yet it is not difficult. The Bayat is not a
pledge between person and person; it is a union between person and person in
the journey toward Allah and also with Allah. For we may pray incessantly,
“Guide us on the right Path,” yet there is neither guidance nor right nor
Path. For life is movement and it is in the change and movement we come away
from the nufs and into the divinity.
One of the most pressing difficulties in the world is pain and sorrow. All
the Prophets of God without exception came to deal with pain and sorrow and all
the followers of the Prophets praise the Prophets and do not concern themselves
with pain and sorrow. They concern themselves with saying that their Prophet
was superior to other Prophets.
The other day I wrote a long letter to my friend Shamsuddin Ahmed, whom you
have met. It is a criticism of an article in “Pakistan Review.” The writer
was concerned with the superiority of Mohammed and the Qur’an and to prove
his point he contradicted Qur’an and Hadith over and over again. What is
this? This is done by so many people. And this shows kafr because it suggests
not Praise to Allah but praise to “my view” and “my view” is not the
view of the Supreme.
Once I was travelling in India and a holy man came and said: “Why are you
here?” I said, “The pain of 10,000,000 starving Hindus.” “You are
crazy, how can you feel the pain of 10,000,000 starving Hindus.” Just then a
great Swami came and said to the holy man, “No, you are crazy because this
man knows what he is talking about and you do not.” All over India you find
holy people and spiritual people and they are not much concerned with the pains
of others.
Then later I was in Karachi and saw 600,000 displaced, homeless people with
nothing. This was my second pledge to Allah. And the first took place years ago
when all the great Prophets of Allah came to me in the broad daylight and I
vowed willingness to take on pain.
Now you have the pain and I feel the pain and sometime it is like a man with
arthritis; he is in pain and yet he has the great duties and responsibilities
and in pursuit thereof, he does not try to get rid of the arthritis. For I am
in the midst of millions and millions of people and they know nothing of Islam
and very little of God or Allah. Every man sees his own religion of lack. In
one sense there is nothing wrong in it, for Allah, not man, is the Master of
the Day of Judgment. At the same time we are in a scientific age, and in this
age we rely upon experience. Hazrat Inayat Khan came and said, yes, that it is
right to rely on experience but why not the whole experience of life and not
just part of it? So one tries to have the whole experience of life and not
part. Then he is misunderstood but this does not matter so long as he
understands.
For there is the way of wisdom and the way of love and they are different
and not different, like the two sides of a coin. I am waiting for a book of
Hazrat Inayat Khan which was on Health. Once I wrote commentaries on his
writings and a fire destroyed them. So one waits and when this comes it may be
that we can open up a big field.
Today I have two Pir-o-Murshids and the people of the West say, “How can
you have two Pirs? And you already had Hazrat Inayat Khan. You have no
loyalty.” But when Rassoul-Lillah died Siddiq said, “Those who believe in
Mohammed let them know that Mohammed is dead, but those who believe in Allah,
let them know that he is living, the true (Ya Hayy, Ya Haqq).”
But the people of Islam are caught concerning Mohammed and about Allah they
do not have much care. And the disciples of Hazrat Inayat Khan are almost like
the Kadianis; they are concerned with their teacher and so are very limited.
If you practice the “Ya Shafee, Ya Kafee” and I think I gave you the
instructions, it will remove pain; or it will give an understanding of pain
until you arrive at a great state where pain and bliss become one. This is
taught all over but not too many experience it. There is, of course, a state
beyond this which one may call peace. For this I always recommend going to the
Dargah Mian Mir where there is tremendous peace. But when I come to Pakistan
next, inshallah, I shall take you to another Dargah. By an agreement this is a
sort of secret between Major Akram and myself. And even though I gave Imtiaz
the Bayat, I did not take him there and only told his father to take the boy
there in extreme urgency. For this Dargah has the advantage that it is not
visited. And for another Dargah, there is that of Bhullah Shah, which I hope
you can visit occasionally but for this you should go with your relatives and
not alone and you will all benefit.
Very few people know the real meaning of worship. The hierarchy has always
existed in all times and in a certain sense, not even Adam is dead. There are
places in the world where there are superior vibrations and, inshallah, when I
come again we might even go to Kabul and other places which Major Sadiq has
seen, although I do not think he has been to Kabul. There you will experience
this. For the Prophet Musa established precedence and it is lost, for he built
a shrine, he did not build a temple, and this shrine was to enable people to
commune with Allah.
Soon I shall send you a copy of a book I have typed, which has my
Pir-o-Murshid (Hazrat Inayat Khan’s) views on hearts. This will be sent by
regular mail and you may not have it until next semester, which does not
matter. But soon I hope to copy his moral instructions and later send the
commentaries on them. These will be sent by air mail.
Next is the instruction on Wazifas, and for these at first only a repetition
of 33 is needed and not more than one after prayers, or between the prayers;
but if you feel the need of more repetition, then 101 times between the
prayers, not at prayer time. These are of two types, also, the oral and the
thought, though for both a tasbih may be used:
For Health: Ya Shafee on the inhalation, Ya Kafee on the exhalation;
or just repeat “Ya Shafee; Ya Kafee” audibly.
For Strength: “Allaho Akbar.” Also for protection against enemies
or evil forces of any kind whatsoever.
For Uncertainty: “Subhan Allah.”
For Problems Connected With Love: “Ishk Allah, Mahbood Lillah” as
Wazifa; or “Ishk Allah” on the inhalation and “Mahbood Lillah” on the
exhalation.
During illness or nervousness if prayers are impossible, repeat a sacred
phrase as above, or do Kalama, but you can also do Kalama without counting,
without a tasbih so it becomes also a form of Zikr, it is really the true Zikr
(i.e. remembrance.)
Then there is one more practice and this should be done best at night before
sleeping, but in stress it can also be done more often. For this, one should
sit in posture, on the prayer rug or bed and inhale thinking “La Illaha El Il
Allah” and exhale blowing the sound “Hu” on the heart. Even three
to five times is sufficient but it must be very concentrated with all feeling,
feeling also that Allah is Divine Love and Divine Graciousness and the Heart is
His Throne (Arsh.)
I hope this will help and encourage you. May Allah give you blessings.
As-salaam aleikhum.
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
1st of May, 1963
Beloved Ones of Allah:
You will find enclosed some carbons of “The Whirling Ecstasy,” extracts
from the lives of Shams-i-Tabriz and Maulana Roum. The typing has been done
under most difficult conditions and I beg you to excuse mistakes therefore.
This is a copy of a book printed in Mexico and the address of the publisher
is not given; neither the same of the person responsible. Undoubtedly he must
have been a dervish himself.
On the other hand, encouragement has been given by the presence in this city
of a descendent of Maulana Roum, viz. Farooq Mawlawi, who is in charge of the
Arab Information Bureau here and also from the staff of the Indonesian
Consulate, whose members are also disciples in Tarikat.
The views expressed in the translation are the views also of this one, who
has been designated as a Sufi. The protests against the current “Islam” in
Pakistan which shuns Allah and the even greater protest of the formal worship
which passes for religion in much of the world stimulates the study of this
booklet.
On the deeper side one can [?] the great mysteries mentioned and veiled.
This is especially true in answer to certain Muslims who follow a teaching
found in the Christian Bible: “Why does thou look into the heavens? For men
look elsewhere but into the human heart for the truth.”
Constant reading of Hadith prevents one from going too far in placing, as a
few Western people have, Maulana Roum over Rassoul-Lillah. The basic theme, the
relative positions of Abu Yazid (Bayazid, etc.) and Mecca Shereef will be the
basis of lectures when Allah permits me to return to your country. This is
really very important and an understanding will wipe out forever the false
claims of certain pretenders, without anger, rancor or ill-will. None of these
men knew the mysteries of divinity and while we need not forgive them, we can
improve our own understanding.
Peace and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
5th May, 1963
1088 Fulton St.
San Francisco 17, Calif.
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. Before answering your letter, I wish to give two
prescriptions:
Select one blotch on your body which you can reach by blowing on it.
Thirty-three times, once a day, inhaling thinking “Allah….”Exhaling
blowing Hu on the Spot.
Select one blotch on the arm and make a bandage.
Write in large letters on a piece of paper Allah in Arabic.
Hold this before a mirror and copy the mirror image onto the bandage.
Wrap this around the arm so that the mirror image of Allah is over
the blotch.
When writing the mirror image of Allah on the bandage, take three breaths
thinking Ya Shafee on the inhalation and Ya Kafee on the
exhalation. Then blow once Hu over the place where the writing is to be
done. After writing the mirror image of the word Allah on the bandage,
before wrapping it around the arm blow Hu three times over the drying or
dried ink.
If this is not clear, please let me know.
Now the nature of people is that they take Allah for granted. Allah
is neither thought nor imagined, and when we feel Him, it is just a little iota
of the reality but this is infinitely better than the thought. The thought
confuses people and produces kafr. It is even worse when the kafr is called
Islam.
Every Sura of Holy Qur’an begins Bismillah Er-Rahman Er-Rahim. This
is the stage and backdrop for everything. We live in a universe which is
replete with mercy and forgiveness; that is its very nature. Yet man is not
merciful and man does not forgive. The result is that he does not know the
nature of his Deity.
The other day I copied “The Whirling Ecstasy” and one of the big
problems discussed in it was the position of Bistami and Mohammed. When I
return to Pakistan, inshallah, there will be lectures on it. But during this
copying I read Hadith always because otherwise there is a tendency to magnify
Rumi (which is done in the west) and lose sight of Mohammed (which is always
done in the West.) Yet Rassoul-Lillah was the inspiration of both Rumi and
Shams-i-Tabriz.
The teachings given in Hadith are extremely different from the loose use of
the term Hadith which you find all around you. Mohammed never condemned anybody
personally. True there are condemnations in Qur’an but not in Hadith. These
condemnations are based on principles, natural laws and universal morals. In
Hadith one reads about the Great Jihad which is always against nufs. In your
country few think of it.
I am having a friendly controversy with a spiritual brother over the use of
Arabic terms. In the first teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan is this agreement
with Data Sahib (Hujwiri) that one wonders why even the dervishes sometimes
went in other directions. The condemnation of ecstasy by Aurangzeb was the
interference into religion by a political leader and led to the downfall of the
Moghul Empire. But man does not learn any lessons from mistakes. Only a few
persons do.
The spiritual music was taught to me by Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan and in all
these years I have not found a single person to whom to give it to. Then Farooq
Mawlavi came here, who is a descendant of Maulana Roum. And after he accepted
it, some Yogis accepted it and so I am in the strange position of teaching
Yogis. And not only that, two leaders of two big Indian Schools offered me
obeisance last week, which was almost embarrassing.
At the same time the Americans here would not let me attend a conference on
Asia. Some people in Pakistan think that this gesture is useless, and they are
right. We do not mingle heart and heart. At the same time the Chinese and
Indonesians have become most friendly. With the Indonesians, who are disciples
of tasawwuf, their position is the same as in this letter. They accept all the
messengers of God and in actuality and not in talk. This means that they
venerate Christ and Krishna and Buddha and all scriptures of all people and
they hold that every nation and its prophet and revelation. Yet they are
Muslims and the staff here are all spiritual brothers in Tarikat.
The Chinese have now selected me as an authority on Buddhism and the
Japanese and Americans too and this looks very complicated, nor is it of my
choosing but it is the Orientals’ answers to the rebuffs received from
Americans. It happens all the time.
True, it says in Hadith, “Seek wisdom even as far as China” but this is
to be said, not done; only with this person it is to be done, not said. Once
your Murshid had a big public argument with a great Chinese leader and all the
Americans were [?], as they always are, and they said, “Yes, that the Chinese
were right and Sam was wrong and terrible.” But it did not affect the
Chinese leader that way. Instead they took your Murshid into a private room and
initiated him into what we may call “the mysteries of Confucianism” and
this he has not been able to give away because he is not believed and it does
not matter either.
Now you can see from all this how busy a person may be and how occupied and
when he is busy and occupied, he can understand how it is with others who are
busy and occupied. Therefore there is not only no blame but actual praise for
your enterprise. At the same time, Allah has blessed the health of your Murshid
who, despite [?] and vitality, which is like a mystery.
The other day he had to give a whole day to a rich widow who was visiting
San Francisco. This lady is 89 years old and acts like she was 60 or less. But
people do not understand that there are ways in which to avoid old age and even
illness.
The three basic ways are those of the heart, the breath and the glance.
Twice I have had the glance and both times miraculous, but that cannot be
described now; it is only reflected in the poetry. The ways of breath are
imparted as need be and some in this letter, too. The way of heart must always
be that of the Sufi.
Now in a sense we have the property of Gandhi but Gandhi, and may Allah
bless him, only had one side of it and Iqbal had the other side of it. They
were both very right with Allah and both incomplete. So they did not understand
each other. If I had the free will, it would have been to follow Gandhi, but
giving up the free will to follow and then transcend Iqbal. But because this is
one’s person path, it does not mean it is the only right path.
16 May, 1963
Beloved One of Allah:
Alhamdulillah for the wonderful news. But before going into this, I report
the purchase of some allergy pills, which are being packaged forward. There is
also a variant called “antihistamine” which I did get assuming the same was
available. But if not, will take in later.
Now in return for the expense of the purchase and mailing, you kindly, after
receipt, send some tasbihs. It does not have to be more than two, i.e. you may
buy good ones instead of many.
My life, my dear mureed, has been one of rejection and of weeping over them;
you can see the love and laughter and wisdom in the Universe. Refused
admittance to a conference on Asia, I immediately went out to further personal
good-will with the different Asian communities. This completed some weeks back
with the Japanese and Chinese.
The next was with the Indonesians, who have also been rejected, and without
going into detail, I understand there is an invitation to a wedding in August
and if so, I shall go as Sufi Ahmed Murad with the robe Sufi Barkat Ali gave
me.
The next happened by a strange incident of doing a great favor for some
Iranians from Tehran, whom I hope to meet soon again and this after I had just
written to the Murshid in that city. So no doubt Allah wishes me to go
ahead.
The arrival of “Saladin” also brought some fortune of another type.
Copies have been given to the UAR officials who are delighted with part IV and
also to a professor who is lecturing for the American Friends of the Middle
East (there may be reports later).
There is a Prof. Khan speaking on “Ancient Pakistan” tomorrow and I am
taking the materials with me for there should be some students there
(University of California) and if not, will go to International House nearby.
In any event, I have visited Pakistani House here and wish either to give them
the reports after translation, or if I fail to meet the students, they will do
it for me. Therefore there will be another letter perhaps next week and also
some more teachings from my first Pir-o-Murshid, Hazrat Inayat Khan.
Now as for your future, I am in a strange position for I see three possible
paths and myself the beneficiary of nay of them. Therefore, it is more
necessary than ever to follow the ryazat. Fikr is to concentrate: Exhalation on
La Allah, say 101 times and then a meditation to catch the rhythm of the
breath. Then swing any thought and if the breath remains is not in accordance
the “right path” and if the breath changes that is not in accordance with
divine will. The number is a suggestion and can be any from 21 to 1001.
Practice enables one to feel what is right with Allah.
In Peshawar I have the good friends Dr. Abdul Rahman at the Pushtu Academy
and Prof. Durrani at the Engineering Department. Also others.
I do not wish the visit to Iran to interfere with marriage but even if you
“plight your troth” there is a certain gain. For instance my work is to
revive Data Sahib and if you knew Persian, you could go over his work as well
as the great poets in the original. But as I benefit personally by this and
your folks felt I might not wish you to marry soon, it is not pressed.
This brings up another matter, what I call” The Three Body Psychology.”
Freud and his great successor Reach, only were they theoretically wrong, their
methods of integration often fail, for the whole man is not taken into account.
It is very important that the whole man is studied and the spiritual Islam
proves material for thought and consideration.
I have discussed with both my friends and others in Peshawar and to
reconcile spiritual Islam with modern science, which can done for both drawn
from “Truth.”
May 27, 1963
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. One must first tell you about my two previous hosts in
Pakistan. In 1956 I went to Abbottabad to meet the family of my friend, Abdul
Rahman, of San Francisco. But in 1960 he was back there and we have been good
friends ever since I met my first Imam here in 1947. He has been in financial
difficulties because he loaned considerable money to a lady here who
disappeared. Yesterday the lady’s name and address appeared in the paper
here. She had been married. This may enable me to help my friend and
demonstrates the Divine Justice.
The other friend is Prof. A.A. Siddiqui of Punjabi University, Department of
Islamic Studies. There is a very strange relation between us and I left the
country feeling that this man and I are destined to work together on a very
great project. Possibly the one you placed before me is either it, or part of
it. He is able to help you more than anybody else that I know of. If you do not
wish to meet him directly, Mrs. Ahmed of the Art Department would be glad to
introduce you.
Moral Culture. Only a few more lessons are enclosed. One has no spare
time and it is only with the Divine Help I keep going. But if the lessons sent
already help, those being sent will help more, inshallah. I always repeated the
phrase, “Allaho Akbar” before enemies. One does not have to think of good
nor ill. It is time to stop just quoting that Allah is closer than the neck
vein and realize it. And along with it, “Remember that if we cannot see
Allah, He sees us.”
Islamic Philosophy. While I have some material on Islamic Philosophy,
most of it really deals with “Greek Philosophy in Islam.” This is, to me, a
mistake. There is only the life in Allah and its shadow is Islam; there is no
life in Islam as such and the mere fact that a ruler or a country worships in a
mosque does not necessarily establish Islam.
Purdah. It is curious how the conservative elements run around
seeking extreme interpretations of Holy Qur’an to put women in certain
positions. The simple fact is that in the Jewish faith the women sat upstairs
or behind curtains and the Prophet, on whom be Peace, simply adopted their
methods. A tremendous amount of the social relations between men and the woman
in the original teachings of Mohammed were the continuations of the current age
teachings or methods or both, and no more depend upon Qur’anic revelation
than the rising and setting of the sun.
Women. This is mentioned because when I came to Al-Azhar I found some
customs going on quite different from what I expected and there is no doubt
that when Egypt was under the control of the Fatimides, women were given a
status which was later removed from them. Even now they have the Mosques
entirely to themselves until about 11:30 in the morning. And in Pakistan you
find apologists running in two opposite direction at the same time, holding
that women were always equal and were always not equal instead of examining the
actual institutions.
Here one has to distinguish between the Islamic education (Al-Azhar) and the
popular education (government schools).
Here you must bear in mind that your murshid is active in fighting
Aristotelianism, which has often become synonymous with philosophy. On the
other hand Fikr, though it may be limited, is distinctly Islamic.
Here one can only call one’s attention to certain things:
a. Mecca-Medina period was active only in the earliest stages and would have
to be checked with specialists.
b. Kufa-Basra period began very early, perhaps with Uwais, that strange
character who had the kashf of Mohammed without having previous instruction
in Islamics. This period contrasts with the next because of culture.
c. Umayyad Damascus period. This was just the opposite and introduced or
embodied the current Greek teachings.
d. Baghdad. This was synthetic and glorious. But there are indications both
of systematic and non-systematic methods. These went over into Khorasan in
particular, and these cultures flourished until destroyed by the Mongols.
e. Cairo then became the center of learning, especially around Al-Azhar.
True, there is Kairouan in North Africa, and also Fez and Marrakesh in the
Maghreb.
Recently, I wrote a strong paper to a magazine which had an article on
Nasser, and began by saying that it was impossible for us to understand Nasser,
who accepted our Biblical “In the beginning, God,” by praying the first
thing in the morning and then continuing until he prayed five times a day.
Inasmuch as Nasser had God in his daily life at all times and we do not have,
we have religion, but not God, it was very difficult to reconcile the two.
I have to go to the UAR and Pakistani consulates which are near each other,
perhaps tomorrow, inshallah. The Arabs may give me help or encouragement. Here
also, one advises you to visit the cultural center in your city. We discussed
this some time back. But none of these people have libraries.
The best man in the United States is Dr. Shawarbi but it would be easier for
you to work with the Arab Cultural leader in your city. The Islamic library
here is kept closed most of the time, the meetings do not take place in the
library and the books are not used. Indeed they poke fun at it. The materials I
have, for the most part, while historically correct, are too concerned with
Greek influence.
Education. Yes, I have these materials. On my way south I shall try
to see if I can pick them up as class lessons from the original Khalif of
Hazrat Inayat Khan, who is today very old. They appear in Volume II of “The
Sufi Message of Hazrat Inayat Khan” published by Barrie & Rockliff
London.
Medicine is in capsule form and I think it gives directions.
Otherwise, I shall consult my druggists.
Financial Help. There is one difficulty here. That is, about sending
money out of the country. For myself I need no help, but for extra typing and
such things I could use it. There is also this peculiar prophecy. Major Sadiq
said that late in July my affairs would change and my spiritual brother
“Saladin” is arriving then and his letter shows us getting closer and
closer, even after 40 years.
I have written to Dr. Nasr but may again and after this will supply copies.
My salaams to your loved ones,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti.
3 July, 1963
Beloved One of Allah:
The tasbihs have arrived, and now one waits to see who really wants guidance
and blessing. One hears so many stories but in the end the people prefer their
pains to what they call surrender of liberty and illusion.
The most important event to me has been the final in Kashf-al Mahjub, of so
much the same teaching as was given in person at the Dargah Data Ganj Baksh.
This increases faith and surety.
You will find enclosed two pictures and one copy of the last papers of
Series II in “Moral Culture” of Hazrat Inayat Khan. One is not sure how
valuable his teachings on education are and how much you might gain by writing
to Al Azhar. They have plenty of material but are not always too cooperative.
Your ambassador, when I was in UAR, was also not the type to give much help.
There are plenty of Islamic magazines but your best opportunity in Lahore is
still the Arab Bureau and after that, the American Friends of the Middle
East.
I have had to write again to Santa Barbara to find the disposition of the
teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan, which are available there. All his followers
have failed to give out the teachings and in addition, they have practically
buried them and all are on bad terms with each other. As has been taught,
“There is no such thing as tasawwuf. There is only Allah.”
Yesterday there was a surprise visit from a stranger who has a copy of
‘Awarif al-Ma’arif of Sheikh ibn Umar Suhrawardi. This is a very great
work, and hard to obtain. I used it once in seclusion (khilvat) but it had an
effect that there was nobody to whom and with whom to share its treasures.
I am having more pictures produced, both these and another one at Multan,
and am gradually going over all my pictures for literary reasons.
Allah bless you,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
11th July, 1963
Beloved One of Allah:
Your letter dated 4th of June arrived but one wonders whether it should have
been “4th July” because of contents. There are two things to write about
first before answering it.
The meditation in my life is concerning the difference between
fana-fi-Lillah and fana-fi-Rassoul. Now this word “difference” is usually
taken in an analytical sense and thus establishes actual differences. For from
a purely logical point of view to say “Allah and His Messenger” and also,
“He hath no partner” causes a difference between the philosophical end
psychological outlooks. This has meant that in Saudi Arabia the attitude toward
Mohammed is different. They begin by insisting he is not a partner of Allah and
end by ignoring his noble character and career.
In the papers on “Moral Culture” which go next, one is concerned with
the “Law of Renunciation.” This is “Life in God,” while the “Law of
Beneficence” is the Life of the heart and the “Law of Retribution” is
natural justice. Each has its place in the world. In the absolute sense, in the
Life in God there is no Mohammed and we can absolute Rassoul-Lillah. But before
one reacts on this point and most people will react instantly and violently, we
are missing most of the career of Mohammed (1) as a man on earth (2) in a
cosmic career.
The Meraj is the experience of a personality but not necessarily “Man.”
In this experience, Mohammed came to the Heaven of Adam but did not stop there.
This shows that he had on the one side something beyond “Rassoul” and
“Nabi.” Qur’an says: “We make no distinction between them” but
Muslims usually do. This is often based on ego ignorance. There is no way to
belittle Mohammed more than by saying he was “the last and greatest of the
prophets.” What is meant by “greatest?” Why do say, “Allaho
Akbar?”
But from another point of view, when one examines the purpose of creation,
the purpose of creation was for the manifestation of Insaan-i-Kemal, so that
Mohammed, in a sense, is the creation. And yet there is beyond creation. And I
shall take this up later in answering your letter. In “Rassoul Gita” there
is a vast distinction made between “La Illaha” in which we must deny and
“El Il Allah” in which we must affirm and it is easy to fall into a
trap.
My recent examination of Kashf-ul-Mahjub has resulted without
exception in finding in the text exactly the same lessons as received at the
Dargah Data Ganj Baksh without exception. Some of these matters were discussed
with you, in regard to training younger people in a simple form of tasawwuf
based in Azan and Fateha. Now with your letter it becomes clear that someday,
inshallah, I may perform a work outlined by Hazrat Inayat Khan in his early
days, that “Kashf-ul-Mahjub” be reinterpreted in the light of his
writings. For when I first started to study tasawwuf , we had little literature
and were caught between elementary material on the one side and the very
profound teachings of Kashf-ul-Mahjub on the other. It was not until the
fourth study of this book that your Murshid caught on.
The fana-fi-Sheikh today is Sufi Barkat Ali and Pir of Dewwal-Shereef, who
are on earth. It is not that there is more love between your Murshid and these
than other spiritual Sheikhs he has met but that the Divine Will ordains it.
And fana-fi-Pir means contact with one who is gone, chiefly Hazrat Inayat Khan,
Hazrat Mian Mir and Hazrat Data Sahib and in India, Nizam-ud-din Auliya. And
fana-fi-Rassoul is 90% Mohammed and 10% Jesus. But when one prays for the
guidance, it is anyone of these means that may occur. Holy Qur’an says we
always have the guidance but it does not say that the guidance is restricted to
any form and guidance is not necessarily kashf alone.
In the meanwhile, your Murshid has been going to a Yoga teacher who is a
gymnast. And they were giving lessons on the use of Hindu mantras. So one day
he said: “You teach mantras and you teach weight lifting. Did you ever try to
see whether the mantras operate in the weight lifting?” So your Murshid
lifted a heavy bar, concentrating on OM and did pretty well and then he tried
without the OM and had difficulties and said to the Yogi: “See the mantra
works, try it. The Yogi was impressed. Then your Murshid picked up the heavy
bar and lifted it most easily. “What did you do?” “I had another
mantra.” “What was it?” “Allaho Akbar.”
Your Murshid did not try to impress the Yogi more but in the next meditation
he was given a tremendous, let us call it, “revelation” for the proper
training of children in gymnastics, dancing and all kinds of things. He went to
the Yogi and the Yogi was astonished. We do not begin at the beginning. However
your Murshid was told it will be two years before this can be written and when
it is written, it will be dedicated to Khalifa Saadia K. Khan so that
within the world of Islam again there can be proper spiritual training from the
beginning. For this it may be necessary to copy his Murshid’s teachings, for
there have been difficulties in getting books. But you might try Ashraf and see
if you can obtain more literature of Hazrat Inayat Khan, including what is now
being sent. Only what he has written in theory on education can be make
operative and as above, one can join the spiritual and physical sides of
education.
I notice that some writers are calling for this. But they have only words.
They do not know how to make things practical. There are ninety-nine ways to
perfection and not even the simplest are used.
Before this, the Guru of this Yogi died and Allah says: “You become his
Guru.” So here you have your Murshid, rejected by the local Muslims (but not
by the diplomats who are his friends), and teaching the other people. Yesterday
I met one of “The people of the book.” She is now interested in Hindu
teachings. But the people learn to love their teacher; they do not learn to
love their fellows or to love humanity. It is a narrow, restricted love. Not in
his life has he met God realization among those who have restricted love. Yet
he has met in India and in Japan and in Vietnam and in China, some who have
unrestricted love.
Whenever there is any sign of running to the non-Muslims, one goes to
“Kashf-ul-Mahjub” and there one reads: “Solitude is fatal to the
novice, for the apostle said, “Satan is with the solitary but he is farther
away from who are together; and God hath said, “there is no private discourse
among three persons but he is the fourth of them (Lor. LVIII, 8)
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
24th July, 1963
Beloved One of Allah:
Thank you for your letter of the 19th, which arrived here very quickly. You
will find now more lessons enclosed from Series III Moral Culture, of Hazrat
Inayat Khan and also the first missing papers will be enclosed. There are three
series, 10 lessons each, covering: 1. The Law of Reciprocity, 2. The Law of
Beneficence, 3. The Law of Renunciation. The Law of Reciprocity is Fate; The
Law of Beneficence is Rahm, from which we get Rahman and Rahim; The Law of
Renunciation is La Illaha El Il Allah.
Hazrat Inayat Khan was born in 1882 and died in 1927. He began his work in
the West in 1911 when he gave Bayat and Khalif-ship to Rabia Ada Martin, who
was my first teacher, but who did not give me the formal Bayat. I received both
the Bayat and what may be called “initiation” from the Pir-o-Murshid. He
also gave me some special training which is helping me very much now.
His followers were not so advanced and they did not recognize each other and
each has tried to hide his teachings. As time has passed, practically all the
burden has come to me and the money to others, but this does not matter.
Without the spiritual power (Jelal), and wisdom (Jemal), they can do
nothing.
I have amply found perfection (Kamal) in Holy Qur’an and when I read in
Data Sahib (Al-Hujwiri), it sets the soul on fire. The way he interprets it,
you know it is all revelation. There is nothing noble in calling it revelation.
The Christians call the Bible revelation and the first teachings of Jesus were
the Beatitudes and then the “Lord’s Prayer” and then the Sermon on the
Mount and then healing and spiritual faculties and these things do not mean
much to the Christians who are concerned with theology.
Some Muslims think it is merit to praise the Prophet and I think it is merit
to find out what the Qur’an means inside oneself (as well as outside).
Therefore if one can get others to understand the Rahman and Rahim, and the
right Path, and the Allaho Akbar and the Rab Alamin, this is a big job and this
was Bhullah Shah’s way of studying and I think it is very good for all
times.
Now I have three big works in Sufism:
The first is to get literature to people.
The second is to get the ryazat for practices.
The third is to simplify for the next generation a Sufism more in line of
devotion and less with metaphysics so everybody can learn.
Now as to the first, you have given me a key here and I shall do the best I
can. My brother Saladin will be here for a short visit and if I can get any
help from him, inshallah, this may be valuable. But I work alone where fifty
worked originally and besides, the work in tasawwuf has four big projects, each
enough to keep a person busy.
And the second is that if I fail to get the ryazat practices from any of
Hazrat Inayat Khan’s teachers it does not matter. For Allah has brought me to
many sheikhs and in Lahore, Major Sadiq and Malik Hamid have given me other
sheikhs and other teachings; today there is no need for the future generations
to be at a loss.
The third step will take some time and inshallah, it will be worked out with
my Khalifa, Saadia Khawar Khan, who shows so much promise and is also
interested in education. Now I know some very simple ways to teach the young,
so simple that the whole world has skipped them.
And the next thing is that while Hazrat Inayat Khan wrote that an artist
subscribes his creations to Allah, in humility but not modesty one must here
relate the personal history. Hazrat Inayat Khan asked your Murshid to write
commentaries on his writing, and your Murshid could not. Then exactly three
years after his death he manifested and began dictating these commentaries,
according to the capacity of your Murshid. And neither the language nor the
wisdom belong to your Murshid but are products of fana-fi-sheikh and tasawwuri
Murshid.
And the same is true of the Part-II of “Saladin,” which was not an
inspiration but a direct transmission from Rassoul-Lillah in fana-fi-Rassoul
and tasawwur. In this sense, it is questionable how far an instrument [?]. Your
Murshid is writing a paper on the architect Frank Lloyd Wright and this seems
personal. But during the week a retired military officer sent for him to write
on “Alcoholism in the Different Religions and Their Teachings Thereon” and
one cannot say whether this belongs to the personal or impersonal side of
life.
Now this is the reason for writing. On March 7, the American Friends of the
Middle East and the Arab Ladies are coming to have a big gathering on Arabic
culture. Your Murshid discovered that the main speaker is one Professor Raoul
Bertrand, a Frenchman, who taught at the American University in Beirut. This
morning I telephoned him and he was very happy to hear about you and your
possible coming here but at the moment he was not sure whether you have been in
his classes i.e. whether you were at Beirut but he is going to look up his
records.
In any event, an appointment was made for February 11th and this is what one
may call the semanticizing of, inshallah ,that it may be the Divine will for
you to come here. Nor will we have to wait until the March meetings to make
further plans for your coming.
Part-II of “Saladin” has been copied, in part for Consul-General Bashir
of UAR and after he receives that we shall also discuss some matters.
Next morning. Due to having imbibed more wisdom both from Sufi teachers and
from Allah, it may be best to revise the commentary on this Gatha, so this will
follow in an early posting, inshallah. Much attention is now being paid to
identify the love which is found among the Sufis; that we are often like one
soul in several bodies. One awaits the writings of Hazrat Inayat Khan to see
what has been published and what is not published. As in the poem still to be
written, the elements of Kalama contain the great truths. But now the sign is
that before this commentary is written, it will be wise to copy some of Hazrat
Inayat Khan’s teachings for Sufi Barkat Ali.
As-salaam aleikhum.
With love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
July 29, 1963
Beloved One of Allah:
Enclosed are the last lessons on “Moral Culture” which were originally
the class materials and later put in a book. Hazrat Inayat Khan also had
published and lately republished “Character Building” which will be copied
shortly.
He also had complete Moral Training for mureeds. My own library was
destroyed in 1949 with everything. But today I learned that there is one man
here who has some copies of my things and, inshallah, I may be able to reach
him before he goes away. The people who have these writings have long promised,
but when it came to delivery, I could not get the things.
My very close friend Saladin has been here for one day. He has sent me all
his books written by Hazrat Inayat Khan and on arrival, I expect to copy these
materials which were also class lessons and although published, have not been
republished. Much of this writing will need commentaries.
If my own writings alluded to above are delivered, it may save me time and
labor.
Saladin has also given me his copy of “Masnavi” of Maulana Roum. I shall
show this to Farooq Mawlawi, who should be back shortly from New York.
A letter from Major Sadiq is long overdue and meanwhile my correspondence
with Pakistan grows constantly.
Praise be to Allah who is giving me the most complete teachings in ryazat,
which can be incorporated in any system of Islamic education, at any age. It is
too tremendous at the moment for me to write it and, with some other doors
opening through my brother Saladin, there is a new big world, and here your
Murshid is, busy all the time without surcease, but fortunately in good
health.
Will you please check to be sure you have now three sets of papers on
“Moral Culture”;
Reciprocity, Renunciation, Beneficence; 10 lessons each. If not, I shall
have to supply the missing ones. Now my work is at least beginning to be
systematized.
God bless you. As-salaam aleikhum.
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Night, August 3, 1963
To: Mr. Lindstrom
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. Thank you for the Id greeting. The book, “Character
Building,” has been copied and is enclosed. There has had to be some
meditation because on the one hand the instruction is to write, and or the
other hand, there is a series of duties, problems and opportunities all come at
once.
By kashf it was known that a certain climax would come in regard to the
writings of Hazrat Inayat Khan. After years I have not been able to get back
copies of my original commentaries on some of his teachings; always a promise
and then an obstacle. Only, one does not react, one must be indifferent:
“Praise Allah in prosperity and surrender to Him in adversity.”
Then, his class teachings were promised me and there have been long
negotiations and no result and no assurance that there would be results. Then
Saladin showed up and whenever Saladin shows up there is something stirring. He
is like the Planet Uranus in modern astrology—a big change comes in
something, and he remains in California this month and there will be change,
but your Murshid does not know.
Anyhow, Saladin has released his Sufi books and in the meditation it came to
copy some of them and send them to Sufi Barkat A1i and there will be some
carbons, one to you. You may realize that this is added to a full life. But
already all social affairs without a purpose have been cancelled, and if there
is to be any pleasure it must come in the line of duty, but fortunately there
are many pleasures in the line of duty.
There is always temptation to write the commentaries and give the lessons
with inner explanations and the suitable ryazat so they can become entirely
clear. This is a voluminous undertaking and there, again, the question is
“What is the Divine Will?” There are several ways in which this may be made
known. For example kashf. Hazrat Inayat Khan gave a prayer which reads:
“O Though the Perfection of Love, Harmony and Beauty,
Lord of Heaven and of Earth,
Open our hearts that we may hear Thy voice which cometh constantly from
within.
Most Merciful and Compassionate God,
Give us Thy great goodness,
Teach us They loving forgiveness,
Raise us above the distinctions and differences which divide men,
And send us the Peace of Thy Divine Spirit.
Amin.”
This shows the kashf and the guidance.
At the same time, in fana and tasawwuri (which is fana + grace) you can feel
the presence of the guiding teacher or saint and they will dictate to you. This
is a wonder and a blessing and also an experience. But it is also a discipline,
for you have to surrender self-will. And it cannot be forced, it may come and
go suddenly, and like the jinn, you can only obey.
It was quite evident, or it was brought out in cross-questioning that the
craftsmen who worked at Taj received their training not only in marble cutting,
but in the spiritual concentrations known as Murakkabah which are part of the
disciplinary methods of the Chisti School (and others) of Sufism. But the music
helps bring about that refinement which can be translated into other arts.
There are, no doubt, some points which are overlooked. The orthodox Muslims
have often been anti-esthetic, and the Hindus have tended to look in India
excepting hand craftsmen. You do not find excellent metal workers in India
excepting among Muslims. This also extends to wood-workers, etc. which have
flourished either in Hyderabad, Deccan, or in the parts of south India which
were under the control of Tipu Sultan. It is easy enough to ascribe the
“softness” of Islamic art to Indian influences, but the Indian arts of the
south, which are best preserved, are not soft at all.
The “softness” comes from social and spiritual freedom and from the
development of certain qualities which are under the principles called in
Arabic, Jemal. I can assure you, Mr. Lindstrum, that in all Indian philosophy
there is nothing to compare with Jemal. Yes, in Chinese philosophy and art, to
some extent, what they call Yin (as opposed to Yang,) but only to some extent.
In India we really do not find it excepting under Islamic, and very definitely
Sufi influence.
Shah Jehan, the great lover, was a Sufi disciple. His father, Jehangir, also
a great lover, was also deeply interested in Sufism, but unfortunately had a
penchant for alcohol at times. So the greatest art development came under the
rule of his son. It was then that the esthetic development of the sub-continent
reached its height. This also can be applied to most arts. Under Akbar, the
fine arts were stimulated, as they could not have been under Indian rule
because of caste restrictions.
Furthermore, all the great love of India is for God rather than man. The
romances of India include charm and even beauty but not the soul as the poetry
of the Sufis evinces.
I only wish to point this out because of your own statements and here at
Taj, especially, the three romances of Love, Religion and Art became one.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
Also known as Sufi Ahmed Murad-Chisti
26th August 1963
Beloved One of Allah:
Enclosed at this time are the papers in “Moral Culture,” which at an
earlier time you said were missing. The moving and some untoward acts at the
time threw your Murshid back in time processes.
However there must be a warning here and I think you will understand it.
Muslims always repeat “Alhamdulillah,” and if one looks deeply, one will
see that the Divine Wisdom controls all things. The Prophet said, “Praise
Allah in time of prosperity and resign to Him in time of adversity.” Now if
the adverse were reported, it would seem to be that Allah is not always
Er-Rahman, Er-Rahim.” At the same time the adverse may be a small part of
life but it is the part that makes the most impressions.
When a person has trouble or difficulty, this impresses others, and when a
person has prosperity or gain, other people think he is lucky and are not so
impressed. But the things that need to be overcome are the impressions which
are called sanskaras in Sanskrit. In tasawwuf this is due to Nufsaniat,
that we remain self-centered. A Muslim theoretically means one who is Allah
centered, not self-centered.
Therefore it is not only to copy papers on “Moral Culture” but to abide
by the teachings. On the battlefield a soldier may be wounded or even a whole
regiment lost and yet victory may be grasped. So in a total situation it is not
the riza of nufs but the riza with Allah that is important.
Here, when one complains, he is regarded as being self pitying and if he
does not, he is regarded as being boastful. Perhaps it is the same all over,
yet the boastful people are considered as more egocentric than the self
pitying. It is not so. The boastful can repeat the Alhamdulillah and the
self-pitying do not see the divine view. So in studying these papers, please
keep the Fateha always in view, that the Moral Culture of Sufism (Saluk)
is not to be considered as anything but the application of Fateha and the
principles of Sunna, only universalized. I believe you can understand that.
Other lessons will be sent soon and Monday, inshallah, some special
envelopes will be sought to send you writings going sea mail. These writings
took some extra time but your Murshid has found that book orders from England
take interminable time and even though it may be months before you get them;
the written copies would take less time and considerable less money than the
book purchases.
As-salaam aleikhum.
Sufi Ahmed Murad Christi
30th August 1963
Beloved One of Allah:
One does not know whether the ways of Allah are mysterious or so plain that
they seem crooked to humanity. My kashf has been to complete a certain writing,
“The Art of Personality,” by Hazrat Inayat Khan, and then look for a new
cycle. At the same moment that I completed the typing, your letter of the 25th
arrived and my Brother Saladin telephoned. I am to meet him shortly and will
answer you in part, before that. For there is no doubt that he brings “good
tidings” in the sense of constructive suggestions. Some of these will cover
scientific matters. And as Major Sadiq is with you, I shall also include some
news.
Now jumping to your reference to Holy Qur’an. Revelation comes in the form
of spheres and we (man) make it linear. If you read commentaries they jump
about. This is not wrong, for the Revelation did not come like a serial story
of fiction, or like the consequence of history. And the same thing applies to
all holy things, like the instant above, that there are a lot of things that
come together, but one must write them bit by bit.
For example, Saladin used to write on “Name” and “names.” Your name,
Saadia, is after the great poet of Shiraz, the author of “Bustan” and
“Gulistan” and I pray also you may be permitted to visit Shiraz, perhaps
with our Iranian brother.
And again, with regard to Qur’an, Hadith says that Qur’an was revealed
in seven dialects and each has an inner and outer meaning. Even the word
“Allah” has a long history. I think I have reported on Brigadier Mohammed
Ghulam Khan of Islamabad (Major Sadiq used to be his aide-de-camp) who told me
that even Kalama is found in the Vedas, something I found to be true. And not
only that, in such a diverse language as Tibetan; the name for God is Lha, as
one finds in Lha-sa, the city of God (Allahabad).
Then we come to Rahmaniyat, which is the source of Rahman and Rahim. To
demonstrate the attunement between Murshid and mureed. I am studying at the
moment “Basic Concepts of the Qur’an” by Mawlana Abdul Kalm Azad, which
is based on his commentary on Surt-ul-Fateha and published by “The Academy of
Islamic Studies,” Hyderabad, Deccan. It is necessary to write to them.
There is also from the same source a book comparing Gita and Qur’an. Now
Major Sadiq knows that the last inspiration coming to me is known as “Rassoul
Gita” and is to be the Islamic answer to the Indian Bhagavad Gita and it must
live on forever. Today, when your Murshid had his first relaxation, there was
revealed to him the Day of Judgment for Jews and Christians. So far “Rassoul
Gita” shows the superiority of Islam over the Indian Dharma, but now the Day
of Judgment for Jews and Christians was shown, and this needs to lessons:
First, it is incorrect to say that there is any real superiority of Islam
over any Dharma which Mawlana Azad brings out, that both are Din, there has
never been any religion or revelation but Din, but the Indians do not recognize
Islam and the Muslims often recognize Dharma (the exception recognition no done
other point: The Name.
Rama did not say “Rama,” Shiva did not say “Shiva,” Buddha did not
say “Buddha.” Moses (Musa) gave the name to the Israelis; they did not
repeat it after awhile saying they were unworthy. Christians say, “Hallowed
Be Thy Name” but do not use the Name. It was therefore necessary to have a
re-evaluation of Din, with Emphasis on Name which comes first in Bismillah.
Now the next thing is to work for the body, as Jesus (Isa) said, “Give us
this day our daily food.” (not bread). Brown rice is the natural rice, rice
unpolished, not white rice. It contains the vitamins and the minerals and the
life forces. When we eat the living foods, we get the life and that is what
Saladin is trying to bring about.
At the same time, as your Murshid has written, he is interested in the whole
problem of food production. But this includes not only the big problems of
salinity and the desert, but the small ones of having the right food and
medicine. When visiting Major Sadiq’s farm, it was suggested we grow
medicaments and additives. Now more recently, an offer was made for the future
where your Murshid could have a Khankah and also grow some necessary foods or
even gather the beneficial wild herbs. There is no fixed time here, and the
news is recent.
Next concerning your health. This is still an important matter. It is
regrettable that it is impossible to drop other matters and collate all the
materials available either from the nutritional standpoint or from the esoteric
standpoint. If you go to Ashraf, you may be able to find Hazrat Inayat Khan’s
book on “Health.” Your Murshid has written a commentary on it, which
included many practices and suggestions not in that work, but again, it is
impossible at the moment to go over the files to find it. One is trying to
complete memories under the most trying circumstances. This may be as Allah
says.
Therefore a copy of “The Art of Personality” is enclosed, for the final
chapter gives the clue to all the trying circumstances in our lives. It is
necessary to hold on to Allah and it is difficult.
Now as to fana. This means self-effacement. To explain it mathematically.
People think effacement means becoming zero, becoming nothing. Actually it is
the removal of nufs. Therefore for nufs, it is negative. As one moves
negatively toward the negative infinity, he learns in the end that the negative
infinity and the positive infinity become the same. In other words, fana
implies that the more one removes the self, the more the Divine Infinite life
(baqa) manifests.
Those who move positively can only move at a certain rate, and those who
move in effacement increase the divine accommodation. So instead of being a
“nothing” or “no thing” it is as Hazrat Ali has said, “Say Allah and
Allah you will become.”
I stop here to resume later after meeting Saladin.
31st August, 1963
Saadia, Beloved One of Allah:
The Prophet said that in adversity one should resign to the will of the
Beloved and in prosperity praise him. The Sabri School, which Sufi Barkat Ali
represents, proposes equanimity, to take all things and have no regard for
adversity or prosperity. This is easy to say, but when the news is reported,
one is liable to feel a weakness at the report of evil and strength at the
report of good.
For instance, your Murshid was already to move and the woman who was renting
the quarters to him kept his money and typewriter and would not let him in;
then began telephoning everybody justifying herself and keeping friends and
acquaintances in a turmoil. Weaklings, without hearing the other side, turned
against him, but strong people became drawn to him; this on a program of 16
hours of work every day.
While this was going on, more and more spiritual materials have come into
his hands. There is now the most complete set of instructions on Zikr, far more
than appears in any book, or apparently in any School. For Hazrat Inayat Khan
had the training in the “For School Sufism,” which has its headquarters in
proper order the complete Zikr training.
But your Murshid also received in inspiration the combination of Zikr with
Murakkabah and again Zikr with Mushahida, and more recently applications of
Zikr which cannot be completely separated with certain fundamentals of Islam.
And here, attention must be called to the fact that Hazrat Inayat Khan left a
complete compendium on Nimaz, Fikr, Kasab, Shagal, Amal, Breath-Mysticism and
Psychic Power (Amaliat) along with other teachings. To which will be added the
methods developed in the 20th Century by other Pirs of other Schools which have
come into your Murshid’s keeping.
Now the June issue of Pakistan Review has a letter written by your
Pir-o-Murshid to Shamsuddin Ahmed of Model Town. Copy was sent to the editor,
who published it and in the editorial of that June issue, he has written asking
why this Sufi has confined himself to spiritual matters and “not to social,
cultural and economic issues.”
There is a mistake to assume that Dervishes are only concerned with a Deity
who is not on earth and though everybody, including Dervishes, prays constantly
to “Rab Alamin” it is only in words, or at best in the thoughts. It is the
Dervishes, not the masses of Islam that make reality of these words.
Again Mohammed, not the people, declared by the Grace of Allah that Jesus,
that Isa, was a Muslim. Yet Isa never married and Isa prayed, “Give us this
day our daily bread.” He was also concerned with the stomachs and bodies of
people. The Universal Islam therefore includes all teachings not abrogated in
Qur’an and if these teachings are contrary to Hadith, it was the Prophet, not
the Muslims of later date who said: “My word can never abrogate the words of
Allah but the words of Allah can abrogate my words.”
Actually your Murshid has been saying: “Spiritual food for the West,
material food for the East.”
The other day he received a confidential soil report covering many nations
but Pakistan in particular, corroborating everything he has said, done and
tried. But this came after having received from his spiritual brother, Saladin
Reps, some of the latest and most revolutionary advances in the sciences. In
the end he shall have to admit that Allah is Er-Rahman, Er-Rahim, not just mere
words. There are no problems, just tests from Allah. The Compassion name, give
to human kind to work out salvation and wisdom. The answer is really always
available. The question is whether the nufs can be sent to accept them. Your
Murshid has therefore also written to Shamsuddin Ahmed of Model Town and now
will also write to Mohammed Hakim of Sheikhupura on related matters as above
because Sufi Barkat Ali both appointed him as Khalif and asked your Murshid to
help him.
Busy all the time, one cannot release studies one would wish and I have not
even completed my book on memories. But if there is no “rest,” one must
accept a deluge of blessings and wait patiently for the “gradual run off”
so that these blessings can be shared with human kind, both in the world (must)
and in the universe of tasawwuf .
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Date unknown, likely Sept 1963
When you come to this country, inshallah, I shall show you some more
writings of Hazrat Inayat Khan which are scattered through his books and by
these one can understand the above experiences. But now I am sending a copy of
another lesson in Naqshibandi, which is also really a lesson in Murakkabah,
that as one concentrates on these symbols and holds them in what one calls the
mind, their real nature impresses itself on the person. For man is not the nufs
and is not a fixed entity or being. Only Allah is permanent, or in man, ruh.
Also the commentary is enclosed, written some years ago, which is not
perfect but will no doubt help you to understand more. For symbols are like
mummies, only living, encased in words and forms and art, and yet the
blueprints of life itself.
Also I have written to Prof. Gumperz asking for an appointment and there are
other matters. For example, if I haven’t told you, my friend, Hon. Abdul
Sattar of Kharian, is now secretary to the Minister of External Affairs.
Next your Murshid is to send you the ten lessons in what are called
“Tasawwuf,” but not exactly what we mean by this word; a shortened
version. And after you receive these ten lessons will you please check back on
all you have received so you can be sure of having the whole complete series of
the teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan. Then, excepting for special materials
(such as the commentaries on Naqshibandi), nothing more will be sent until your
geography is settled, such as when you will be coming to the United States.
The information, unconfirmed, is that Major Sadiq may leave Pakistan,
inshallah, in May, crossing the Pacific Ocean and landing in San Francisco. The
news about Memsahib is not clear. Shamsuddin Ahmed is preparing for Bayat and
he will have to learn that although letters may be shared up to a point,
lessons are not to be shared at all.
If the signs be correct, there will be nuclei of mureeds both [?] some
things more in store.
It is not easy to be involved in international matters. The representatives
of each country lack candor, and all alike forget that we live and move and
have our being in Allah, the Omnipresent.
Love and blessing, from
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
PS There is also another subject, “Takua Taharat” or “Everyday Life”
that must be copied and sent.
September 6, 1963
Beloved Ones of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum
Yesterday I moved into the new address, 58 Harriet St, which is in a poor
part of San Francisco, but which has ample room to house one other person. I
felt by Kashf that this would mean a change in outlook and felt the presence of
Allah almost immediately. Only it is far beyond my capacity to regard what was
shown me and now I write to you both conjointly.
Between the complex conditions in Southeast Asia and the presumable
“misunderstandings” between your country and mine, it was imperative I meet
somebody who could either make decisions or give sound advice. For the
publication either of my memories or for those of my late friend, Robert
Clifton, could create stirs far beyond those started by “The Ugly
American.” And my adviser not only made such conclusions but wishes to act as
an agent for me in both private and public capacity, although for the latter
there would be no remuneration of any kind. It does not matter.
Actually this interview was foreseen by a tea-cup reader in 1939, a long
time back when there was no dream of ever going abroad.
I have taken up one by one the grievances which Pakistan might have or does
have and protested against your country being treated like a poor relation,
always taken into but never consulted. It is not even a question of right and
wrong.
Among the things mentioned were the parts the Dervishes play in world
affairs, something of which America, as a Nation, wish to close their eyes to.
Between my history in the UAR and that in Peshawar, covering several persons,
some of whom you know, even without any Kashf one gets a pretty good picture of
world affairs as they are. And if one does add the Kashf and the Mushahida and
in the latter there used to be long histories, this Nation, verbally dedicated
as being “under God” is under hypocrisy to say the least. That is why I am
hesitating to work too hard to propose reforms for Pakistan because we spend
billions on “foreign aid” to keep corrupt governments in offices and harass
our own Negroes who, now for the first time, are offering human protests.
My first proposal to make a first step, not even the first step, in
spiritually and spiritualism was treated as a tremendous boon. For the American
people know little and have been befouled and befuddled at every step by a
conglomeration of European professors, Indian charlatans and American [?] (not
many of these). We have accepted, even officially, as Asian cultures that has
been existed excepting in the minds of men, usually Europeans. And while we say
on the one hand that Kashmir should belong to Pakistan because the people are
Muslims, even the government subsidized schools on Oriental subjects do not
have any Islamic or Pakistani professors on any basis.
But I am not going into negative protests. The fact is that today the whole
world and every opportunity was placed in my hands, praise to Allah and there
is so much encouragement, though it came from only one person, that it would
seem that road blocks and bottle necks, as we call them, are removed.
My brother Saladin was here and the first steps were taken to show somebody
the spirituality of how to walk, how to breathe and how to use the name (or
attributes) of Allah. This is really the gist of tasawwuf , with or without
books, and lectures and sermons.
My love and blessings to you both and also Major Ikram because the new
methods of instruction in tasawwuf would benefit all his children, down to the
smallest; and they also could become integrated into national instruction from
the low grades to the highest. It is only that I am limited, very limited in
getting all these things out and would therefore welcome a visit to the United
States.
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
September 27, 1963
Beloved One of Allah,
Asalaam Aleikhum. Your Murshid would prefer that this letter be read in the
presence of Major Sadiq, but if he is not around, read it and then save it for
him before making too much of answers.
Recently your Murshid received a surprise scathing attack from his close
spiritual Brother Saladin, who accused him without evidence of something, and
there were two ways in which this was answered:
a. Your Murshid was busy trying to build up food programs and to help the
agriculture of millions of starving people to go around doing what he was
accused of.
b. It was a good idea; that he had now the time to commit such acts and
would try very hard henceforth to find time to do them and this would satisfy
everybody, the accusers and non-accusers alike.
The upshot was a most apologetic letter and there is now peace, love and
understanding and no need to forgive or anything.
Now before me is The Koran of Dawood and while this may not be the
best translation it serves a purpose. There are the Suras which have the name
of “Dowa” and these can be repeated for self-protection. Or again, when the
problem was put before the Prophet he said: “Say Allah and leave them to
their devices.” When one is concerned with spiritual duties he is too busy
for anything else but the nearly perpetual Zikr or the concern with the affairs
of man.
Nevertheless the critics have rendered a signal service. For Sura 95 begins,
By the fig, and by the olive! And while your Murshid did not realize
this, this is at the very basis of his planned book and articles on “How
California Can Help Asia” and he will not write some separate papers for
“Pakistan Review” or anybody. For there is a vast difference between what
uninformed people call “Islam” and the surrender to Allah.
For instance, your Murshid is in two study groups that are interested in
international politics and he has been reading on Malaya and Indonesia. And the
first reflection is that the ignorant Muslims are not peace-loving at all! Even
the political Pakistanis have shown some restraint about fighting with India
and now we see two nations of “Muslims” preparing for war. Even the idea is
terrifying.
At the same time it is notable that the influence of tasawwuf is very strong
in both Malaya and Indonesia and among the Sufi teachers Jili stands forth with
his “Insaani-i-Kemal” or treatises on the Perfect Man. And your Murshid is
very satisfied with the forms Islam has taken there, although they are very
different from the Islam of Pakistan or the Arab World or the African world.
And the critics may say: “See, your Murshid likes the Islam of these peoples
and they are taking to the sword.” It becomes a delicate matter.
Then there is another correspondent in England and now he begins to agree
with your Murshid that the first thing in Islam, if one is going to use that
word, is to learn the peacefulness and surrender. This can be done in Nimaz and
Zikr and Murakkabah and it is not a matter of tongue.
Now in 1926 Hazrat Inayat Khan gave his last will and testimonial to your
Murshid and nobody believed it or accepted it. So the Sufi organization has
split into many parts and they all talk about “Sufism” like the people in
Pakistan talk about “Islam.” But there is no consideration of Allah. Yet
now, after all these years, for the first time the elder son of Hazrat Inayat
Khan has agreed, just a bit, that his father just might have confided in your
Murshid. And the truth is that Hazrat Inayat Khan gave him the sobriquet of
Sufi, but that he never used it until it was publicly announced by Pir
Sahib Salarwala.
Another aspect to the finances will come in regard to seeds. The Ferry Morse
Seed Company, which is the largest and best, will extend you every courtesy.
But they tell me that both India and Pakistan have limitations on the amount of
money that can be spent on such things, so they might have to be bought through
my personal account. Nothing can be done until you come except a careful study
of the best things. But there are two or three other aspects.
From government sources and from organizations it may be possible to get
seeds and cuttings at low prices and the main problem and cost will be in the
packaging and shipment, unless, as in some cases, they could go with baggage,
or Inshallah, the Pakistan Airlines will grant you some concession.
No doubt later I shall write again in regard to the oil company, etc.
Then there is another remark as to my makam. But you have already mentioned
the abdal, and not even to Saadia Khawar does one like to mention such things.
One has to work regardless of friendships or form. All I can say here is that
my scientific program now has the full accord of Holy Qur’an.
Inasmuch as I have been criticized, let me explain something. I did not meet
any Imam until 50 years of age. As each Sura was studied, the parallel passages
in the Bible were searched, and commentaries were written (destroyed in a fire
long ago) which showed the connection between the Bible and its prophets and
Mohammed as Khatimal-Nabi. There was a definite continuum which not even many
Muslims have studied. So one reached his own interpretation of the Holy Book
without being able to tell whether it was heterodox or orthodox. Yes, my whole
life is against those who act as if Mohammed was the only Prophet. You can see
in records that Ibrahim and Isa did things which are contrary to what people
call “Islam” and which they claim (I do not know) are in Sharia. Qur’an
teaches that one must believe in Allah on the last day, and who does right will
be “saved,” but most believe in Allah and they skip that and make a magic
formula out of the Ashadu.
In “Saladin” where Mohammed appeared to me as Khatimal-Nabi he not only
showed the unity of religions, but himself taught me Yoga systems which are
practically unknown today in India.
Behind this is what we in America call the “semantic problem.” Just what
is Islam? Who determines it, and how, etc. I do not wish to go over the ground
of Mohammed Abou or Ameer Ali and no doubt Sheikh Mauduidi has a different
interpretation since he went to the Pir Dewwal Shereef. The whole problem is
clearly stated in “Kashf-al-Mahjub, but instead of studying, people go to the
tombs (this is not wrong, but the study is more right). Neither is it wise to
get into arguments where you can quote Hadith and the other people cannot. Only
in all things one tries to depend on kashf and if one’s kashf is not
pertinent to holy writings, one should not follow it. But even the great Imams
never said their works were revelation, nor inexorable; not even Hadith is
inexorable.
To me, all discoveries, inventions, ideas which have benefited humanity some
are because of Allah, and without His permission nothing would ever have been
to man’s welfare. And it is quite obvious that all these things did not come
to and through Muslims, although this was once the case many centuries back.
Sept. 29 1963
If many things have been hard to accomplish, at least one wonderful sign has
been given. The Consulate urged me to meet one Mohammed Qureshi and we had a
short visit last night. He has agreed to do some Urdu translation for me after
his examinations, which take place shortly.
This person met recently a Christian mystic who had the same social
rejections. But he has a meeting place and he wants this one to lecture at his
place on Peace and the world religions which, inshallah, may be done.
Now Hazrat Inayat Khan taught that Peace in the world depended on the
acceptance of the Hierarchy (Qtub, Ghaus, Auliya, etc.). He left a whole
ceremony for this purpose, but the meaning was not accepted and the practices
(Mujahida, Mushahida) are hardly known at all. So instead of having peace have
turmoil.
Last week this one performed for the first time the tawajjeh of Khalif
Usman, and gave the feeling of Peace to all. No doubt, superficially or
otherwise, it is like some forms of Darshan in India. The way this person has
been given Darshan, it has often been a ceremony but when this person had the
tawajjeh of Hazrat Inayat Khan (he had it in two ways) it was transforming.
This also is in harmony with the Darood practices.
Now, for the first time in San Francisco has help been offered, and one
has to consider a similar offer in Hollywood when one can go there. In one
sense, one has not been prepared to be a Murshid on a large scale. One
inherited, so to speak, a Buzurg training from Murshida Rabia Martin here in
San Francisco, but one cannot choose his own function of working when there are
so few spiritual people in a vast country. And one is always aware that Divine
Grace is beyond all personal and personality efforts.
Love. This is the final of these three subjects. In the purer sense
there is little of that here. We have passion, we have infatuation, we have
much good will and Americans are, by nature, always kindly toward children. But
having heard and met so many of our leaders, there is little deep
understanding. Only now there is a change and one is unable even to lay down a
program for himself because of both needs of others and their seeking.
You will appreciate, dear Murshid, that one is always busy and now, for the
first time, alhamdulillah, there may be some help of a nature badly needed, for
a spiritual brother is moving here who can be entrusted with typing and so help
prepare lessons. And the amount of lesson material that has come, come from all
Nations, is very great and unorganized, and if published, the meanings remain
unknown. So one is satisfied and Allah has given the strength and courage to
continue at an age when my companions have become feeble and worn out and here
again is the testimony that one’s spiritual practices Wazifa and Darood are
effective, they operate through the person and preserve, increase and encourage
his vitality.
With love and blessings to all,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
1088 Fulton St.
San Francisco 17, Calif.
October 18, 1963
Imam John X,
Muhammad’s Mosque of Islam, No.26
1570 Ellis St., San Francisco 15
My Dear Brother:
As-salaam aleikhum. I have your letter of the 17th and am very glad to have
met you. Sufis have a practice called “tawajjeh” by which, through the aid
of the eyes, they can see deeply into another man’s spirit. This throws out
all the gossip and unfavorable talk which circulates and which comes from
man’s ego (nufs).
You have started your letter: “In the Most Holy Name of Allah, The
Beneficent, the Merciful, To whom All praise is due.” That is right. That is
so right I refuse to accept any thanks, for any offer, and I think you
understand.
The dervish belongs to Allah, not to man. He has no home, no country, no
family, no race. He possesses all, and yet, also possesses nothing. He accepts
all and also accepts nothing. He goes where he is sent and has no will about
it. In Lahore this dervish purchased many books, without even knowing why.
Allah had given him the wherewithal. Returning, he found a strange
condition.
The official Muslims pay little attention to religion and none to culture.
There are many people in this vicinity who are interested in religion and
others in culture. Recently he went to a lecture on UAR. The speaker was a born
Jew and every remark he made was favorable to President Nasser. There were no
Muslims, as such, in the audience. There was no objection or opposition to any
remark made. Everybody seemed to approve.
This week the writer goes to the Museum in Golden Gate Park where there are
scheduled lectures on Islamic Art. The writer has lectured on this subject
himself, so he sees a gradual acceptance of another way of life amid a
spiritually starving people. There is far more spiritual starvation among the
people around us, regardless of backgrounds, than they realize, but sometimes
instinctively they realize it.
In Pakistan the writer purchased a prayer rug which has not been shipped. It
is for a Mosque and the official Muslims are too concerned here with things.
The rug has been dedicated and will be sent for, or others will be sent for,
inshallah, to be used in prayers.
At the moment there are some moneys due in Rupees. Originally these were to
be redeemed in Rupees. But in the prayers and meditations Allah has willed and
otherwise and instead Prayer Caps will be asked. So it is possible they will be
sent to your address. Again, no thanks. Alhamdulillah.
Living in this noisy district one cannot help but see the differences in the
public department and demeanors between your group and others. This itself is a
testimonial.
Could you bring your pictures on Mecca? This would involve several
things:
American Friends of the Middle East might welcome you, and this I
shall take up.
Asia Foundation on the Mall. The present Director, Russell Smith, is
one of my patrons.
Mrs. Lucretia Grady, my other patron, was the wife of our Ambassador and a
close friend of the late Hasan Nizami (Nizam-ud-din Auliya). I expect to see
her next month.
But beyond that it would be for consultation with both Sufis and officials.
There are not enough speakers on Pakistan here. I don’t know what can be done
about it.
After all this I had a kashf on Kashmir. The answer was clear and I commend
it to you, but please keep it secret unless you meet Major Sadiq or Pir Barkat
Ali:
“How can Pakistan expect to have Kashmir unless it is based on the terms I
(Rassoul-Lillah speaking) imposed on Mecca, or Omar imposed on Jerusalem.”
The consciousness of the Messenger of God was all inclusive and he lost Ohud
rather than becoming a dualist and dividing the world into friends and
enemies.
This is something that would have to be understood beforehand and I don’t
think the Azad Kashmiris understand this. They think (and so do most Pakistanis
and western people) in terms of friend and foe; they do not see Allah. To
impose Urdu, burka, etc. on the Kashmiris would be horrible. Not to impose
Rassoul-Lillah might be equally horrible.
The hard point to be overcome here, and that is why there must be silence,
is that the new Vice-President of India is a talib in tasawwuf. I hope to hear
from him some day. Along with this is the possible guidance you might get right
in the Mosque at your door. If kashf is developed, not even letters from me
would be necessary.
Please give my love and blessings to your aunts and Uncle Mustafa.
Faithfully,
S. A.M.
Sufi Ahmed Murad
P.S. Life is full of harassments which must be accepted, for people now do
come to me and soon, inshallah, some will accept the “medicines.” Hardest
of all are those who have taken bayat and go off on self-willed tours, to their
detriment. Alhamdulillah, he is with me all the time.
P.P.S. These harassments have resolved or been solved in very strange and
joyous fashion.
There are two sides to holiness which come out in fana and baqa. In the
religions of the Hindus and Buddha you find many people with fana, but not
baqa, although in some schools of Buddhism you find the baqa without much fana.
Of all the people I have met, including holy men and saints of all faiths, no
one has had both fana and baqa like Sufi Barkat Ali, or if he has, it was not
manifested. The nearest is a saint, Haji Baba Aziz of Havelian. I hope that
Major Sadiq can visit him before he comes to this country. But Haji Baba did
not make me his mureed, though the love between some of his mureeds and myself
is so terrific that human minds cannot gauge it and hearts can only wonder. He
cabled from across the ocean that I must remain until he came, and he gave me
the Zem-Zem Water which was the most valuable experience I have ever had on the
earth plane alone.
There is no question that this Holy Man has given you practices and now I am
to add what is written above. Please follow the example as he says.
Now as to the dream. Hazrat Abdul Qadir-i-Jilani is the Seal of the Walis,
the prince of all the Sufis. The blessing has been given to Bhallah House and I
know that all Data Sahib communicated to me while at the Dargah is to be taught
there.
When I came to Karachi my companion of both San Francisco and Abbottabad
took me to a friend’s house. On the wall was a picture. Ghaus-i-Azam was
teaching Moineddin Chisti and Omar Ibn Shahab-ud-din Suhrawardi and Pir
Naqshibandi. But Ali Shah Qalander was in the picture looking in another
direction. I almost fainted. The next time I came I told the elder son, “That
picture your father showed me has the story of my life.” This proved to be
prophetic. For although Hazrat Inayat Khan has given bayat in “The Four
School Tarikat,” later I was given bayat in the Qalandari Order also.
Now, these pictures were symbolic, although they may have been real. But the
picture of Hazrat Mian Mir which was on display on the Mall next to Ferojim’s
was probably real because by the Moghul period there were real paintings. These
paintings may be owned, but I would never put them on the wall facing Mecca so
they do not take any part in prayers.
The healing practice should be continued until you are well. As to the
hours. Now, many practices have been sent, and lessons, and one does not want
to clutter up. According to the Shafi School which is in Egypt, you can have an
afternoon prayer, then special practices, then read any lessons, and then
another prayer, not being interrupted, beginning that period with and ending
with the prayers without leaving the room. But with the morning and late night
prayer only one practice should be done, whether Wazifa or Murakkabah. Fikr
practice may be separate and also walking practices, but the healing practices
should be in a room.
I have tasbihs, thank you, and used one for the first time in the period
just above.
The Dog. I think too much has been made of this subject. The dogs in
Arabia were scavengers, not exactly on the order of swine, but comparable. A
household pet is different. You should wash your hands after the pet touches
you, even if you are not going to prayer, and if possible, have a prayer room
where the dog does not go.
October 24, 1963
My Dear Brother:
I have just returned from Guy Atkinson, the engineering company which is
building Mangla Dam. They gave me, for the moment, the information I wanted.
I have also inquired as to employment for Shamsuddin Ahmed and others and
learned that at this end there are forms only for Americans. If one wanted
connections in Pakistan one would have to apply either at their office (they
used to have one at Charing Cross) or at WAPDA.
Then a letter was received from Shamsuddin which will be answered later on
because it is in connection with entirely different matters.
There is one other engineering firm to visit, too, in these parts. Each of
these concerns is in a different, but nearby, city.
If you ever visit Mangla before coming here I am sure some Americans would
be interested.
As-salaam aleikhum.
[Undated, possibly 1963]
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. The package of antibiotics was mailed the other day,
although it may not reach you before this. The total cost came to Rs. 25, most
of which was in the postage. Otherwise it might be months before it arrived.
My khalifa here has asked for tasbihs and I intend to give her mine this
week, for her vitality has not been too great and she also has been
hospitalized because of an accident. I may not see her because of taking part
in a celebration in a nearby town.
Now, it is hoped you have read “Saladin,” for several events have moved
out from it. In the second part; in the episode of the Meraj of Saladin.
Actually, this was your Murshid’s experience, although it was not entirely
psychic and mystical. A large part was under fana-fi-Rassoul, and Mecca Shereef
dictated that, for it deals with episodes of Arsh and basic principles of other
faiths. At first this was very difficult. But no one can be in fana and assert
his personal beliefs from book, gradation or self-will. There is the book Islam
and the true Islam not based on Mushahida. Mushahida is the completion of the
process which begins with the words (ash-shadu.) Everybody wants to begin with
words, but there are more than one type of word that may mean “I see,” “I
know,” etc. and each of these words tells of the kind of seeing and knowing,
which are not all of one kind.
You may not have considered that your Murshid has debated with some of the
greatest pundits and sages of India, including one recently and, by the grace
of Allah, does not lose.
In February, one of the top men in the whole Buddhist world died. Next to
“Saladin” he was the closest of all men to your Murshid. Yet one day we had
this conversation:
“Samuel, was haven’t got IT.”
“Robert, we have got IT.”
It was almost like going to the Pope and having to say that perhaps Islam
was the true Faith. Yet there is a way of approaching this Islam under grace,
when one is advanced in surrender. Some people have accused your Murshid of
being over-assertive, but none of these people know the deeper stages of
surrender through Murakkabah, through fana, through tasawwuri. By being the
nothing one may assert, especially if there is grace.
So your Murshid has been called to take part in the most important
undertakings of Buddhists and Hindus, just as earlier in life he was called
upon to take part in the most important affairs of Christians and Jews. It is
the Indonesians who realize this for their religion is all-embracing,
all-consuming. Indeed, there is only One Religion.
The other faiths fail because they do not see the keystone of the arch and
Islam fails and keystones go together. This is the basic wisdom and meaning
both of Mohammad and Nuri-Muhammad. Part of this is explained in
“Insaan-i-Kemal” of Jili.
Some time ago Major Sadiq wrote that toward the end of July would come a
great change in the life of your Murshid. Now the news has arrived that
“Saladin” will be here then. He and one Shamcher Beorse who were disciples
of Hazrat Inayat Khan could not get along, and your Murshid sent them both the
concluding lines of Part-II, “Saladin” and it was wonderful to see the
effect. Then to begin to realize that neither silence nor assertiveness is the
true way, but the true way is often unwordable, and at best can be put in
poetry. When Holy Qur’an is translated it is no longer Holy Qur’an, or it
is like melting ice. When you translate it is no longer the ice, and yet water
is ice and steam is water and so steam is ice. You have to know what you are
translating. So often there have to be commentaries, for Mohammed was listening
to Allah or seeing (Mushahida) and his words are often keys rather than doors,
doors rather than palaces. If they were palaces every Muslim would be
illuminated and if they were merely doors, there would be no Sufism. After the
nearby town your Murshid returns and goes south on a trip, a scientific and a
family matter, all at once. Then north, on a sort of vacation to see a
god-daughter who has problems and two children.
And then to prepare for the day predicted by Major Sadiq when “Saladin”
will arrive. In the meanwhile, the art school where I have been attending
closes its sessions. These are very nice people. The speaker today makes me
feel I should write on “Sufism and the Taj.” This may come next and carbon
will be sent to you with the lessons. Allah bless you. Greetings to your family
and friends,
Sufi Ahmed Murad
October 28, 1963
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. Alhamdulillah, at long last one completes one series of
papers used by Pir-o-Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan in his class lessons for
mureeds. We always used the Invocation, which does not always, but should
appear at the top and after that we had a silence. Lessons were read, once each
week or occasion, and then re-read at the next. Not too many at one time. There
are ten papers of each of seven subjects to cover a year’s theoretical
training. But actually this covers one bayat, or initiation. For some it is
much faster, for the conferring of bayat does not determine the makam of moment
and therefore persons who are advanced were given papers as fast as they could
assimilate the contents.
Every word should be taken as real. When your Murshid conducts classes, he
internalizes everything by having the mureeds feel whatever is taught. It is
almost like a class in dramatics. But it is to become conscious of each thing.
And then if one has a short [?] coming naturally, one is able to introduce the
counter irritant or medicine.
The Ryazat were not offered as class work first, and the Ryazat must also be
taught to teachers with the commentaries. But now your Murshid has collected so
much material that will become a mighty project.
But the commentaries on these lessons will be offered on approval or request
of Sufi Pir Barkat Ali. For also they are very long and this means much typing,
and some expense. Yet there should be no mysteries or complexities in tasawwuf
and as the inner being is opened, things become clear.
Now clear to your Murshid also is the connection of the contents with the
hoped for, inshallah, dedication at Kasur, before the tomb of Bhullah Shah, the
purpose of which becomes clearer all the time.
There are two copies, one for Major Sadiq and one for yourself. These also
may be copied for mureeds only and translated into Urdu. This may take time and
on this also I shall write to Sufi Sahib.
Also I am now going for the envelopes to send some other material through
sea-mail. There has been much typing and there will be much more, which is
necessary for the cause of Allah. One believes the whole world will ultimately
benefit therefrom, inshallah.
Among the materials being sent by sea-mail are those on Education.
Love and blessings from,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
P.S. An old commentary on “Moral Culture” was found and is being sent
seal-mail.
Also the bringing in of any fabrics for demonstrations, including the types
of saris or sari-cloths you have around Lahore would easily draw an audience.
This subject may have to be discussed further:
Tourism. If either of you come, there would not only be the regular
tourism but several special visits for either or both of you. Even California
is a large State with many places of interest.
Manuscript. I am approaching the end of my typing but events of the
day bring in complications. These cover those of politics on the one hand, and
of increased reading or fancied interest in spiritual matters.
I have gotten slight results from spiritualists here, but even in my
manuscripts I have called attention that so called “mental telepathists”
are seeking funds for experiments conjointly with the Russians and are ignoring
entirely persons with greater faculties in more friendly countries. The
military seems to be aware of this but they cannot make final decisions,
especially as to the use of money.
Scientific and Food Problems will be given consideration next. Some
letters have been written which may affect details of any journey you take
here. This is particularly true of facing the problems of salinity.
Foreign Aid. This will come up in a discussion next week. In the
Asian studies so far, attention has been given to S.E. Asia and China. The
points of view were very varied and no conclusion was reached. But I am
personally rather adamant about what can, might and should be done in and for
Pakistan. What is happening is that your students here and in Great Britain
often feel they will not be able to do much at “home” so there is a
tendency to seek positions in these lands where the pay is greater and the
frustrations less.
All the Americans I meet who have been in Asia seem to understand the
situations much better than political and other “experts” but their voices
are hushed. As to China, this is not simple for the Chinese have a psychology
of their own which we do not study. And this is more complicated from my own
point of view because of sufficient food for a growing populace.
Divine Guidance. The instructions from Pir Barkat Ali are very
serious and sobering, without being heavy or morbid. The leaders of the
American Friends of the Middle East arrive next week and several ideas have
been presented for the solution of problems. This covers Israel, soils, food,
etc. We cannot reconcile Allah Er-Rahman, Er-Rahim, we cannot adjust
Rahmaniat and Ilm with our silly limited human insistences which only bring
complications. Through Kashf and guidance everything can be solved.
Faithfully,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
November 3, 1963
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. The other night there was a big dinner of the American
Friends of the Middle East and it witnessed the end of some very long trials
about which there is no need to burden you. It now seems that so many
difficulties have been removed and the body and mind are in good condition.
There have been some changes in social undertakings and it is not easy to give
up old acquaintances but it seems the new ones are many more in quantity and
quality, so this must be the Divine Will.
My friend Mohammed Qureshi was a guest with me at the dinner and we are
going out together soon. I shall get his exact address and then ask either that
Major Sadiq call on him or that he call at your place. I understand the father
was interested in tasawwuf and anyhow there have been spiritual disciples in
the family. This meeting must have been in accord with the divine will.
He did not translate the long newspaper articles but did the announcement
about the opening of the college. What little I told him interested him very
much. He is strong for progressive education. At the same time he is a fine
devotee and resigned from the Islamic Center here for the same reason that most
of us did as it is purely a social order using religion as a front. We hope to
meet soon.
The life is always busy but since Pir Barkat Ali gave me his affairs, it is
the attunement which brings this about. And when nothing goes wrong, it does
not matter how occupied one is.
In a sense you might do a favor, especially if you cannot come to this
country soon. First to give me the name of any text books you own on textiles
or clothing materials. There is a lack of knowledge of these things and the
teachers and students at the Art School may need some guidance and
suggestions.
On the side, the Consul-General here did not show up at the dinner, made
worse by, a) he was expected to be the Guest of Honor; b) there were many
leading Americans, men of position in wealth and industry and including some of
these most all well disposed toward Islam. This included all those people who
made the Mosque in Washington possible.
I hope you enjoy the teachings of my first Pir-o-Murshid. His teachings
combined with my own commentaries are voluminous. And now I have returned from
Pakistan with all kinds of additional teachings from Major Sadiq, Abdul Hamid
Khan of the Cantonment, and the various Pirs encountered. The purpose of these
will be to help humanity solve problems and it is hard to begin here, and this
is a good test for future undertaking. Anyhow my place is very quiet and so are
most the neighbors who come from the Philippine Islands.
Soon I shall send you what are called “Candidates Gathekas,” as many as
can be typed with carbons and these you can share with anybody.
Peace and blessings from,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
November 3, 1963
My Dear Brother:
As-salaam aleikhum. A number of events have occurred recently and also I am
copying the teachings on Saluk, by Hazrat Inayat Khan, the first Series. And it
seems that the teachings in Lesson 9 have been my experience of the week.
The worst obstacle of my life had been taken away, Alhamdulillah. This
resulted in a series of horrible events beginning in 1945 when a woman, who had
been studying with me, suddenly became my enemy and indulged in a series of
persecutions. Internally I do not wish to give details here; besides she was
involved with a man who is loathed in India and Pakistan.
When I left these shores in 1956, I had ten sets of enemies and Allah said,
“Let your enemies fight each other,” which happened. Finally it dropped to
three, because most of these “enemies” had many other enemies anyhow. The
three left were my brother, about which I do not wish to write because it is
not important, and RL and this woman.
Now RL belongs to a class of persons whom I do not wish to have for a
friend. He is a European, one of a big class that teaches what goes for
“Oriental Philosophy” in this country. Nearly all the so-called teachers of
Islamics in the United States belong to this class. They are honored and given
big jobs and are self important and keep the people of this country in utter
ignorance. When he found out I claimed to be a disciple of Sufism, he was very
successful in getting me black listed.
At the same time, his worst enemy was the associate of this woman and each
hated each other more than they hated me. All of us belong to the American
Friends of the Middle East; in fact the woman’s husband, whom I shall call T,
is vice president.
I have written about Mohammed Qureshi, whose family now lives on Multan
Road. I took him to the dinner the other night. He did not complete
translations for me but he read the announcement of Miss Khawar Khan and the
college, and this interested him. He was very happy over the dinner, the
speeches and everything else.
A few weeks ago, I submitted plans for peace and agricultural development of
North Africa; also a plan for Palestine. At the dinner all the speaker said the
time had passed for words and speeches and actions are now necessary. Most
fortunately there were several officials present and many wealthy and
influential persons. At the end of the meeting the vice president, T, asked me
about the plans for Desert Agriculture and this was a good sign because he
sought me out. And the next day, by Grace, I was able to meet the president,
who was not only interested but he is the first American to recognize me as a
Dervish, which is very good sign. There has been no word from Egypt.
Pir of Dewwal Shereef. There was a great visit of Pir Khidr to me
years ago and he offered music or poetry (today there are both). If anybody
does not accept this it is all right. But the visit of Khidr also involved let
one say, “the cup of immortality.” If anybody looks at my pictures, he
could not tell which came first, excepting from the clothing. In a very short
time I shall be 67 years on this earth and feel no age, and other than the eyes
which were always poor, there does not seem to be any diminution of vitality.
In fact some people say your Murshid looks younger and better. And if so, this
is a living proof of the visitation of Khwaja Khidr.
When your Murshid was a mureed, he saw the Grand Sheikh of the Qalandari
Order call on the Pir and this man was 115 years old and he acted like a child,
excepting for the wrinkles on his face. Also while your Murshid was there, he
saw Mawdudi break down and confess he had been wrong all his life. But there
are some things which are as yet too much like miracles and if they are offered
in evidence, the ignorant, maybe even the wise, might be confounded. For Allah
who is the Lord of all worlds, opens the doors of communication and communion
between Pir and mureed on many planes. The fact of being made almost a Khalif
at sight by both Pir Sahib Dewwal Shereef and Pir Barkat Ali is sufficient for
the world. The only thing is that Pir Dewwal Shereef appeared just once.
Yes, there has been a letter from Iran but no time to answer it.
The rest of this letter is concerned with another point which was taken up
with Major Sadiq. There is a spiritual hierarchy which is recognized by all the
Sufis, east and west, and this they have in common, at least. And there is the
idea of the Ghaus or Khutb at the head of the living hierarchy, and under him a
number of nearly perfect souls who have functions and the lower of these is
called Abdal, who can change their natures; and below them the Ansars or
helpers, of whom there are supposed to be 360.
Now your Murshid was not sent on the path of the Murshid but on the path of
hierarchy first due to Khidr and then to the whole chain of prophets,
whomsoever, wheresoever. And this involves the responsibility for very big
problems, some of these appear in the verses but my diaries were destroyed in a
fire. And if one, say, is a Buzurg, he is not concerned with Bayat (the Warisi
School, subject to argument, shows the operation of a Buzurg, not a Pir; this
man left no successor.)
At the home of Major Sadiq and also at the home of our friend Hamid on [?]
Street, in the cantonment, I was challenged by one Abdul Latif, an old
wanderer, “Why aren’t you a Murshid.” So I broke from the path of Buzurg,
which one does not proclaim and gave the Bayat and sent him to Mian Mir. There
he experienced the hal and shahud and proclaimed Ahmed Murad to be a true
Murshid. It was his experience and his claim that brought the possibility that
this was so, and even Begum Sadiq may know about that.
Now your Murshid has a whole compendium of tasawwuf inside, as well as the
writings, to show even little children how to walk with the Zikr and Kalama
from earliest childhood. Only this must be illustrated. And when it is taught
and done, there will be no boundary to either Islam or tasawwuf , or anything
and even a child will have direct wisdom from his own capacity.
Then your Murshid visited a lady who became a widow in his absence and she
has two big problems. The first is that she has become a Zen Buddhist and at
the same time she wants to remain a Christian and she is insisting one can be
both and at the same time she finds she cannot be both. And while this is going
on, she has a big family problem and neither her Christianity nor her Zen can
solve that problem.
It is awkward because if she tried to pursue the path to Allah, neither of
these problems would arise. For in the first place there are esoteric methods
to determine the right or wrong, beginning with the Kalama and many more. And
even the Sikh said the Muslims had the Kalama personal [?] led to perfection.
Then there are forms of Ryazat to meet every personal problem, and one just
looks at people who go everywhere else and always return with more problems.
For in the pursuit of Allah one does not trouble about religious
differences. There was a Christian mystic named Rufus Moseley and he was
supposed to be the greatest Christian mystic in the country and he taught a lot
of famous people. So when your Murshid was within a hundred miles of this
mystic, he went to the city of Wilmington in the state of North Carolina to
meet him. It was something like the meetings with Sufi Sahib at Salarwalla.
We had never met and we accidently turned a corner and immediately embraced
each other, no introduction was necessary. We spent time together and on the
Sunday I went to a crowded church to hear the sermon. There was a vast audience
because there are not many Protestant Christians who stand out as being
particularly spiritual. But I never heard the sermon. After a long introduction
he said: “Ladies and Gentlemen, my beloved brothers and sisters, I must beg
God’s pardon for even coming to this pulpit, for I am unworthy to address
you. There is in the audience a man, summon him to the altar to continue this
discourse.” And he got down and left the altar and everybody looked around
and as a few people knew me, I had to continue the discourse.
This is dramatic, if not unusual for the mystic, and for some time your
Murshid was in that part of the world explaining the Christian scriptures to
the Christians and not one word was said about Mohammed, yet at the time I was
in the fana-fi-Rassoul in the forest jungle and under most holy
instructions.
So sometimes one goes and works under guises, which is the course of abdal
which means chameleon like, or changeling, yet with time the Inner Guidance is
different. So you can understand and even explain the different religions. This
was brought to the perfection in “Saladin” where the Perfect Messenger also
explained the other religions in poetic form. So when these lessons are sent,
please examine them both from the personal and impersonal point of view and try
to bring the two together.
May Allah bless you,
P.S. Have written to the Middle East Institute in Washington D.C. concerning
ways necessary for transference of credits to this country for higher
education.
19 November, 1963
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. The wise and bounteous Providence has changed the course
of affairs very much and though the quantity of work and duty remain the same,
the quality is different. People are responding but not necessarily where one
has planned. For instance, tomorrow your Murshid will speak against our giving
military aid to India. This will please Pakistanis but the address will not be
to please Pakistan. It is based on Kashf and the wide outlook, the forward
outlook, the world outlook. I am on excellent terms with India but also believe
that Allah helps those who help themselves and they are being tested and must
stand up against these tests without whimpering.
People in America have little idea of spirituality and even morality now.
You must be prepared for shocks and hard adjustments. At the same time the
possibility of showing films of the Holy Cities has met with response. Your
Murshid has arranged to discuss your affairs with the Asia Foundation and the
American Friends of the Middle East.
For the time being, two suggestions dominate: one is to go to Washington
where you would attend the School of Middle East and also be near the
headquarters of both the American Friends of the Middle East and the Islamic
Center, both of whom would undoubtedly cooperate in having you show films and
lecture and inshallah, receive remuneration.
The other is to come to California. A letter has been written to one Prof.
Von Grünebaum. It is important also for Major Sadiq to meet him and by the end
of next month a complete report will be given. And also if you come to San
Francisco (and perhaps elsewhere), you may be invited to speak on Arabic,
customs and the work of your College.
One suggests that you call on Prof. A.A. Siddiqui at the Punjab University
to discuss your affairs. Also while you are there, please call on Mrs. Ahmed
and also subscribe for me to her magazine and also any publications. For next
spring, there will be a short seminar here on Islamic Art. There will be a
longer and more important session on Islamic Philosophy and Literature. As the
first news just came today, there are no more details at the moment but this is
most welcome news.
Detailed reports are being sent to Sufi Pir Barkat Ali. It is certain that
one has here a tremendous compendium on ryazat and apart from this your Murshid
can direct you to places where you can find source material in books. This may
take some time and discussion and should be completed before you leave your
country.
With love and blessings to everybody,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
25th November, 1963
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. You will find enclosed another series of papers by
Pir-o-Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan. Actually there are many of these but one
does not know how rapidly you can absorb them. Besides there are many esoteric
sciences, and for some of these there are lessons and for others there are not.
Concerning some of these sciences, I have written to Pir Barkat Ali and shall
again later.
A letter has been received from Asia Foundation suggesting that you write to
the Institute of Middle East Studies in Washington, who have both a sort of
graduate Academy and also are in touch with all the institutions which teach
Islamic. I have written to the University of California at Los Angeles, but no
answer. I may call on Professor Gumperz again too, also will write to the
Mosque in Washington.
There is a side of your Murshid which is very ordinary and sometimes causes
confusion. Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan would say, “This is a jinn soul” and
perhaps that is it. Tired of being rebuffed over and over again he has come out
in public against many lectures on Asian subjects and upset them and sometimes
the audience, because many of them just read books or make rapid journeys.
Last week there was a discussion on the Chinese-Indian border dispute. As if
by magic four of us, all of whom have been to Asia and been rebuffed by
American audiences, sat together, half in seriousness, half in what we call
“deviltry” and decided to form a “Pakistan block.” We waited until the
confusion was at its height and the speakers were unable to prove or disprove
each other’s point of view. Then we started something like military
artillery, but in debate.
Your Murshid said:
“What is India’s claim to Aksu, what is our policy in offering them arms
and money to hold that land?
“What is India’s claim to Ladakh, what is our policy in offering them
arms and money to hold that land?
“What is India’s claim to Kashmir, what is our policy in offering them
arms and money to hold that land?
“How can you reconcile India’s claims to Aksu, Ladakh and Kashmir?
“How can you reconcile Americans policies in each case? What is our
foreign policy?”
When finished, your Murshid found he was in hal and it was a divine Voice
that had been speaking through him. The chairman and the chief speaker had
slumped in their chairs, dumbfounded and unable to answer, and the audience was
won and the four of us walked out triumphantly. This will be written in detail
to my friend Shamsuddin Ahmed. For I have always been most friendly toward
India (outside of politics), but if it is the will of Allah to readjust
boundaries, it shall be done, inshallah.
It may be unfortunate that President Kennedy was assassinated but if you
read the story of Khidr and Musa in Holy Qur’an, you will see there is always
Divine Justice, always. Every man, even the least in Aksu is as important to
Allah as kings, emperors and Presidents. You will please excuse this political
institution but it may (or may not) be important.
May Allah bless and sustain you,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
58 Harriet St.,
San Francisco 3, Calif.
November 27, 1963
Middle East Institute,
1761 N. Street 25, NW
Washington 25, D.C.
Dear Sirs:
My god-daughter, Miss Khawar Khan, has written that she would like to come
to the United State and work for her PhD in Islamic and Oriental Mysticism.
Your address has been furnished me by Asia Foundation, but I am also well known
to Mr. Terry Duce, our paths crossing in California, Washington and the Near
East over a period of many years.
Miss Khawar Khan received her Bachelor’s Degree at the American University
at Beirut and one supposes that a transcript of her record there would be a
prime requirement. She has since earned her Master’s Degree, and was a full
professor at Punjab University in Lahore, West Pakistan. Although she has been
a teacher of Textiles and Clothing at the College of Home and Social Science of
the same University, I understand also she is accredited in both Philosophy and
Psychology. I presume she should have a complete copy of all her records when
she comes to this country. Her present plans are to leave Pakistan at the end
of the Spring Semester, 1964.
Miss Khan’s native languages are Urdu and English. I presume she has some
knowledge of Punjabi, Persian and Arabic, but do not know how much. I believe
she would like to study Arabic further but seems more anxious to carry on
graduate studies.
At the moment I personally am favoring her going to either the Washington
region or to UCLA. There are some objections to some of our better known
schools which you may understand if you know Islamic prejudices.
A minor reason for these choices also is that Miss Khan has her films of the
Holy Cities of Hedjaz and already the American Friends of the Middle East have
indicated they would sponsor lecture tours for her and them. I have been a
guest at the Mosque in Washington and also hosted Dr. Shawarbi when he was out
here and I also believe Miss Khan would benefit if she could be studying with
him. In other words, between the Mosque, AFME, and your endeavors, there are
some very good reason for her registering with you and taking your advice.
This is not a request for financial assistance. Miss Khan is well situated
in Pakistan, the problem being the release of funds from her resources
there.
Miss Khan has also won trophies at national and international gatherings on
both philosophical and psychological contributions, and has become known to
president Ayub and a good section of the Pakistan press, both Urdu and English
therefore.
Any information or suggestions would be welcomed, and I am asking that you
send this to me rather than to her. However her address is
Miss Khawar Khan,
Bhallah House,
Multan Road,
Lahore, West Pakistan.
Sincerely,
Samuel L. Lewis
2 December, 1963
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. This may be a long letter yet it is all concerned with a
single subject and it seems that the whole of life now has revolved around this
subject. Pir-o-Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan wrote a number of papers (or gave
them as class lessons), the subject being Etekad Rasmu Ravaj, which he
translated into “Superstition, Customs and Beliefs.”
Your Murshid had some research to do on the use of gongs and bells in
religious services or what one might call esoteric ceremonies, so he copied
these and one series or set will be mailed to you shortly and one to Pir Barkat
Ali, who receives a carbon of this letter. The others will be held until I know
more definitely about the coming of Major Sadiq.
These papers are very hard to appreciate. First there is an explanation and
defense of a good deal of Hinduism, which neither Christians nor Muslims will
relish; and then there are several studies on the Purdah. And if one reacts
instead of studying, one will not observe that the values in Hinduism are
psychic, not spiritual, and that both Hindus and non-Hindus agree in confusing
the psychic with the spiritual and then they get into arguments.
To understand this backwards. Christians say in Qur’an all the Prophets
are made to resemble Mohammed, although it may equally be that Mohammed tried
to imitate all the Prophets before him. But there is one thing that your
Murshid believes; Messengers were different but the Message was the same. You
can get lots of Messenger boys here and they will all be dressed the same, yet
each is different.
And then there is another consideration. Your Murshid heard a lesson on the
Buddhist scriptures. The Lord Buddha was supposed to be addressing an assembly
of Devas, which is to say, Malachs for Angels. The first reaction is that the
moral instructions [?] than Jesus or Mohammed or anybody. But he will not
notice that the instructions are supposed to be for angels. The result is that
human beings have tried to follow these instructions which the text says are
for the Devas and they cannot do it and they become hypocrites. And all over
the southern Buddhist world you will find more hypocrisy than anywhere else
because people are trying to follow a code which the Buddha told them was for
the Devas and they are not trying to follow the code which the Buddha said was
for humanity.
For it is the nature of the egocentric (nufs) humans to say they want the
“highest and best” and not having the wisdom, they do not follow what Allah
has wished for the humanity. So Mohammed, who wished to lead humanity, gave the
code for the human kind, and it is not always so noble as some of the other
scriptures, but it is for the humanity and it can be followed. And the other
scriptures, in parts, can be praised but not followed, just as if they were
poetry. And that is why one must be careful about the poetry, which can both
elevate the soul and mislead.
So many will criticize your Murshid for studying other religions although
Hadith definitely states, “Seek Wisdom even as far as China.”
There are two or three more things here. Your Murshid will have to recopy
“Saladin,” and footnotes for the Arab conference referred to. It may become
an important step in his life.
He has just completed re-reading the life and works of Ibn Khaldun. It seems
that every time one steps out of the line and adds to human knowledge, he is
immediately accused of not having proper knowledge of Sharia. It gets to the
point tasawwuf essentially is.
The medical doctor attending to his patients cannot be looking up Fikr every
moment and the same applies to others. Kashf is one type of practice to receive
the divine guidance consciously and Fikr is another type of practice to receive
divine guidance unconsciously.
If Ahmed had used the words inshallah, perhaps there would be accord, but he
has used “I want you,” and this may be part of Shariat but it is not part
of true Islam.
One could write to him and say if he were a spiritual teacher, one could
accord but then he would have to explain more, either Kalama or Fikr. My whole
life and money, everything is bound up in Project “The Garden of Allah” and
in copying my first Pir-o-Murshid’s teaching for others.
Last week your Murshid had an amusing experience. He was at a party and two
speakers did not show up. He was asked to tell about his meeting holy men and
when the audience applauded, he sat down. He has not yet spoken on the Sufi
Pirs. People said it was the best speech they had ever heard from him, but only
three there had ever heard him speak. They were always refusing addresses on
the Divine Message. And along with it some readings from Hadith, which are
totally unknown here.
As-salaam aleikhum,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Last night after writing I went out for a walk and greeted a man who says he
is from Peshawar. I hope to see him again.
December 10, 1963
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. “The New Urdu Teacher” arrived this morning and its
immediate appeal was very good, although this is outside of the things on which
your Murshid knows much. Yesterday I visited the University of California and I
may not go again until there are enough projects to take me there. However, a
copy will be shown to the local Pakistani Consulate and others.
One takes this opportunity to send an enclosure. This came from “The
Middle East Institute,” 1761 Street, NW Washington 6, D.C. It would seem that
it is the will of Allah that you go to Washington rather than come to
California. The letter suggests and your Murshid believes this is true, that
you will have a much finer social and intellectual life in the Capital. The
weather rather resembles that of Lahore, except it is slightly muggier in the
summer (which is not pleasant) and sometimes it snows in the winter. In
California, and especially in Los Angeles, the weather is favorable all the
year around.
Dr. Hisham Sharabi is mentioned. It was he who did more to stimulate the
writing of “Saladin” than anybody else and a letter will be written to him
shortly. Mr. Virgin Crippen of the American Friends of the Middle East is also
mentioned. I met him several times in Cairo. Both of these men and “others”
would be interested in your films of the Holy Cities, and therefore an early
correspondence may prepare the way for your being programmed, even before you
come here.
Much time is now being given to “Project The Garden of Allah.” This was
the main reason for visiting the University yesterday. A paper has been
submitted to “The Pakistan Review” and a copy sent to the Embassy at
Karachi. But more stimulus and a fine contact was made at the luncheon which
was attended today. There seems to be most favorable reactions all over and
several appointments coming. As Major Sadiq wrote he might be coming, it would
be better that we go together. But also some time is being given to prepare for
him and all details.
You will also find the Imams in Washington very cooperative and I hope you
can get an introduction to Justice Douglas of the Supreme Court. He is a great
admirer of Mohammed Iqbal. But you will also find other admirers at your
Embassy in Washington. Although this is a large country, it has been crossed
several times and many large cities are familiar places.
The spiritual lesson to be learned is found in the Bismillah: The Divine
Rahmat Pours From Heaven On Earth.
“The Garden of Allah” was also discussed today with Mr. Mevlevi,
descendent of Maulana Roum. He understands thoroughly the functions and methods
of abdal.
Peace and blessings from,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
December 29, 1963
Beloved One of Allah:
I am sorry this typewriter is causing some trouble, and it cannot be fixed
immediately. Papers and a copy of the first letter have been sent to
Salarwalla, but I did not wish Pir Sahib there to share this letter, which has
different news and problems. However it can be shown to Major Sadiq. I have not
heard since his misfortune and all plans are upset for the moment.
It is evident that your Murshid must cross the country sometime this coming
year, inshallah. Dr. Cantwell Smith, who has been teaching Islamic Studies in
Montreal, Canada, is being transferred to Harvard College in Massachusetts. But
there is another and rather complex series of events which may affect your
future.
Early in March there will be a convocation here on Arabic culture and there,
for the first time, your Murshid will wear his robe in public and come out as a
Sufi. One does not know who is coming but contact with the scholars will be
easy.
A letter has not been sent Dr. Sharabi, but Grand Sheikh Shaltout of Al
Azhar has recently left this world and communication will be sent to the Mosque
in Washington. Evidently, according to my good friend, Shamsuddin Ahmed, your
films have won much attraction and one thinks they will feature here also. Also
I have offered volunteer service to the hosting of American Friends of Middle
East.
Now there is a problem in which your help is asked. Major Sadiq and your
Murshid used to attend lectures by a man in Dacca, whom was accepted as a valid
Sufi Murshid. It is quite evident that his father was a very great soul and
some declare he was a Khutb. He is known as Dadajan and his life has been
published in Urdu, but owing to some untoward events, his mureeds do not answer
letters. Major Sadiq knows all about the details.
One of his disciples insisted I help with his magazine which is called
Anjuman, although so far as one knows it is not a publication of any
Anjuman. It was insisted that I become associate editor and also that parts of
“Saladin” be published. It is not a good magazine and could only appeal to
those who are already Muslims. It has no value as either a booklet or as
suitable English publication.
It has been insisted both that “Saladin” be published” and that I pay
and gradually I gave what I could, but this is impossible today. The editor
G.M. Ahmed, c/o Modern Press, 2, Ferenge Bazar, Chittagong has made some
pitiable appeals to me. He has ignored that I have been robbed and robbed
heavily twice. While sincere, he is very self-centered. Still I think something
should be sent to him. It is only that he will show little gratitude no matter
what you would send. If you send Rs. 50 he would want Rs.100 and if you sent
the latter, he would want more. Besides that, neither the schools nor the
Muslims here like his publication. There are far better ones in English from
other lands, for every purpose and reason. But if you can afford a small gift,
please send him some rupees.
It is only unfortunate that he demands I buy books from him, which I
cannot afford and do not want. You will gain more insight into your Murshid
from the commentaries, etc. than from public literature.
Murakkabah differs considerably from other sciences as it is
multidimensional. It starts out very simply by the mureed sitting and placing
his breath in order, making it rhythmical. Now there are two distinct ways of
making the breath rhythmical.
By the study of the breath itself and the commentaries thereon have not been
forwarded.
By Fikr and other forms of Ryazat where one places his whole dependence on
Allah and feels the Divine Presence.
But one cannot at the same time describe both the sciences of the Divine
Presence and the Murakkabah. They may be grasped quickly but they cannot be
written so simply. And here the teaching is concerning symbology and its value
to the disciple on the spiritual path.
Meditation is the English word used to describe sitting quietly,
keeping the breath in rhythm and not having any particular thought. However, it
is a Buddhist rather than an Islamic practice. So I learned to use the
Invocation, which is at the head of all the papers as a Darood, though
in another sense it is two complete Daroods. And sitting down or posturing, for
say fifteen minutes, or longer, just watch the breath and hold the Invocation
before the mind. This has a multitude of advantage and it also prepares for
Murakkabah.
In the commentary, the Gatha is repeated and the term Tasawwuf is used for
commentary, and these commentaries are offered in the hope that they are
helpful. For the original Gathas are labeled, “a skeletal outline.”
More will be sent from time to time, though one is slightly hesitant not
knowing when either Major Sadiq or you will be in this country and one does not
wish to waste money for heavy postage fees.
There will also be other things sent now by sea mail. The Christmas rush is
over and I thank you for your greeting card.
As-salaam aleikhum.
Love and blessing from,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
[Date unknown, possibly 1963]
In the practice of Fikr every breath gives renewed life and in the prayers
each Fateha should be as in and of itself. Consequently, tradition must not
carry weight. It is one thing to quote Holy Qur’an and anther to accept it
without the interposition of any tradition. If Allah is wherever one turns
one’s face, one’s inspiration need not be measured by tradition or Fikr or
something called Shariat. The Shariat is the derivative but not the measuring
stick. New discoveries in science, art, human wisdom may harmonize with Shariat
but need not be measured by it. Anything not forbidden may be valid, although
if one were to ask me as a Murshid, there is quite a different way. That is to
consult either Holy Qur’an or Hadith, or as I do, certain sayings of Hazrat
Inayat Khan and draw inspiration and measurement from that.
If Islam means surrender to Allah, this surrender may come any time, any
place, anywhere. One does not agree with the critics of Ibn Khaldun or
Moineddin Ibnu-l-Arabi. They set the precedent, they added to the human wisdom
and knowledge. Your president has had it published that Islam is a progressive
religion. How can it be progressive if anything is measured by the habits of
one’s predecessors?
Now the reorientation of Islamic philosophy means on one hand going back to
Qur’an and Hadith but without ever using the phrase “Back to Qur’an and
Hadith.” But this is one half of it.
The other half is to reevaluate the human knowledge of the time and the
human problems and failings. The knowledge of the time in science, art,
technology, accords with Islam. Allah gives to whomsoever He will, regardless
of the man’s religion or character. Without the Divine Consent man could
learn nothing. And therefore Orthodox Muslims are stuck when they try to
evaluate the contributions of what they call “non-Muslims” to human
welfare. The result is that they do not even recognize the real contributions
of Muslims to human welfare. And they are in substituting themselves for Allah
as Maliki Yaum-id-din.
If we study modern physics, we can see it acceded to the Unity of Allah
(Wahdat, tauhid) without confirming any theology. If we study modern Biology,
we can see how the Kemal, Jemal, Jelal, operate in the living forms. If we
study the characteristics of chemical elements and then we study the
Sifat-i-Allah, we find in each case a sort of unifying essence behind each
while manifesting through differentiations. Ibn-Khaldun discovered this and it
is in Muqadimmah, but since his time, Islamic philosophy went down because it
was necessary to please the Ulema rather than Allah.
World War II and dependence is compelling Muslims to see the whole world in
some form, and their philosophy must be reoriented.
This subject must be taken into meditation and prayer and you will hear
whenever the fruit of this meditation and prayer manifest.
My love and blessings to your Aunt as well as yourself. I must close and
betake myself now to Allah.
As-salaam aleikhum,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
[Date unknown, possibly 1963]
The visit to Salarwalla which you describe is most beautiful and pressing.
It is very encouraging for it tells what must be done next for Sufi Barkat Ali.
But before I could start on that project, some materials were found; a Kalama
which may be well to copy for you, too. After Kalama comes the Nimaz and one
finds it very difficult here because there are two types of commentaries which
may be called internal and external.
The Sufis of Morocco are half in Khilvat and they practice assiduously the
internal aspects of Kalama, Nimaz and Zikr. Sometimes they do not develop
beyond that. Yesterday there was success in placing a book in the hands of a
lady I know. Sometime ago, I was to loan her a book on Saints by Farid-ud-din
Attar. It seems she works in a store and several customers wanted copies of
Mantik-ut-tar. In the meanwhile, her employer returned; we had been ill and he
has taken this book as a present to himself. So I brought another book. I hope
you do not mind the story.
George Fields is a seeker but has been attracted by popular leaders, one
after another, and had a nervous breakdown. Actually he is of the material that
would be in the Sufi studies. But one cannot take the direct route and now his
curiosity is awakened. There have been some bastard spiritual leaders who mix
Sufism with psychic practices and lead others astray (this is not so much
philosophical as that they actually become mental victims). The Ryazat without
the Ishk and Rahmat are useless, and the Ishk and Rahmat without the Ryazat,
are limited.
But this is mentioned for another reason. Your Murshid discussed with Mr.
Fields the possibility of his becoming an outlet for Ashraf’s books and if
you have any reason to go to Ashraf and can get some sort of catalogue, this
store might be able to display and sell them. This is particularly true and
valid if you should settle in this region.
The next step is to go over the book “Health” by Sufi Inayat Khan, which
is out of print. This may mean my copying it, but originally it was esoteric
anyhow and it can be put back into the original lesson form and then the
commentaries would be added. But Alhamdulillah that you are getting help.
The last thing that happened was on New Year’s Eve at a party, when your
Murshid was speaking to a man whom he admires. This man has suffered much and
has gone through a great spiritual experience, which he does not recognize as
much. Your Murshid was telling him that some Sufis have healing faculties and
if you put out your hands, all they do is to touch the fingertips and the sick
man is healed. He put out his hand and I touched his fingertips and to my
amazement he said, “But you have taken my pain away.”
This was taken as a sign from Allah to change the outer character and
functions more softly. Sufi Pir Dewwal Shereef wished this but he failed,
recognizing that sometimes one must pursue the Jelal (Omar) path and not the
Jemal (Sidiq) path. This is all in Allah’s hands and when a sign if given,
one may change, but of himself he may not change. All the Jemalis I have known
had beautiful but short lives. The Jelal live on.
The Peace of your experience at Salarwala is the true peace, and not the
repose or fana guaranteed by meditation. This is the experience of nufs-salima,
which is most wonderful and may Allah bless you in it.
Oriental Philosophy. Anything sent may be edited. There is a revolt
inside this personality and it is difficult to determine whether it is from
nufs or divinely inspired. Some Orthodox Muslims say Qur’an was not created
yet act as if it came only in the life of Blessed Rassoul.
The report from Sufi Barkat Ali is very blessed and I pray it may come true,
inshallah. I feel and wish them thoroughly but the fact that there is a wish
requires caution. I have not heard from Islamabad either officially or
unofficially and I have done everything humanly possible in the spiritual,
cultural and scientific fields. But your Murshid has at this moment no material
of financial help. Indeed this is the last time lessons will be sent by air;
until some help comes for henceforth they will go by surface mail. This will
include the materials on “Education.”
A letter from Dr. Nasr will be welcomed. But here again and it looks
awkward; your Murshid works 16 hours daily and seldom has any relaxation
anymore. It is only there is strength and a sort of double Zikr, the Zikr which
seems to go on perpetually and the other connected with the writings
themselves, both creative and copying.
One can only pray, as one gets ready to move, that there will be a real
“new cycle”; space is left for putting in the new address. Besides it is a
triple holiday and no post offices are open.
God bless you and Major Sadiq and my salaams to both your families.
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
[Date unknown, year is 1964]
If Miss Jinnah has devotion, if she has humanity, if she had the social
conscience like the ladies named above, that is another matter. But Pakistan is
a republic, not a kingdom and “flesh and blood to do not inherit Malakut”
nor should they inherit the physical world (Nasut). So one must be careful in
any loose use of the term “Azam,” or “Azim.” These belong to Allah and
should not be used loosely by mankind. If you wish to give Miss Jinnah
honorifics, they should come from Urdu or English, not from sacred language.
This is said because now you are coming closer to the real Hikmat. From the
attunement to Ghaus-i-Azam you felt the Glorious Presence which is the most
wonderful of blessings. And this is being confirmed by the Madzubs and others.
One does not say to keep free of politics, but keep politics on its level and
spirituality on its level. Or as Isa said: “Render unto Caesar the things
that are Caesar’s and render unto Allah the things that are Allah’s.”
Pakistan has made a great mistake in calling anybody Kadi-i-Azam, when it is
man’s choice. But if you met Miss Jinnah and she shows the signs of
spirituality, that is different and your Murshid must apologize.
Now, as for “Three Muslim Sages,” your Murshid is in such agreement with
Seyyed Nasr that this must be repeated.
At the moment your Murshid does not know any further instructions but after
awhile if the rubbing does not help, the next state should be studied. One must
give yourself at least four days’ efforts. This will build up the magnetism.
Then one may do one of these things:
Either imagine the word “Allah” on both arms, and concentrate on seeing
it there; or have somebody paint “Allah” on each arm and concentrate on it,
so long as the arms are kept covered.
Now, for Parliamentary form of government, this is outside the spiritual
realm. As an American one favors it and we have voted strongly for it this
year, too. Which does not make it right. Only, one feels that president Ayub is
more open to spiritual and divine guidance.
Orders come from Spiritual Masters in several ways. (a) Kashf. This is
easiest, best and most often. And besides, as one practices, it becomes more
perfect. (b) Dreams and visions. These are much clearer than Kashf but they are
tenuous and delicate. They must maintain themselves to be pure, and if cloudy,
vaporous or changing, while inspired and inspiring, one has to be more careful.
Yet in part II “Saladin,” and in Shahud experiences, these come. (c) The
Voice of Allah is the clearest and best. But this is not the result of
practices, of man’s effort. It is grace and grace only. The word
“Karamat” has the two meanings of “grace” and “miraculous
powers.”
All three of these come under the Hierarchy. But sometimes day to day
experiences come that way, and there are several persons known to Major Sadiq,
and some may be too well known, who show every sign of being instruments of
hierarchy or members of hierarchy actually. Only, we have to be careful about
making distinctions and differences among mankind and judging. If we feel them,
fine, but if we analyze them as different from the rest of humanity, we must be
careful. Some of the finest saints never come out in public and I doubt whether
either Major Sadiq or you are acquainted with Haji Baba Abdul Aziz of Havelian.
Even Prof. Durrani is an instrument, not necessarily a member of Hierarchy.
The young of today are often in revolt. It is right that they revolt against
empty words which possess no wisdom. Lips do not seal the heart and lips cannot
be kept quiet. Power for self is a temptation of Iblis and yet, it is more
sought than anything else.
The paper for the conference on the religions of the world will be started
shortly; they explain and justify Tauba. There is a vast difference between
saying that Taub is the gate and oneself going in and through Tauba. Tauba
without Zikr and Fikr is shirking and it is on this point that one finds
oneself at odds with a Shariat made separate from Zikr. Shariat depends on Zikr
or Fikr and neither Zikr nor Fikr depend on Shariat.
Nor is this a matter of discussion. The affairs of the world prove it. With
Allah’s permission, not only are good things accomplished in this world or in
this life. Was there the Divine Grace behind or with all the advancements in
science? Today I have the record of a great contribution to society by a great
Muslim. But the very ones who yell most for “Islam” and “Muslims” are
the very ones who ignore this actual contribution. It is to housing; making it
possible to build lasting and huts which will withstand earthquake and flood
and monsoons. This man was no more inspired and no less than other scientists
and inventors, but he has come into prominence by his devotion because with
Allah’s help he has succeeded.
Should Major Sadiq arrive within the next few months this matter will be
taken up seriously. Now this person realizes that whenever he has leaned on
anybody at all, success has not always come forthwith; and when he has relied
on Allah, and nothing and nobody but Allah, some strange events have happened,
and are happening even now.
A recent discovery proves that the Jewish religion had reached a state of
utter decadence at the time the Prophet was criticizing it. Even the synagogues
are shocked today. But most religious institutions are not interested in Allah;
they are interested in preserving their place in society. This shows how little
hold they have on the next world, and how, even less than being to the
eternity.
Starting out alone at the beginning of 1964, with Divine Grace and Aid, many
pictures look brighter today. One might almost add, cynically and
sarcastically, that he hopes this will Muslims accept Allah; for it is He that
has made this possible. La Illaha El Il Allah .
As-salaam aleikhum. Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
March 9, 1964
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. These words have a different meaning with a Murshid, for
the Murshid must strive at all expense to preserve the peacefulness of the
mureed. And yet, the Murshid sometimes has three different careers all at the
same time: (a) with the world; (b) with the self; (c) in cooperation with the
spiritual Hierarchy, which is most real.
You will find enclosed the last of the preliminary portion of “The Way of
Illumination,” which is needed by all seeking Bayat according to the system
of Hazrat Inayat Khan, which may be called “Four School Sufism.” But
according to the Bayat, one must regard himself as the brother of all persons
in all branches of Tarikat, whether Sufi Inayat Khan had the Bayat of those
schools or not. In any event, this person is a multiple “school”
disciple.
The teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan are in three groups:
(a) Literature and books for the world, expensive for Pakistanis.
(b) Studies for disciples; first three years, seven subjects, ten papers
each.
(c) Ryazat which covers all sorts of practices and which finally comes
down to a few all-absorbing ways.
At the same time, spiritual effort is used to increase Kashf or insight and
also open the door to Inayat or Grace. The Grace belongs to no one; but as he
is absorbed in the Grace, he also becomes attuned more and more to the
Spiritual Hierarchy.
An overfull life made it impossible to respond to many Eid greetings. Namor
Sadia’s life has become vast and complex extending in three directions in
which I am personally involved, and a fourth, his spiritual healing, in which I
am subordinate.
My friend, Abdul Sattar, is now in Karachi as secretary to the Minister of
External Affairs. Also, I am becoming consulted more and more on deep problems;
there is as yet no fruit, but as even world famous people are failing to solve
these problems of the day, at least those ideas and inspirations which pass
through the mind are being considered by others.
Then there is a new book, “The Sufis” by one Sheikh Idries Shah and he
had a terrible time getting it published because there are professors of
Islamology in the Western world, very wealthy and very famous and they control
everything and yet, Islamology is not the study of Islam as it is.
My friend, Dr. Allama A. Siddiqui, at the University has suffered exactly as
several of my friends here and this means a big mission for Major Sadiq. My own
affairs are not prospering at the moment and one must adhere to “Praise Allah
in prosperity and submit to Him in adversity.”
Saturday, I appeared in public for the first time as a Sufi. This ends,
inshallah, [?] comes to an end. But this is just one aspect of life.
The next big problems involve salt-water conversion on a scale not yet
considered, and not even your Consul-General here gives any attention to it.
There are no problems, only the conceits of human beings. “The Sufis,”
alluded to, gives much attention to Khidr and Data Sahib (Al-Hujwiri) who are
very real, but not realized.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
20th March, 1964
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. It is always a test, beginning with the Bismillah to
maintain the spirit of peacefulness. Or as the Sainted Main Mir taught:
Allah Ho Akbar which means Peace-Power. One does to wish to go
into a long explanation here and the availability of this aerogramme gives a
rapid, but incomplete, reply. However, under all circumstances your Murshid
wishes to maintain the Peace, both of Bismillah and Takbir, and all other
things are vain, whether of this world or the next, which interfere
therewith.
Your Murshid has been called upon even more since the last communication and
a detailed letter to Major Sadiq has been left incomplete because of the
events. As astrologer there was a sudden move. The following day I met my
former landlady, who told me that the man who occupied my former rooms has died
and she asked whether I wish to return. There is, living there with her, a
younger man who is a sort of god-son to each of us. And so, I accept in this a
sign from Allah; one returns to older headquarters. The rent will be somewhat
less.
There has been financial pressure eased by a few small jobs, but each of
these consumes time. Sunday, inshallah, for the first time, a group of young
men are calling here to consider Bayat. There is not only no Islamic teaching
here (exception: see below), but there is very little spiritual teaching of any
kind outside of Zen Buddhism. California, especially, is the home of cults and
there are three cult movements derived from Tasawwuf; (a) A Russian named
Gurdjieff, who was undoubtedly a mureed, but mixed Islam with some Caucasian
folk-lore; (b) Subud, who had done the same with Malayan folk-lore and magic.
(c) Meher Baba, an Indian Parsi who claims to be a leading Sufi.
None of these confirm to the book called “The Sufis,” written recently
by one Sheikh Idries Shah of England and which is getting much favor. So much
so, that the book dealer has asked me to write to Ashraf to send their
catalogue. That now, for the first time, there is real interest here. This is
something your countrymen do not recognize. This, among other reasons, is why I
did not send a second check to East Pakistan. That man has considered himself
to be my Murshid, without taking any of the responsibilities of the Murshid. He
is very dogmatic, to the degree that he has lost the goodwill of the Anjuman
which originally supported him, but he has retained the name for his
publication.
The recent conference on Arabic culture revealed, too late, the hollowness
of the American method of having Europeans control the teaching of Islamics.
While they are without prejudice, they are also without knowledge and what is
offered has nothing to do with reality. Therefore, both from the standpoint of
nufs and from a higher standpoint, your Murshid is totally with and for your
efforts in “Reorientation of Muslim Philosophy.” There is need to do much
more with Ghaus-i-Azam, or else to take Islamic philosophy seriously, then, do
more than merely praise Ibn Khaldun and Ibn-‘l-Arabi, etc. But, ultimately,
this would require a long visit to Cairo.
Your Murshid has just received a letter from one Nishat Bokheri of Jhelum,
who is either a family friend or relative of the Sadiqs, and she had been
considering going to Cairo for that purpose. Now she half wonders about coming
here. Your Murshid is not financially able to sustain anybody at the moment,
but the call from Allah is that he must devote all effort to cooperate with
Major Sadiq, and then, inshallah, his position will be different.
For example, the other day, for the first time in his life he was greeted by
a group of successful businessmen and consulted on several matters. The main
topic under discussion was a new form of asphalt brick, which one Malik of
Tehran is introducing into his country. Details will be sent to the Major. He
is the man whom I may have reported previously as greeting: “Allah, a
Dervish” when he saw me the first time. These are regarded as signs.
Your Murshid has unbounded love and that in Madzub Sahib, absolutely, and
regards him as a Qtub. So please take both the medicine he suggests and also
any instructions in Philosophy.
Your Murshid is trying to write for Murshids from the writings of Hazrat
Inayat Khan. The notes on Kalama are relatively simple, but those on Nimaz give
importance to every little item of the prayers. It is here where your Murshid
was in constant turmoil with the Mullahs. They thought he has come to reform
Islam, and he found them formalists, who knew the movements, but not the
wisdom. There is a relation between words, movements and wisdom, and even this
is an incomplete statement. However, in the Ryazat, there are many folds to be
uncovered, and even since the last correspondence, Allah has placed more
material in your Murshid’s hands.
Pir Barkat Ali has given your Murshid certain Wazifas. And along with your
Murshid’s shortcomings, at the same time, there is constant rejuvenation; at
least, a friend who sees me often said this last night. He knows nothing about
the Ryazat and undoubtedly thinks Sufism is just Islam; few know the
relationship, but perhaps esoteric. But even in Islam, few know the
relationship between the Asmaullah-i -Ta’ala and living energies. And as one
goes over prayers, one finds that in rituals there is a sage formed word to
word, without full appreciation of each of those words. This is a common
failing of all religions which lose vitality and spirituality in their rituals;
the rituals themselves are not wrong if we regain their component parts.
One is very happy about your meeting Prof. Durrani. He is the man your
Murshid wanted you to meet when the question of marriage was originally
discussed. He is both wise and human, spiritual and external, which is to say,
has the essence of perfection. Love and
blessings.
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco Calif.
27th March, 1964
My Dear
As salaam aleikhum. Your aerogramme of the 24th arrived this morning and I
am hastening to answer it. I very much appreciate the details of your life and
am taking advantage of your inquiry to relate several things.
Material on Building Clay Huts. I have written a little to Major Sadiq on
this subject. I hope soon, inshallah, to go to the University of California and
get literature and, if so, this will be air-mailed to you. It may be used one
of several ways, and you also may decide on particulars.
Pakistan Review. If you have time will you go to the office of this
publication at Ferguson’s on the Mall. I wish to let them know a little of
what I am doing and also resume subscription. This should be paid by one of two
persons whom I shall describe below. The above material may aid in
“solving!” some housing problems in villages and if it can be operative it
could be used by the Basic Democracies. The weakness is that at the moment
Pakistan has no problem and I do not know whether it would wish to expend money
therefore. But the material would come from Iran and it is possible that under
some trade agreement with that country something can be done.
Tree Planting Program will be discussed shortly with Bechtel, the largest of
the engineering corporations. I do not know in which countries they operate but
will include all they give me on my general theme of “How California Can Help
Asia.” But if they have any projects in Pakistan this may also open up a
possibility for paint sales.
Helping Pakistan Is Most Difficult. My friend, Hon. Abdul Sattar, is now
Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs in Karachi. Unfortunately one
does not get answers from your principals; the local Consul-General is not
cooperative. He does not attend important social functions to which he has been
invited; Americans are no better and I have not yet succeeded in having a
single meeting with a single political or social scientist person at any level.
I do have coming up some meetings with a Dr. Seymour Farber which will now have
to cover several subjects, such as the coming of Miss Khawar Khan here, the
projects of the University of Islamabad, real cultural exchange and other
matters. Also the Pushtu Academy, etc. On the other side the Embassy has been
very cordial and cooperative.
Mr. Shamsuddin Ahmed is a friend of the Major and writes to me. I have
supplied him with the Major’s (and your) address. He may be under financial
obligations to me soon and one way to meet them would be to pay for a
subscription to the Pakistan Review.
Newspapers. Will you please inquire or advise about what happened to the
Civil & Military Gazette? Also if it is no longer published, and you may
discuss this with the Major or anybody, where there would be outlets on “The
Solution of Pakistan’s Problems,” especially in the agricultural field.
There is no hurry here but I am taking advantage of your offer.
Miss Khawar Khan of Bhallah House, Multan Road, is my god-daughter and
Khalifa. We are cooperating on projects connected with Islamic Philosophy and
perhaps later on some in regard to Islamic forms of education.
The whole picture has brightened this last week, covering almost everything.
Greetings and blessings from
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
June 21, 1964
My dear Saadia:
At the present time your Murshid is on a farm of old friends, as mentioned
before, which gives plenty of time for reflection and meditation and a possible
misunderstanding gives the clue for an important paper. Your mention of Dr.
Nasr’s book on Islamic philosophers includes the name “Suhrawardi” and an
unconscious confusing of two different characters.
Suhrawardi Maktul was martyred by the Kurd Hero, Selah-ed-din Ayub. He
appears in the poem “Saladin” as a sort of “Beatrice” following the
general them of Dante’s “The Divine Comedy.” While his historical roll is
known to your Murshid his philosophy is not; other than he is supposed to have
been a Neo-Platonist and did not follow strict orthodoxy.
The grand Sheikh Omar ibn Suhrawardi was a close friend if not disciple of
Ghaus-i-azam Abdul Kadari Jilani. His L’Awarif-ul-Ma’arif is one of
the most important works on ryazat translated into English and search will be
made for it at the White Library in Cleveland. Curiously my own spiritual
brother, Saladin Reps, was initiated into this school while in Kashmir and he
wrote me that there are many Pirs of this silsila there. But he had not known
that I had this training also. This is not so important as the nature of the
actual teachings both in that book and in other sources of information.
Although “we” (and this includes my hostess of the moment) had studied
“Kashf-al-Mahjub” previously, the Suhrawardi teachings on nufs may
be most fundamental and should be considered from the points of view (a)
theory, and (b) application. For to your Murshid egocentricity is the source of
all evil, and it was first put into history in the records of Nabi Nusa.
To Pardes interpretation of the Hebrew Bible appears in general in
the works known as Kabbalah. What should interest us is the teachings of
nachash in the Sepher Na-Bereshith known in the Western world as
“Genesis” and- the dualistic interpretation of the whole Hebraic tradition
owing to the discarding of the Pardes outlook, although it appears both in Nabi
Isa and again by the Christian St. Paul, only to be discarded. The result was
the re-incorporation of the dualistic view in the Manichean teachings and all
the efforts of the Christian St. Augustine did not do much to uproot it. The
result is the tacit assumption of the ego-personality and the quasi-acceptance
of the Deity and the uncertainty of “beyond the Pale” instead of the
absolute assumption of Deity and the uncertainty of man’s independent
existence. (“In God we live and move and have our being.” (Paul))
And the first phenomenon that one finds in Pakistan is that multitudes visit
the Dargah Data Ganj Baksh and know this name and few even know the name of
Jullabi-Hujwiri or the actual teachings of “Kashf-al-Mahjub,” his best
known work. So that the Baraka comes in the stones and buildings and not from
the transmission of teachings.
The Ahmadiyyas have jumped into this breach by publishing a work on
nufs, and they are certainly not on any wrong path when they pay more
attention to teachings of saints than to worship of personality. Indeed it may
be questioned whether sometimes they are not on “the right path” and closer
to what should be traditional orthodoxy than the masses who deride them.
In Suhrawardi and in the Ahmadiyya classes there is the general teachings of
nufs-ammara, nufs-lauwama and nufs-mutmaina. But the interpretations are not
always the same and there is an additional difficulty of explaining these terms
in concord with either acceptable knowledge of the new psychological
teachings.
For example, one can interpret ammara, lauwama and mutmaina as physical, [?]
and then trace the operations of nufs in and through the nervous system of the
body and on into psychological studies. The ammara person is of necessity
egocentric. The lauwama person atones for sins and in general has the dualistic
outlook. This outlook “right against wrong” is found all over the world and
even for the purposes of our communications is found among savants in Pakistan
who are dedicated to what they call “Islam” setting it off from the rest of
the world; and in the American foreign policy of making the “devil” the
reality and seeking to counterbalance that devil or evil—for the moment it
being Communist China. To the Arabs it is perhaps Israel; to many Pakistanis
India because of Kashmir—and so on all over the earth, “God” becoming
enfeebled by “worshippers,” and each religion confusing itself over
political policies—including the United States in its internal affairs also.
For further expositions of this one can read Arnold Toynbee who has, to your
Murshid, the clearest view of the world and its affairs of anybody.
The nufs-mutmaina is regarded as the nufs at rest. And it is certain in
scientific research, or even in artistic creation we find a different kind of
nufs, which while one is still “self-centered” it is in another way. This
nufs does not interpret—at least not purposely—with other people and adds
to the sum-total of human knowledge, aptitudes and enjoyment.
While most writers stop here my own Pir-o-Murshid continued to add
nufs-salima and nufs-alima. The latter need not concern us for it
refers to the Divine Personality and in another sense applies only to Nabis,
and perhaps Madzubs. This world fell outside or above endeavors in
philosophy.
Before continuing with nufs-salima one must tell of Yusuf Wali whom I
met in Cairo. Outwardly he is a scientist, or most strictly a pomologist
connected with the University as “Heliopolis” near Cairo. Even how he found
me was a mystery, for he came to the pension where I was staying and embarked
immediately into a most profound discourse on Waliyat and Kutub. And all that
he told me then and later proved to be true prophetically and politically
speaking.
As your Murshid has had little access to Moineddin Ibnu-l’Arabi he does
not know too much of Arabic theosophy. “Muqadimmah” of Ibn Khaldun has been
translated into English. Copy was left at Cleveland and a check will be made to
ascertain whether it is in this house or at the home where I may be staying in
that city. If so proper passages will be selected, as well as research at the
library.
For the Arab interpretation is far more in accord with modern scientific
conclusions on the one hand, and mystical experience or rather disciplines
(ryazat) on the other. We shall leave these for the moment to concentrate on
nufs-salima.
While nufs-mutmaina may mean “nufs at rest” it is the restfulness and
calmness of an individual and is not necessarily communicated. The scientist
and artist both have their extreme states of concentration, which takes them
out of ordinary times-space. Their “time,” not the time of the clock or
calendar, but whether this is “real time” or nearer to it does not matter,
except that to the person in nufs-mutmaina time-processes are of a different
order than with the ammara.
In the work called “Psychology” by Hazrat Inayat Khan—which you have
at least on order—attention is paid to what he calls “Magnetism” and
which is in many ways similar to if not identical with Baraka. At some later
date I wish to go over this book and re-explain it for your colleagues and
yourself. For it was written using secretaries who were not advanced in
tasawwuf and therefore at a limited stage of understanding (and in a sense all
of us are at limited stages of understanding.)
Nufs-salima is not only at rest, but pouring forth magnetism, Baraka,
without stint. The training being received from Sufi Sahib, and perhaps also
from Madzub Sahib at Salarwala is in this field. For it is one thing to be at
rest, even be happy, and another thing to communicate to others.
This brings up the point that ultimately, to me, the true Muslim is one
wherein the stage of nufs-salima is active, and one through whom the Baraka
flows, reaching others and also drawing them to—as written previously
“Grace, Glory, Wisdom, Joy and Peace.”
Now we put it another way. Nabi Isa said that the Kingdom of Heaven is found
in little children and this teaching is even emphasized more in the recently
uncovered “Gospel of St. Thomas.” There the words of Isa are in entirely
accord with the Hadith that every child is born a Muslim, and it is his parents
which take him away and lead him astray. In other words nufs-salima is active
in little children and it is clouded later. You can see this yourself that it
has been recovered soberly in Sufi Sahib and intoxicately in Madzub Sahib (op.
teachings of Grand Sheikh Suhrawardi as above.)
It is equally evident that little children on the Christian side do not know
intuitively even the simplest creed; and on the Islamic side do not know Sunna,
Hadith and most of all Ijma. Ijma is the creation of souls covered by
nufs, and even if it be nufs-mutmaina it is not interiorly communicable. It
does not increase joy and satisfaction (riza). If the rise of intellect
or even morality does not increase peacefulness, there is something missing.
Therefore to your Murshid all efforts toward, in and with “Islamic
Research,” are vain if they ignore this salima.
You will find in Cairo complete “Islamic Research.” The savants of all
the Arab countries come together, collect, discuss and edit if not translate
Arabic literature. The friends of Yusuf work separate from Al-Azhar. The
difference is not of theology. The Islamic Center wants to translate Qur’an
into all languages and follow it up by spreading the “wonders” of Arabic
literature to the whole world. They had not reached the point of the identity
or non-identity of Arab literature with Islamic literature but certainly
included folk-Arabic literature of earlier cultures. They interpret Holy
Qur’an that many prophets left their work to early Arab cultures (Sabean,
Nabatean, etc., etc.) and that the Prophets mentioned in Qur’an were
historical men with cultures around them. They have also joined in
archeological research which either confirms Qur’an directly (by uncovering
cities) or indirectly (by substantiating the early cultures). This is not
always included in the “Islamic Research” of Pakistan and is one of many
gaps between Arabic and Pakistani culture.
The tendency in Pakistan is to regard as “Islamic Research” the
uncovering and study and interpretation of persons known as “Muslims” even
if they had nothing to do with religion or spirituality. The separation of
“Muslim” from “Kaffir” in this sense is Manichean, has nothing to do
with the Prophet (upon whom be peace—i.e. nufs-salima), and is an evil. It is
to your Murshid an evil because it contradicts the institutions of Khalif Omar
(which your Murshid has studied, and the writings of Khalif Ali (some of which
your Murshid possesses) and turns Al-Rashidin into metaphorical and
metaphysical terminology and departs from historical reality.
In present day politics the word “Muslim” and its cognates are used to
apply to people who may worship in Mosques (not necessarily so), but whose
ancestors so worshipped and who are statistically recorded as “Muslims”
whatever their personal beliefs and habits are. This means there is no
connection between “Muslim,” “Salim,” “Nufs Salima,” etc., at least
in non-Arabic Islam.
Nufs-salima is not only peaceful but it has the quality and faculty of
imparting peacefulness and power to others—in others words, Baraka.
Consequently, in establishing an Islamic philosophy and psychology based on
radical Islam, we are concerned with “Peace” and its cognates and not with
derivatives. The derivatives which start with Sunna and end with Ijma do not
present peace or peacefulness to the world, or to individual persons.
As-salaam aleikhum stands but what the ignorant so-called Muslims do
not know is that this came from the Sharia of Musa and did not begin with the
Sharia of Mohammed, and it may be even older. It is not only with Data Sahib
that all attention is paid to the person and little or none to the teachings;
this is generally true of attitudes toward prophets who appeared before
Mohammed, and despite his insistence that every peoples have had their Nabi and
their Book, this is accepted without content and thus becomes useless.
Following Mohammed but not following “Muslims” your Murshid has pursued
wisdom even unto China and has also pursued Chinese wisdom. This included
perforce the wisdoms of other people and we will not go into it here. But if
there is any challenge the answers will be forthcoming from any approach.
Now the Allah I worship has given Wisdom and Knowledge to each people as He
will and all people made in the Divine Image are the repositories of some sort
of Ilm. If we are going to ignore the Ilm of people who do not accept the
Sharia of Mohammed, or traced to Mohammed, we would have to give up much—the
electric light, the railroads, the bus system, the planes. Of course Pakistan
is not going to do that. So you have a split in a sane examination of knowledge
either from the standpoint of theoretical Epistemology or from the more modern
views. Your Murshid says that all blessings come from Allah and that He
inspires whom He will as He will.
The nufs-salima follows the explanation Allaho Akbar—that Peace is Power;
that Kinetic Energy proceeds from Potential Energy and the same truth that is
in Tasawwuf is also the truth behind all the modern knowledges and sciences. In
principle one finds those all in Ibn Khaldun. However to explain Ibn Khaldun
clearly one would have to accept Tarikat on the one hand and the post Darwinian
sciences on the other. You cannot extract a single individual from the flow of
history even if you make of him a Nabi or Rassoul.
Your Murshid’s objection to all religions is the theological
interpretation of time processes. Many Christians say: “Jesus Christ,
the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow” and your Murshid believes in
“Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, tomorrow.” This means, because he
accepts Al-Ghazzali, that this comes from experience and life and not from
premises. Theologians have separated their speculations from the experiences of
mankind, revealing nufs.
There is only one nufs-alima—this covering all mankind, and in one special
version it starts with Adam and ends with Mohammed. But this is beyond mental
consideration. Thus we have nufs-salima and as with As-salaam aleikhum we wish
all mankind to experience peacefulness. This peacefulness (as above) is
Power.
The practice of Mushahida which also appears in Hujwiri and Grand Sheikh
Suhrawardi, means the constant observation of the human heart which then grows
and expands toward universality. As the heart grows the observation (shahud)
may also grow and as one watches this heart he finds it is like an ocean, on
ocean which must and can be calmed and as it can and must be calmed in this is
all power.
When you come to San Francisco, or when I next come to Pakistan, an old
diary and notes from other old diaries which have been preserved will be shown
you. Those perturbations of heart transcend but do not negate time-space
processes. The only distinction—and it is a distinction, not a contradiction,
is in the time world, or if we will Alamin.
The finality here comes in the practices of Mushahida and Mujahida. In the
greater Jihad one finds one’s enemy is nufs and nothing but nufs and in
combating nufs one finds, in the words of Nabi Isa, the kingdom of heavens. Or
to quote the Christian Scriptures, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they
shall see God.” The “seeing” is Shahud, and the purification is Mushahida
and the blessings, of course are Baraka.
I think you will see here a complete and balanced logic although it may not
be “common logic.” It is logic removing the ego-self. The same has already
occurred in the two Western sciences which have led to relativity. This means
that we do not abandon great Muslim writers, but we follow through to the
ultimate. The whole of life is not enough to comprehend Suhrawardi or Ibn
Khaldun or Ghaus-i-Azam, to mention no others; or what is now being
accomplished more, Ibnu-l’Arabi and your Murshid waits with eagerness the
work of Dr. Nasr published at Harvard. He is sure there will be the proper
interpretations and that these will contradict much that has been published.
As Dr. Titus Burckhardt, a German savant has written—he does not see how
any European can comprehend tasawwuf without submitting to tarikat disciplines.
Your Murshid’s scientific training has been in the laboratory, at research
stations, in gardens and fields and if there is anything out of books, it has
been a side-line—a very important side-line, it is true, but still a
side-line.
In this age we need the experiences whether in the worlds within or without
and this is an effort to bring out something. If this is not clear for any
reason, the writer must be blamed. Copy is sent to Pir-o-Murshid Barkat Ali;
also to the University of California and one retained which will be shown to
Major Sadiq when he comes, inshallah.
This is enough for one communication. Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad-Chisti
P.S. I came upon the copy of “Muqaddimah” of Ibn Khaldun left in this
region. It was copyright by Bollinger Foundation, New York, and published by
Pantheon Books, Inc. of the same city. The price (not counting postage) will be
Rs. 90. It must be recommended in all respects and for all purposes, but is too
long for a comment now.
July 11, 1964
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. This greeting is sent because it is very necessary to
preserve, keep and strengthen the feeling, the attitude, the atmosphere of
Peace.
Once I was visiting the home of one Malik Hamid in Cantonment and a little
old man, one Abdul Latif, came and asked, “Why aren’t you a Murshid?”
“I am no Murshid.” “Why aren’t you a Murshid?” “I am no Murshid.”
Why aren’t you a Murshid?” “All right, I am a Murshid and you are my
first mureed.” So Bayat was given and Ryazat and I sent him to Dargah Mian
Mir.
The next morning he came back singing and dancing, “I have a real Murshid;
I have a real Murshid!” It seems he performed Murakkabah at the Dargah and
saw the Saint and he saw me sitting next to the saint.
Now there is a great truth in it and I was taught Allah Ho Akbar
means “In peace there is power.” Just as the great Sheikh Suhrawardi has
explained the different degrees in meaning of Kalama, so Mian Mir taught me the
different degrees in meaning of Allah Ho Akbar and now he is telling me,
also, that there is truth in the Hadith: “Every section of Holy Qur’an was
sent down in seven dialects and each of these has an inner and outer
meaning.” It is an indication that there is the Divine Wisdom (Tasawwuf) in
not only Kalama and Takbir and Fateha but in all Qur’an and perhaps in all
revelation, too.
What is needed now is to preserve this sense of Peace and Peacefulness. Now
my Kashf, from the beginning, has been that through Prof. Durrani you would
find a suitable companion, mate. Yet your Murshid is always on the lookout.
Recently, he had a disagreeable series of experiences in Cleveland, so he
went out for a walk and before the walk was completed he met an Imam (American
Negro) and one Abdul Wahid, the leader of the Pakistani community there; it was
like a miracle. Then he learned that Wahid was going to New York to see his
cousin in the Foreign Service and this cousin (Mr. Chaudhuri) has been an old
friend of your Murshid. Wahid told me where to meet the Pakistanis, but, it
being vacation season, they are away. But we shall follow up this as much as
possible, inshallah.
There has always been a question in your Murshid’s mind on the place of
marriage in very spiritual persons and although he is not married, he has not
ceased to look. The lady who seems from an analytical point of view most suited
for him is now in West Africa. The heart friendship ladies have not accepted
Rassoul Lillah, which must be done either intellectually or spiritually before
he can make a bond, but the problem or question here is yourself.
There can be no dogma here. Many people in Cairo visit the tomb of Saint
Zainab. In Basra, Rabia has been venerated. In Dargah Nizam-ud-din Auliya, one
finds the tomb of Jehanara; and the life of Emperor Humayun was recorded by
this sister. No Muslim has ever decried these and other ladies, and there is
even hypocrisy over marriage. Certainly Isa was, in his time, a Messenger of
God.
The other day I explained to Hashim and his friend Mohammed, the relation
between these terms; Alamin, Ilm, Ulema, Alim, etc. Fortunately, they
understood. These words coming from the same Arabic root have a great
relationship in the cosmos, but in the narrow, analytical sense they may seem
far apart. When Allah is Lord of All Worlds, He is Lord of Thought, Feeling,
Form, Love, everything, and not just of unseen materialist “heavens.”
Without the wisdom, we are very confused about such matters.
Finally, with Hashim, there are huge possibilities of physical activity,
both for “Project: The Garden of Allah” and for new vistas which have not
been considered and about which one may write later, inshallah.
There is nothing but joy in hearing your reports about Salarwala and the
projected magazine. Also I would like to see it reach Cairo and my spiritual
Delhi.
You mention Dargah Baba Farid and I shall be very anxious to visit that
place especially because of the events and blessings at Ajmir and Nizam-ud-din
in Delhi.
I realize the work both Nawab and you must be doing privately to keep you
busy. My heart goes to all my spiritual brothers and kin whom you have
mentioned. I still go to college to learn more skills, as if I were to return
to Pakistan and also Major Sadiq. But one wonders, sometimes now, whether Allah
may not turn my face in any direction.
The first really good thing Pakistan has done is to try to reconcile
Indonesia and Malaysia. But Allah made all peoples and Allah did not determine
politics which are left in man’s hands.
“Kalvath Shan” expresses beautiful everything else in mind of heart.
Here you see the outside of what Hazrat Inayat Khan left. One hopes you can
move “inside.” If you can find his writings at Ashraf, please let me know,
and then, either way, I shall know the next step.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
July 11, 1964
Beloved One of Allah:
Your Murshid has been moving about in a certain sector of the United States
some 2500 miles from home and has been having many experiences. His one concern
has been the failure to get a full report from Major Sadiq and he has extended
himself beyond his limits, although he does not know always what Allah expects
him to do.
The matter of Dr. Nasr’s book being published at Harvard University is of
intense interest. In 1960 your Murshid visited Dr. Slater and had both
favorable correspondence beforehand and one interview in which Dr. Slater said:
“We want to know everything you know that we do not.” Some time afterwards
the Chief Imam at the Mosque in Washington asked him to investigate the Islamic
Studies there. It was headed by an Englishman (Dr. Gibb) and his assistant was
a Hungarian Jew. He told the Imam that he thought it was useless to try to do
anything there and the Imam said, “That is what I have been thinking, too.”
For it has been very, very difficult for Pakistanis to appreciate that Islamic
and Near East Culture in the United States has been almost entirely in the
hands of British, Europeans and Zionists until recently.
After his return to this country your Murshid wrote to Dr. Gibb and that
gentleman who is the Chief Authority for so called Islamic Studies in America
refused point blank to accept any American as a representative of Sufism. And
your Murshid has not written to Dr. Slater who has as associate Dr. Cantwell
Smith, who has written at long length on Pakistan and his words are accepted
here for class studies and 90% false. Therefore your Murshid has had to bide
his time.
In the meanwhile, as previously written, Dr. Von Grünebaum of Los Angeles
has changed his views and come out weakly for Islam and strongly for
tasawwuf.
His influence extends to Berkeley and your Murshid is going home soon to
report further to the Near East Studies group. Besides that is where your book
on Urdu is and also there are two uncompleted interviews thereon, in Berkeley
and one in San Francisco.
In any event your Murshid will send for this book and then write to Dr.
Slater, following his earlier correspondence and one interview and by passing
Dr. Gibb. Besides, there are others in America who will appreciate this
situation.
Now at the moment I am unable to apply for any position with any University.
Major Sadiq has made many requests and they take more than my time; a single
man in a huge country and one without wealth or prestige has to do everything
himself. And as Major Sadiq has been in close touch not only with living Pirs
but with Spiritual Persons of utmost importance in the history of mankind and
as each of his missions is most important, no independent move can be taken
without first having a release from him. At the moment there has been no
communication for a long time, although as your Murshid is traveling much there
may be other factors. And the Major has four projects all of which are
important in the world scene. So this would have to be clarified. First either
continuation and consummation of the projects with Major Sadiq, or a written
release so that there could be a transfer of home. I feel that Allah wishes the
former; there are no signs otherwise, yet.
The normal course might come out of the interviews at the University of
California. Already one report has been submitted and this was just before
leaving. And there is a teacher giving classes on Sufi philosophy there now. So
please wait until I return home and can go over these points.
You are very kind in offering to send works of Hazrat Inayat Khan. Yes, I
could use Volume VIII, the contents of which are unknown to me. But please do
not copy by chapters. The labor and the postage would be an unnecessary
expense.
I have heard of Maryann Jameelah and read a few articles in magazines but am
most happy to have this information. I think she was living in Karachi but
would have to go over old magazines which are stored away at the moment.
As to Universities. The best one outside of California is Michigan but I can
take this up with Asia Foundation which is in San Francisco. Incidentally I
shall return this month to 772 Clementina St., San Francisco 94103, Calif.
It will be necessary to answer much mail and also attend on Allah. If He is
gracious to me as he has been in the personal letter enclosed, the Guidance may
be forthcoming. Four times walks were taken in Cleveland and each occasion
brought a new friend.
Now there is another point and also you may mention this to Major Sadiq or
Sufi Sahib. Your Murshid feels at times to be in the presence of Allah as Allah
without the intermediation. The attitude on intermediation and meditation has
always been one of experience and not philosophy. In the Hebrew Bible Joseph
saw the angels ascending and descending and your Murshid is a firm believer in
Hierarchies: the Hierarchy on earth headed by the living Ktub; and the
Universal Hierarch including all Sufis, Saints, Prophets and Divine Messengers,
headed by Mohammed (on whom be peace). However this is not presented as dogma,
only as the sum total of experience to their writing.
This letter is not written after meditation and has some intellectual and
personal elements. In other words, there is a difference from a communication
in hal and one not in hal. It is hoped, however, that each method of writing
serves a purpose and is helpful.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco 3, Calif.
September 1, 1964
Beloved One of Allah:
Your Murshid had just written a lesson and a letter to you which may arrive
in the same mail, and also put in some personal notations. Now, your letter of
the 26th has arrived and therefore, he is returning an original paper on
“Reconstruction of Muslim Philosophy,” but where he is going to get time to
have copies made is a mystery. He has not time for this now, unless he borrows
more and has no money to pay others.
The work on Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan’s teachings is a full time job.
“Project: The Garden of Allah” is more than a full time job. The
arrangements for Dr. Sadiq alone would have been a full time job. Time and
money have been spent and nothing has come of it, yet. The copying of
“Saladin” and other literature is a half time job, but here, there is a
sign of getting help from a spiritual aspirant.
Some time has to be given to Allah, which is most important of all, only, as
this is done, more and more inspirations come, the Kashf increases, and this
means, in turn, increase in literary efforts. While Major Sadiq and your good
self have suffered physically, this person has suffered mentally. He reaches
points where neither the mind, nor time processes, permit increases and
sometimes begins to worry about his eyes.
The consultation of Holy Qur’an, which becomes Holy when you consult it
and not holy when one uses the terms “Holy Qur’an,” indicates you should
go on with the Home Economics plans rather than the philosophy. If you can read
more of Hazrat Inayat Khan and of the lessons sent, you will have better
inspirations and plans. First, wait for reactions to the article you have
written; your original paper enclosed. This is not going to be easy; you may
receive friendly or unfriendly comments or both.
The visit about Ghaus-i-Azam is wonderful. You were perfectly right in
approaching the saint. Hazrat Inayat Khan wrote, “Doing is better than
fearing.”
The problems one has to face, even if easy, in his home town, make it very
difficult to write letters. I have not written to Harvard, but will do so
shortly. The long battles at the University of California have all come out
victorious, but they have consumed time and energy. “Project: The Garden of
Allah” now must be pursued. Where is your Murshid going to get money? He has
been doing all sorts of things, none of which bring funds and some of which
consume funds as well as time.
Allah has given him the answers. Every little project on the side takes him
away from it. He has whole manuscripts which he must recopy to get funds and he
has no time for that.
The reports on Dr. Nasr are wonderful and inshallah, this will have good
repercussions everywhere.
Your Murshid has not changed his feelings about a life partner for you. The
first was, it might be, around Peshawar and this through Prof. Durrani or
somebody close to him. But your Murshid and interpretation indicate it might
also come through Prof. Nasr.
Your plan to come here in 1965 seems correct. But, I am waiting for a time
message from Major Sadiq, for I cannot afford to go out on more interviews to
no purpose. There are still several matters to taken up with Prof. Farber and
he and I have agreed we should have one interview on all matters, not short
ones, piecemeal.
Your Murshid does not know where he is going to find time to learn about
motor cars too. The best thing for you would be to visit the American Consulate
and call on the commercial agents.
A Murshid is supposed to be cooperative and sympathetic, but sometimes he
has his own affairs. Allah has given him answers to one after another big
problem, and he has been unable to do anything, though the answers are at the
tip of his tongue and every meeting ends in a most friendly manner. What use to
plant an orchard if one is never permitted to harvest the fruit?
Nation fights nation, faction fights faction, group fights group, person
fights person, and within us, even parts are not always harmonious with each
other. To seek Allah is to find wisdom to rise above all contention. But to
receive the Guidance and not follow is one of the most dangerous courses in
life and there is where your Murshid stands today.
Faithfully,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
September 7, 1964
Beloved One of Allah:
Your letter concerning the man who seems to be tempting you must be
answered in full, and it will require a deep understanding of Islam and
tasawwuf before one can come to specific cases.
Your Murshid does not perform Dowa without permission. He says we perform
Sadja. But we start it by putting hands to our ears in prayer; only, we don’t
listen. Your Murshid interprets this as meaning, “Allah, I am about to pray.
My ears are open for an answer.” Then we put our heads to the ground and ask
Allah if He is listening or if He is not listening. But prayers have become, in
all religions, spirituals, and God-bribes and formalism, but do not bring the
communication between the devotee and the Devotion.
There is a half-saint who followed your Murshid in many places, all over
Pakistan, in order to deliver a Message. Your Murshid fled him, although in the
end your Murshid surrendered; and this after it was against his own will. For
the holy man asked your murshid to pray for him and Allah said, “When a holy
man asks another to pray for him, it shows he is a hypocrite. He may always
pray for the whole nation (Pakistan) or for persons who do not claim to have
wisdom; but for those who have some knowledge, if they have not the faith to
pray and listen, it is most unfortunate.”
Now your Murshid has explained he has and does pray to Allah and Allah is
answering him, more and more, all the time. And these answers come, not only
with prayer, but in the everyday life; that he is being received more
seriously.
The first things most Muslims overlook, and this is a very serious defect,
is that Allah is Most Merciful and Compassionate. It has become verbal, formal.
You may find a psychologist at the library of the OSIS in Bank Square and we
have long discussed the false conscience of many people. Your Murshid has kept
on close terms with Chisti people who are in the wine business next to
Ferohsons on the Mall. Everybody sees only blame for all kinds of things and
this is common to Christianity and Islam.
Your Murshid might explain all kinds of hand-holding, but your problem was
put to him also by a lady who is a very good friend and had the same problem in
Egypt. It was always the married man. It is not the hand-holding that is wrong;
it is the offer from a married man. And even this is not wrong if he would hold
your hand in the presence of his wife or in society. But when it is done when
you are alone, that is very wrong, even if he loved you. For if he loved you he
would observe convention, even low convention, and would consider you and not
himself.
As the Baraka increases in and through your personality, there will be more
and more of this. You will have to learn to live with it. But you will have to
treat such people, and especially the males, like we treat the dogs and cats
here. They are given the petting, but the magnetism is never the same. Only for
you in the practical, or rather the esoteric sense, you must protect yourself,
and not just to follow the traditions, many of which have to be broken. In all
cases, the married man must learn.
You may tell him that you are a mureed in tasawwuf and that your oath to
Allah means that you can only love the lovers of Allah, but that is your Nature
anyhow. You only can love the lovers of Allah; e.g. your [?] with Prof.
Durrani. Then you are not on the human level.
So see Ali whenever you must, but always with other people. Bless him if you
want to, (you don’t have to,) and always remind him that you are on the
tarikat and a firm believer in the Allahistic philosophy.
There is left the [?] of a man coming into your life in a romantic or heroic
fashion. There are many social bars in Pakistan between men and women. But in
your case, there would be bars anyhow. A psychologist has just discovered that
he can measure, in people, the light and radiance of the eyes. This is
wonderful because mystics all measure by the light and radiance of the eyes.
When you meet a proper man, this will stand out on both sides. There is
nothing to stop you from looking, keeping this in mind.
Your murshid also has had this experience, but there may be only one or two
women on earth that could stand before the power needed to uphold the projects
mentioned in the other letter. The Pirs know this and yet they have admonished
him to look.
The most difficult of all tasawwurs is that of Tasawwur Mohammed. This is
said by one who has had a multitude of tasawwurs, not only with the saints of
Islam, but with the ideals of other faiths. Your Murshid has followed Buddha to
Hell, Christ to the cross and Mohammed through the Heavens (Saladin). This was
the real sealing after he had all the basic experiences of all faiths; and it
is not written just to confirm the orthodox or heterodox Islam.” He can offer
you the tasawwur of Pir Barkat Ali or Sufi Hazrat Inayat Khan or Mian Mir, one
of these, but not more. Or the Madzub who has already given you his blessing.
Your Murshid already loves that Madzub.
Finally, you must try to explain to this man what Ajmal and Ali means. What
good a name which one does not fulfill? A man named Ajmal must be always
considerate of others or give up name; he must always try to see the beauty
everywhere and if so, he would be bringing it forth in his own spouse.
September 11, 1964
Beloved One of Allah:
As salaam aleikhum. You will find enclosed more Gathas; those belonging to
Series One, Saluk or Morals. There are also ten papers in this set. This will
mean you will soon have, inshallah, all of the first year’s papers of Hazrat
Inayat Khan, excepting those on Naqshibandi, which are being released one at a
time so you can get full advantage of them. Also, with them, you get the
commentaries; but for these subjects, the commentaries may not ready for some
time.
Your Murshid will not go, here, into the problem of getting all these papers
into your hands and into hands of other Pakistanis, although the originals go
to Pir-o-Murshid Sufi Barkat Ali.
Now, every day it is necessary to ask Allah for the proceedings of the way.
Today, your Murshid went to the Trade Fair, which is being held not far away.
From the commercial point of view, there are new types of rice with seasonings
in them, and these should interest Major Sadiq.
Also some time was spent with a group fostering international trade, and it
will be necessary to see them again. Also, to write at least one paper on the
trade possibilities for Pakistan, and also on the problem of developing natural
resources. The great obstacle is neither money, nor interest; the great
obstacle is the difficulty of getting wide awake cooperation from your own
people. The Foreign Service is not interested; mostly they are interested in
social events. And, at the moment, even the last remains of any Islamic groups
are gone; the one thing I did find out is that a number of students are now at
Stanford University, which is some miles away and the rival of my own
university (California). But for the cause of Allah and also for development of
resources, it will be important to go there sometime. But, the additional
burden, (your Murshid is always getting burdens of being asked to write), may
be answered that there is a possibility here of being paid. Many people have
taken advantage of him and not paid him for efforts.
You may wonder, here, why these Gathas are enclosed. But, it has been
necessary to get them out for a local mureed, and there is a possibility,
inshallah, of another one. But at the University of California, and many in the
Trade Fair, the Indians are alert. They are now teaching in many places. And in
the Trade Fair, they had many representatives and your country had one. This
has happened many times. We do not even know if the recent floods in India
affected Pakistan. Even the story that the Brahmaputra has been on rampage was
reported only from the Indian view and one knows nothing of East Pakistan.
Tomorrow, inshallah, I must report on the conference for Dr. Ahmed and
don’t know where this will lead. But that also required my typing your
manuscript, which they also may want. One can make up to five good copies on
thin paper like this on this machine. This machine is now in good order, being
received this morning.
Another situation, also, is that the Indians at the university have asked
for cooperation. And next month, at least one of their farm delegation will be
visiting here and your Murshid has been called on to host him.
One hopes your hot season is now abating. The weather here is always
moderate and this enables your Murshid to work hard. Next week his scientific
research begins, inshallah.
Faithfully,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
[Date unknown, possibly 1964]
Along with this Pir Zade Vilayat Inayat Khan has released some papers on
brotherhood which are being copied and will either be included here or sent out
soon. These are papers which belonged here many years ago but one is thankful
to have received them at all.
There was an occasion in which your Murshid got into an argument when he
returned from India and he turned on the other man and said: “Now, if you
will repeat exactly what you said, or any portion thereof, or anything, and
respect it by beginning: “In the Name of Allah, Er-Rahman, Er-Rahim, I claim
… then I shall concede without argument. But if you cannot do that, you are
working on your own nufs and are a liar. I repeat, either you are a liar or you
will use the Bismillah.” He could not do it. Now, Beloved one of Allah, it
does not matter who was right or who was wrong, it matters who can repeat the
Bismillah.
Again it comes from some relatives that your Murshid was not interested in
your marriage. Yet he counseled your going to Peshawar and calling on some
people there whom he knows and loves and trusts. He acted. And two names have
come to his notice and all he has said about this: “If Khawar will benefit.
Therefore there can be no ‘No’ from me.” Yet, if a proposal came to you,
the counsel is to repeat, holding the person’s name: “Ishk Allah, Mahbood
lillah”; and this will either strengthen or weaken feelings and thus,
inshallah, you will have the guidance. Then it not necessary to have any
personal reflection for Allah is the Teacher and Guide of All.
If the critics can say that or take that, then my prayers are for their
blessings.
At one time it was very hard to read Holy Qur’an, for it seemed to have no
ideas. Now it is very hard to read Holy Qur’an, for even a single line seems
too full of ideas.
The apartment occupied is very peaceful and I have lived there before. Now
it is mostly Philippine people who live around here and they are most
interesting.
Dollars. Offhand the only place I know where this can be arranged may
be through the Consulate at Bank Square. Yet, the Bank of America which handles
my affairs has an office in Karachi, so I am going to their international
office here and make inquiries.
At the present moment I have a voluminous amount of material on Sufism. You
see, in the midst of difficulties, nearly all of twenty-five years’ research
was returned. Also some prophetic material which was forgotten. And all this
time, first, one must complete the book on the holy men I have met and then
turn, inshallah, to the food problems. And at the same time it has been
necessary to make all kinds of reports and suggestions. One has to do this half
blindly, not knowing whether they will be received seriously, and at the same
time watching growing confusion all over Asia, which it seems impossible to
stop.
Talismans. One of the tasbihs you have sent has holy names on it and
another shines in the dark. The original idea was to use these until they had
plenty of Baraka in them and then give them to others with blessings. But there
are some things in Major Sadiq’s life which are precious to the point of
being miraculous, mostly when he was away from me, but a channel of Baraka,
inshallah.
And the next thing is the criticism of not wearing a beard. And here in San
Francisco there is even a court case, a legal trial, because a man insisted on
wearing a beard. What this has to do with spirituality and orthodoxy, one does
not know. When your Murshid asked Allah, he did Chinese. So your Murshid
thought wouldn’t it be funny to have a Sufi Order only for Chinese and
Burmese and American natives who can’t grow beards; and one wonders if Allah
consigned them to Jehanna because they can’t grow a beard and what has this
to do with Er-Rahman Er-Rahim.
The last few hours included a long meditation for Major Sadiq. It is the
easiest thing in the world to say, “Bismillah,” and then one is faced with
great difficulties and hazards. No doubt, Allah is the All-Compassionate, but
also the All-Wise and the All-everything. The Major has been the recipient.
Realize it. The successes bring a little, and we believe, that with all the
difficulties, the major is being prepared by proving it.
I once represented the Muslims of East Pakistan and when I wrote that one
had to have patience in trying to tell Americans about Islam, a most critical
letter was received. You can’t go around the streets preaching Islam here.
But slowly, the writers realize that Mohammed was very great and very pure;
only they do not think Muslims are great and pure, and then Muslims call these
writers anti-Islamic and sometimes this is true. It is not easy.
But the Islamic community here takes the attitude that their fathers were
better than our fathers, (which may be true) and they assume a pride and then
consider themselves superior to American devotees. And if you ask them to
explain Holy Qur’an they go off on wild escapades and explain nothing.
Al-Ghazzali has said that the Divine Wisdom consists of experiences and not
syllogisms, and this is true. And those who have the experiences have to stand
up against all sorts of difficulties. Anyhow, the Major and the Begum are at
least some times in Lahore and can go sometimes to Data Sahib and Mian Mir in
which there are blessings and promises and that is all one dare say now. Will
know there are blessings, and if possible, put in some enclosures.
Love and blessings to yourself and your aunt and to both my friends and
critics, in the Name of Allah, Er-Rahman, Er-Rahim.
Faithfully,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
October 4, 1964
Beloved One of God:
This letter is confirmation of first, some spiritual things and then, a
letter from Corinne, Mrs. Reinhold, wife of a man who has been an extremely
close friend for years. It was they whom, from the very beginning, I wished to
keep informed of any coming of Major Sadiq, and when I last heard of the
possibility of his coming to Los Angeles, I advised them. They have been on the
alert and not far from where I stay is a group interested in high-level
spiritualism in which Major Sadiq has been interested, and was adept.
But in the note about the Man from Nepal, after he scolded me for not
assuming leadership, this was right. And already I have retained both a third
teacher of Urdu on the Berkeley campus, and a young woman studying to fulfill
all the requirements I was supposed to report to Pir Dewwal Shereef.
But I got no answers. Only inquiries and this has become impossible. My
schedule and programs have been arranged too many times to no end. I am
compelled to accept outside employment to meet my requirements, or else to
concentrate on articles which may be paid for. Your Murshid has now three times
made arrangements for Major Sadiq to come here for spiritual and healing
reasons; once or twice for agricultural reasons; twice for business and trade
and nothing has come but expense of time and money. This loss of time and money
would not be important but it has prevented your Murshid from fulfilling either
the instructions of the Pirs, or the completion of his own work.
In addition, it means all kind of letters of apology because statements made
proved to be empty. Your Murshid is not sure now even of Major Sahib’s
address and whether the letters sent by one Rajah were hoaxes and tricks. There
is nothing to show otherwise.
It is not only “Project: The Garden of Allah” that has been held up, but
even the paper on the aftermath of the recent monsoons, besides his memoirs.
And now also the Divine Guidance is coming loud and clear and so if these other
projects, even your coming here, do not fit into the Divine Guidance, what can
one do? As the man from Nepal said, “You are now sixty-eight years of age;
what have you to show?” He was right.
And as I know what he wishes, I must now concentrate either entirely on my
own affairs or know for certain when and if Major is coming. I am sorry this
must be done through you.
Soon, no doubt, I shall check on your book because there are now three
teachers of Urdu in Berkeley.
God bless you.
October 16, 1964
Beloved One of Allah,
As-salaam Aleikhum. This is a very special letter written under the most
pleasant circumstances and although there appear to be some harsh or strident
notes in it, they only break out the harmonies.
When your Murshid was in India in 1956, he was ill for the only time this
occurred on the subcontinent, and that came out of the feasts he had at Ajmir.
At that time your Murshid had a single diary; later he had one for scientific
and the other for spiritual and cultural subjects. The whole story at Ajmir
fits in exactly with what one can read in the lives of saints and holy men, but
this was the first time it ever occurred to a man of Western birth.
Suddenly his own Pir-o-Murshid appeared to him and said, “Go to the
Egyptian Embassy. “This was done and there he met Dr. Muhammad Hussein of the
Faculty of Arts, Cairo University. The story is too long to repeat here but Dr.
Hussein fully accepted it on open merits. Years later, when your Murshid
appeared in Cairo, the doctor wrote up his story, as he would have it,
publishing that he was a great saint and Yogi. Your Murshid protested saying he
was a simple Sufi dervish and neither a saint nor Yogi. Dr. Hussein refused to
retract, and actually, today your Murshid is learning or has been given by
grace ,Yogi faculties ascribed by Dr. Hussein. You may remember I said you
should visit him if you ever go to Cairo.
When your Murshid said, “I am only a dervish,” people then said,
“There are no walls.” “No, there are no walls.”
Since your Murshid’s return here people have been kind, courteous,
friendly, gracious, graceful, but never have they let your Murshid tell of his
travels, exploits or anything about tasawwuf. Indeed many times have parties
been given, as if in his honor, and always there was one or more “guests of
honor” present to whom social niceties turned the evening over, even some of
your Murshid’s longest and best friends know nothing of his career, its
significance, or anything of the sort.
About two weeks ago, when a lady who has been most friendly and is of
wonderful character, broke an engagement for a number of weeks standing, always
with an excuse, your Murshid said, “This is the end.” He hung up the phone
and heard the Divine Voice saying: “Samuel, I need you.” And then as he
turned to his rooms, the telephone rang, an emergency call.
This was the first of several such emergencies; people in dire trouble,
seeking spiritual or psychological solutions and trusting your Murshid. This is
one of his real functions, and it seems only great pain or difficulties cause
people to turn to that way. But this Sunday also he is having a meeting, the
first meeting in response to the cry of those who are in deep pain or
difficulties caused always by so-called “spiritual colleagues” who are
mostly so concerned with their own spiritual development that they have lost
all humanity. And this means a new direction, one in answer to problems of
pain, suffering, illness, for which your Murshid was especially trained.
Now, the second story is also serious and it has its humorous side, too.
While your Murshid has been going around trying to reach people in certain
colleges, one of them wrote up his life story. There is a strange connection
between the life of your Murshid and the lives of those who founded the City
College of San Francisco. Anyhow, he was immediately sought out by a young man
with whom a single interview indicated he is ready for Bayat.
You will remember a few weeks ago, when you suggested that your Murshid said
he would not stop working on the Gathas of Hazrat Inayat Khan, because there
were others now preparing and ready for them. At that time there was one young
man, now there are four. It is this faculty which is known as Kashf in Islam
and Prajna in Hinduism and Buddhism, which is the Divine Voice, which always
speaks to us, though sometimes it is hard to hear. And at this writing, with
two distinct paths pointed out at the moment, both leading to spiritual
functioning on the part of your Murshid, there is this important response.
Or, as written to Karachi recently, those who talk about Islam never bother
about Shahud or Fateha. A copy of this letter was sent to Shamsuddin Ahmed. He
is one man who understands, at least intellectually, what your Murshid is doing
and is also now a very faithful devotee to Sufi Sahib at Salarwala, and acts as
go-between. Sufi Sahib has sent his blessing and is sorry about not having a
typewriter, but there is no need to have letters. We commune and thus
communicate and, at this writing, everything is going exactly as Sufi Sahib
wants (and also as Madzub Sahib wants). There is the realm above not only
verbal communication, not only above telepathy, but is part of communication
and Tauhid.
The same thing is happening at the University of California, where now both
the Asian professors and the scientists greet your Murshid with all the love
and even veneration it is possible for a Western heart to express. If I sent
you copy of a letter from Sufi Sahib you would see it expressed in writing, but
you know it.
Prof. Shah is a teacher of Urdu and also friend of many saints in India who
have been the closest friends of your Murshid. This is particularly true of
Pir-o-Murshid Hassan Sani Nizami at New Delhi. And Prof. Shah has asked “the
secret questions” which, even if asked, free your Murshid from false covers
which he is compelled to wear publicly and privately. So long as people see
only the covers he cannot be himself and they see only the covers, the
clothing, the mannerisms, the behavior patterns, the niceties or their absence,
none of which have anything to do with anything but nufs.
Even praise or blame do not affect your Murshid, but when the proper
questions are asked, then he is either transformed or transforms himself. And
here again, there is large sector of your Murshid’s history in Cairo which
looks as if it came out of something more bizarre then even “The Arabian
Nights.” For behind Sufism and the Sufi Orders, there is that Hierarchy which
controls the destinies of the world Only, this Hierarchy is not only
manifesting through Islam, it manifests above and beyond all religions. You
have read this in Part II, “Saladin,” which came from Rassoul-Lillah
himself, and all wisdoms of the world come through him, and not just what we
call “Islam” alone, separating it from anything. Indeed, your Murshid has
had initiations into six great religions, even from the Chinese. And this again
is funny, for while Americans would reject it, the secretary of the congressman
from this area is his spiritual brother and we do not even have to talk!
But your Murshid has been refused any interview with the Department of
International Studies and he had just written a letter in protest when one came
to him from Dr. Radhakrishnan. Now, Beloved one of Allah, the dervish is one,
as was said in Cairo, before whom there are no walls, and his relation to Dr.
Radhakrishnan might be incomprehensible, but if his whole history or even
diaries were in your hands you would see there are no walls.
Research on agricultural problems is done in close cooperation with one
Prof. Harry Nelson here. When I was in ‘pindi, I wrote him, after leaving
Ayub National Park, “Dear chap, you cannot go in there,” “Dear, chap, I
have just come from there.” Mr. Nelson knows my whole horticultural history,
which includes visits to places seldom frequented even by most prominent
Americans. This, of itself, is unimportant. But when you combine the scientific
background with the spiritual functions, and one works for the well-being of
all areas associated with “Project: The Garden of Allah,” one finds that
only the scientists and those who have traveled far and wide understand the
significance of such projects.
So the scientists, especially at the top levels, are giving all cooperation
and encouragement for “Project: The Garden of Allah,” and the social
scientists and political people have refused even interviews. Your Murshid is
not disturbed for, as said above, the congressman from this district has a
Chinese secretary and already the door are open if one wishes to enter.
And, as for the international studies, after being refused admittance, just
now your Murshid had a letter from Dr. Radhakrishnan, and this, added to other
material, will be presented in such a way as to make some people look
ludicrous.
Here one must repeat, if one repeats all one’s life, these two phrases:
La Illaha El Il Allah and Allaho Akbar.
It is the second which is most important at the moment, and you have now
learned from Mian Mir some of its significance. It is behind both these
ventures, the one coming Sunday and the one with the young people. And it is by
these that your Murshid has challenged the missionary people in Karachi. For
one can, if one has the Grace, impress or even convince Americans of Islam.
But, if religion means the acquisition of Kashmir, the approval, on our part,
of Pakistan’s treaties with China and turning our heads away from Islamic
Indonesia and Islamic Malaysia to call upon arms and weapons instead of Allah,
it is useless even to waste time in refutation. Once an important man said to
your Murshid: “Kashmir is our life blood.” Your Murshid said, “Then I
have made a mistake in coming here, I have always been under the impression
that Allah was your life blood.”
After this letter is written, your Murshid will go to Berkeley to get a
report on your book, if there is one, and then continue.
Evening. The events of the day show the presence of Allah and Divine
Guidance through Kashf and the wisdom of listening to the Voice which
constantly comes to the awakened heart. On the Berkeley campus I found out
about the existence of groups engaged in international cultural exchange. Then
I learned that Mr. Pandey, to whom I was bringing the Radhakrishnan letter, is
now teaching Urdu so I shall ask him to look over your book.
Then, walking as if aimlessly through the streets, your Murshid came upon a
new office of the Forestry Division of the United States Department of
Agriculture. Enquiries were made for Pakistan and fortunately, after a while, I
met a Mr. Gleason, who not only expressed interest, but will give every sort of
cooperation. If Major Sadiq does not come soon these materials many be sent to
my friend, Dr. Khan, Forestry Botanist at Abbottabad, Hazara. Otherwise,
inshallah, arrangements have been made for a visit for Major Sahib, both in
this region and in neighboring states. It is this sort of experience that
happens to those who practice the surrender (the true Islam) and permit Allah
to guide their footsteps.
Later I called on a lady who also works at the university. We have been
friends for nearly fifty years. The story of the strange behavior on the part
of the International Department was told her. But also, it is interesting that
she, for the first time in her life, has had the sign of “inner
initiation.” She did not understand it, and is still in world of dualism and
does not understand Tauhid.
Your Murshid also called at the office of his congressman, who wishes to
take up his battle with those people at the university. It is this sort of
thing that has made your people very suspicious of us, and rightly so. As this
letter is completed there is every feeling of goodwill from every direction and
almost a feeling of pity for selfish persons who regard that they have a
position of privilege in a university, whereas it is the public that pays their
salaries. They ought to be thankful to Allah every minute for his beneficence
but they do not understand this at all.
Love and blessings,
Next morning: Praise be to Allah. Officials of the State Government are
investigating those people who have constantly refused to give your Murshid an
interview. This roundabout and aid comes from an unexpected source, but as
pressure has already been exerted, it seems now that your Murshid will be given
full consideration in his efforts to bring about better understanding between
nations, inshallah.
Later: Just received the letters from Major and yourself. Am writing under
separate heading to you. This is the eve of a birthday and things are changing
rapidly for the better, alhamdulillah.
This does not mean there is release in time. Am now preparing some young men
for Bayat and just received another letter with a spiritual call. The other
letter will really be jointly for Major Sahib and yourself.
December 15, 1964
Beloved One of Allah:
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of All the Worlds, the Merciful, the
Compassionate, whom we worship, adore and to whom we beseech for help.
This letter is written as illustrative material, though if any word be
received from you shortly, that would be answered separately.
To come into a country where the habits, the outlooks, are different and to
have to function because it is the Will of Allah, is not easy. When this person
left in 1956 he had ten sets of enemies, and Allah, the Wise, the Guiding said,
“Let your enemies fight your enemies.” They came down to two, the most
outstanding, because each was prominent, each claimed to have knowledge of
Sufism, but each hated the other so much, in the name of the “religion of
love,” that both were immobilized and step by step this person has walked
in.
Now, the world affairs and the world’s affairs, are often quite outside
the affairs of “Islam,” but never, never outside the Worlds of Allah. This
person has been universally and uniformly successful. For, as the Prophet
taught, “When man walks one step toward Allah, Allah walks ten steps toward
him.” And in these affairs which concern Allah, (but which are of no concern
to “Islam,”) one after another the most important people in the world have
been met. Sometimes they are just traveling through this region; but one has
been placed in Los Angeles and another in California, and they have supported
this person’s principles, that we must consider all human beings as real,
their feelings as valid, and their happiness as important.
This does not lighten burdens quantitatively, but qualitatively, yes, in all
direction. But the resulting writing, again, will not be what others may wish,
but what Allah wishes.
This person has two faithful young mureeds and has been teaching from “The
Unity of Religious Ideals.” And as he taught, there would be some external
experience to support the teachings. But now each has partaken of an outside
experience. One saw the leader of the Congress Party greet this person, to the
dismay of the audience. The other saw the complete surrender of a heretofore
resistant audience and their acceptance of “Peace is Power” which is the
interpretation of Allaho Akbar, taught over and over again by the
blessed Mian Mir at the Dargah and when they cannot but see the manifestation
of teachings, and the change in people, their faith is increased.
Of more personal interest to you, no doubt, The Congress of World Faiths, to
be held in Claremont, California, next year, has refused this person’s “The
Revival of Islamic Philosophy” because our good-friend and brother, Prof.
Seyyed Nasr is to give that paper. Now they have sent for this person to speak
and Allah has directed to write a paper on “Shuvo-Mentanoia-Tauba,”
which would be outwardly called “repentance” but is actually “return.”
“From Allah we come and to Him we return.” Already, Allah has shown the
complete paper, which would end with long questions from Al-Hujwiri (Data
Sahib) and this brings together all that had been communicated inwardly in your
country; to receive the actual teachings of Al Hujwiri and thus, justify the
pilgrimages to the Dargah.
It is on this high note that the year ends.
There has been lots of typing, but one waits until the Christmas rush is
over and then sends things surface mail.
No doubt it will take the West or even the world, a long time to realize two
things; (a) The Omnipresence of Allah, Who is closer than the neck-vein. (b)
The operation of the Divine Light-Wisdom of Allah, through Hierarchies of
saints and masters among whom Sufis are most prominent.
Visited Anwar Ali of “Pakistan Times” last week and placed in his hands
three books of Sufi poetry and also showed him the “neck-vein” movement,
which will also be used in Zikr, in Sana and in The Dances of Universal
Peace.
A public reception Sunday led to this person being accepted more and more
seriously. He has devoted his whole life to attempts at honest research and
endeavor. It is only that strangers, not acquaintances, are affected. But Allah
leads whom He pleases and blesses whom He pleases. We must, therefore, praise
Allah and accept all avenues as His avenues, regardless of persons and
personalities involved.
Or as your Murshid said to a critic: “No doubt there are much greater
passages in the Bible than in Qur’an, but you can use every phrase in
Qur’an in Prayers and you cannot and do not use every phrase of the Bible
so.” This was a new idea and opened this person’s eyes.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
December 30, 1964
Beloved One of Allah:
This is more a report on a year’s effort, than an answer to your recent
letter. Death is something we have always with us, and despite all teaching of
all religions, we still think we are more real while on earth (Nasut) and act
as if this realm were more than other realms.
Today I borrowed “Sources of Indian Tradition” (Muslim India and
Pakistan included). There is a great deal of Sufi material in it, and a great
deal of commenting, most of the latter being total nonsense, and one will not
comment on the nonsense here, excepting to remark that statements about Mian
Mir are terrible.
The three Sufis most mentioned are Ghazzali, and then, in opposition to each
other, Ibnu ‘l-’Arabi and Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi. The latter was correct in
stating that fana does not represent the highest state; but he does not affirm
baqa and in the end falls short of both Ibnu ‘l-’Arabi (whom I do not wish
to defend) and Data Sahib (whom I do). If Sirhindi had known and realized that
baqa is higher than fana, he could have demolished his enemies; but this also
destroyed his position, for he places Shariat above Tarikat and Tarikat above
[?], but that was not his intention.
Full surrender to Allah may be the work of mankind, but it is also to become
living vehicles for Allah to work through. Allah could not be sure of Himself
until He realized Himself as not Himself. So He became not-Himself, hence La
Illaha. Then He went through all the evolution of not-Himself until in Adam
(mankind). He was able to experience Himself and this experience was completed,
according to one’s views in Jesus and Mohammed. But the Christians not only
posited the incarnation (which the Hindus do) but the identity and this
identity is borne out neither by Kalama, nor by the highest mystical
experiences.
This seemingly unimportant mystical discussion becomes all important when we
look at the condition of the world. The United States and China; the Arab world
and Zionism; the Africans among each other; the Malaysians and Indonesians and
India versus Pakistan, show that somewhere along the line we are surrendered to
other than Allah.
A mureed asked for an interpretation of the Taittiriya Upanishad. This may
shock some Muslims that a Sufi should find wisdom there. But do realize that in
this wisdom the lesson was given to try to realize the “five sheaths” by
the practice of “Allah Ho Akbar” and when this is done the Kalama will
supplant the Takbir.
This was followed by the complete surrender of the Indian cultural leader
here that a Sufi might know their wisdom completely, but the reciprocal, that
Hindus know tasawwuf completely, hardly follows. Indeed, not only a profound
explanation was given, but a most simple one; so simple that no Indian sage
could possibly think it up, but just as obviously true. This meeting was all
[?] of Sufian over verbal Advaita teachings.
But this was not theory. The Murshid does not give the mureed exercises that
he himself has not accomplished and the last five weeks of the year show a
series of remarkable incidents in meeting people of importance or of being
accepted when one was rejected before. The “Allah Ho Akbar” (Takbir) has
such validity such power such wisdom.
It is too bad it is not used more. So long as Pakistan places “Islam”
above Takbir and Kalama, it will not prosper; and this election campaign does
not bring much wisdom, only to show that when “Islam” is placed above
Takbir and Kalama, the Nation does not prosper.
Having had private and most cordial sessions with Mme. Noon, Mrs. Ispahani
Begun Selim Khan, I am about the only person in the world who can criticize the
geniuses among the wise of your country; their abilities, their virtues and
everything else. Which does not mean that one must necessarily support the
contentions of Miss Jinnah, who while seemingly championing the cause of women,
has not recognized the worth of these and other women.
Both as an American and, let us say, one with spiritual outlooks, one cannot
place men and/or women above, below or otherwise. In the statements above, the
objection has been made to Sheikh Sirhindi that he elevated Shariat rather than
Allah and whatever might be true of his contentions with Al-Ghazzali, Ibnu
‘l-’Arabi and Data Sheikh, he has overlooked entirely the saint Rabia,
and one is not sure there have not been other women like Rabia, and may not
also be women like Rabia, today. And what “so-called “Muslims” need is a
good dose of recognition both of the person of St. Rabia and her teachings.
The Takbir has been bringing greater and greater satisfaction and the
dispensing of Takbir by “Muslims” has meant the failure of the Arab in the
Near East and the Pakistanis, in and with Kashmir.
But beyond this is the question of whether any nation, even any person has
added to the world’s storehouse of knowledge and wisdom without the divine
guidance. This person says no, this is not possible; and whenever and wherever
there are have been, or will be inventions and discoveries, this is due to the
Grace of Allah and not citizens or out praising “Muslims.” This person must
repeat with the Sufi poet, “Only Allah I saw.” And this acceptance of Allah
enhances, does not diminish, the wisdom, the success and the skillful
accomplishments of the person.
In the last analysis one can accept almost any religion with Kalama,
and without the Kalama it has become a matter of indifference. In the Haqiqat,
where one is fixed on the Heart of Allah, so many distinctions and differences
disappear. If one could write on:
a. The Angelic consciousness in man
b. The Divine consciousness in man
at each level, there would be extreme disagreement with much that we accept.
One doubts very much whether the Angelic beings perform the ordinary praise,
and one knows it is impossible for Angels not to be in either Zikr or Fikr; but
they are not marked with dualisms and separation, and are in cosmic harmony.
There is no use in restyling the above, “The Outlook of Djabrut” and
“The Outlook of Hahut,” but such outlook would destroy all contentions of
all schools of interpretation. Or, as Junaid said in his dying days, “All I
have is a few prayers and sacred phases.” So we do not have the peace or
wisdom, and lacking both the peace and wisdom, we lack the power and do not see
coming into manifestation that which we have set up as our goal, which usually
is other than the goals of Kalama.
The problems of the world, be they in politics, agriculture, finance or
anything else, are not solved by phases and surrender. Without making a reality
of surrender, it is totally empty. A rescue mission in Congo is justified by
humanity but is [?] by some “Muslims.” This is of a very different nature
from sending the military abroad to interfere in human affairs where
life-saving is not the most important factor.
As for Pir Salarwala. These things are not the result of man’s elections
or electing. We have to “feel” and only then can we be assured. But of
Ghaus-i-Azam we can be assured, and Allah has blessed you very much here.
Then the Bible teaches that, “In Allah we live and move and have our
being,” and it is mostly by Kashf, but it is “clear evidence” that comes
and then one knows. One does not stop to analyze whether it falls under the
type of phenomena discussed in “Cosmic Language” of Hazrat Inayat Khan, or
whether it is direct from Allah. It is as Abu Said ibn Abu-al-Khair explained,
the “eighth-seventh” of Holy Qur’an. The seven-sevenths are the Book; the
eighth-seventh is the continual guidance from the Supreme (Ya Azim).
My prayers are also always for you and your aunt. The obstacle is not to be
in a hurry to return to Pakistan, or even now for the coming of Major Sadiq.
Only, now he must be my younger brother and not a partner any more, unless
there is word from the Pirs to that effect.
There is a garb, and it is a strange garb that one wears and has to act
accordingly, which does not show the brightness. An old friend just dropped in
and we discussed that often we must work under garb, which does not mean
working under guise. The Jelali function is a cover here over the Jemali
function. This enables your Murshid to live, to retain, maintain and even
increase vitality. It also makes one very strong, very determined, but not
always socially “nice.” Once in Hollywood, a Vedanta Swami penetrated the
guise with amusing effects. This happens so rarely; the incident stands out.
But my elder spiritual sister who lives there now knows it. And my spiritual
sister, who had the first Bayat with me, knows it intellectually. She cannot
accept the “reason” though it is clear. And after being pushed around for
some time, everything worked out right; for your Murshid made no attempt to
please man (or displease man) and every attempt to please Allah.
Your Murshid knows you may not be able to write for some time and wishes you
to conserve all your strength for your projects. Now that you understand he is
under perpetual pressure and yet “With difficulty cometh ease, verily, with
difficulty cometh ease.”
Last week, the explanation that “Peace is Power” was so effective and
today, also, your Murshid explained it at the UAR consulate and next will be to
Anwar Ali of Lahore, who remains here until March.
In Cairo your Murshid was given six scientific problems. At the end of four
hours he said: “Here are the answers to five of them and you can get the
answer to the sixth from Davis, in California.” They said: “We knew you
could do it, so we asked you.” Now the Kashf works in all matters and more in
the scientific than in the religious fields, both of which are spiritual when
one understands the Presence of Allah.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti.
January 22, 1965
Beloved One of Allah:
This letter is really for Major Sadiq and is more in the way of news, but
wishing you should read it first it has been addressed to you.
Copy of a letter just written is enclosed for you both to read. This book
was found by Kashf, in a sort of experience which has become quite frequent.
Letter has been received from a dentist friend of Major who wishes to come
to this country for further studies, inshallah. As your Murshid knew where to
take it, it has been put in the hands of the proper people. He was informed
that it will take about a week for the next step. But he also knows what to do,
in this case.
Nevertheless with arrival he did not wish to do anything. Officials of the
Pakistani government have not only been un-cooperative but downright hostile.
Even men whom your Murshid knows well personally ignore his letters. It was
only that the next day after the inquiry arrived, a most gracious apology and
letter of thanks was received from the Embassy in Washington.
The next day another letter was received affirming his place on the panel in
charge of Islamic views in the afternoon sessions of the Congress of Faiths to
be held in Claremont, California in September. And it also happens that your
Murshid will have other business to perform in that area. There are three or
four famous specializing colleges in that town, all of high import.
No details have been received of the Major’s success in the recent
election, nor whether this will affect my work and researches here.
There will be a minor conference on Salinity toward the end of March. In the
scientific field there has been nothing but cooperation and conference in every
direction.
Your Murshid is planning now to take up a course in Landscape Construction
so he can help the people when he returns to Asia. Some knowledge (not very
much but some) has been gained in Agricultural Mechanizes.
There is a slight possibility of your Murshid appearing on radio programs,
details not worked but had not too much optimism because of past experiences.
But there is no question that while Americans have masses of literature they
are very illiterate concerning the whole continent of Asia from one end to the
other, and do not realize it. If we had been more openhearted perhaps Pakistan
might not be making so many treaties with China.
Another veil has been lifted concerning the nature of Rahmat.
Love and blessings,
772 Clementina St.,
San Francisco 3, Calif.
March 1, 1965
Beloved Pir-o-Murshid:
As Salaam aleikhum. One writes not knowing whether one is reporting or
seeking advice. One writes because there is a sort of “psychic climax”
which may or not be important. One writes knowing the extreme difference which
many be between actual surrender to Al-Hayy and something private called
“Islam” which may or may not have meaning.
When a mureed is put on spiritual practices, especially the Daroods which
you so graciously presented, there are bound to be effects without one knowing
whether effects are the direct results of one’s devotion or the effects of
Grace which do not necessarily depend upon fervor or ardor. Contrariwise, if
the repetition of Wazifas or Daroods does not change the personality, the
circumstances, the inner and outer life of a person, then there is either
something wrong with [?] or Ryazat or the devotee.
It is now some time since my return from Pakistan and the total fruit of
effort in relations between that country and the personal self have not been
very much. True, money and time have been spent even to the limits of one’s
capacity. But the major persons in your country for whom apparently these
efforts were put forth have either failed to appreciate what was being
attempted, or have failed in their own private lives.
If they have failed in their private lives they are very foolish for Allah
is not a man, does not mentalize as men do, and there is nothing to be ashamed
of. There is a word Kham which has its psychological effect and cannot be
measured. But to hide them does not mean that thoughts are hidden or efforts
are hidden. Failure is man’s reaction to something and such failures may mean
nothing in the worlds beyond Malakut, Djabrut, Lahut. In turn one feels ashamed
that people who consider themselves “Muslims” are looking at human
reactions, human opinions and human failures or successes.
Part II of “Saladin” is just finished retyping. This is a tremendous
effort on the part of one who has little sleep or rest ever expecting to
proceed with the next step. But “Saladin,” though concerned with Islam,
Allah and Mohammed, is not particularly concerned with Pakistan.
How suddenly or gradually personality relations with large segments of this
earth have changed. When one is the path of the Auliya, life may go in one of
several directions. One direction is to be more concerned than ever with
religion, its edifices, its rituals, its teaching. Another is to be concerned
with an area as if Allah has entrusted you with the guardianship of an area.
Another may be to become mast. Another is to pioneer in awakening mankind where
man has been asleep and this out with a particular message, a sort of Rassoul
without being in any way a Nabi. And others.
This person has been entrusted with two general duties in life, one
concerned with the sciences and food production, the other with the awakening
of hearts. Both of these will come to a climax this year in California,
especially in Southern California.
There will be a scientific gathering in July and this will bring to a head
all the materials for “Project: The Garden of Allah” but now the
geographical application may change which is the subject for consideration. And
in September one will be on the panel at another gathering in which the
audience will be scientists but the speakers will be those versed in the great
religions. It is then one must come forward as a champion of tasawwuf.
The personal relations in many parts of the world changing, the prospects
for peace or otherwise in two distinct parts of the Orient have come to this
person’s attention. Whether anything will result of a personal nature one
does not know. One of these is non-Islamic (in the general sense). In the other
instance Pakistan and Japan have been asked to intervene between Indonesia and
Malaysia.
But it is in the Islamic parts of the world with which there is now concern.
In the last communication mention was made of a Sufi Movement in Ceylon which
is trying to reach other parts of the world. Evidently the leaders are
educated, certainly more educated than the “missionaries” from Pakistan who
make practically no converts: one exception to be mentioned below. Their
practices are in excellent English, take notice of the culture of the day,
realize that one can reach the educated by appealing to the higher side of
man’s nature and their printed forms are the best I have seen from any
section of Asia. Now my notice has been called to their efforts in Pakistan
itself and here there is a peculiar situation.
Many Pakistanis take the wrongful dualistic attitude that “Muslims” are
right and non-Muslims wrong in any situation. Wicked Muslims are defended and
not so wicked non-Muslims are accused. The Muslims may break all the
commandments of Qur’an and Hadith and they will be defended.
But now come some Muslims who are not provincial who have the world outlook
and these same ignorant Pakistanis dare not criticize them because they are
always “praising” Muslims. They don’t praise Allah so much. And thus they
are caught because the universal Ceylonese and other Muslims increase both the
heart and head.
The coming into my life of Hassan Hashim from Sudan has totally changed the
feeling of being a sort of exile. True, almost every group which
“logically” should have welcomed me has done everything but listen. But now
one does not care, and as one does not care there is growing attention from
truth seekers of various kinds.
Hashim has discovered that this person is not only versed in many sciences
and branches of culture more than the average man, but also in many branches of
Islamics. But most of all this person knows about the Mahdi and dervishes of
his land who have been very important in history a while back and are now
coming out again.
This is the first person he has met who knows these things. Also who is
acquainted with the Swahili Islamic culture of Africa which your countrymen
largely ignore. This has led to very serious consideration of Northern and
Central Africa.
But now he is urging me to go to Nigeria. His father established a large
school at Kano in inland Nigeria and became the teacher of many eminent men who
are playing large parts in the affairs of that new country. He also has told me
about the devotion and wisdom of the men of Tarikat there and what is more
important, that is one place where instructions in Tarikat are in English. For
many of the men who speak otherwise Arabic, Berber, Hausa, Fulani, Mandingo,
etc. converse in English and English is the language of all the schools of
higher education including the religious ones.
Lagos is the capital of Nigeria and its chief Imam is a very close friend of
mine who once lived in San Francisco and with whom I stayed from time to time
in ‘pindi. He has been most successful in winning converts to Islam but not
in any of the manners brought forth by various schools of
Tablighi found in both East and West Pakistan. These people have the zeal to
convert themselves and no outward appeal that would convince others. But my
Imam friend is entirely outward and successful, and has an excellent knowledge
of English.
All of this seems new were it not for the fact that my first Pir-o-Murshid
wished the spiritual teachings to be brought to all lands and he has his
writing in English. Whether anything will come of this is, of course,
uncertain. The calling of those conferences in July (on science) and September
(on tasawwuf) make it foolish to look ahead.
Today I receive little from Pakistan other than from Shamsuddin Ahmed of
Lahore. How one can help persons, or a country, without literary courtesy is
very difficult. My personal will has been to visit Thailand, India and
Pakistan, and possibility visit Ceylon but the personal will should not
determine one’s future.
Inwardly while recopying “Saladin” at last there has come a sign as to
the literary form of my memories and an inner assurance that this is right. But
this will take some more time and the publishers have to be satisfied. One can
only work with faith and assurance, and prayer.
Hashim has come to some conclusions about this person which one does not
like to repeat, but they are in harmony with what you have sent. One does not
like to measure oneself. It is very hard to get any audience here; or rather
one gets most favorable responses where one does not seek commendation from
business men and scientists, and one gets little response from metaphysical and
religious persons, who are too self centered. Perhaps this is as Allah wills.
But now one no longer feels lonely. It has been this person’s prayer to meet
somebody from Sudan. The prayer has been granted, alhamdulillah, and granted in
a very simple, easy, beautiful way.
Love and blessing,
Sufi Ahmad Murad Chisti
The whole story brings out the meaning of the Sabri School.
March 30, 1965
Beloved One of Allah:
A letter has already been sent to Pir Sahib with copies to Shamsuddin Ahmed
and yourself giving much of the news. Now one answers your letter of the 23rd.
There was considerable patience because of a rumor of strike, postal carriers,
so one waited. Your Murshid knew you had a heavy load and it is not necessary
to write just for the sake of courtesies.
The fact that of Profs. Ahmed and Nasr have been to the Masjid is not
important. There was much more in the dedication service than can be told. But
it was felt. No doubt this person was present in the spirit.
Jinnsa. Your Murshid found one special prayer in the two books
published respectively at Lahore and Karachi. No doubt there is a prayer of
Hazrat Inayat but it is mixed up with many papers. Still there are some prayers
in Holy Qur’an which can be used, otherwise the constant Wazifa of “Allaho
Akbar.”
Major Sadiq. It seems unfortunate that he is constantly changing his
program. After many months, it was not only that I asked Allah to be free, it
was rather that Allah has asked me to be freed. The coming of Dr. Nasr has
nothing but excellent signs so far. The coming of Hassan Hashim has brought
nothing but spiritual well being and it was just by fortune that my usual class
on Wednesday night was cancelled before receiving his invitation to the Arab
dinner Wednesday. This will be followed by the Arab Convention Saturday.
While one wishes Major Sadiq have all help, unless Allah grants, it seems
that your place or Bhallah House must be first for devotional, then spiritual,
then intellectual matters. Only if a sign is vouchsafed from Allah should
anything be added. For otherwise there might be diminution of Baraka.
Healing. This is very difficult for even sleep is cut down. Yet also
there must be some healing lessons for mureeds here and if so, will
communicate. The problems of the world often come to your Murshid and more and
more. He has had to break with all his old acquaintances, and social
companions, and there is no special program but one day to day. Added are a
coming interview with a radio station, with a possibility of being programmed.
With all the complexities of the world, and especially those of Asia, your
Murshid has been bypassed. A few younger people are learning he knows much more
than channels of communication and the State Department (Foreign office);
desire neither knowledge, information, wisdom. So a large number of Americans
are thoroughly confused.
Car. The purpose for which you will dedicate this is the nearest
thing to your Murshid’s heart and now he will tell Hashim, assure of the
blessings and guidance from Mian, Mr. Bullah Shah, Data Sahib, and others.
Children. A course for the wise instruction of children is in the
inner consciousness, connected with Nimaz, and simple Ryazat and bodily
movements. Your success is your Murshid’s success. Your joy is my joy is your
joy. For the while, there is nothing that one can ask excepting the possibility
of your sending some material here which can be used. No doubt this letter is
incomplete; if more comes this week, will write again. Please remember me to
your aunt and everybody.
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
[undated]
Beloved One of Allah:
There is a picture which seems to stand out freely, and it is only if
one’s vision is changed that the program can be changed. When I was in your
land before, there was a clear vision and this person was not permitted to
cross a line dividing east from west India. Now there is a clear vision where
to go and where not to go. And there is some question or divine consent to
travel to Africa other than a short trip to Sudan. However, this may be altered
if hostilities are serious between India and Pakistan. This may change this
person’s role in life and affairs. Even now there are some matters concerning
Vietnam for which he has been summoned. It is neither one’s wish nor not
one’s wish to be concerned here. It is in Allah’s hands with willing
surrender to His will.
The affairs of Hashim are a little complicated. He may be recalled to the
World’s Fair and he himself is in a mix condition over money due him which
may affect his geography. We are hoping to have this clarified soon but
meanwhile it makes one’s already complicated life still more complicated.
At the Arab convention this person met one Mr. Cornelius, connected with the
United States Department of agriculture who has offered every cooperation. But
the dry arid programs cover also some other countries. Behind this is the World
University with which brothers A.A. Bahi and Prof. Durrani are associated. A
letter has been written to Shamsuddin Ahmed pointing out the quandary one is in
concerning the Islamabad University. Now one is able to obtain many things but
if there is no answer these things can easily be consigned to Prof. Durrani or
else of Karachi University. Anyhow as soon as convenient your letter will also
be shown to Mr. Cornelius.
Then I have a young mureed here. The financial circumstances of his family
have recently improved to the extent that they intend to visit parts of Asia
next year, inshallah. We will have to coordinate some of our travels. I should
prefer being settled in Lahore first, but this also depends on some unseen
matters here.
There will be crates made up here and also in New York and these will
provide some books which are not so available in Pakistan or which are new
publications. There is also the question of an extra typewriter. That is, the
plan is to have one brought to Lahore and kept there as well as one light one
for travel.
One is surprised there should be a deadline for your book. My experiences
show far more tendencies always to delays and frustrations rather than demands
for early expediting of anything.
There will be a lot of spiritual sciences in my materials shipped to your
country. But these things are so easily said.
Now your Murshid is going out on a peace mission. He has no assurance of its
results. Neither inner nor outer knowledge are of much avail today when
politicians and schemers wish to dominate the world. As soon as man uses arms
he is not using wisdom. There is such a thing as peace and there is such a
thing as understanding, these English words are not very suitable. But when
shanti salaam everyone drops his hypocrisy and grabs a gun. The law of
retribution then operates and today we see vast floods in the United States
such as have never occurred (we have had them in China too and even recently).
Man cannot control the universe excepting in harmony with the Divine will.
We have two complete cultures here and despite the fact that all our
Orientalists met in this city recently, (when your Murshid received for the
first time public attention and acceptance) neither the newspapers nor the
government paid much attention. Now his associates are beginning to dominate in
the universities and if Allah wills, this will continue and grow. But it will
take some time for this to operate in the political sphere. Today the students
are involved and they should be. They are learning that things are not as they
have been misled to believe. This is a good sign.
The scientists come together and discuss facts; the non-scientists, which
includes the politicians, discuss their opinions which often differ. So people
die.
Peace is the ability to get along with these whom one may not agree. But the
Great Peace is the result of the Great Jihad.
Love and blessing,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
May 6, 1965
Beloved One of Allah:
This is a letter which is to be read or shared as you feel. Your Murshid has
written to Mr. Dastur, freight forwarders of Karachi, who handled his personal
effects before asking if they have particular associates in San Francisco and
New York and he has to visit both the Indian and Pakistani Consulates to get
information about sending things through customs.
Now here is a matter for Mr. Engineer. Your Murshid was asked by Pir Dewwal
Shereef to get help for his Islamabad University. Your Murshid has spent time
and money and has sometimes been successful both for the Islamabad University
and for Major Sadiq coming here and nothing has come of it, unless Allah has
something in view. These outlays of energy and funds and time may be useless
and at the same time, very useful.
But because equipment and materials may be collected and in order to save
face, must be collected and shipped, the question is to whom? For the immediate
alternate would be to Prof. Durrani at Peshawar. But both Prof. Durrani and
A.A. Borhi of Karachi, who is an important trustee of the University of
Islamabad and are also on the Board of Directors of the forthcoming World
University and if no correspondence is received from Pir Dewwal Shereef of his
associations, the consignment of heavy material would be largely as Prof.
Durrani directs, either to Peshawar or New Delhi. And if Prof. Durrani does
wish material at either place, this does not mean necessary displacement of
materials but duplications and even triplications.
Therefore it is necessary to carry on much correspondence before moving from
here. The Conference on Faiths takes place in September but one does not know
when or how family legal matters will be settled here. Only it is also my
desire and seems to be the guidance to stay away until sometime in 1969 at
which time there would either be a return to the States for awhile or a
prolonged visit to India over the Gandhi Centennial. One is not sure of
this.
But even if offers had not come from Major Sadiq and yourself by Kashf, it
is definite that there is to be a three year sojourn. The first stage will be
across the United States, then to England to Kew Gardens and some friends, on
both personal and scientific matters. But if you are not entirely well, a visit
would be made to a Sufi Brother who is a healer and the Kashf now is in hope I
may be with him at Christmas time, inshallah. This, of course is conjecture.
Then to go to the Near East for many reasons plus some complications that may
arise when meeting Prof. Nasr; a possible short visit to Sudan and then to
Karachi.
There will be a trip to Davis, California for information in regard to
olives and alliums; Project Garden of Allah to Shafter, California, in case
Major Sadiq or you wish to grow cotton; to Riverside, California for
information in regard to dates, figs and avocadoes. Riverside is not far from
Claremont where the religious conference referred to will be held. And there
should be at least two such trips during the year before finally leaving San
Francisco.
It will also be necessary to see farm adviser Cornelius here on a number of
matters. During the summer, great attention will be paid to soil and crop
problems and procedures. But soon a letter will be sent to the Assistant
Secretary of Agriculture with stress on the solution of food problems rather
than politics. Pakistan’s independent course in Southeast Asia meets with
full approval.
Your Murshid wishes to exchange both information and materials between
avocadoes and mangos, which may take some time. Then there are also the
possibilities in the whole palm family to be considered later.
Neither the body nor soul are to be bartered. The explanations of Islam from
my Sudanese friends are so different from those in Pakistan or even from the
cities of the near east. These people have not been contaminated by city or
worldly life, or by the materialism, Eastern or Western, or by pride of any
sort. They have seen life and death as one and not added so many customs which
are given the name of religion and have no seeds in Qur’an or Hadith.
The quotation from Holy Qur’an is triply confirmed. First your Murshid
confirms the method. Second, this is his idea, but one’s idea is still within
the bounds of nufsaniat. Finally Allah, the Rahman er-Rahim confirms it and it
is therefore in the prayers henceforth with as much Murakkabah one can give.
One can give to more for reasons expressed later in the communiqué.
Then, as to your aunt, the idea of blessing is not just some gift one gives
to somebody, not something personal. The Shifayat is in and around us
and we draw from it with every breath, with beating of heart, with glance all
the time. That is why some Sufis have said that there is no gain in life save
the breath taken with the name of Allah and no loss save the breath taken
without the name. Only here it is not devotion or sanctity that is desired, but
the basic metaphysics; that this is so, that we are actually dependent on Allah
always, with or without any religion.
When you do go to the Dargah Mian Mir, keep in mind his teaching of Allaho
Akbar, Peace is Power. The more peaceful you can be, the more [?] and
the more successful.
Do not think you have done anything wrong by word, thought or deed. Repeat
the Bismillah with your parents and the Kalama without your family or anybody.
Ask your relatives if they think that Allah alone is great and if there is any
other power. If they say there is no other power then ask why they should
pressure you i.e. exert power because if there is no Power or Might save in
Allah we should be surrendering to Him and not to each other. If they hold to
power without Bismillah, they are automatically guilty of shirk and it becomes
a [?] pressured advice.
[?] when the pressure is the same on all sides so we [?] but it is a very
great pressure, which we should recognize if we [?] open to make a vacuum where
there is no pressure. The same in [?] of Allah. We’re surrounded by it on all
sides and we do not feel that [?] than the pressure of the atmosphere. Yet it
is there, and it is [?] but we do not feel if because it is on all sides.
One hopes you will get some wisdom and comfort from this as well as Love and
Blessings, from
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
772 Clementina St.,
San Francisco 3, Calif.
5th April, 1965
Beloved One of Allah:
It is your Murshid’s interpretation, that whatsoever else be true of each
Sura of Holy Qur’an they also represent aspects of mystical stages and states
in the life of the Prophet. For some time it seems as if he has been in “The
Cave,” because of the opposition or lack of consideration by society. But he
has also seen this society rent into factions, and as these divisions became
keener he found himself being accepted more and more. At first this was chiefly
from a distance.
But there is a sort of battle going on between the press and writers, the
politicians and the universities. Within the universities there was a division
between the scientists and non-scientists, and the former have been your
Murshid’s friends allies and daily this is becoming more so. But the
non-scientists are tending more and more to the position that every man’s
experiences must be taken into account. Heresy in religion is one thing; heresy
with regard to the events of the day is something else.
In the last communication mention was made of Julie Medlock, formerly on the
staff of “Pakistan Times” and still in a sense connected with it and also
working with A. A. Brohi. She asked if your Murshid had a copy of “Project:
The Sahara Desert.” Nobody here knew anything about it but some powerful
industrialists were interested. On a private errand during the week, on
entirely different business, the host, a Mr. Daniel Hoffman, asked your Murshid
if he knew about it and then placed it in his hands.
He returned to show it to his Sudanese friend, Hassan Hashim, who was
delighted and then arranged to show it to his engineer friend, Prof. Paul Keim.
Keim sahib is member of the American Friends of the Middle East and Saturday
was the annual Arab intellectual gathering and dinner. It enabled one to
introduce Hassan both to Prof. Keim and many other people. It was a wonderful
day, all through.
One of the speakers was Shaky Sukkary from Cairo University, now serving at
a college about a hundred miles away. From Sukkary he learned that his friend,
Dr. Mohammed Hussain, died suddenly of a heart-stroke in 1962. Dr. Hussain
specialized in Moineddin Ibnu-I Arabi, the Ismailis and “radical” Shias. He
was very broad minded and tolerant. We had been friends many years on very
close terms. But it seems that Allah, the Merciful and Kind, wishes the same
relations to go on with Dr. Sukkary.
He wishes me to go to Sacramento some time with copy of “Saladin.” But
this will necessitate going over notes. For example the whole story of meeting
the men who started television in UAR, and other matters.
Everything went so well during the day your Murshid said, “Well it has
been a wonderful day with friends, but tonight I go to meet the enemy.” For
there was a grand gathering of many professors of Asian subjects. Your Murshid
decided to attend the conference on South Asian Studies. It was a miracle.
When the chairman entered it was Dr. Richard Park, a friend of many years
standing. Our lives have cross-trailed as we call it, meeting always mentally,
sometimes spiritually but not physically. Also the Chief Speaker was Dr. Norman
Brown, the dean of South Asian language studies in the United States who was
host to your Murshid in 1947 in the city of Philadelphia. Then the head of a
committee came in and he was the chief disciple of a very close spiritual
friend of your Murshid. Instead of enemies, very close friends and allies.
There is no question about the Daroods and other spiritual practices being
effective. They are effective. Ryazat is the compendiums of the inner sciences.
One must write Shamsuddin on Amaliat a little. This cannot be done off hand.
The encouragement one has received recently, the arrival here of spiritual
social companions and the cordiality from the people in the scientific and
industrial worlds presents a totally different social picture today.
The problems of the Nile are now being given consideration, and the earlier
theme, that the solution of the Indus might depend on the solution of the Nile,
with its new phase, the solution of the Colorado River problems is before not
only the writer but the American people and the American government. The great
sin, as this person sees it, is the unwillingness to keep the ear open. Despite
Bismillah, we do not hear. All religions demand hearing, it is very important,
it is most important. If people could hear they could learn. One finds that we
live, move, and have our being in Allah, that He is closer than the jugular
vein.
This person tried a physiological posture which he thought would make him
more aware of the superconscious. The first thing he became aware of was his
neck vein. The next thing was the heart. But this practice cannot be done much
because of time. That is why this person wished to renovate Zikr using the Neck
Vein and the Heart.
In writing to the conference on the world faiths this person has been able
to explain a little about Zikr, Fikr and Akhlak Allah. These can become very
important. Even now after years, not only the dreams of a life time seem to
becoming true, but even the persons one would want to meet are coming to San
Francisco.
By June, inshallah, when the United Nations gathering is here, one hopes to
have several things ready. It is not trust in the UN which is necessary, but
trust in the Almighty who is Creator of All, the Sustainer of All and the Lover
of All which is necessary.
My Love and Blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
772 Clementina St.,
San Francisco 3, Calif.
May 17, 1965
Beloved One of Allah:
One answers your letters of 10th May as quickly as possible. Now in
presenting a certain problem to me also you answer my problem. There has just
been a catastrophe in East Pakistan. Please give what you can in our joint
names.
Before answering your letter especially with regard to movements. This
Friday there will be a first reading of my Mother’s will and testament. If it
is satisfactory, we shall see it is probated early. If not, and this depends on
a number of things, there may be a court battle. I feel that Allah is with me
(and some explanation below) and that ultimately everything will turn out
right. But this does involve the question of passage. It has been assumed that
you would pay passage via Pakistan Air Lines. If Allah makes it possible and
over a minimum amount is received then I should be able to pay my passage to
Beirut.
Preliminary discussions have been held on the campus of the University of
California at Berkeley. But this is a great institution and its facilities,
particularly its agricultural facilities, are scattered. I should leave here at
the end of next week, inshallah, to call on my aged but beloved uncle and aunt.
Then I would go to Riverside, California, to get information on Dates, Figs,
salinity problems and plant protection. At a later date I should go to Davis to
find out about Olives. But I wish to be accompanied by my new friend Syed Share
and at least one other Pakistan student in this second journey. But also in
Berkeley there is promise from the United States Department of Agriculture.
Also I have written to Washington already and will follow this so that as much
information will be in my hands before leaving here.
I shall also, when possible, now write to Ghulam Mohammed Khan, the
Brigadier who was once Major Sadiq’s superior. Twice I wrote to him and three
times to Islamabad. There is no question that there are political aspects to
the University of Islamabad, but there are also super-political aspects in
which A.A. Brohi of Karachi and Prof. Durrani are concerned. Brohi is both
Khalif of Pir Dewwal and treasurer of Islamabad University.
Sometimes it is necessary to play a game of humility or modesty before those
who wish to appear in public. The question is not so much as to what is going
on in public but how far Allah is concerned and in between Khwaja Khizr. There
are some things I should like to write but they may take too long. Only when I
return please arrange some time for a very private meeting with Major Sadiq and
perhaps Md. Hakim and one or two others the Major might like to have present.
The Major should act as Imam on this occasion, the details of which would
become clear then.
Your long detailed reports on Hazrat Inayat Khan are most welcome. There is
also a connection between the above statement and this and all are bound in the
missions of Khwaja Khizr.
Now the next part of the letter is to be shared with Pir Sahib Salarwala.
Then the subject matter was concerning linguistic studies as means of
promoting international friends, and there were a lot of details. Your Murshid
offered to help for Pakistan for we can easily cover Punjabi, Karachi and
Peshawar as well as some colleges. So I shall write for details and thus get
you in touch with Dr. Park and others, with whom you might be cooperating to
mutual benefit. This is one fulfillment of some aspects of your dreams and
visions.
In the meanwhile there has been much Sudanese activity. Hashim cooked the
most wonderful dinner for a number of us, in preparation for going into the
catering business (this is a possibility but not necessarily absolute). And
tonight we met the Chargé d‘Affair for the education of Sudanese students in
this country. He made a very rapid visit and must return to Washington because
a new Ambassador is coming. It is probable that one or both of these men will
be here in June when the UN meeting takes place. Thus the answer to a prayer to
be host to the Sudanese, all of whom are disciples in tarikat.
But the big thing happened this afternoon. There is mix-up in the program
and your Murshid was sent to the group discussing poetry. The meeting took a
climax when Prof. Naim of Chicago University spoke on Urdu ghazals. When the
discussion period began someone asked what was the relation of the mystical
states which provoked somewhat different love poetry from the Sufis and
Vaishnavis. The subject was not answered clearly due to the lack of knowledge
of tasawwuf (there were several Indians present). Your Murshid took the floor
and it is the first time in his life that an assembly of notables not only
listened to him but asked him to answer further questions when the panel
experts could not. No doubt this is a pre-reading of what we hope will take
place in September when Prof. Nasr arrives. It has taken a long time, because
of the hostility of powerful persons. These persons have nullified each other
and did not appear at either the Asian or Arab gathering, so it is with both
relief and praise that this report is being sent.
Saturday also your Murshid met one Prof. Hormoz Farhat who knows Dr. Nasr.
And Sunday your Murshid ran into a publisher’s representative who said he
would be glad to receive the manuscripts, somewhat autobiographical, when
ready. All these events crowded within less than a week no doubt overshadow
other events. But the whole seems to exemplify your dreams and visions of our
cooperating on a large scale. Both Prof. Sukkary and Dr. Naim showed intense
interest in, if not knowledge of, spiritual philosophy. It has been a most
wonderful week and I wish you to share the blessings, and this can be read to
anybody. Copy goes to Sufi Sahib at Salarwala.
Love and blessing,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
5th June, 1965
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco 94103
Beloved One of Allah:
I have just returned from a trip to southern California on two distinct
missions. The first concerned family affairs and my beloved Uncle is giving me
all the help. However, inwardly there is a feeling of assurance. This came out
in that Mohamed Ali, Sonny Liston fight which resembles psychically my own
battle with my brother. Keeping calm one knew the results beforehand and Allah
is both a secret and open weapon. This matter will be taken up shortly and if
the Guidance is correct, it will relieve one not only of financial
uncertainties but of obtaining help.
This trip was a spiritual success. Visiting the University of California at
Riverside, this person met two disciples of Sufism within a few moments. The
one was encountering an Arab Khalifa. His father is a spiritual teacher of the
Shadhili Order at Tanta, UAR, which is the great spiritual center. I have not
only written his name down but will follow this by explaining tasawwuf in
scientific terms and sciences in terms of Tarikat.
A few moments later, while conferring on a technical subject, a man came in
from Khartoum, Sudan. He has been to same in San Francisco and missed me. There
the Grace of Allah manifested and shortly, I shall also visit the Sudanese
here. These are excellent signs.
Much of time was spent either on the agricultural future of Pakistan or on
the conflict in Southeast Asia, and at every stop, one found either direct
assistance or people who have had the same quandary, being rejected when they
had knowledge or information.
A letter has been written to Brigadier Ghulam Muhammad at Islamabad but no
answer yet. A copy of this will be sent to Major Sadiq, for while one cannot
help directly, one must give expressions of love and feeling. Only he
suppressed me in some forms of Ruhaniyat and I need mostly prayers and insight,
not physical help at the moment, inshallah.
The man who has been selected to head the Mekong River survey is a Prof.
Orr, who has been sent on such missions before. He knows Prof. Durrani at
Peshawar a little. But he spent more time with another Prof. Durrani in
Agriculture and stayed until the Colorado State University supplanted him. He
is a universal man and one met several universal men on the trip. It is they
who have established the World University at New Delhi.
Yet in every direction this one has been assured assistance for Islamabad,
if only they will write. The main criticism is their failure to contact Ford
Foundation properly.
The delegates of the United Nations will be meeting shortly and their
convocations will end in the prayers of all Nations. Programmed is the new
Sheikh-ul-Islam from El-Azhar, but the local Imam now is the one Pakistani
friend I had here who also previously was rejected by the so called Islamic
community. He has succeeded a little, getting them to study their own religion.
One finds all religionists very proud of their faiths and also not studying
it.
I am going to write Naeem under separate heading. One has to be most careful
when one has had experiences in tasawwuri not to let the ego (nufs) take
control. The ultimate mission of this person, known only to Major Sadiq, will
be to have Pir Dewwal Shereef face himself and we are confident that this will
be done. When your ego benefits more by facing Allah than by facing world, then
one faces Allah. It seems funny.
On the technical side, this same Prof. Orr and others discussed the
possibilities for Indus Valley Development. He believes you must start at the
top but has no knowledge of salinity. I have been to the United States Salinity
Station at Riverside California. They tell me that there have been men from
Pakistan. So far as I know, they have been WAPDA appointees and so far, no
agriculturalist has come to study these problems from other points of view.
I have obtained some new material for totally different approaches to the
salinity problem. My attorney, whom I must consult on family matters, has his
office not far from those of Dr. Schoonover, who I regarded as the greatest
authority on salinity (San Rafael, California). I have also a letter from the
Department of Agriculture at Washington and have written in some detail to Dr.
Farooq in Agriculture at Washington and Embassy USA in Karachi. As he is
Pakistani, he has access on both sides. The news one hears is not good. However
it is because the press and the engineers only see one part of the picture.
Allah is both blessed and bountiful. The question is how to interest the
Ism-i Azam in practical terms. When one’s life is dedicated to that, some
results follow. No doubt each series of researches may have to be broken down
for the Nawab, Prof. Durrani, this Ministry of Agriculture, etc. but the [?]
goes and with the ideal of “Project Garden of Allah,” as if it were an easy
accomplishment.
As I have just returned and have mail and errands, it is impossible to give
further details here but the feelings are good, Alhamdulillah.
Love and blessing,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Beloved Ones:
This is a copy of letter to Shamsuddin Ahmed. He has written about Khawar
but please note nothing has been said on this subject. The heart must keep in
attunement with man and in Remembrance of Allah. One has to be humble lest even
in seeming coming triumphs there be disasters and fall. Hazrat Inayat Khan said
that the spiritual man must complete his work by actions and his actions having
fruits. One may falter or fail, one has short-comings but work and devotion are
in the service of Allah. “Call me Servant and Messenger of Allah.”
June 8, 1965
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco, Calif.
Beloved One of Allah:
Your letter of the 2nd has just been received. The great immediate pressure
of the moment has been the suit over the family estate. This involves
considerable money; in the past this person has both been cheated and defrauded
and now, although the battle will presumably be against my brother alone; both
my counselor at law and uncle are putting pressure on me because I have easily
been diverted. And also they are certainly right for those whom one must fear
are not the enemies but friends and acquaintances who keep on putting
pressures. The same was also true of my parents when there were problems. I was
one of the family and when there were blessings and riches, I was not.
The trip to southern California was very rewarding but first one must
consider the point of view of my last living uncle. He has gone out of the way
to help me in everything and he will be more than disappointed and shocked.
Furthermore, there is some danger that my aunt may die if I do not stand up for
my own honor and integrity and also try to get as much money as possible. If
anything interferes with it he will be chagrined and die of shock. For these
old people who sit on the sidelines before have observed during a long time
what is right and what is wrong. My uncle did not spend so much time scolding
although he did scold as in advising and notes have been taken. Besides, I have
been warned through Kashf that if I do not stand up and battle, more than one
thing will go wrong. It is one thing to say: “Allah helps those who help
themselves” and another thing to follow the injunction. “Trust in Allah and
keep your camel tied” may be a Hadith but what use the Hadith if one does not
accept the injunction?
Inwardly there has been calm and assurance. At the time of the Mohammad Ali
Liston fight already the heart knew the oneself and watched Clay repeat Kalama
and Takbir and throw fear into his opponent just as if it were a rehearsal for
oneself. And now there is more than money and honor involved. For years one has
kept his problems and burdens hidden, hidden even from [?] for the burden of
some of these problems is great indeed. And now Allah sends down potential
blessing and the fear is not from Allah nor from one’s enemies but from the
pressure and insistences of friends.
This is true in both parts of the world. One accepted some commissions from
Pir Dewwal Shereef. They were on good faith, apparently from both sides. But
there have not only been not suitable replies from Pakistan but those whom I
have approached to intercede always throw some alternative in the way so that a
totally burdened person can neither function for the Pir nor function for
Pakistan. The heart may have infinite values, the mind is tremendous but there
are only twenty-four hours in the day, and constant diversions from one’s
path make the ways of the path hard nor accomplish alternatives, which in no
case have been accompanied by, inshallah.
The only help asked from a few here have been prayers. But prayers become
inactive if the devotee (other people) and some private wishes for other
accomplishment and these prayers are merely noises. So other than Major Sadiq,
I seek no prayer nor Kashf until certain requests are fulfilled, simple or
otherwise. So Thursday I go to a nearby town for the first study of the
documents involved and although feeling calm and clear within, outside there
are still too many pressures. And one can help Pakistan, or the world, only if
his path is not encumbered with too many things.
Alliums: This species of bulbs includes both onions and garlic and
may I request you read this or tell the Major Sadiq. During the long and often
useless debates arising from a book called “Silent Spring,” this person was
directed to do some research on garlic, which is called Allium sativa and prior
to the receipt of your letter to do research on all alliums. This will be a
project this summer.
Garlic was a most important folk medicine for centuries. Both garlic and
onions have organic sulphur in them and organic sulphur is needed for
protection of plants and also cures of plant diseases, many in fact. Sulphur
compounds are also needed for the purification of bodies of animals and human
beings. This is also true of skin diseases. Your Murshid does not know the
details and has found it difficult to trace principles because of lack of spare
time, there is none at all. But he is sure there is merit in Major Sadiq’s
suggestion. Indeed, he requests you try it and any success will lead to some
valuable letters which can be written here to people in various occupations. So
instead of checking within, it is my hope and prayer that the use of the onion
be tried with full blessing.
As the request to do this research has already come from Allah on many
occasions, the truth or untruth of Brother Sadiq contacting Saint Mian Mir is
not involved. It would only be a channel open to him.
Fikr: Think La Illaha with the exhalation, El Il Allah
with inhalation.
The breath should be purified and in rhythm either with Wazifa or short
meditation and with the Invocation either Bismillah or Hazrat Inayat
Khan’s “Toward the One, The Perfection of Love, Harmony and Beauty, the
Only Being United with All the Illuminated Souls, Who form the Embodiment of
the Master, the Spirit of Guidance” (or translated into Urdu language,
unimportant).
Fikr may be done first after prayer or almost in place of prayer (prayers
five times a day do not mean rituals five times a day, but Remembrance). But
Fikr can also be done walking, especially if you do not exercise much and your
courtyard would be excellent for this. The norm might be 301 times but if you
cannot do that, then 101 (one hundred and one) times; or if more, 701. But if
you do not do all the 701 at one time and split it up during the day, there may
be a total of 301, 501 or 701 for each day.
Pay attention to the count and do not worry about impeding thoughts. The
swing may take some time; that does not matter. This also should be done in
Khilvat and for the time being, in place of Khilvat.
This answers for the time all your questions about the word “Allah” and
Ism-i Azam. But the word “Allah” may be repeated at any time with or
without counting. The difference is that here one does not use the inhalation
and exhalation as above. One repeats constantly without regard to the breath.
This is a separate exercise and can be done quite independent of prayers and
rituals and is definitely not a substitute for prayers (Nimaz) as Fikr
above.
Irfan: Your Murshid will be very much interested if and when you get
the other volume. And most important among the materials here are the complete
Ryazat of Hazrat Inayat Khan, which nobody else has but which it has been
impossible to copy; too many duties and problems.
This person has occasionally consciously felt his presence in and at the
Masjid but sometimes in your compound outside (as above). He has both performed
a [?] on any spot in Lahore. The Kashf and Shahud show his coming unimpeded but
by slow stages. The time is uncertain, the trip most certain.
20th June 1965
772 Clementina St.
Beloved One of Allah:
This is a newsletter and while it may not seem to have anything of the
spiritual value, it does contain items of interest.
Yesterday evening, there when all kinds of conferences are going on,
presumably on something called “peace,” though what it has to do with Peace
your Murshid does not know. It is only that these conferences do bring people
here and some of them are important.
The affair was not well managed. So long a Pakistani’s dream of a world in
which Muslims are united against non-Muslims, they can hardly expect support
from non-Muslims when there are in difficulties. There are a great many
organizations here who would like to help your country and your people but they
are overlooked or offended when this Muslims versus Non-Muslims is stressed.
Strange to say, despite the reported fighting between India and Pakistan,
quite a few Sikhs showed up and quite a lot of Muslims from other lands did not
show up. I do not recall seeing a single Arab or Turk or even American Muslim
but myself. The entertainment was quite satisfactory and was in charge of the
University students but gain not even wealthy people here of presumably
Pakistan loyalty around. The same thing happened once in India when the wealthy
American of Indian ancestry and presumably faith did not show up. There is
something wrong here.
I did meet the new Consul General and I think a happy relation has been
established. The former Consul General would never see me. The real reason was
that I had met him while traveling and present when he was positively rude to
dignitaries. Naturally he did not wish this known. But he was also rude to
important as has to unimportant persons here and has done absolutely nothing on
any project, not even showing interest.
I met two boys form Lahore. One is at the University of [?]; the material
from Major Sadiq in this office but nothing ever came out of it. And I have
failed to convince people that I am overwhelmed with projects and efforts and
have no rest. Really, people in difficulties do not see anything else. Then it
also occurred here when the fact that time and money were for and with
Pakistani relief seems to have no effect even on local Muslims. They only see
their own troubles.
My friends, Mohammed Shere was present and it would appear that there are
good relations now established with the students around here. But there is
still the complex of the World Faith Peace [?] anything next week, and one is
compelled to telephone endlessly; for you small favors. None of these people
showed up, even for their country.
Tuesday night another meeting will be held for “Peace.” I expect nothing
from “Peace;” but the chief speaker is Hon. Zafrullah Khan and one of the
other three speakers is the head of the Dept. of Agriculture, Teheran
University.
On top of all this, there is a very special seminar on Pakistan to be held
from the 21st to 25th; all day sessions, beginning early tomorrow morning. Your
Murshid does not know how he will attend and also how he will not attend so he
will try to cover as many of these meetings as possible.
Also he has no [?] his hands as possible of his closest spiritual brother.
But this man has promised financial assistance so there can be no refusal. The
date of his arrival here is uncertain. This man is a great person who has not
been recognized. He has been all over the world. His last research was in salt
water conversion but your political people are not practical; if they see Allah
only in Muslims and not in non-Muslims, they cannot get the wisdom-help from
those to whom Allah has given it diplomat, intelligence agent, traveler and
above, below and beyond all, a seeker of Divine Wisdom.
Your Murshid had to write a letter that he now seems to have the keys to
many problems of Asian lands. His job is to work, research and write. His next
project is to learn more about drainage, for without drainage the salinity
problems may never be solved. One hopes you will not burdened by these reports.
We must accept the things of the social, intellectual and other worlds just as
we do the weather, adopt ourselves and not react emotionally.
Love and blessing,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
27th June, 1965
Beloved One of Allah
This is a sort of confession, in which the writer has to play several roles
and while they are not entirely consistent with each other than they indicate
or even demonstrate a divine wisdom behind, in and with all acts.
Islam in San Francisco. Pakistanis and other Muslims simply do not
understand the difficulties and frustrations here but as the light is clearing
there is no use going into history. Your Murshid had but one friend among the
Muslims (so called) here but now this one friend, Sheikh M. Abdullah, is both
Imam, teacher and leader. He was sincere, honest noble and informed. He keeps
up with the culture of the day without losing any sense of religion.
The opposition to him would come from Jamiat Islam which has two tremendous
faults:
It does not realize that woman can, must and are playing a greater part in
the life of the day.
Allah talk does not bring harmony with the Arab and other parts of the
Islamic world. Your conservative will not harmonize with anybody and in the
name of self-power talk about “surrender to Allah” of which they are
totally incapable.
Sir Zafrullah Khan is a man of the day, a man of world in all
senses, a keen, clever, capable and on the whole successful man. Americans can,
do, have, will listen to him and his influence is ever growing. As we have had
two short but most important sessions, he wants to meet me in Islamabad when
this can be arranged.
[?] Mohammed was secretary of class and very successful in putting over his
social and political ideas and ideals. He is exceedingly informed. Our
difference came in that he wanted me to accept his economics and he would not
listen at all to my scientific research.
Islam Shah is also in social sciences. He, with others of the panel
which took over the final hours, has been a teacher and is working for higher
degrees here. But his use of the term “Islam” was to me totally
metaphorical and could mean anything at all. He and Tarkia Mohammed pray
together and that is all, they are totally opposed to each other, and get into
an indeterminate debate. One of the teachers said as there was no expert on
Islam this could not be terminated.
Then your Murshid arose, declared himself an Alim and told Islam Shah that
he thought the only Islamic state in the true sense was under the
Khalifal-Rashideen, that the words “Islam” and Islamic State” were and
are being used often in direct opposition to the real and historic sense; that
he (your Murshid) intended to return to Pakistan and work with his hands and
demonstrate that the state of Islam was not the Islam prevailing in press,
pulpit and government, that the true Islam was practical, demonstrable and
applied to the hand equally or even more than to the mind and
“respectability.”
This ended the discussion for while Tarkia gleamed at my interpretation, the
other Pakistanis accepted the view of the Alim and it was found that Islam Shan
is a disciple in the Chisti school and everything ended in joy, and
satisfaction. Besides they have all now accepted the leadership of my friend,
Imam Sheikh Abdallah.
Today there will be the prayer of all religions. Last time my friends and I
sat apart because of our universality but this time I shall sit with the
Muslims because of the above, bringing into harmony and pious, a lot of things
which have not been understood. The Allah of reality is not the Allah of
conception. The Allah of reality appears in and with Kashf, Shahud,
Sifat-i-Allah and human awakening and understanding.
Please share this letter with everybody you can, wherever you can. As your
Murshid may be very, very busy again after he [?]. There is now standing only
the family lawsuit and your Murshid hopes that our friends who have the keen
sight will now support him, not only with their prayers but with their
faculties. There have been some paper disappointments which indicate only that
Allah wishes your Murshid to stick to his agricultural program, chief for the
Indus first and then for all the neighboring lands with Pakistan as the center,
and perhaps Lahore in Pakistan. Only you have to have forbearance for
quantitatively, this is a tremendous task.
Your Murshid goes to the prayers of all religious now, being able to pray
with all people but finding finality in Fateha. Problems are not solved
by self-assertions but by direct surrender to the Infathomable (Ya Latif). He
therefore leaves this house in love, humility and gratitude.
31st July, 1965
772 Clementina St.
Beloved One of Allah:
Your Murshid has been ill and it was a most peculiar form of illness. It was
not exactly physical or psychic or mental, but in the illness one knew a letter
would be received from you and the direction was to answer it at once. There
was neither sleep nor rest for yet waking. One was in Lahore, in many parts of
Lahore but mostly in parts not acquainted. One met many people but excepting
Major Ikram and his family, they were all strangers. Even when there were
breaks in sleeping or waking, one came back to the semi dream state and always
in Lahore, but never to holy places or spiritual brothers or Mosques or
American offices, always strange places and persons.
One doesn’t know whether there was any connection with feeling pressures
on you and there was some regret that one cannot always be sending letters of
love and confidence. For also when a problem comes from you, a problem comes
from people near and dear to one close to hand, and when there is no problem
from you, neither does one have these other problems. They seem to come
together as parts of a pattern.
Now as to Mr. Engineer. This is long, complicated and important. It is very
questionable to offer spiritual or psychological advice to one who has not had
the Bayat. According to the constitution of Hazrat Inayat Khan, all persons who
have the Bayat from any Murshid may be considered as a brother, but to those
who have not taken full Bayat, one cannot deal the same. Besides, there is
negative advice and positive advice. And besides that there is love, which has
so many facets they are indescribable.
In the course of time, there has been a change of reference with regard to
Major Sadiq. There is more love, but not of the same order. If one wished to be
specific and concrete, when Major Sadiq was in Kohat, he seems to have been
very exalted and on the high road. But he did not follow up the inspirations,
if they were inspirations. Several times the life was changed to help and
harmonize and now as one looks back, there has been little gain. Even in the
dream state above, although I did not see Major Sadiq, the feeling was that he
was back in the army. One can accept positive statements from him, but not the
negative ones. A Murshid does not have to make things clear to a mureed and
even less clear to the non-mureed. He does not have to be what we call
“honest and straight forward.” The purport and purpose of the Murshid is
the spiritual awakening of mureeds and generality. He does not have to use the
common sense. Not only classical masters and madzubs do not have to use the
classical common sense and logic, but mystics, whether they are mad, exalted or
deceptive do not have to use it.
At one time it seemed a duty to challenge Pir-o-Dewwal Shereef. He claimed
Bayat from Khwaja Khizr. Now your Murshid has the poetry and signs of longevity
as evidence. Suppose Khwaja Khizr does not appear to the Pir. Hazrat Inayat
Khan tells the story of a man who wanted to be known as a saint, and everybody
called him “Saint” chiefly in mockery. Yet after awhile, he became the
saint.
It is not enough to say “All-power and might are in Allah.” This becomes
shirk when we ascribe it otherwise. And there is another side we find in Hallaj
and Shabistari and Isa that sometimes claims are made which are exaggerated and
in one sense they are exaggerated. Yet when we see all the Power and Might in
Allah, we accept them from any and all sources.
Then there is the difference between the sayer and the doer. The sayers can
always find fault, they do not do much. Your Murshid has just two projects; one
that is for Indus Valley Development. This will require going to the
agricultural research station at Davis, California where there are some fine
irrigation engineers. Also the best olive experts, so the two missions will be
accomplished together. After that one can submit this project. And to whom will
it be submitted?
Until this month there was no cooperation from the Foreign Service of your
country. They want help and do not want help. The divine guidance is to get the
help. And who is concerned? Pir Dewwal Shereef. He is anxious for a prosperous
Pakistan so people can be fed and comfortable. He also wants to see them
develop aptitudes. Everybody knows answers in their minds in the field of
actions is different.
Or again the difference between the Wali and the angelic person. The angelic
person pleases everybody, and it is a question whether he pleases Allah or not;
the Wali pleases Allah and it is a question whether he pleases people or not.
Our duty is to the inner jihad and to cooperate. There has been enough inner
guidance in your Murshid to carry him through and if he is at fault, he does
not ask Allah for forgiveness, he asks Allah for the just punishment.
The other matter is the family law suit. A letter was received from an uncle
indicating that all the materials for testimony are now available and that we
shall make every effort for some sort of just settlement. My brother, who has
always been a wrong doer, is very much in a hurry. And this brings what is
almost a dilemma. The longer your Murshid holds out, the stronger his position
will be. And yet the longer he holds out, the longer before he can return to
Pakistan.
Outside the weather, your Murshid does not care about being here. He finds
himself in no sympathy with Americans in politics and he has found himself in
full sympathy with Zafrullah Khan.
There has been no rest, duty coming first. It was necessary to make a trip
to Berkeley to celebrate the Egyptian Independence Day, then to go again to
hear Dr. Bernard Lewis speak on Islamic justice. And a very strange thing
happened. There are all kinds of dramatic events going on at the Berkeley
campus of the University of California and some have been given much attention.
Yet on Thursday, the protest rallies were drawing few and Dr. Lewis and his
associates were surprised to find the small room filled. There was far more
interest in “Islamic Justice,” even among young people.
The address was excellent on all points and a letter has been written asking
for an appointment. Anyhow, now the relations between your Murshid and many
people at the University of California has improved considerably this last
year.
The next subject is peculiar. My spiritual brother, Saladin, for whom the
poem was written, became an avid believer in what is called the Oshawa Regime.
It is based on brown rice. Your Murshid has been eating brown rice (unpolished)
for a long time. He is very much in favor of it. But in the writings of Dr.
Oshawa, the same thing has been said as was told you about the rice and milk.
Besides this was like the Purdah (Khilvat) diet, excepting honey and fruit were
also used. Your Murshid likes this as a diet anyhow. The rice you enclosed is
of a very fine quality, fine for health. It takes somewhat longer to cook. But
it contains the bran; the bran may be removed but the coating eaten. Please get
the details and go ahead as the Hakim suggests.
Another strange night. This time I was also in Lahore but in the cantonment
section. Neither could I get to the mall or old city or anywhere else. But it
gave an inspiration.
Go to Mian Mir and try to practice tasawwuf. If you attune to the saint, do
it, but if you cannot attune to the saint, try to attune to Sufi Sahib of
Salarwala or Hazrat Inayat Khan or your Murshid, one only. Then after you get
into the rhythm, circumambulate the shrine three times to get the feeling and
rhythm. Then throw the thought of Pir-o-Dewwal Sherif on to your mind. If there
is no change in feeling or rhythm or step, then you can be sure of him. But if
there is a change, then regard it most carefully.
Your Murshid does not wish to write to Mr. Engineer; your Murshid is under
terrible strains. The poorest mureed may need attention but the most qualified
non-mureed does not qualify so in the esoteric knowledge.
“The Sufis,” by Idries Shah, has been reread along with a lot of things
coming from England especially. There is a sharp division between the Sufis by
Bayat and experience and the writers on Sufism. One hopes to clarify this with
Dr. Bernard Lewis. It is becoming very important in view of the present status
of the world’s affairs
By now your Murshid is recognized in every country of Asia. He is not
recognized in his homeland. His work is where Allah wills. Some think it is
proper to propagate Islam. There is too much psychic and spiritual confusion
here. Only by a sign from Allah or Sufi Sahib does one wish to remain here.
In both parts of the world it is time to resurrect the inner sciences. They
are too much neglected. The world is intellectually ready. Besides, religion
must be based on revelation and not on tradition. Everything in the heavens and
earth is from the light of Allah and every word, thought, feeling, is a shadow
over the Light. Sufism means purity and this means the removal of all obstacles
before the Light
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
9th September, 1965
772 Clementina
To my Daughter and Khalifa, Saadia Khawar Khan:
As-salaam aleikhum. This letter is written under both pressure and pain,
with the great assurance it will reach your hand; a copy is being sent to our
Beloved Pir-o-Murshid, Sufi Sahib. And besides the contents, there are some
very legendary or true factors and facts which the heart says you will
respect.
Know my Daughter that the Divine light has been given to all people; all
people have had their Prophets. At Karnack, your Murshid astonished his guide
by explaining the Egyptian religion in terms of the Sufi Sifat. He was a Muslim
and did not know it though he knows the hieroglyphics. But it is of the Greeks
one would speak.
There was an article recently that Pakistani husbands are poor lovers, and
in the western sense, which is largely non-sense, they no doubt make poor
lovers. Three times in life your Murshid went through the Majnun experience but
the other could not conceive the role Layla. Here in the West, the women who
are pampered and egocentric believe women can love men much more than men can
love women, but in the Divine Love, there is no such thing as man or woman,
there is no identity. And as for the Sufism, which is presented to the western
world by British scholars, who have no such capacity, the Sufi is not
understood at all.
In the Greek myths, when Zeus showed his love to Semele, that destroyed her
and after three such Majnun experiences, your Murshid has turned down, but also
when he turned down before, he did not help because it was like hiding a part
of her personality.
But there is another Greek myth and symbol which is Zeus carrying Pallas
Athena in the palm of his hand; or Jupiter carrying Minerva, which is the same
thing. And this is the Soul carrying the Mind, or the Heart carrying the
person. And sometimes your Murshid symbolizes himself as carrying the Daughter
Mureed as Jupiter carrying Minerva. This has not been so expressed but is now
in the time of turmoil and dismay.
Now the next points may be hard for you to understand but behind the scenes,
from the occult point of view, they are connected with the wars now going on.
Many months back, your Murshid was attacked in public in the “Name of the
Masters of the Far East” and as Allah would, a number of these Masters soon
came here and they all recognized your Murshid. And he sat with them and joined
them and finally they initiated and inaugurated him as one of them. So your
Murshid, in addition to being a Sufi is also now a Buddhist Master.
There was a great deal of resentment about this here because, even in India
and Pakistan, while they talk about non-dualism and monism, it is just talk, it
is not heart. Only one of these Masters had European blood and he also
recognized your Murshid as a Bodhisattva, which is the same as Abdal, which is
his real function. And the difference is that some can talk but some can
function inward, and this person in addition can function outwardly, which is
exactly what he is doing now all the time. So this letter is written in pain
and love, in joy and dismay, but is written from the standpoint of
accomplishment in Mushahida, which very few understand.
The Greeks also have a story of Damon and Pythias; of two friends who were
so close they lived and died as one. Your Murshid had such a friendship and the
man became a great leader in Buddhism and he died of a broken heart. For he
tried to preserve peace in Vietnam and nobody believed him, not even many close
to him. Now he is being called a “Saint” and will be written up in the
Buddhist encyclopedia. But he admitted the superiority of your Murshid, and now
this is also true in the Buddhist ranks. Your Murshid long has known that
Adept=Bodhisattva.
The Catholic Monk recently wrote a book on Zen and its Christian
counterparts and this person wrote that he has gone through both the death and
resurrection. But he also went through the “Great Betrayal” and it was
because of the Great Betrayal that he became, by Grace, deep in the Mushahida.
This took on a terrific form under fana-fi-Lillah during the war and a more
beautiful form under fana-fi-Rassoul in “Saladin” and may, inshallah, take
on a beautiful form under fana-fi-Lillah in “Rassoul Gita,” which is only
outlined.
The Zen Buddhists have written a book on their mystical attainments and no
doubt these are great in comparison to those of “ordinary” consciousness
but they are very elementary in the mystical life. Only the Grand Master gave
your Murshid what is known as Avatamsaka teachings. And these in the end
coincide exactly with the Sufi interpretation of Kalama; that only God exists,
although we can also say that everything is made of Light, only Light and in
the blessings. So there is the one Truth and it is no use repeating
Hikmat unless we can realize it.
The next step is very hard and your Murshid makes no apologies. This was at
the lowest phase, like one between Akbar and Sirhind. It is not that India
represents Akbar; it does not. In the later stages the Mahrattas found the
Moghuls and the Persians and Darranis, swallowed them both and then the
British.
The great lesson of Mian Mir was that Allaho Akbar means peace is
power. Some people know your Murshid went to the Dargah but now I must tell:
the great saint, Mian Mir, also came to me in most humble guise and wept and
blamed himself for the great destruction which took place first among the sons
of Shan Jehan and then in the fighting between the Muslims and non-Muslims and
he assigned this world task for working for Peace is Power. But it must
not be supposed that one works alone. There is now a string of people. You may
have heard of Julie Medlock and she wrote to me of St. Barbe Baker and three
days after she wrote, a man placed in my hands the work of St. Barbe Baker and
now your Murshid has a letter from him. And in the same cycle and circle is
another lady, Mrs. Dickerman Hollister and she has conceived “The Temple of
Understanding.” To me it is all Fatehpur Sikri restored, which can bring the
peace and understanding that Allah is Rab Alamin and not merely Rab Mussalmin;
the heart is all inclusive, the heart is all extending. The upper, upright line
of the cross is the depth of wisdom, and the horizontal line, the depth of
love.
The same truth, the same teaching is from all Masters of Wisdom, but the
Sufis understand all the lines of spiritual transmission and the non-Sufis do
not. Indian teachers, even if illumined, do not recognize each other and Sufi
teachers, even if not illumined, recognize each other. This is why the grand
Mufti brought the teaching of Universal Brotherhood when the UN met here. All
the others gave a lot of words and it follows as Jesus Christ said, “For
every idle word ye shall suffer in the Day of Judgment.”
Your Murshid has already written to the United States Congress offering to
serve on a reconciliatory commission. On the one hand, your Murshid is close to
Pir Dewwal Shereef, Ayub Khan’s teacher, and also to Dr. Radhakrishnan. He is
close still to Pir-o-Murshid Hasan Sani Nizami, who is a complete spiritual
brother and who has shared in experiences where the doors of the different
worlds were thrown open. We have still here in this city, Mrs. Lucretia Del
Valle Grady. Her husband was Ambassador in the British days and she was very
close to Pir-o-Murshid Hasan Nizam. The relation between Hasan Sani Nizami and
your Murshid resembles in part the relation between Pir-o-Murshid Hazrat
Inayat Khan and Hazrat Hasan Nizami.
This brings up the reference for Dargah Nizam-ud-din Auliya and Dargah Ajmir
Shereef. I am praying for some money to send to the Dargah at Ajmir because the
heart knows their suffering. But finally there is the dream of restoring
Fatehpur Sikri. Which brings up the delicate point of dispute between the lines
of Akbar and the lines of Sirhind. Only how there is fighting, and there is a
great deal of difference between Allaho Akbar, meaning “Allah is on my
side” and Allaho Akbar, peace is power.
There was an American lady named Edna St. Vincent Millay who wrote a poem
called “Renascence” to express her experience that all love and all
suffering were hers, by which she meant all love and all suffering and not some
symbol. But it was not understood. This is the Christ experience, which has
almost nothing to do so with Christianity.
In the higher reaches of the soul’s deep expression, the I-ness and
thouness disappear. We may have to choose between the “truths” of the deep
Sufi poets and the “truths” which each accept as true. Today I rush to see
Dr. Bernard Lewis of London University and shall bring up the subject of Rumi.
He is a friend of Dr. Arberry, who is a Rumi scholar. We have the Truth
(Hikmat) in Rumi. We do not have it in the editors, the politicians, ordinary
people. And there is a great line between those who see poetry as poetry and
poetry as the outpouring of the soul.
In this life your Murshid has had to function as a Shams-i-Tabriz, not as a
Rumi. It does not bring friends, it brings insight and power and a form of love
and tenderness which it is hoped is conveyed here. Your Murshid is this inner
being and carries you like a Jupiter carries a Minerva, which is the
correspondence on the masculine side, to mother and child.
My first Zen teacher, who also became a disciple in tasawwuf, used to repeat
often, “I Never Think of You Because I Always Think of You.”
This body is safe here; the heart has no time or place. The material things
will be omitted. Tomorrow I visit two more universities. Yesterday for the very
first time, two important people listened to my version of the situation. Mrs.
Grady is to be given a public reception on the 30th, and then for the first
time your Murshid will appear in public as a Sufi.
With all love and blessing,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
23rd September, 1965
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. It was with great relief that a letter reached here
yesterday from Lahore. Since the beginning of hostilities, one has been
practicing Mushahida and looking for some peaceful settlement. One has already
gone so far as to prepare oneself for the lectures, and writes, and this coming
week there will be a public reception to Mrs. Grady, widow of a former
Ambassador and close friend to the late Hasan Nizami of Nizam-ud-Din Auliya.
A few months ago, this person established a warm friendship with a young
girl’s dancing teacher. He found she was the fiancée of Abdul Latif, the
young Assistant Vice-Consul here who has been a very good friend. It has been a
duty to pray for Abdul Latif more than for any one else but you. Last night a
friend said that somebody must have been responsible for the armistice. But
what can one say to people who know nothing of the Sufis or the Hierarchy, or
the Auliya or the great spiritual practices.
A number of months ago, this person sent a peace proposal for S.E. Asia. It
was accepted at once by her serene highness, Princess Poon Diskul Pismai of
Thailand, now President of the World Buddhist Federation. She came to this city
and there were lines of dignitaries to greet her. Perceiving this person in the
background, she gave a cry of joy, rushed forward with two hands extended and
did not look at anybody else. This is the sort of thing that brings one
jealousy, envy and [?].
The Princess herself is the most unprepossessing looking person, woman, I
have known, less than five feet high. She is also the most powerful woman I
have ever met and the most spiritual lay disciple of all the Buddhist world,
which has been recognized.
Now the Peace plan which she accepted depends on the practice which Sufis
call Mushahida and this has been performed. It was also performed during the
war under grace; one had the
tutelage of Ghaus-i-Azam and if you wish the mythical life of your Murshid,
perhaps this should be done. Only it is most honorable and most revealed that
whatever anybody says, be assured that Allah is Er-Rahman, Er-Rahhim,
and this is most certainly not piety, it is direct experience revealed in a
soft way in “Salah-ud-Din” but in a hard way in one’s own life.
In being given choice, this person asked for increased capacity for pain
rather than for what we call “love.” And when the fighting took place, he
was willing to dispense with sleep again. But having once passed through the
trials of sleeplessness, Allah, The Gracious, the Merciful, has given the
Wisdom that this [?] was not necessary, that it is was important to keep calm,
benign and active. So one continues to concentrate and at present, it is on
problems of drainage for your country.
Even your wise do not see that the life here and the life hereafter are
equally important, or not important.
This morning for the first time, a lady who has known me for years, has been
willing to look at the spiritual side. It is only around the universities one
finds sympathy and understanding. It is not true with even educated people and
most certainly not true with the religious people (so called) in this land.
It has been necessary to write to a friend in Lahore on the differences
between Islam, so called, and the way of life of our historical Rassoul-Allah.
We praise him, which is forbidden and we do not imitate him, which is the
purpose of life. And as long as we praise Mohammed (we say we don’t, we do),
and as long as we do not imitate him, which is the very purpose of revelation,
our prayers cannot be answered to our satisfaction. The heroine was a Moorish
girl but with the fighting and turmoil on, there is a limit to suffering, even
vicarious suffering. But you have my prayers and I trust [?] blessing.
One has taken these events as signs that Allah does not wish one to leave
here until legal matters are settled. At the same time, one has offered one’s
services on a meditation board. One finds one knows so much more and all
attempts of Americans have failed.
The only thing is that here one may oppose their lives, one may criticize
and be intolerant, one is in too many prisons for opposing governmental
policies. One is free in many respects not found elsewhere, only our freedom is
attached to [?] and even bigotry.
May Allah bless and preserve you and may conditions be restored so that your
purpose in life is properly and fully completed.
With all love, respect and blessing,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
2nd December, 1965
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
772 Clementina Street
San Francisco, California
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. One has been receiving a number of letters from the
person to whom the carbon enclosed was sent. He is a friend of friends of Bhai
Sadiq and in many respects this is for Mr. Engineer and our Brother.
The simple fact is that when one walks toward Allah, Allah walks toward one.
And the spiritual guidance given recently attests to it although in Asia they
expect others to conform to them and they will not budge for anything or
anybody.
Last week this person spoke at a local university on tasawwuf and on Mian
Mir as Guide. The study of all religions brings out some principles that most
religions since the beginning of the world have depended on ritual and vision
but today vision is low. Yet it is being restored in some quarters. And in
early America there was a strong belief either in spirit Guides or in Ritual,
often in both.
When attacked, and one does not see where your countrymen gain by
criticizing and attacking this person, Rassoul-Lillah himself appeared and gave
a blessing. This was followed by the appearance in this city of an old friend
who has not been seen for many years. She is an elderly lady and a clear adept
in vision. Not only that, while rejected by her colleagues, she has been
accepted by one of our leading universities here in California, one with whom
one has cordial religions. So it will be possible to go there and, inshallah,
make the alignment with the Khadri Ruhaniyat Islamiya Society, for which one
has had to wait in patience.
Then one has received a large number of books from the University of
Teheran. As they are in Persian, they will be given to the University of
California in Berkeley, the Department of Near East languages. One hopes to go
there tomorrow, inshallah.
This will also give one opportunity to visit a new research foundation there
which is studying the nature of religions. This is long, involved and filled
with hope and opportunity. Too many of your countrymen have attacked this
person for not accomplishing more and they are very impatient. There is no
missionary group in Pakistan that knows how to reach the Americans and none of
them accept the efforts of al-Azhar, which certainly are successful in this
country. And it is awkward to be attacked in the name of Rumi when one’s
closest political friend is a descendent of that great poet, and whose advice
has always been
[next page missing].
December 8, 1965
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco 94103 USA
Beloved One of Allah:
Your very wonderful letter of the 28th fills one with assurance. It would
seem that the warfare has simmered down. To see beyond the immediate is often a
cause of difficulty for when one sees that which Allah wishes, he immediately
antagonizes those who do not agree with what is seen. The eye of nufs is one
thing and that of wisdom is another. There are many Indian teachers which are
true and yet seem to be against Islamic teachings. Holy Qur’an may say that
every people have had their Messenger but beyond the saying, it is not always
accepted in history and in fact.
The moral laws which have been given to India have not been spread to all
the people and the methods of their teaching have caused antagonisms between
those who have similar beliefs but different teachers. This mutual antagonism
has resulted in disruption and this disruption has been such as to limit
curiosity and humility. In turn this break of the moral law does not come, the
food does not come and one has to be compassionate without being negative.
It is one thing to accept Gandhi and it is another thing to refuse to accept
what Gandhi has accepted. Lack of curiosity and humility even with all the
intellect in the world cannot control the spheres. Even in some of our classes
and it will be the subject next week, the problem of salinity is a terrible and
terrific one. How to solve salinity and yet at the same time observe Rahmat is
what few will undertake. And, alhamdulillah, today one finds oneself in the
minds to tender and sympathetic people; the best in one’s whole life here in
America.
Now there are some things which should be taken to heart and not to mind or
nufs. In the Christian Bible, Paul reports of being taken into heaven but he
was not sure whether it was in body or out of body and the same attitude and
respect should be to Holy Imam Hussain, that one can feel the divine spirit
through man, and it has been felt also through Khwaja Khizr at Salarwala. If
one goes too deeply into the philosophy, the spiritual reverence is limited.
These days, on occasions your Murshid has been practicing tasawwuri Mohammed,
but if one wished to keep in touch with the immediacy, one must be aware of
Allah, for otherwise the tendency may be toward ecstasy. And those who wish
phenomena and ecstasy tend toward the angelic state and not towards Waliyat.
One is overjoyed to hear the possibilities of Sufi Sahib’s book being
published. Also one would like to have copies of the Urdu book. In the last
letter it was reported many books have been received from the University of
Tehran and also with this book, it would help cement relationship. Prof. John
Gomperz is back and will speak when the scientists meet later in the month,
mostly on the Ethnography of South Asia.
One can only pray that you will be better. The difficulty with your Murshid
is that he is always busy and has failed to make others realize this. He would
like to perform Murakkabah and inner practices but Allah has given him plenty
to accomplish here and practically no help. With the disturbances in parts of
Asia and dangers of more of them, one not only has to keep in constant watch.
So many of your countrymen are not concerned enough regarding food problems and
this is your Murshid’s Ryazat, inshallah.
There still remains the problem of a family law suit and it both involves
funds and complications. Then, as Allah wills, whatever is gained must be to
definite purpose. A small bequest will go to a distant cousin and larger sums
must be set aside for Zakat whatever else happens and this is already arranged.
No financial aid may to be given by anybody, not a mureed, nor can there be
business arrangements.
It is equally difficult to communicate what is Pir Dewwal Shereef’s
vision. He has a tremendous vision and President Ayub accepts that you will see
a different Pakistan, and even a different earth. Between this “Vision” and
what Bhai Sadiq conveyed, there is at the moment no room left. Your Murshid has
to bring seeds, pamphlets, ideas and much more to Pakistan. This also is part
of his Ryazat. He has no assurance that this will be what your countrymen want,
but between Allah and the Saints on one side and Pir Dewwal Shereef on the
other, he is entirely satisfied.
One hopes to introduce the avocado, which will take a long time to come to
fruit. The olive which takes a longer time but which bears for ages. As to the
rest, it would depend on location. Although your Murshid does not wish to go
into investments, there are places. My friend Jude Rabbani is a large land
owner and most intelligent and could be helpful here.
As for extra spiritual work, you are already fulfilling all that Allah
wishes, both at the worlds below and above, in the manifest and unmanifest and
should be pleased.
As to Abbottabad. I would like Bhai Sadiq’s address. I have many old
friends there and love that part of the world. I did meet some saints whose
names have not been retained; this through the good offices of Islam Shah and
Prof Durrani.
The local problems are always a trial. The real Mujahida is to be able to
deal with them. Often our enemies are close to hand; I have just prayed for
your Aunt and trust she may continue until I can return.
Your diet report is very satisfactory. My friend, Saladin Reps knows
considerably more about food and diet and has made a study of brown rice. Your
diet, Murshid cooks it with vegetables and a little curry, and sometimes adds a
canned soup of which we have many varieties here. If it is too hot, then sour
cream is added. Now I shall go over your letter to see that all matters are
answered.
The whole Salarwala visit fills one with joy. There is a marvelous
atmosphere there. As to your visiting saint’s tombs, there is nothing one
knows about asking at the moment. One is not even asking for but will accept
prayers in regard to the family lawsuit. One would like the address of the
British Sufi. I did meet an Australian saint at Abbottabad.
When I find the paper on Tauba it will be sent.
Love and blessing,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
18th January, 1966, night
Beloved one of Allah:
All Praise is to Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate. No sooner had this
person left home on way to post than the Divine Voice appeared and said that He
desires your aunt to take the Bayat and after Bayat to perform these
practices.
a. 20 simple breaths in the morning, concentrating on “Ya Shafi with each
inhalation and “Ya Kafi” with each exhalation. (These are not the purifying
breaths as such but they may suffice.)
b. Wazifa, Repeat 201 times each they, either in one sitting or
divided: Ya Hayyu Wa Khayyam. (This means the life of the here now and
the eternal.)
c. Concentration on Heart, feeling and visualizing heart.
d. Zikr: first 101 breaths blowing Hu on the heart. Do this
for one month. Then raising head up and pulling it down to Heart saying
Allahu. In moving the head down one should be aware of the neck-vein.
This Zikr should be done always at night just before retiring.
The breaths a should be done with the morning prayer. The concentration on
Heart should be with some later prayers. The Wazifas may be done with
the payers or independently. In Cairo these are known as “Supererogatory
prayers” but that does not matter.
Khilvat. Original instructions came from ‘Awarif al-Ma’arif of
Grand Sheikh Umar Ibn Shahab-ud-Din Suhrawardi. Both it and my original notes
were ling since destroyed in a fire. At those times no meat or fish or eggs.
Milk products, rice, vegetables and fruit, preferably dates.
It is time to teach Mr. Engineer the prayers in Arabic. For your Aunt, if
she does not know English please translate the Gathas on “Breath” first and
then “Every Day life.”
It have heard about Mr. Plummer before. While in Egypt my Sheikh there told
of two missionaries who used to call on him regularly with the hopes of
concerting him. At the end of six weeks he converted them to Islam! Your
answers to him were beautiful and inspired and fill the heart with joy.
Now as to the book. From your remarks there is some confusion between the
Islamic way of life and the exact fana-fi-Rassoul method which you regard as
only properly Islamic. There is the tradition about Ibrahim and 50 prayers a
day, brought down to 5. Now you must be fair-minded and not increase over the
five for the generality. I believe in 5 prayers a day, but not necessarily the
generally ritual. If one keeps on adding other prayers it can be weakening not
a strengthening of faith for ritual would be more important than Heart. Is
there not a Hadith that the Beloved of Allah said that even Kalama would save a
soul from Hell?
As to the preface your Murshid sees no reason to change it at all but for
the sake of harmony (not necessary for wisdom) you may do so. Otherwise you may
be accused of being too rigid a devotee to the point of fanaticism. This is not
your intent but it can be the opinion of others who are not so devout.
I shall go over my notes and if the there is not material on Olives will go
to Berkeley. I should go soon and get it.
Abbottabad is my favorite place, perhaps in the whole world. I have been
passed the Ayub Manzil some times. This will suggest writing Bhai Sadiq another
letter.
Yes, Naeem is of the intellectual level. He is very logical where logic does
not fit. Life is not that way. Moral rules are for oneself to strengthen one
but if one does not leave for the Wisdom, Magnanimity and Grace of Allah,
understanding will not come. When one works for peace one has to be very open,
When one works to increase food supply one must know the laws of Nature and the
progress of science. Now it is time to retire and if there is more inspiration
after prayers and meditation this will be added. May Allah bless you and your
relatives and close friends.
Morning. Praise to Allah who is enabling one to write Bhai Sadiq now a more
important letter and tomorrow, inshallah, another letter pleasing for justice
to Asians, which in general is not an American habit.
One appreciates to the extreme your sincerity, your devotion, your real
Divine Love and your aspiration. May Allah give you strength and fortitude
equal to your zeal.
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chistis
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco 3, Calif.
January 18, 1966
Beloved one of Allah,
As-salaam-aleikhum. Your letter of 10 January has been received and filled
me with tremendous joy. It would appear we drink from the same foundation of
wisdom and time and place do not separate us. But I am compelled now to answer
only in part and will write further soon. The end of the university semester is
close and one has to appear for examinations.
One such paper has just been written and is enclosed. It is partly
biographical and partly essay and may be used by you in any fashion you see
fit.
The all-encompassing subject is that of Data Sahib. One has been using
Kashf-al-Mahjub continually and constantly ever since the original outbreak of
hostilities. The failure of the press and the United States Government to take
the mission seriously has resulted in that Mr. Kosygin has succeeded where this
country has not yet even tried. This person is also involved in peace efforts
between the Arab and Israeli world and also in Vietnam.
Lest anyone conclude that there is a psychological complex. The other say
your Murshid went to a seminar on Vietnam and when a young man arose and said,
“I have lived four year in Vietnam….” “I do not see what that has to do
with the subject we are discussing” said a panel expert. This is the terrible
dilemma of this country that before Allah one has to pray to rescue it from
insanity and un-sanity. One goes across the street continuously to visit
friends who lived in many parts of Asia and has had the same treatment, i.e.
being continually ignored.
The latest news which is not accepted or published is that her Serene
Highness Princess Poon Diskul, President of the World Buddhist Federation, has
visited his Holiness, Pope Paul, to discuss the matter of peace in South East
Asia. The Americans refuse even to accept this event excepting the Asia
Foundation which is alert to true facts!
Fortunately many professors in Universities are different and now your
Murshid at least has permission to submit papers on life experience as well as
book study and the one enclosed is an example. This is not necessarily and
ideal paper. It is written at an undergraduate level, but a copy is going to
the Graduate School which is engaged in the scientific study of religion.
One prays that your Aunt will live until this person returns. As soon as the
examinations are passed one will consult the legal counselor, for one wishes to
terminate matters so one can return to the Orient.
There are two things which stand out at the moment. One is possible
collaboration with Prof. Chandrasekhar to bring real peace between the two
countries. This morning I mockingly said, “Indian philosophy is a remarkable
study which holds that all men are in the image of God and are blessed with
spiritual potentiality excepting rival Indian philosophers.” This is a
terrible indictment. Indian philosophy is most wonderful and Indian
philosophers will not cooperate with each other. Sufis respect each other.
One spoke on “Joy without Drugs” and rather successfully held one’s
own although at conferences of many hundreds of people there are many views
presented. Only it is evident that the young want religious experiences and not
doctrines. They do not want a God or Allah who is far away. They are not even
satisfied with a doctrine that “God is near.” They want the experiences.
Till now however the Americans judge outwardly and all the older people
judge by the outer things which are called “personality” and which mean
mostly the clothes one wears and the speech one uses and the personal magnetism
one gives out. Mostly it is a variety of sex and people who are dissatisfied go
for the arousal. In the end they are further from Joy but more and more go
under mental treatment.
But the young are the opposite. They reject all the outer signs. They have
little respect for fine clothes and pleasant demeanor, they want something more
valid.
Hazrat Inayat Khan has given us a number of volumes of books, now being
published. And the young, perceiving these books, want the material explained.
Now one has a small group of mureeds and a larger group of people coming to
lectures and several of them also have asked for Bayat. And the teaching given
so far is that the mureed must fulfill the meanings of the Ryazat and study
materials, but the Murshid is responsible for the meanings of anything in the
literature. It is a vast literature and one even doubts whether many people can
explain it. So one has begun the planning.
For the mureeds one has begun with “The Mysticism of Sound” and for this
one must explain the elements (nour, baad, atish, sab, khak) although we use
here either English or Sanskrit equivalents. And this involves knowledges of
breathing and sound. And for this we have Zikr with some stress on the use of
the “neck-vein,” to make them realize that Allah is nearer than the
“neck-vein” and the “neck-vein” is used in Zikr. They find these
experiences are valid. They are in new ventures, and Allah has already some
meanings to them on the physical plane.
For the others the main thing is the training of the Ego. And one found some
material in Hazrat Inayat Khan. It was the same subject of which this person
has been speaking for years (Nufsaniat) and it was rejected and now one reads
from Inayat Khan and the same people who rejected it coming from these lips
accept it coming from Hazrat Inayat Khan which itself is another proof of the
strength of Nufsaniat which requires much patience.
Peace. This becomes complicated. Hazrat Inayat Khan taught the
relation between World Peace and the Hierarchical Government. But as tasawwuf
has been presented in the West, no Hierarchy. No, this person has had a
difficult life and was approached in Cairo by one Yusuf Wali who was a Wali and
much of one’s external history comes from that meeting. Indeed the other day
on met President Johnson’s personal envoy to Asia. No one knew he was here
and he was traveling in very poor clothes. Yet we are very close friends.
There used to be three large Mosques in the large city of Los Angeles. Now
there are none and one reason is that Pakistanis and Arabs do not work together
at all. So far one finds that Pakistanis wish to lead and not follow the
Iranians, Indonesians, Europeans and Arabs.
When this person visited the University of California at Riverside he met
again the son of an Arab spiritual Sheikh. We had no trouble to get together on
all subjects and in a few moments, because there was no nufs, our hearts are
attuned.
Your Murshid is engaged in Desert Reclamation research. This has been
welcomed all over the world excepting by some Pakistani leaders. Not only have
the scientists of all other lands accepted this idea, which one called
“Project: the Garden of Allah” but one finds that most of the scientists so
involved are deep devotees and beyond deep have united the inner and outer
sciences, something which has not been done before. This is a long and
beautiful story and has opened like the Rose from a dud into many fragrant
blossoms. One also feels like the devotees of Ghaus-i-Azam, that our Grand Pir
is our Rose and every petal offers the fragrance, the love, the beneficence and
grace of Allah.
In all correspondence not only has there been emphasis that “I am right”
but not even compassion for the flood-suffering I East Pakistan. It is a near
sin on the part of your Murshid to the material aid he sent to East Pakistan.
And during this period he has established a holy friendship with the present
Pakistani Consul-General. Not only that but that Allah Who speaks through
everyone ad anyone has shown outwardly what he has shown inwardly but your
Murshid is showing restraint because every satisfaction (Riza) becomes [?] with
man or nufs and not satisfaction with Allah as taught by Data Sahib in
“Kashf-al-Mahjub.” And people who shout but do not study Qur’an and
Hadith are too cowardly to criticize Data Sahib so they accuse his disciples.
[?] and Major Sadiq and others will confirm, every time this one went to the
Dargah, the saint communicated and communed with him. And when one says that he
is accused of being tempted by Iblis but to shout one’s own self will is
quite justified by “Muslims.” And thus this puts a split between the
“Muslims” who judge everything and everybody and the “Allahists” who
say He is Master of the Day of Judgment.
But to shorten this. There are now many groups studying the possible
identity of Religion and Science. And if one restricts this to a certain point,
beginning with Allah Nuri, this also has been discussed in detail by Sheikh
Al-Ghazzali and if Al-Ghazzali does this that is right but if an American does
this then this is Iblis. Nevertheless, Beloved of Allah, the Divine Light which
Holy Qur’an says is of earth as well as heaven (and which so many
“Muslims” deny) is used today by the scientists as the basis of
measurement. And more and more scientists are finding that it is the One Light
which is found in all forms, even the Electron, the Laser Beams, the X-Ray and
many other aspects are just aspects of that grand Light which is of earth as
well as Heavens. And the light is [?] of persons and works apart from all
aspects of Nufsaniat.
This is part of your Murshid’s next undertaking which seems to derive from
Allah and Rahmat and all that the author of Hadith said. In one of the letters
this person is referred to as Murshid, but those who say that Allah is their
Murshid are in grievous error unless they show at every point this is so.
9th February, 1966
772 Clementina St.
SF 94103
Beloved One of Allah:
Bismillah Er-Rahman Er-Rahim. One uses the Arabic rather than the general
term of greeting for a very special purpose.
There are some curious things happening in the life of your Murshid. As time
goes on he becomes a source of annoyance to many people and yet outwardly he
has not changed much. There is a vigor of body and mind not characteristic of
those of the same age. This is a combination of Grace and discipline. The Grace
is a privilege and blessing and is one form of answer to critics. It rose from
the Divine Healing years ago given through the agency of Khwaja Khizr and
remains as a living testimony to those egocentric people possessed of and by
nufs. And both in the East and West some things have happened, are happening,
which shows one is on the Right Path though the critics are noisy.
It has been necessary to enclose two letters. One is most unfortunate. Two
very critical letters were received, on different stationery. They used the
same hostile terms, the same English, the same everything and one was signed by
the man dominated by nufs and nufs ammara, and the other has the signature at
the end of Sufi Barkat Ali. You will find the carbons. And it is so evident
that the letter so signed could not have come from Sufi Sahib. The language is
different and it makes accusations which could not possibly be, ignoring all
the blessings and especially the Wazifas and Daroods which have been practiced.
Not only have they been practiced but they have come to outward
manifestation.
It is now a very long time, forty-five years and more since your Murshid met
the late Murshida Rabia Martin. We had no books. No papers, no anything but the
teacher. The lesson was Allah as Zat and Sifat and the identity
of Zat and Sifat were offered though we are not conscious of Essence and are
Conscious of Attributes. There are ninety-nine such attributes but beyond these
also the Sirr and on the Tasbih we have the one hundred beads. We
are taught the use of them.
The lesson was also that man cannot grasp the Zat and if he tries to grasp
the Zat without the Sifat, he ends by identifying his nufs with Allah and
because he is guilty of that sin, that spirit of agitation which confounds,
compounds and confuses everybody. And it was not until 1923, when Hazrat Inayat
Khan came to this city and taught the Wazifas, their usage, practice, essence
values.
Indeed on this trip one found copies of his deeper instructions in Ryazat in
all its aspects, a life study, accompanied by life practice. And to evaluate
one Sifat as more important than another is not correct for each implies all.
Nevertheless in Pakistan you have limited yourselves but interpreted so far
from the Arabic method as to produce useless splits. Instead of Brotherhood so
many Pakistanis wish to be Imams and to lead others, usually without inshallah,
for they repeat neither “Inshallah” nor “Selim” but only “Islam”
and over and over again. So when the time comes, the Islamists do not accept
the Allahists and there are splits and not unity, and what is more, no
achievement.
Now, ignorant men wish to be Imams without the Divine Consent and they run
around saying “Qur’an” and “Hadith” without ever quoting either. They
just use the words and no more.
It is evidently a “sin” to so many “Muslims” to refer to Allah, Zat
and Sifat rather than to “Qur’an” and “Hadith.” We did not study
Arabic but we did study first the meanings of terms. And one finds oneself in
sharp contradiction to many “Muslims” who say that Holy Qur’an has one
meaning when the Messenger of Allah said that the Book was revealed in seven
dialects and each has an inner and outer meaning. So one finds everywhere the
“Muslims” insisting on one meaning, and the Prophet himself very different
and if you agree with the Prophet, you are a butt of scorn by the
nufsi-ists.
When the great St. Junaid was aging, he said he possessed nothing but a few
sacred phrases. He even divested himself of Qur’an and Hadiths. But while
people refer to Junaid, they are too much cowards to criticize him for being
different.
And then there was Ghaus-i-Azam who went further and said once he gave
lectures on a single Ayat thirty six times and never repeated himself. Well,
Beloved One of Allah, each of us has been blessed by Ghaus-i-Azam but the
cowardly people who dare not criticize Abdul Kadir-i-Jilani, criticize those
who accept his point of view, which is every important as you will see
later.
And to receive a letter signed by a saint, even if he read it shows that
some people do not and dare not practice Akhlak Allah, and this person can do
no other.
When the Kashmir problem came this person disengaged himself, for according
to American legal justice he was in no position. He was involved in some
struggles with Hindus. They (and one regrets some Pakistanis and many Americans
are like that) make great of them, not only ignored him but attacked one of
India’s greatest saints. This person called on a friend and said that
according to the teachings of Hazrat Inayat, India would suffer tremendous
setbacks. Then came the fighting and the drought and the famine. And we knew
it could not be otherwise.
According to Hazrat Inayat Khan, there are the three moral laws of
reciprocity, beneficence and renunciation. We choose the course. The Bismillah
ignores the reciprocity and begins with the beneficence but in Fateha and the
first Suras it was obvious that renunciation was the keynote. And this comes
also in the fourth and final degree of interpretation of Kalama.
The next thing your Murshid did was to consult Holy Qur’an. He not only
consulted it but accepted what came. And if in consulting Holy Qur’an Allah
did not give Kashmir to Pakistan, the question may arise, is the fault with
Allah? Or is it with Qur’an? For assuredly this party has no such power and
no such legality that he can re-divide the earth at his self-will.
But the answer came and it was a clear answer and a true answer and a pure
answer. Not only that, it was a Sabri answer. To be given the Bayat, in there
are the ninety nine Sifat and this person refuses and refuses absolutely to
adhere to just one and ignore the others.
Besides it is not true in practice that Islam is the religion of peace. In
spirit it is, in the Holy Places as one nears the Arsh absolutely, but in outer
manifestation this is not so. Therefore Ali Wassil, copy of letter to whom is
enclosed, has been spending time and effort to give to the American people the
beauty and grace of Hazrat Mohammad and does not talk too much about
“Islam.” And this is a wonderful achievement in this land where the
teachings of Qur’an and Hadith are restrained not only in the schools but by
those who shout “Islam” and teach nothing but their ego-superiority.
In the sciences one has to have rectitude and integrity. When one blindly
asserts that “Islam” is the religion of peace, let him make peace between
Indonesia and Malaya. Let him go into Somaliland where the “Unitarians” are
divided into two camps, one of which puts spirituality first and the other
knowledge and they have been fighting each other with arms, though it does not
get into the press. Let him find that justice which will unite the Islamic
Nigerians, now split between many lands and subject to restrictions. While your
people shout about the restrictions on the Kashmiris, they are not observing
restrictions elsewhere. In the Heart of Allah, all people are the beloved and
geography and other factors do not enter.
Pakistan has not obtained Kashmir. Whose fault is it? Is there a power other
than Allah? Is there might in human beings and institutions, a different might
than of Allah? Or may it not be that there has not been that complete surrender
(Islam in Arabic) that makes the Victory, the Glorious News always.
Now it came that there have been earthquake disasters. One does not know
yet. One has so much to do.
The opening of the Revealed Religion to the American people will come as
Allah wills and not as each individual wills. Your Murshid still wishes to work
with the Imams who are best qualified. He does not wish divisions among Muslims
but in this country there are almost as many “Imams” as devotees. Not
accepting others they are not accepted. They do not work together. And the
Hajis all run around each for himself, all separate from each other. So in
addition to those who prefer “Islam” to Allah we have the Hajis who prefer
themselves to others.
But now also your Murshid has received some fine letters from a Chisti
publisher. And this man wanted the names of leading Muslims in this country,
especially scientists. And in the same mail as the critical letters, the other
day your Murshid received such a list of scientists who are Muslims of which
there are many in this country. And so what was beyond his ability, Allah did
for him and to Allah be all praise to Allah.
Please share this all with your close friends. It brings up the real
question of why certain self missionary efforts fail. It does not include
several heart episodes of late, nor the changes in attitudes, nor the fact that
with this year coming your Murshid is listened to with respect and sometimes
more than respect, something which never happened before. The Sabri Tarik
imparts patience and ever more patience.
With all love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
P.S. A copy has gone to Bhai Sadiq. If someone will visit Pir-o-Murshid Sufi
Sahib and present this, one is sure it will have different results than the
forged and condemnatory letters just received. One who practices every hour the
Divine Presence has to be accused of not studying what others themselves do not
know.
18th February 1966
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. Because you have celebrated the Urs of Hazrat Ali, one
consulted “Nahjul Balagha,” the sermons, letters and sayings of this great
saint and one reads from Khutba 54: “His place is so high that nothing can be
imagined higher. He is so near to us that nothing can be nearer.”
It seems that you have answered some heart communications without anything
being written. Indeed your whole letter is nothing else and now next to your
dear Aunt, one feels especially near to Mr. Engineer. Besides there are some
weighty problems and these problems increase in number but not in weight,
sometimes being almost amusing, yet too religious to be just that.
It was necessary to write to both Bhai Sadiq and yourself about a letter
which one has felt is a forgery and from the whole tenor of your reports, it
must have been a forgery. The main accusation was that this one has not written
to Sufi Sahib and this person, before Allah, has written and one can say it
over and over again, “Bismillah Er-Rahman Er-Rahim, this servant has
assuredly written his Master, Sufi Barkat Ali, over and over again and all
letters received from him have been acknowledged.”
It is terrible thing to be accused of shirk because one does not assent to
some small details in Pakistani politics and then after being told he is wrong
by Pakistanis, your gracious President has not only advocated exactly forms of
foreign aid. Besides this person has acted in such a way that he is in good
standing with the contractors who are building Mangla Dam and he took these
steps to help get better paying jobs for the very Pakistanis who accuse him of
shirk.
In his private capacity, your Murshid has much faith in homeopathy but
little knowledge. As I am writing this letter for Murred Saadat and Mr.
Engineer and yourself together, a separate letter is not being sent. Also the
prayers for blessings are for all of you and the Heart is often at Lahore and
especially at the places mentioned though the body is here.
It is very confusing to critics that the body and mind of this person do not
seem to age much. This was a blessing that came originally from and through
Khwaja Khizr and even those who make such denials cannot explain, and certainly
this person cannot explain, why with the adding on of years there is still
vitality and strength and vigor and ability. And when one is accused of not
attending to prayers, one must thank Allah all the time, knowing it is Grace
and only Grace and the devotion comes from the Grace and in this instance not
the Grace from the devotion. One has to praise Allah which sustains the flesh
and the mind and one knows that it is so.
You will find a copy of a letter to Karachi. Every time one writes to
somebody, somebody else writes to him and they all think you can go around the
United States preaching and teaching and everybody will listen. But the truth
is, Saadia, until the end of last year, nobody listened and then some things
happened like miracles. Now many listen and this makes the speaker very
cautious. For the Sufi is different from the ordinary Muslim in that he holds
himself responsible for all the short comings of disciples. But the two men
have shown considerable spiritual development, one especially. One told them
that if life did not demonstrate the teachings, one could leave any time.
10th March, 1966
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. Your letter of 2nd February was evidently misdirected
and arrived late. One feels miserable when he has to disturb anybody and throw
weights around. The world is going to be saved by “Heart” and the Daroods
of Sufi Sahib have been sources of strength, energy, vitality and composure.
The very words of phrases break out into life and manifest either in the
personality or experiences. These things cannot be measured by others.
This person has never been involved directly in politics. Here he has been
shunned by orthodox and heterodox alike, but this is an age when many others
are being shunned by orthodox and heterodox alike. Both the young and old with
whom one associates, especially in the university classes have similar
experiences and there are many of us. As we congregate we grow stronger and
more affirmative.
One will omit the experiences, inner or outer, which sent one to Pakistan.
This operation came from Allah and not from nufs, and one must work in accord.
And in a certain sense, Saint Mian Mir has been one’s “guide.”
When there is opposition or criticism, at that moment the veils are lifted
showing the inner motives of the selfish. One cannot repeat too often, “Act
as if in the Presence of Allah and remember, if you do not see Him, verily He
sees you.” So we let the dead bury their dead, and the Moral Laws operate,
for no man can stop them.
Today in class the subject of Islam came in consideration of the Mende who
live in Sierra Leone in West Africa. These persons have very different
standards from the Pakistanis and even from the Arabs. From their standpoint
the Mende would not be “Muslims.” From according to the Hadith they would
be Muslim for they repeat Kalama. They use Holy Qur’an for divination and for
charms.
Such practices are used in many parts of the Islamic world. While the
theologians might despise them, the question for the scientist is, “Are they
true?” “Do they work?” And the answer comes that very often they do. And
if in Pakistan, people do not know much about Baraka; both in the Arab world
and in the African world they do.
Humility and knowledge are to be acquired and while one cannot always
measure how much humility and knowledge there are in others, bending the head
is humility and raising the head is knowledge. The first gesture in prayer is
to listen; the last gesture of self-praising people is to listen. And
fortunately today there are Sufis in Karachi who are beginning to instruct the
world on the operations of nufs, which is most important knowledge.
Your Murshid was long ago instructed about Masts and had great reverence and
respect. This was increased by surprising events, generally in company with
Bhai Sadiq.
Now, as to Hollywood. My goddaughter there is going away for a month. My
elder sister (in tasawwuf) has been too ill to write but one may make a quick
trip to see her either before or after the conference on LSD. There was a lot
of money involved. The lady who has the money has been disgusted with all the
so called spiritual movements in this country which bring neither joy nor
salvation.
The greatest books I know, and this is one man’s opinion, are the recent
issues of Rumi. One does not like Professor Arberry’s translation of Holy
Qur’an. There are several points on which exception is taken to most
translations. Bismillah is of little value if it be translated “In the
Name of Allah.” It makes Allah a name like other names and this goes
contrary; “He begeteth not, neither is He begotten, and there is none like
Him.” When we use Allah as Name, and Sem means much more, we overlook:
“Allah is the Light of the Heavens and Earth.” Although Holy Qur’an was
reveled in the time, the real revelation is Umm Khita B, and it was
unrolled as well as revealed. Excepting for “Fateha,” there is no valid
reason for arranging the Suras either in the historical order or in the
orthodox arrangement. What one has to bear in mind is that the revelation must
be used to explain the Revelation. This means that the Bismillah suggests that
to understand it one must feel in the presence of the everlasting Light. The
Wazifas and Daroods presented by Pir-o-Murshid take one out of time into
eternity but do not destroy the time. And in looking at Holy Qur’an, whereas
we do have words and explanations, they are on the background of Infinite
Light with all its Mercies, symbolized by Er-Rahman, Er-Rahim, or if
we must use words, the words Rahmat and Hikmat are the most simple.
The forms of Zikr your Murshid hopes to introduce are for the sake of the
direct experience both in and beyond words.
Now as to books. One has not given this consideration but will now do so.
Your Murshid has elements of botanical, anthropological and oriental
libraries.
As for television. My Sheikha in UAR (corresponding to Murshid) was a great
fan for television and especially sports. We did not look at dramas or anything
like that at his house. His whole life seems to have been religion and
athletics and he was full of joy as well as spiritualism.
As for television. If you are in doubt and you may inquire in Lahore, please
ask if my friend, Ansar Nasri, who was in radio Pakistan, is now working for
TV. He sent me once to his Murshid and although I could understand no Urdu, the
vibrations from both the Pir-o-Murshid and Khalif were so great one benefited.
They were full of sublime and divine love and your Murshid considers Ansar
Nasri in every way a spiritual brother. But how this may have affected
television, one does not know. In this country, most of the material is
disgusting and is responsible for the moral breakdown. And it is hypocritical
for the students at universities who are so often accused, never behave nearly
as bad as those in the acting profession.
22nd March, 1966
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco 3, Calif.
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. This is a glorious spring here although the term
“spring” can easily be applied for four months of the year here, where it
is seldom too hot or too cold. It has become a season for inspirations and for
the writing of memories which may take some time.
It is just forty years since the Grace was bestowed by Khwaja Khizr and then
all the Prophets and Messengers of Allah appeared in broad daylight. People
reject this possibility but they cannot reject the fact that this body is
alert, agile and active and this mind also is alert, agile and active. Whatever
be the reasons behind it, they are not readily accepted. Whatever be the Grace
behind it, the Praise is to Allah.
Kashf is a wonderful faculty and through it one had a loving meeting with
the Iranian colony on the celebration of the New Year (Nau Roz). One spoke
about Shiraz to be surrounded and greeting by many Shirazis. And more than one
of them know of the Grace and Blessing of, in and for their city. Never in
America has one had such heart and soul understanding.
And today when the Poet Laureate of California was given a public
presentation, he brought up the question of the reality and activity of God.
One refers him to Shiraz. We in the West have questions on spiritual matters
[?] are not accepted.
At the same time many lands, Islamic lands in particular, have questions
about food and soil and agriculture and we in the West have answers and you
won’t accept them as a culture. So one becomes weary that one’s name is on
so many mailing lists of groups that pretend to be missionary societies. They
have no branches here, they send nobody forth but they want to find some
American to argue with.
Pakistanis insist on Shariat and Iranians do not have Shariat but they have
Qur’an and Hadith and many wonderful poets. How could these poets have the
inspiration and Grace without Shariat? The shadow is real or unreal as we may
like. Everything has shadow but shadow is not substance. And to put the Shariat
before Allah is to put the shadow before the substance. And you will find a
copy of letter enclosed; these people quote one way and argue another.
One brought a book on Shiraz to the Consulate and also “The Persian
Sufis” by Rice. And the respect is to Shabistari. This whole letter is for
the encouragement of Brother Engineer because he has reached the conclusions of
Shabistri. It is in this line that we may convey the Message of Allah to all
people and not by arguing over legal matters, or political matters.
Love and blessing,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
25th March, 1966
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. There have been some things happening this week which
one does not know if they are the Grace of Allah or the result of devotion to
the Ryazat from Sufi Barkat Ali, or both.
Among the false reasons for not better acceptance of this person is that he
does not look nor act like an old man. This is basically grace and was
understood by our Iranian friends who come from Shiraz. At the same time if
Wazifa or Darood have a causal effect, that the words and vibrations and
meanings of the sacred phrases operate. Although one practices them
devotionally rather than intellectually, there is something in the vibrations
and [?] of these words and phrases.
One meets additionally unhappiness and ill-health among the Americans. The
more this Nation is accomplishing by force and power, the more miserable are
the individuals. This came out recently in the poem which won first prize that
the poet, seeing much unhappiness, wonders if there is God. And the Shirazis,
beginning with Allah, showed the happiest faces one sees here.
One’s main concoction with so many so called Orthodox Muslims is that they
[?] in a very offhand manner to sacred script without following the
injunctions. And one time there was a book published on the Hadith by an
Englishman (it was destroyed by fire many years ago) and the Prophet himself
described in detail the conditions for the appearance of Mahdi and these
conditions are definitely fulfilled in the United States. People would become
very wealthy and satiated and unhappy and they were crying for relief. Then
many Dajjals would appear and it is certain today the world, and especially
that neighboring country, is full of persons claiming either to be Allah
Himself or having a special dispensation.
One went to party the other night and one Anthropology teacher asked one
to make notes. Despite the fact that this person has traveled far and has all
sorts of experiences it was the first time one had an audience. Because one met
Americans who had been both to India and Pakistan, one had been a long time in
Lahore and the others a short time. We have all had trouble being rejected and
our mutual meeting made us all feel better.
But American social events give priority to the young over the old and to
women over men and people live on the surface and are very, very unhappy.
Contact was also made with a man who became interested in your Murshid’s
theme: “Not Spiritual Training Through Music but Music Through Spiritual
Training.” This will be offered as soon as one finds time but the fact that
one made a beginning is something.
The next day out of the clear the teacher brought up the subject of Pakistan
and then gave your Murshid and this brightened up faces because there are many
looking, looking, looking.
The continuance of vigor, the zest for life and the consideration given to
mureeds and seekers makes one feel that now the time is coming when the Divine
Messenger can be given out.
One is busy writing books from memories, an exceedingly difficult and long
task. One’s Uncle will arrive early next month and this will enable us to
hasten the day of decision on the family estate. One is now anxious to complete
that task and then leave the country.
The latest volumes of Hazrat Khan and the writing of Jelal-ud-din Rumi have
either caused or been enhanced by this deep feeling of a Springtime with the
heart.
Now some women are beginning to be [?] if not otherwise. But all vitality
comes by Grace, or if causally from the teachings of Saint Mian Mir in Dauk. We
should go over this Dauk and fana practices at the Dargah when one returns,
inshallah.
At the Iranian party one asked for my prayer cap which was given with
blessing. One is now out of these and if you can send one or two and several
tasbihs these would be appreciated. Before one gave the prayer caps to local
Muslims but now one would keep them for potential or actual mureeds.
The health practices needed locally keep your Aunt in my prayers.
Love and Blessing,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
2nd April 1966
One returned from the Id Celebration at Pakistani House full of love and
joy. One has never felt happier. The spirit, human and divine, social and
religious, which was evident in so many persons, was like glows of a sun of
love placed in our midst. This person was treated, as he been treated in many
lands as a Sufi, but this is only the second occasion (after the celebration of
Nau Roz with the Iranis), this has occurred. And besides meeting many old
friends, one was greeted by strangers, and among them another descendent of
Ghaus-i-Azam with whom a heart friend was established immediately.
And it is noticeable on leaving that nearly everybody from West Pakistan
said Khuda Hafiz as above and one wonders what you will say about it.
For instead of accepting Allah as the Light of Heavens and Earth, you have most
unfortunately restricted Him and fitted him into your “Concept of
Islam.”
By this time the wisdom of Allah has made itself known and one sees that by
emphasizing Al-Ghazzali and Jelal-ud-din Rumi in this land one can offer forms
of Spiritual Islam which are not always accepted by Pakistanis but which are
impressing the heart hungry and soul starved Americans.
You have written well on the Sifat-i-Allah, but have you tried these
practices? Have you demonstrated them in your life? Have you seen this in the
lives of others? The scientific Americans want evidence.
Yes, this person could write a book on such matters. In the year 1931 he
found a work, “Lives of the Adepts” by the Mevlevi Efleki and he found that
the same evidences which that writer has mentioned had occurred in his own
experience, experience not “concepts.” And on this Al-Ghazzali has written.
And so long as somebody’s concepts dominate over other’s experiences it is
impossible to reach the scientific people of the day. But when experiences
dominate over concepts it is different.
One reads constantly in Rumi of incidents in the lives of the Compassions.
If you can explain the relation of Allah and shay [?] one can submit to you.
But if you cannot and do not, one does not see the purpose of appealing to
these people, the Americans. One has tried to use Rumi as a base of teachings
and it works. It has been very successful after other means have failed. And in
Rumi one reads so much about the Companions and explains the operations of the
Abdal, which is not to be confused with the Abdul. The words are superficially
alike. And although Rassoul-Lillah has praised learning above prayer, one knows
that people who cannot be impressed, who called themselves “Muslims” do not
convince others. It is only people who are open to conviction who can impress
others.
Now you have written about the use of Arabic terms and this one has used
Arabic terms but has not made a dogma about them. This person was once dumb, he
could not speak. For two months he repeated mentally and also on the lips,
Allaho Akbar. He now has a strong voice, one that needs to be
subdued.
May 1966
Your Murshid is today successful, alhamdulillah, with and in a type of
teaching which is not in books. Before leaving, one showed some children the
positive and negative ways of walking, that these could be used in ritual and
even lead to spiritual dances. A number of circumstances have lead to more
windows in this field. A spiritual teacher died here in California and left his
final lesson which was on “How to Breathe with the Feet.” Hazrat Inayat
Khan said that he learned this through the Naqshibandi School and also one
demonstrated certain forms of it at the Dargah Mian Mir.
When one combines this “breathe with the feet” with Kalama or Zikr or
Fikr, it leads either to a type of attunement or surrender or even spiritual
realization.
One teacher in Anthropology lived long in Pakistan and we agree that
Pakistanis and Americans are alike followers of man and not of Jesus or
Muhammad. They make divisions of “good and bad” according to their own
egos. (On the other hand the Hindus abolish good and bad and so have often no
standards of morality at all. Everything may be done.)
The solution comes when one can see the whole universe with Ayin
Yaqeen. Then everything falls in place, whether according to Al-Ghazzali,
or otherwise.
In the former years just passed, one had to face the whole of society
feeling all its errors, the breakdown of morals, the war in Vietnam, the
assumption of the role of Allah, and these are making these people mad. But the
young are protesting and seeking leaders.
Next month, inshallah, there will be a conference on this LSD and this will
give one an opportunity for praise to Allah; the conference is in the hands of
men who have much respect for this person and one of them in particular, is a
top leader of the young who seek new outlets. We parted some time ago with him
asking instruction in Zikr. Now also one has started Zikr and although with
few, it has been started. And the problem is how to get mankind to recognize
that there are other ways to joy and enlightenment other than drugs. Religion
has failed but the heart of man, feeling there are ways, is resorting to
drugs.
No doubt all the experiences of drugs are also found in the Mevlevi dancing.
Your Murshid agrees entirely with Data Sahib (last chapters of
Kashf-al-Mahjub), but differs from Muslims in that they will praise the book
and the Saint without putting these things into practice. And as one goes from
explanation to practice there is both more joy and more response. This is an
entirely new direction.
There is at the moment a Trade Fair here and one had the glorious experience
of being able to purchase a couple of tasbihs from Morocco. They had more, with
from 300 to 1,000 beads; the clerks did not wish considerable joy.
There is also now in this district a man who is selling goods from Pakistan.
We had not met for ten years but he remembers my preparing to go abroad and one
has promised to visit him, let us say, before making Christmas or similar
purchases.
13th May 1966
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. Today one has to write in a different capacity and this
is partly an inquiry, partly a communication.
It has pleased Allah that you have had some recognition in psychology, a
science which this person has not studied. But while waiting for the settlement
of legal disputes, the Kashf was clear that one should study anthropology and
in these studies learn about the religions and consciousness of mankind at all
sorts of levels. While this studying began in response to what one considered
Divine Guidance, it has reached at this point a degree of understanding that
was not present when one began such studies. And in arriving at this point
there has been effort, grace and insight altogether so one does not know where
each of these begins and ends.
In the spiritual awakening one becomes clear as to the position of all of
Allah’s creatures, whomsoever, whatsoever. But now also in the scientific
studies, if one has the Yaqeen one also becomes clear, and one can recognize
all levels of human existence. No doubt one should begin with Rumi; that Allah
slept in the mineral, dreamed in the vegetable, awakened in the animal and
realized himself in man. But religion has the tendency to philosophize these
words apart from human experience. And one himself cannot avoid Rumi, that
tasawwuf consists of experiences and not premises. And it is also true that
sciences are based on experiences and not premises.
When my goddaughter in Los Angeles came back to social recognition, she
predicted that the young would flock to one if only offered certain teaching.
But what was it? Hazrat Inayat Khan taught that the blessings of salvation
were: Grace, Glory, Wisdom, Joy and Peace. For practical purposes one might
select Joy and there is no question that the young seek joy. Also that it has
not been vouchsafed to them in many social orders.
There is an immediate problem here that a great many young are resorting to
what we call drugs and they obtain experiences which are labeled LSD, the
meaning of which is not clear but the types of experiences are clear. All
religions tend to limit man to certain methods of self realization and
quotations, say beginning with Hazrat Ali, have been crystallized and hardened
so the soul of man is not free. Your Murshid believes that religious phrases
are keys and may be doors but are not the Palaces. One has to enter the Palace
and veneration of the key or door does not mean being in the Palace.
The scientific study reveals the degree and grade of awakening of all
peoples. The Pakistanis are not scientific when they divide mankind into
Muslims and non-Muslims. In the spiritual sense and as was used by
Rassoul-Lillah, the “Muslims” were those who functioned nufs-salima which
is perhaps the highest of all grades. In the lowest sense the Muslim was one
who repeated Kalama. But the moral teaching of too many, that a Muslim is
automatically superior to a non-Muslim, does not hold and overlooks the whole
marvelous teaching of the grades and types of nufs.
Because the Hadith teaches that when one man calls another a non-Muslim,
when one says to another “You are not a Muslim,” one of them will go to
hell; this person cannot and will not accept the condemnation of St.
Rabia by whomsoever, whatsoever, howsoever. If one prayed in Sajda and
entered the gate of Tauba, he would not be spending time criticizing St. Rabia
and Muhyiddin Ibnu ‘l-‘Arabi and praising prime ministers and scoundrels
occupying high political places because they call themselves “Muslims.”
This person is quite willing to accompany St. Rabia or Hafiz in this world
and the next even if, as Hafiz says, “though a sinner Hafiz will go to
Paradise.”
This person assents to your closing remarks, “Arabs became the standard
bearers of this ideology,“ but one looks in vain for any representative of
the numerous Pakistani publishers all claiming to represent “Islam” and
none recognizing the Arabs and the efforts they are making in this country to
as “standard bearers of this ideology.” And the Arabs who are standard
bearers of this ideology in this country are learned men; they have studied
Qur’an, Hadith and the American psychology. They do not discuss the politics
of Pakistan, Morocco or Tanzania.
As to Muhammad Asad who preaches and has refused ever to recognize this
person’s letters and Bismillah Er-Rahman Er-Rahim, I say that
“religion is a thing of the past.” I want no religion; I want Allah, Allah,
Allah and nothing but Allah, His Guidance, His Blessings, His Wonders and His
Manifestation through many glorious Sifat of which “Islam” is only one.
There is a tale of Isa about a shepherd who would desert ninety-nine sheep
to find a single strayed one but I find that “Muslims” accept a single
Sifat and desert the ninety-nine others including Allah himself. The word Allah
is hardly ever mentioned. The Bismillah is hardly ever used. The Rahmat
is not the basis of “religion” and so long as Rahmat is not the
basis of “religion,” one prefers to remain away from “religion.”
Muslim missionaries (so called) come to teach and preach. Once the writer
met such a missionary; “I am greater than you, in every way, am taller than
you, stronger than you, I am more advanced in Ruhaniat and Mushahida; I am your
superior in everything.” “Yes, you are my superior in all you mentioned.
You are my superior in everything but one thing.” “What is that? “ “I
am a greater pupil than you. I can listen; no you, you can’t listen to
me.”
And as you have praised learning, as you have placed learning above prayer,
this person will continue to learn, continue to study and still more continue,
to praise Allah every moment, day and night, sleeping and wakening. This one
prefers to “religion,” this one prefers to “Islam” as you call it.
Allah is my choice; I pray that I may become Allah’s Choice.
Morning: It must be the Divine Will that your Murshid go on a new venture in
order to present the Message of Divine Wisdom among the same people. Going over
one’s diaries one has found predictions made over and over again. None of
these took effect until recently. The love and trust of a man who has been like
a younger brother for years has manifested in the last few hours, and in facing
his problems and those of others near to him after long years, he has concluded
that one may find in tasawwuf a multitude of treasures.
Then one has been invited to still another gathering this coming week. For
whatever the Murshids have said may be coming true.
Once your Murshid had a dream and he was taken to a Murshid who gave him
certain instructions. The next day he was rather surprised to find his friend,
the Khalandar, asking him to visit Golra Shereef for the Khalandar claimed to
dislike this man, but said later he revered his uncle, the former Pir. When
your Murshid came there, the Pir suddenly dismissed everybody, took him to
lunch and made certain predictions. One may have told you this before but now
the predictions are coming to pass, alhamdulillah.
The morale and confusion here is impossible to measure. It is not so much
degradation and wickedness but utter confusion. And a great many people have
turned against religion. If you met or heard the religious leaders you could
understand. Their duty seems to be to lead and not to instruct or inform.
Hazrat Inayat Khan left a tremendous number of papers besides those in the
literature. There are instructions in them that will help solve many problems.
Your Murshid’s library was destroyed, [?] in possible by Meditation and
Murakkabah to recover or uncover means to solve all problems, personal and
impersonal.
The advantage of the problem you have placed before me is that now one hears
of similar problems. As these people may be met face to face, any success will
be reported to you in detail. There seem to be many, and especially among the
young, who have become obsessed or affected by evil forces and persons. It may
be part of the times. That is also one of the reasons for resorting to
drugs.
If one were to write to you on Skin-Qur’an, Flesh-Qur’an Bones-Qur’an,
Marrow-Qur’an, you might be surprised. Once somebody came to Sheikh Abu
Said ibn Abi- Khair. “It is the eight-seventh of the Qur’an.” “How can
there be eight-sevenths to the Qur’an?” “The sevenths are found in the
text the Holy Writ. The eight-sevenths is, “He will guide and instruct Whom
he chooseth, when He will chooseth.” All things may be limited by Qur’an
but Qur’an is limited by Allah.
Your Murshid’s contemplation has been Umm Kttab.
The next benefit that has come from you, and it may not seem very comforting
at first, is that one learns to share the burden and pain of everybody that
comes to one. No longer is there any “I” and “thou” but the feeling of
Unity and the need to lighten the path of whomsoever calls. This has been in
philosophy, it has been in teaching, but it has not been in method. Now it has
been incorporated. So there is an increase in love response from the young of
both sexes.
A little later one will go to the post office. There is a package there
presumably from Mr. Engineer. One knows how to use them to increase the Baraka
for all who seek help.
Will keep you informed about geography and also if one will be staying here
or elsewhere. Have not heard from my uncle.
Love and blessing,
Later. The sign was given not to mail the above and then a notice came that
there was a package at the post office. It had the materials sent by or through
the billings. And this brings up an important matter:
The Bestowal of Blessing
The subject of Barakat has been thoroughly described in the writings
of one Westermarck who long lived in Morocco. Years later one wrote, “The
Bestowal of Blessing” and the original was taken and destroyed by one of
those envious go-betweens (usually European) between Islam and the West. Then,
as has been written, a copy came into these hands and this is a future
project.
In principle there is not much difference between the sending of these caps,
tasbihs, etc. and the use of those bricks. When your Murshid came to Pearl
Mosque in Lahore he said, “We must get out of here, this place is so full of
Barakat one could work miracles.” One was not interested in miracles but the
fact is that the brickyard was so full of Barakat, one could feel it all over
and also sense that if devotees knew this; they could be healed going there.
My Sheikh in UAR, may Allah bless and sustain him, used to send people who
were ill physically, psychologically or morally to the old Mosques in Cairo and
the very atmosphere was healing. These bricks do not need to be blessed, these
bricks have their blessing and one more than thoroughly approves what you have
done, plan to do.
One is very happy also over Major Sadiq. One has no plans now in any
directions about one’s geography and so about buying or not buying rupees.
One is going to write a letter to the lady in Hollywood explaining in part
the delay before the next visit and in part the new response that is coming to
one, for the first time but actually. So you will be kept informed.
Now comes a hard lesson, no doubt. Allah is in the saint and sinner. It is
easy to say, hard to observe. No one could breathe even once without the divine
grace. One may look to see if one has extra copies of “The Whirling
Ecstasy” of Shams-i-Tabriz. He taught that the only sin was hypocrisy.
Your Murshid was put to a test. Next to the Indus Hotel was a wine merchant.
One kept away from him and then learned he was a Chisti. And Allah made it
clear that the brotherhood of the Chistis was more important than anything
else. Very often Muslims felt very strong about wine which is 2/3 forbidden and
indulge in many sins and vices which are 100% forbidden.
The Aga Khan claims that he has Barakat which makes wine
non-intoxicating.
Then there is the matter of touch and sex relations which are so different
in all parts of the world. Your Murshid did not take kindly to touch from
either man or woman for a long, long time. He could not explain this. Then he
had to go through processes wherein he practiced the habits of this part of the
world where men and women are supposed to touch but men are not supposed to
touch men. After he became used to that he had to live with the Arabs where men
are supposed to touch men. Gradually he was able to sustain all kinds and
conditions of touch and non-touch and none of these affected any portion of his
psyche or anatomy which has to do with sex. He learned also how to evaluate
people through the touch but far prefers evaluation through the breath. Indeed
it is this subject which is more interesting to him than anything else. So if
he uses the breath and not the touch, it is because he finds something both
scientifically and spiritually far more interesting. It becomes as if all touch
relations were for the children of Allah and the breath relations for the wise
in Allah.
One would be glad to go into that further. It is not easy to find that Allah
has created all sorts of people who behave very differently; all are Allah’s
children and all in different grades of evolution. Thus there is accumulation
of knowledge, and joy knowledge and wisdom knowledge and all sorts of
knowledge.
The Sabri teachings seem to operate like Mushahida and the last, but only
the last stages of Mujahida. One has to appear to be no more alive than a stick
and one has to appear as if the sole blessing and consciousness of Allah were
with him.
Now one has written that soon there will be a cinema rendition of the Madhi
of Sudan. This will be very good for the Elijah Mohamed people and even for the
Ahmadiyyas and certainly for the Baha’is, and even more for the Hindus whose
country is filled with those claiming to be “Avatars” but who do not seem
to bring salvation. The Sura, “He begotteth not, neither is He begotten” is
fine, but “There Is None Like Unto Him” is fundamental. The nearer
one seems to approach the divinity, the further He seems to recede in His
magnitude and magnificence, and at the same time, while man walks toward Allah,
Allah rushes toward him. This shows that man and his reason will never really
understand Allah and this of itself is a wisdom and blessing.
Faithfully,
26th May, 1966
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco 3, Calif.
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. Your letter of the 21st has arrived but all the time one
knew you were involved in many duties. The university courses are nearly over
and the sign is for me not to do any heavy studying excepting to attend a
conference; more below. And as I began reading your letter, the sign came to
use some of this time being released to have a meditation on your condition.
The immediate task will be some meditations from the book “Health” by
Hazrat Inayat Khan, but both on this point and the one next to be considered
the subject of Barakat comes up and I shall be writing at length before
continuing reading.
By the Grace of Allah, the vigor that comes to a human being has not
particularly diminished in time and one knows one shares this with others.
Immediately, two themes come up, one being that of health and the other, that
of magnetism. But while this person has a surplus of magnetism, he is not sure
how great can be the healing powers. Yet one also knows that no discussion will
help and therefore at this point also, one will enter into a healing
meditation.
There is quite evidently an obstacle in your “Jinn” body and one will
have to try to combat this by certain breathing efforts and perhaps look up a
cure affected years ago by some people I know. If one writes to them it may
take a little while. It almost looks as if this were the effect of a
“curse” rather than that of any shortcoming of body, mind or heart. Yet to
exonerate does not mean the healing of the flesh. I am to continue this now and
take on as much empathy as possible.
One thing will not be done. There is a story and so far as we know it is
true, that when Humayun was dying, his father, the Emperor Babar prayed to take
on the disease and something like this actually happened. But in this case we
must work for the Glory of Allah.
We recently had a trade here and two tasbihs were purchased from the Moors.
Today your Murshid purchased two Taj caps from the Persian market recently
established. He said he would use them to affect Baraka and then give one away,
or even both for healing and blessing and then buy more. They understood that.
The same has been true of tasbihs.
So it was very interesting about the bricks and your explanation shows you
have imbibed the Divine Wisdom, and there will be Baraka in those bricks and
though sales might bring money, the blessings are more important than anything
else. Your possession of a few also could help.
Although one has as yet a small following, each week one new person comes
and the telephone rings and slowly but surely, inshallah, people are seeking
Divine Wisdom or Joy.
The immediate purpose for those caps is to wear one at the forthcoming
conference on what is called LSD, the use of drugs to heighten the
consciousness. People here know nothing of the finer bodies of man, and yet
intuitively feel them. Instead of going on the path of devotion, they seek
artificial help. (This has come historically in the use of hashish, bhang,
etc.)
If one attends in ordinary capacity his efforts will be ineffective. But as
a Sufi one will be heard and this is the first time one may be speaking before
crowds who know so little of divine experience. So one must carry caps and
prayer beads and such things. And sooner or later the effectiveness of Baraka
will make itself felt. This conference begins on 13th June.
Your Murshid is now awaiting his Uncle’s arrival to discuss further the
family lawsuit. There has been no outside news, and one cannot tell whether my
brother will make an offer. Any offer would be acceptable for one does not like
to remain here. At the same time, the fact that seekers seek and come and one
feels very good about this, may mean a delay. The students in the classes at
school (the University of California) and the teachers too, show considerable
respect today which was previously absent. And everywhere hearts are seeking
joy and not finding it.
The whole affair of Mian Mir of itself brings much joy. It has become easy
to attune to this great saint. I should like, inshallah, you purchase one brick
in my name and hold it. There will be further use for this afterwards.
The same concerning little boys. One seeks a whole new education and while
this will be an all embracing education and as modern as anyone wants to make
it, it must begin with Kalama.
In time the proper use of these bricks for walking Kalama or Fikr will give
them healing properties and people walking over them will be blessed by the
Baraka therefrom. (Please communicate this first to Mr. Engineer and then to
others.)
I am very happy about the car and still more happy about the tasbihs and
prayer caps. The use of tasbihs is an art and science. Your Murshid has several
in different clothes and sometimes one is kept under the pillow. The sign has
come to distribute these among my things so they can pick up vibrations and
then be given to those who seek the Bayat, having by that time picked up
magnetic, healing and blessing vibrations.
The sign has come to look over my things next week and see what healing
materials are available. There is very little known of the sciences of breath.
My Pir-o-Murshid learned a method of walking from the Naqshibandis and after
years, one finds a similar knowledge was known among the Zen Buddhists in
Japan. You have to feel your whole body is a unity. This can be done by
identifying the consciousness with the heart stream as if flows everywhere. The
vibrations flow everywhere through the flesh but they also affect the
“finer” aspects of man. The vibrations in us are Kasif (coarse) and,
Latif (fine.) The latter are developed by feeling and the former by will
power and discipline.
Now one comes to the report of the Sayed. You will see on the third
paragraph above that the conclusion was concern in a “curse” and now one
reads of the meditation performed after writing the first paragraph and this
will enable one to work from that point of view.
This also gives one an idea. This person has not performed Amal for helping
another but one can see how to perform the Amal which would benefit anyone
attuned, and this includes all the Beloved Ones so also your Murshid will next
try Amal-healing tonight.
Your Murshid was long ago instructed about Masts and had great reverence and
respect. This was increased by surprising events generally in company with Bhai
Sadiq.
Now as to Hollywood. My goddaughter there is going away for months. My elder
sister (in tasawwuf) has been too ill to write but one may make a quick trip to
see her either before or after the conference on LSD. There was a lot of money
involved. The lady who has the money has been disgusted with all the so called
spiritual movements in this country which bring neither joy nor salvation.
The greatest books I know and this is one man’s opinion, are the re-issues
of Rumi. One does not like Professor Arberry’s translation of Holy Qur’an.
There are several points on which exception is taken to most translations.
B’ SM’ Allah is of little value if it be translated “In the
Name of Allah.” It makes Allah a name like other names and this goes
contrary, “He begetteth not, neither is He begotten, and there is none like
Him.” When we use Allah as Name, and Sem means much more, we overlook,
“Allah is the Light of the Heavens and Earth.” Although Holy Qur’an was
revealed in time, the real revelation is Umm Khitab, and it was unrolled
as well as revealed. Excepting for “Fateha” there is no valid reason for
arranging the Suras either in the historical order or in the orthodox
arrangement. What one has to bear in mind is that the Revelation must be used
to explain the Revelation. This means that the Bismillah suggests that to
understand it, one must feel in the presence of the Everlasting Light. The
Wazifas and Daroods presented by Pir-o-Murshid take one out of time into
eternity but do not destroy the time. And in looking at Holy Qur’an, whereas
we do have words and explanations, they are on the background of Infinite
Light with all its Mercies, symbolized by Er-Rahman Er-Rahim, or if
we must use words, Rahmat and Hikmat are the most simple.
The forms of Zikr your Murshid hopes to introduce are for the sake of the
direct experience both in and beyond words.
Now as to books. One has not given this consideration but will now do so.
Your Murshid has elements of botanical, anthropological and oriental
libraries.
As for Television. My Sheikh in UAR (corresponding to Murshid) was a great
fan for television and especially sports. We did not look at dramas or anything
like that at his house. His whole life seems to have been religion and
athletics and he was full of joy as well as spiritualism.
As for Television. If you are in doubt and you may inquire in Lahore, please
ask if my friend, Ansar Nasri who was in radio Pakistan, is now working for TV.
He sent me once to his Murshid and although I could understand no Urdu, the
vibrations from both the Pir-o-Murshid and Khalif were so great one benefited.
They were full of sublime and divine love and your Murshid considers Ansar
Nasri in every way a spiritual brother. But how this may have effected
television, one does not know; in this country most of material is disgusting
and is responsible for the moral breakdown. And it is hypocritical for the
students at universities who are so often accused, never behave nearly as bad
as those in the acting profession.
On the other hand if we abandon the field to questionable people, it will
not help. In the end one feels sure that your President, Ayub Khan, is a man of
principles and high ideals.
Your Murshid has twice been given television sets. Fortunately we have a
number of station outlets. One here is entirely educational. With your present
position you might wish to know how television is used in our educational
system and otherwise. Actually the trouble is not with radio or television so
much that these have fallen into, as you have noted, corrupt hands.
This is not a complete answer to your letter. If after the night’s
meditation and Ryazat it is suitable to add more, one will do so.
With all love, prayers and best wishes to your aunt and yourself and Mr.
Engineer.
Faithfully
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Morning. There is something like having conversations with Allah but
actually it is Listening. Listening holds the secrets to all the
problems of the Universe. The essay letter which follows may have many
surprises and it is not necessarily going to be easy to accept all that is
said. But to perform Sajda for a few moments of prayers and then abandon this
attitude the rest of the time has the key to the reasons why certain aspects of
Islam are not effective in this world, for any “Islam” which is not based
on the surrender and hearing to and of Allah is a limitation, not a “sin”
but a limitation. And the purpose of life is to rise above limitations.
One is not going to praise here the great Rifa’i who accepted disease and
affliction as normal for himself, but uses this as an opportunity to help
others.
It is very hard to dispense with all assumptions, yet in Sajda and also in
pure listening one does that.
The Amaliat method has been tried and will be continued as against the
Shifayat method and inshallah, we shall see if it can be effective. But this
does not mean you must change anything, the changing must be from this end.
But the most interesting and complex relations have come with the Iranians.
Through your kind introductions, one represents the University of Tehran here.
And now the Consul General has asked one to visit him, a difficulty because one
has to submit papers for examinations at the University of California.
The previous visit showed that one of the books from Tehran was on Shariat,
partly in Arabic, partly in Persian. Then one found that the new Vice-Consul is
the son of an Arif and is profoundly interested in tasawwuf . The Arab here, as
written before, is a Mevlevi; the Pakistani Consul-General is a lover of
Persian poetry, and so also the new Poet Laureate of the State of
California.
One encountered yesterday some Iranian merchants who also have a deep
appreciation of Tasawwuf and one will buy some prayer caps and perhaps other
materials from them right here in San Francisco.
The whole situation is much brighter today and this brings up the question
of my return; should one remain here until the family law suit is accepted?
Also should one try to present the spiritual teachings of Islamiyya Ruhaniat to
these people? Sometimes both the question and answer are not in one’s
hands.
Then a little later there is going to be a cinema on the Mahdi . This was a
strange man who moved by the injustices his people in Sudan went into deep
stage of Muraqabat and came out convinced he was Mahdi. He defeated all his
enemies, spiritual, and material, and destroyed the Egyptian and British armies
sent against him, only to die suddenly. He became a sort of fictional hero. His
followers were called “The Dervishes.”
At the same time, there is a new book on “Islam in the Sudan” and there
nearly everybody is in tarikat. They do not have much Shariat without tarikat,
no matter what is taught. And we do not accept mankind as it is, so strange
conclusions are reached. But here are some 10,000,000 Muslims, practically all
in tarikat, with very weak acceptance of Shariat. And as one studies in
anthropology, that is the way man is not what he should be, but as he is.
One prays and hopes for your family and performs as many mediations as it is
possible. Today one has strength and hope, although sometimes, as to the
Iranians, one tells the “secret,” which is not so much as “secret” as
that man has made it that way.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Copy of Sufi Sahib
Copy of Bhai Sadiq
8821 Clementina St., San Francisco
24th June 1966
Beloved One of Allah;
As-salaam aleikhum. One has your letter of the 10th and if it be impossible
to answer all of it at the moment, one will reread it so that this can be done.
For there are two sides to it. The one is my own human frailties not always
having the knowledge or information or wisdom to help. And the other is the
union between Murshid and mureed. At the moment the latter is the more striking
because Allah, to Whom be all Praise, seems to preserve, increase prowess and
health and joy and one wishes to share these things. So when the letter was
read one went into a sort of meditative attunement and so is told to feel your
pulse and heart-beat and heart as if one’s own had to do this whenever
possible.
There are two aspects of Sufism, which are to say Allah and the Auliya (with
Ghaus-i-Azam at the Head) and the Prophets and Messengers with Mecca Shereef at
their head. By both Faith and Attunement together one can draw on them or the
Sifat, and each has been in a sense and embodiment of Sifat. For those who see
Allah part tend to egotism. These it Creation is that in Him there is no
partner.
The best answer comes in going over points in Holy Qur’an which are to be
used not only in prayers but as Wazifas or Repetitions.
Sura 91 First few lines and special emphasis on line 7. These lines as a
part to prayer once a day (in the five prayers) and line 7 for
concentration.
Sura 90 As prayer once a day.
Sura 92 Once a day in prayer.
Sura 93 As often as convenient.
Sura 94 Once daily.
Sura 104 Once daily.
Sura [111] As previously. Continue.
Sura [113] Always with first morning prayer.
Sura [114] Always with first morning prayer.
[?] Qur’an passages at this time. If there are any questions , please
[?].
Now as for your Aunt, also the last two for morning prayer. And for her
Concentration on the Holy Prophet, and this walk after feels some success or
assurance.
101 steps in your side courtyard with concentration on “Allah-uma salli
ala Muhammad in
was ‘ala ali Muhammad in kama sallaita ala Ibrahima.
For you 101 steps in the morning only “A’udhu bi-llahi minash
shatiani-r-rajim.
Your Aunt’s walk is with concentration on the Holy Prophet and yours is
for protection and purifications. Also repeat this when you visit the Dargah
Mian Mir.
Now as for walking. Till this time I have walked as devotee, to feel the
presence or the Sifat of Murshids and Saints and Allah Himself (Akhlak Allah)
and now your Murshid must walk as a Murshid to attune to and help the mureeds
in so far as Allah permits and blesses. This has never been tried but now His
Blessed Majesty of Mecca Shereef gives this as instruction and it shall be
tried either after this letter is completed, or if it be long, then during the
writing.
As to medicines one knows little of these things and although one has
recently purchased one book there was no information. I shall consult a friend
who is a pharmacist and see if he can give any advice but generally these
things are furnished only with prescription. One is satisfied with the report
of the Hakim of [?].
My correspondence with Karachi is incomplete. The Psychedelic Conference
which took place all last week is making new contracts both among the young and
among the professors. The latter will take some time. Most [?] are unhappy and
uncertain and as the wealth of the country grows [?] deny, also the
dissatisfaction grows. And when one man tried to make the people become social
revolutionaries he was snubbed for they want to be spiritual revolutionaries
and do not know how. Also one has had very surprising new contacts too long to
tell you and if one was busy before, it is only because the vacation has
released the time from school and all this extra time has to be used not for
self but for those in need.
Fire can mean purification as well as destruction. As your aunt practices
the above it may bring more assurance. The next step is Meditation and for a
first lesson one suggests as follows:
Meditation may be performed alone or with others. Sit on the floor with the
back straight facing Kibla. Watch the breath go in and out. One may begin with
Fikr but this is not Fikr. In Fikr the attention is on the sacred phrase. In
Meditation the attention is on nothing, but to calm the breath and through it
calm the Mind and thus Nufs. One can do this when alone 5-15 minutes after
prayers. But one can do with others. After you do it with others [?] give a
Joint Healing Meditation for 3 to 7 people.
The Fire and Ship mean together a transmutation and as your Murshid sees it
she may live to become another person with a wider outlook. She will not live
as the same person with the same outlook. When you are in Lahore please take
her as often as possible to the Dargahs. If she travels with you also visit
Dargah [?], I can’t think of it, famous 10 miles East of ‘pindi, belonging
to the Chisti School.
As for Mr. Engineer. You may give him Bayat in the Name of Allah, through
the Holy Prophet and all Saints and Prophets and Pir-o-Murshids Hazrat Inayat
Khan and Sufi Barkat Ali with Ahmed Murad Chisti as his [?] Gathas of Hazrat
Inayat Khan of which one series was sent; or the literature such volumes as you
have.
Please do not have him study other Sufi prose material at this time until he
is sure of his foundation. With the poetry it is different because that is of
the Heart. This person studied “Kashf-al-Mahjub” early because there was no
other Sufi literature available at the time. He is enthusiastic, loving,
devoted, but also it is necessary to keep his feet firm.
Give him also a walking Fikr, concentrating on “La Illaha” with each
exhalation and “El il Allah” with each inhalation and for him to cultivate
a slow step.
If this does not do it, have him repeat “Allaho Akbar” with a firm slow
firm step. After the firmness is established one can change this.
When you go to Abbottabad please remember me to Begum Sadiq and also Begum
Salim Khan who is now a very important lady and who was the wife of the first
Pakistani Consul General here.
Now the caps and tasbihs serve a purpose but one thinks there is still an
unrevealed purpose and one wrote about the cap from Aden in the last letter.
One does not wear here a robe or anything but today when Rassoul Lillah (Upon
whom be Everlasting Peace) he instructed me to wear this cap when teaching
which will be done, inshallah, beginning tonight.
You will please also have Bhai Sadiq with you in the meditation as above
when at Abbottabad and ask him for any cooperation possible to clear up the
[?].
The restriction for Mr. Engineer about not reading too much Sufi prose
literature does not extend to your Aunt at all.
It is important I leave to visit my American god-daughter as soon as
possible and also my elder spiritual sister who is aged and infirm. This may
bring some news about the possible establishment of a Centre in Hollywood. One
does get [?] it but the lady’s prediction that the young would be coming in
increasing numbers has come to pass.
Your letter is now being put aside for further consideration. Everything
else was dropped for the moment and also one has had the inner attunement and
as one goes out will have the walking attunement that you may be blessed and
benefited.
With all love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chistis
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco 94103, USA
July 8, 1966
Beloved One of Allah:
As-Salaam aleikhum. One has tried to be patient with whose have set
themselves up as Missionaries whose praise goes to themselves or to people they
admire. When Hazrat Inayat Khan came here in his first lectures he referred to
Hadith as containing the scientific side of religion. But the difference
between Muslims and devotees is that the Muslims say and let it go at that,
where as the devotees find substance in what has been said and act
accordingly.
Today your Murshid was carrying a book of Hadith and when he entered the
office of the American Friends of the Middle East he found there the secretary
studying the same book and took this as great sign. She also gave me a
publication from a branch of the University of California put out by an Arab
student and inshallah this may be of importance.
Now to study the Hadith scientifically means one should pattern the life and
opinions on them and remove all personal ideas away. And this morning one took
into account, “Women are the twin-halves of men” which is certainly in
Hadith and certainly not in accord with the editorials of so many
“Missionary” magazines.
Even Ibn Batuta found that some people had practices so different and yet
called themselves “Muslims.” And today also in Hazrat Ali one gets the
confirmation that Allah has given the Guidance to so many people which Muslims
accept as a precept but hardly as a fact. This person says that every good
thing that has come to humanity is from Allah to whom be all praise. And it was
He that gave the people the foods and the arts and the techniques which He has
given to many people, most of whom are not “Muslims” in the limited
sense.
With the door to the Arabs open one may start a new type of research and
writing. But among the Americans the first thing now is to prove the existence
of Allah which is taken for granted. But Muslims insist on condemning which is
contrary to the teachings of the Messengers of God, and they ignore the
Bismillah and that Allah loves His creation more than a mother loves her babes.
So it is necessary to cultivate the grand view. But many do not wish the grand
view or the Rahmat. And when one reads further in Hazrat Ali, his principles of
Jihad are quite different from what has been published. So what good is it?
And the only way to demonstrate Allah is through the Hadith and the only way
to demonstrate Hadith is by practices. For the Sifat-i-Allah manifested in man
until we find the Perfect Man. So we should be satisfied and still give the
Praise to Allah and pattern ourselves according to Mohammed. But instead
Muslims divide the praise with Mohammed and with themselves and do not pattern
themselves according.
There is also a Hadith that a visitor found the Messenger seated on the
ground with his legs under him and asked why. The Messenger said he did not
come to be a proud monarch but a humble devotee.
In the first place one looked one found some material on the Healing Service
of Hazrat Inayat Khan. This takes the cooperation of others and some training,
so one will continue to look elsewhere.
Now the use of Mujahida is that one works as if for Allah while in Mushahida
there are no enemies at all, it is for protection. If in trying to help you
Mujahida were practiced this would involve the repeating of Takbir but for the
healing “Allah Shaffee, Allah Kaffee” is most important. Khafiyat, if such
it can be called, is for general protection and purification. In other words,
if one tries to heal he may be benefiting many, not just the one person with
whom he is attuning and concentrating.
Jihad has been used too much against personal and political enemies and it
does not work then. The Khalifa-al-Rashidin never accumulated fame, wealth or
power and thus were of greatest protection to the whole community.
Education. The full important of Rassoul Muhammad as ummi has never
had its full import. Pride in his career, pride in using his names in prayer
and every sort of pride is a barrier to what is distinctly taught in Hadith.
Coming as a humble and somewhat illiterate man he wished everybody had the
benefits of education and learning in every way. And it is education, not
pride, that is the teaching of Hadith. (Sign to go out and practice for
you.)
Morning. There is no question that the present psychic condition of the
world fosters diseases, and your own condition seems to be much more psychic
than either mental or physical. Thus in one sense you are almost compelled to
suffer from what the world suffers from.
The real peace which is inward overcomes everything. Now one makes some
suggestion which should be done in proper time:
a. When you return to Lahore, both meditate at Mian Mir and hold on to the
screen. At other saints’ tombs also hold onto screens where much Baraka has
been collected.
b. Discuss all things you feel uncertain about with Bhai Sadiq.
c. Go with him and Memsahib to the springs and mosque at Karsul and walk
around that territory which is full of Baraka. Drink that water, and seek holy
men in that region.
(Now one also asks you to consult Bhai Sadiq about my affairs which are very
dramatic and need advice, advice even more than help.)
Evidently the mass of my healing materials have either been destroyed or
lost in the uncertain existence here.
Now for your aunt. Today one feels very funny. One is nearly 70 and seems no
age at all. Much of this is Grace and came from the blessing of Khwaja Khizr
and as yet one does not know how to confer this on others. But the new friends
here offer great possibilities.
In the Christian Bible it states that the human body is the temple of God
and the Islamic teaching should be that one finds Allah in the heart; also He
is closer than the neck-vein. We should take these things more seriously and if
Allah is that close, life is that close.
Will you please here repeat “Ya Hayy, Ya Haqq” 101 times a day. This is
the “rope” one can hold on to. Certainly in your Murshid’s case it has
been obvious. While it is well to have Wazifas as devotions, it more important
to see them as divine medicines and as connecting links between the person and
Allah.
Now feel there will soon come the sciences of heart which will be of
universal benefit. One may praise Allah that for the first time someone is here
who can do some spiritual typing for me, and will alhamdulillah.
The explanations of A.L.M. are important. The caps and tasbihs will soon be
used. Very slowly people here and one will go to a spiritual convention in
August and inshallah it will be as the Psychedelic conference just past. One
can hold one’s own given a chance.
It is a very hard to understand the low grade of spirituality here.
Americans are good, naturally good, and this goodness is mostly vanity. We are
constantly anxious to bestow upon people things they do not want, and may not
enjoy. This condition also is in Hadith. Much of what is going on is in
Hadith.
No doubt this is not all complete but it is more important to pray and
meditate than to write.
My love to the Sadiq and people in Abbottabad. When you get there please go
to Friendly Drug Store, give them my respects and find out of Abdul Rahman is
still with us. Also if you can visit the Government Hostel #2. It may even be
that Prof. Durrani will visit that region too.
All love and blessing,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
21st July 1966
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco 3, Calif.
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. This is one of those trying times in which one has to
praise Allah for prosperity and surrender in adversity at the same time. For
the “prosperity” has been the preservation of life and strength and the
adversity has been the series of accidents and tragedies to those near and dear
to one. It is under such circumstances one tries the Peace within and it would
seem that the Peace within is the best heart balm. There it is necessary to
take all the cases that need the healing or assurance and perform one practice
together.
Last night it became necessary to awaken and then one performed devotions
and read in the Scripture, “And He removed all hatred from their hearts.”
But after that one began to read one of the several books one has on the
Messenger and all of them are filled with personality opinions and not
teachings. The Holy Qur’an is quite clear but “Muslims” have all sorts of
ego assurances and they are exactly like the self assurance of the believers in
this land which are concerned with some hypothetical safety from a hell fire in
the hereafter and assumed superiority over others.
“And He removed all hatred from their hearts” to this one means just
that and nothing else and to add or subtract is just what desecrates religion.
For besides what else has gone on, one has had to be a witness to the whole
Vietnamese conflict. Only when one asked for Guidance, the answer came that as
the people of that region have their religion, why don’t they demonstrate it?
They do not demonstrate their religion and one is not permitted to perform the
Mujahida, which might bring Peace, inshallah. So long as there is hatred we
have nothing but the arguments. And this shows that people do not yet know the
significance of true Islam, that they add all kinds of things such as
“logic” and “opinion.”
Still your Murshid has met recently a man who has some awareness of the
divine Peace. He has a meeting place and he is planning to put on some lectures
just as soon as a mailing list is prepared. And we hope to put on some
surprises. For the practice of Peace is to rise above all distinctions and
differentiations. Whatever else man knows, this he has not learned.
There are the young who will have nothing of religion. Finding out that they
can enter other stages of consciousness through drugs, they take the drugs and
there is plenty of discussion and even legal troubles. If Ibrahim said, “I
liketh not gods that set,” the young say: “We do not like a God that
neither rises nor sets nor reveals Himself.” The clergy have no answer.
The significance of Peace also involves guidance and therefore one has
resumed writing to Shamsuddin Ahmed in Lahore. And also one found a paper on
Hazrat Inayat Khan written by a Japanese teacher of the Zen (meditation)
school. This also gives some idea of the inner Peace. The Zen Buddhist is not
verbal and the Sufi is verbal, yet in the Peace they found communication and
understanding.
24th July, 1966
Beloved One of Allah:
One hopes you can share this correspondence with Bhai Sadiq, and even
others. There is a copy of a letter enclosed to Shamsuddin Ahmed and it has
taken a whole week even to have time to mail it. There is always a danger of
confusing surrender to Allah to more kismet and yet it came very strongly that
one should stop trying anything at all this week and just sit back and watch.
And it seems that [?] to what the thought one should be doing, there has been
either a problem of spiritual or health guidance every day, or else some
important person would visit this city for a short time and depart.
So one stopped everything and then the phone would ring. There is a general
situation, especially here in California, that the young are seeking and they
do not know what they are seeking. There has been some attention experience,
“expansion of consciousness” and this gives them a sort of negative
insight. They see there is experience beyond the ordinary, the joy and also
uncertainty.
The last few days have brought conferences with the young and today one is
to meet a young man who travelled 350 miles for spiritual guidance. So it may
be, inshallah, that the roots of Sufism or Divine Guidance will now take hold
here. Yesterday it was a young woman and Tuesday it will be another young man.
So it would seem that what all the Sufi Pirs predicted is now coming to pass,
slowly, steadily and with firmer roots.
It will also be necessary to arrange one or more public lectures, for a man
who has a lecture hall wishes to build programs around the knowledge of this
person and, inshallah, one may be embarking on a new venture. The very
unfortunate policy of resorting to arms in emergencies has no stopping point so
in a land of wealth and prosperity, there is more uncertainty, more uneasiness,
more strife. The principle that Peace is the source of everything is rejected
by the churches, the politicians and agitators. But when one goes to the young,
one sees they are without guidance without surrender. In other words, this is
negative Kashf. The very situation that this person has been rejected so much
by others makes him automatically accepted by the young. Besides, it is easy to
spread radiations of love, insight and comfort and most of them have never had
such quite external experience.
There is no metaphysical difference between Yoga and Vedanta and Sufism but
in the Indian systems if you fail, it is your fault, while in Sufism if you
fail, it is the teacher’s fault. The teacher makes it his business to help
you to succeed, to experience joy, to experience love, to experience wisdom, to
develop insight and he does everything possible to identify himself with the
pupil to mutual attainment. This sort of appeal is succeeding now,
alhamdulillah.
Idries Shah, about whom there has been some correspondence, has opened a
Sufi publishing house in England. You will be informed of anything that comes
there from. At the moment he is too close to prominent Western philosophers and
not close enough to the great philosopher and poets of spiritual Islam.
Love and blessing,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
25th July, 1966
Beloved One of Allah:
Your letter from Ayubia arrived this morning. Your Murshid knows that
country, having visited it from the Abbottabad side. By temperament one loves
both mountains and forests and sometimes gets a self-healing from being in
their very presence. But one cannot say this is always the case, and it took
weeks to adjust to Simla, but only hours for Murad Murree.
Now I am going to open up a strange situation showing also the value of
praising Allah in times of prosperity and surrendering to him in times of
adversity. There is a strange situation, and it seems widespread that those
near and dear are suffering from crises. My dearest spiritual sister in
Hollywood has not only had a series of accidents, but her own family has shown
no concern. And in her case there is financial need also.
A lady with whom your murshid kept company for a long time and who was
prevented from an offer of marriage by a stroke of polio was here and one had
the dutiful pleasure of pushing her around in a wheelchair. And one of my
closest friends is going back and forth from home to hospital over a long
period. But praise to Allah while this is going on and more, one’s own health
and equilibrium are satisfactory.
The service to Allah may be pleasing to Him for those who come on Friday
(mureeds) and those on Monday (inquiries) reach this place an hour ahead of
time and often stay late. And tomorrow, inshallah, one shall submit a mailing
list to a man who has a combination meditation and lecture hall and wishes one
to speak there. This is the first open offer and it seems very bright.
Then there are a growing number of young people here who agree with Hazrat
Al-Ghazzali that mysticism comes from experience and not from conjectures of
philosophies. They are seeking Joy and it becomes a source of surprise to find
an older person who has been able to out-Joy them at every turn. Only a feeble
effort has been made to reach them as the accommodations here are small, and
one prefers intense rather than extensive training.
In the last lesson one did not try to prove the Superiority of Islam or
tasawwuf over other religious. One explained that in Indian teachings the guru
made the disciple responsible for his progress while in tarikat, the guide made
himself responsible, and considered himself to blame if there is not progress.
The audience liked this much better than any argument.
Then there is another sign. Last week one spoke at some length on
“Breath” and how to overcome difficulties by knowledge of breath. In the
newspaper today a scientist has found methods to correct the smoking habits by
changes in breathing, something your Murshid long advocated, without condemning
the tobacco or anything. This discovery, coming so soon after one’s own
lesson, adds to prestige.
A spiritual brother has offered to purchase books to keep the library full.
The works of Hazrat Inayat Khan fulfill a multiple purpose; they have good
introductory lessons which a) interest inquirers b) they have excellent
practical teachings c) they also contain a number of lessons which belong to
esotericism (Ryazat).
We are using “The Mysticism of Sound” which is in Volume II, because one
mureed is intensely interested in music and in spiritual development through
music and sound. This begins with Zikr. One has in the files some research
works called “The Metaphysics of Sound” which may be used later.
But there is also the temptation to give lessons on “Health” because of
pressing problems of people who visit here as well as those referred to above.
These class nights occupy about 3-3 1/2 hours, longer than is proper, but not
longer than is needed. In turn the problems induce the “Spiritual Healing”
and this is also a form of contemplation (Mushahida), and last week we had a
lesson on this subject from “Kashf-al-Mahjub.” So long as there is warfare
whether in Vietnam or elsewhere, this upsets the tranquility of atmosphere and
it is generally the spiritual and sensitive who suffer. The effects of wars,
storms and terrors are universal, but this is a hard lesson for mankind to
comprehend. One aspect of it appears in Hazrat Inayat Khan’s “The Law of
Renunciation.”
“There is no compulsion in Islam” applies even more to Sufism. The heart
welcomes Mr. Engineer and one would like him also to study Hazrat Inayat
Khan’s works. There might be some difference in ryazat according to his
temperament. There is a peculiar situation here that although I have had
universal bayat from two Pirs, for the ryazat one feels closer to Inayat Khan
on one hand and to Mian Mir on the other and one can feel that at the moment
too.
If there is time one may go over one’s commentaries on “Breath” which
have long been neglected. This of itself is an enormous undertaking but as one
finds so many accidents and misfortunes, one may have to go into it. One has to
correct both the Breath and the Heart (in Mushahida) together.
Tauba. This was one of my subjects last Monday and also in two
separate meetings with young applicants. There are those sins which come from
failures (which is correct according to scriptures); there are those sins which
arise from non conformity with society or family or philosophies and these are
not real forms of Tauba but one finds them everywhere. Man is obligated to
Allah, and not necessarily to family or society or convention of ideas. None of
these may be wrong and mere “revolt” is not necessarily a virtue. But as we
increase in Kashf or Shahud, we learn to distinguish the real “Right” and
your Murshid believes that the interpretation of “Guide us on the right
path” is fulfilled in Kashf, or Shahud or Grace. Metaphysically Tauba means
to turn from self-hood to Allah.
Hazrat Inayat Khan placed five forms of Divine Gifts: Grace, Glory, Wisdom,
Joy and Peace. When we experience one (or more) of them then we are acting in
accord with Allah or we are receiving from Allah. This, to your Murshid, means
Islam and is far away from politics or nationalism or dualism of any
kind. If dissatisfaction, this shows the absence of the Divine Islam (which
comes to perfection in Nufs Selima).
Another thing one has held back from was the death of my spiritual
colleagues at Ajmir. One has been unable to do anything for his family due to
the circumstances above.
At the end of the first day at Ajmir one was taken to the cell of Baktiari
and was amazed as soon as one sat down to mediate, the whole place walls, floor
and ceiling began to echo and reecho loud and in English, “What Do You
Want!” Your Murshid was not such a hero and ran out of the place.
At the end of second day after one had the Kahirkah from Khwaja Sahib and
went all round to many places, one came back and then asked the Saints from
blessing and guidance and the answer came clear, and again in English and loud:
“The Request Is Granted.”
The whole two days at Ajmir were miraculous and one may go over the diary
and write it in full. There is a book In Quest of the Miraculous written
by a man named Gurdjieff and when your Murshid read it, it seemed too
elementary. Yet there is another side. Although one went through direct routine
with Khwaja Sahib and is now teaching “The Mysticism of Sound,” the strange
closeness to Mian Mir has overcome all other connections. It has been
inexplicable and it is true, and there also was one miracle at Delhi which came
in this connection.
And this brings up a problem, if you would call it that, that Mian Mir
explained in detail about the family of Shah Jehan and his self-responsibility
for failure to get the sons to cooperate, and also he took the blame (Malamat)
for all the difficulties, nor did he ask one to correct, but to understand.
One does not know whether letters were mailed to Bhai Sadiq nor whether you
contacted him. I love Abbottabad though it is a little warm in the summer, but
not hard after Delhi or Peshawar.
One gives you full heart support on anything you do concerning Baba
Farid.
Pir-o-Murshid Hasan Sani Nizami took one to the ruins of the Khankah of
Nizam-ud-Din Auliya in 1956 and said, “That is where he practiced
Shagal.” This one went there and practiced Shagal and the Saint
appeared and foretold one’s future, and behind this is a secret for
longevity. One did not visit that place in 1962 but did go to the Tombs of Amir
Khusrau, Nizam-ud-Din Auliya, Inayat Khan and Hasan Nizami. You will understand
there are no walls between the seen and unseen, only this time there was one or
more living witnesses to what was conferred. One does not seek karamat, yet it
has become quite natural. This in turn makes it important to practice Ryazat,
not for one’s sake but to help others. That is why the walking Fikr and the
walking Shifayat are used so much because it is not the ego-self so much as
those near and dear to one who have the problems today.
No doubt this may reach you before letters sent to Lahore for forwarding.
One was able to stop another letter from post here, and these will be combined
in a larger envelope.
All love and blessings from,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
[Undated]
Beloved One of Allah:
One hopes you can share this correspondence with Bhai Sadiq, and even
others. There is a copy of a letter enclosed to Shamsuddin Ahmed, and it has
taken a whole week even to have time to mail it. There is always a danger of
confusing surrender to Allah to more kismet and yet it came ever strongly that
one should stop trying anything at all this week and just sit back and watch.
And it seems that in addition to what one thought one should be dong, there has
been either a problem of spiritual or health guidance every day, or else some
important person would visit this city for a short time and depart.
So one stopped everything and then the phone would ring. There is a general
situation especially here in California that the young are seeking and they do
not know what they are seeking. There has been some attention to those who try
certain products of vegetation and now chemicals to experience “experience of
consciousness” and this gives them a sort of negative insight. They see there
is experience beyond the ordinary, they know they can have that experience and
it brings them to the portals of joy and also uncertainty.
The last few days has brought conferences with the young and today one is to
meet a young man who traveled 350 miles for spiritual guidance. So it may be,
inshallah, that the roots of Sufism or Divine Guidance will now take hold here.
Yesterday it was a young woman and Tuesday it will be another young man. So it
would seem that what all the Sufi Pirs predicted is now coming to pass, slowly,
steadily and with firmer roots.
It will be necessary to arrange one or more public lectures, for a man who
has a lecture hall wishes to build programs around the knowledge of this person
and, inshallah, one may be embarking on a new venture. The very unfortunate
policy of resorting to arms in emergencies has no stopping point so in a land
of wealth and prosperity there is more uncertainty, more uneasiness, more
strife. The principle that Peace is the source of everything is rejected by the
churches, the politicians and agitators. But when one goes to the young, one
sees they are without guidance, without love. Without wisdom but with a certain
uncertainty they will not surrender. In other words, this is negative Kashf.
The very situation that this person has been rejected so much by others makes
him automatically accepted by the young. Besides it is easy to spread
radiations of love insight and comfort and most of them have never had such
quite external experience.
There is no metaphysical difference between Yoga and Vedanta and Sufism but
in the Indian systems if you fail it is your fault, while in Sufism if you fail
it is the teacher’s fault. The teacher makes it his business to help you to
succeed, to experience joy, to experience love, to experience wisdom, to
develop insight and he does everything possible to identify himself with the
pupil to mutual attainment. This sort of appeal is succeeding now,
alhamdulillah.
Idries Shah, about whom there has been some correspondence, has opened a
Sufi publishing house in England. You will be informed of anything that comes
therefrom. At the moment he is too close to prominent western philosophers and
not close enough to the great philosophers and poets of spiritual Islam.
Love and blessing,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
[Undated]
One will probably leave this week, inshallah, for a short trip into Southern
California. It is marred by one’s close friends (another letter received from
another person) having accidents. One feels there is a very unwholesome
atmosphere all over the world, in the opposite direction to peace. While I did
not meet the retiring Ambassador (I believe I have already met him), one doubts
whether his speech influenced Americans. We are too filled with self-thought,
it is awful. And nobody cares about the poor peasants of Vietnam who are to be
sacrificed, whether to the communists or to us is the problem.
One spoke on “Vietnamese Buddhism,” a subject neglected by everybody,
and this means everybody including the so called “Buddhists.” This was
arranged by a new friend who is a seer and whose establishment is close by; he
foresees an increase of mental and emotional disturbances until we learn to
live in peace with the world and accept a God.
The other day I heard the Indian cultural attaché. Now I love these people
very much and would like to have served on a peace mission. What Muslims do not
realize is the Indian law of Karma, that for whatever they sow, that they reap.
And Hindus are even worse, for since the Kashmir outbreaks they have suffered
and suffered and suffered. Their food supply has gone down and their rupee has
been devaluated. And while some of your countrymen are angry because one did
not take part in the politics, this is because according to Sabri teachings,
the less involved, the more one could see. And one saw curses in India. One
loved these people but La Allaha El Il Allah and no nonsense
about it. So today one sees the tragedies and they will remain until the whole
nation has the Tauba.
You will understand here that there is no difference between the true Islam
and the Hikmat demonstrated through scientific means. Only we must
remove nufs. All one’s efforts have been in entire accord with President
Ayub’s efforts.
Your Murshid sometimes wonders about ego-statements which may be true. The
difference is that your Murshid makes the statements as if in fana-fi-Sheikh,
fana-fi-Pir, fana-fi-Rassoul or fana-fi-Lillah rather than third heaven, which
matrices one may increase the Imam and by using strange terms, while true, it
is confusing. One spoke on what looks like a forbidden subject so one says that
one works in fana-fi-Rassoul, that one does not use empty words, “seek wisdom
even to China,” that one has studied the Chinese wisdom and has all the
blessing from Insaan-i-Kemal (Mohammed) and is very serious, even when one does
not appear to be devout. The Hebrew Bible says, “The awe of God is the
beginning of Wisdom” and one spoke in awe, in reverence and in brilliant
light and the words came out of the mouth, and in the light and so the self was
not. It was fana more than half. But by that one was able to give the Baraka
because one was in tune with Mohammed (from whom is Peace) and the keynote
with, a triumphant yell was Peace Is Power, following in all things
others, our Saint Mian Mir.
It is also karamat when one speaks in one’s own city and before people,
some of them friends for thirty or more years and for the first time they could
listen.
The devotional spirit of Mr. Engineer is very much in accord with real
Islamic tradition. And this is one of the ways toward Allah.
Now you have the Kashf highly developed, from your moral nature and one
wonders how far this also comes in the vision. One has to see that even among
the elite there is not always perfection. One still feels in Mohammed Sadiq,
great soul, whether he functions as mureed or murshid.
It took some time for him to appreciate the reports of the late Haji Baba
Abdul Aziz of Havelian and when he went there he found a great saint. It was
this man who gave one the water from Zem-Zem and one appreciated such love that
it is beyond measurement. One does not measure others in this and one believes
that Pir Barkat Ali fulfills all one’s dreams of an ideal Murshid-Saint even
though there have been other Bayats.
One is now teaching the sciences of breath and meditation here.
One will not write immediately to Bhai Sadiq even though at times one
benefits from his vision.
Perhaps Allah wishes one to grow stronger by standing on his feet.
One leaves to meet one’s oldest spiritual brother (Santa Barbara) and
spiritual sister (Hollywood) and to visit one’s god-daughter in Los
Angeles.
The problems among the mureeds here keeps your Aunt and even yourself in the
immediate consciousness. Everywhere something is happening to bodies and one
must strive in every way to “heal.” But the healing and world peace go
together, and also one is seeking world peace by writing to the proper people,
inshallah.
With all love and blessing,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
August 16th, 1966
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco 3, Calif.
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. One returned today with some ideas for Bhai Sadiq, but
on account of your letter one shall pay attention to it instead.
The Invocation of Hazrat Khan consists of two portions: Toward the One,
the Perfection of Love, Harmony and Beauty, the Only Being … (and)
United With All the Illuminated Souls Who Form the Embodiment of the Master,
the Spirit of Guidance.
According to the hierarchal teachings, all illuminated Souls form one Single
Personality, or Spiritual Brotherhood. The real Sufi sees the Murshid in every
living being and one is overjoyed at every item of your spiritual report. For
if you see Sufi Ahmed Murshid (Samuel L. Lewis) as your teacher, you may be
near Shirk and if you see Allah as your teacher you are a true Muslim. And this
Allah has many mouthpieces, whosoever in hal and makam enters into rapport with
him.
One time while living in ‘pindi your Murshid had a vision that he was
suddenly taken to a Murshid and given some instructions for his return to
America. Within three days my friend, the Khalandar Ali Mastana, called and
said he wanted to take me to Golra Sherif. This was surprising because he had
been critical. So we went.
One heard the same music as at Ajmir and it produced an ecstasy. When we
tried to get near the Pir and as soon as he heard, he dismissed everybody,
hundreds of people and said I should go to lunch with him. When we came to the
eating place, he said exactly the same to me as was said in the dream vision,
not a thing different, no more, no less.
Therefore it is with great joy one learns of your visit with Major Sadiq.
Now as to opinion. One did not form one. Anybody can be the mouthpiece of
Allah. The Khalandar did not have a high opinion either. You can take tawiz,
you take the physical medicines, and knowing it comes from the stream of
Moineddin Chisti, even it is merely formal there may be some Baraka in it.
The fact that you have put Pir Dewwal Shereef on the spiritual ladder is
something. My relations with him were not, as we call it, dualistic. He did
serve Allah and the Hierarchy in my presence and whether the Baraka came from
him or me does not matter. When we were together there was a high order of
karamat. I do know all his weaknesses, but this is my fault. I have not yet
accepted even Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan’s writing on suggestions.
As to Baba Farid, he is to me a great Saint and here one believes with his
whole heart that everything coming from this source is wonderful, saintly, not
to say “divine.”
As to the sculpture, there is little encouragement here. They will probably
use wrong sources. One wishes to establish some solid bases of friendship.
It is a peculiar thing that although the world has had many religious and
many Divine Messengers, many of whom are denounced by so called “Muslims”
that the followers of none of the religions of the world, other than Islam,
repeat the Divine Name as given by the Messenger. This is immediately obvious
of Jews and Christians and if you look further the Hindus do not use the words
employed by Krishna or Rama or Shiva, and the Buddhists have a substitute
appellation which corresponds to one or more Sifat-i-Allah, etc. So when it
comes to “The Mysticism of Sound,” it can be based on “Allah” because
if there are or were other divine words, they are no longer used.
Or from a practical point of view, one picks up the method of Bhullah Shah
which is scientific in the sense that it was operative. If a religious method
can be demonstrated, it is in accord with science and if it cannot be
demonstrated, it is not in accord with science. Certainly the method of Bhullah
Shah, we demonstrated and inshallah, can be demonstrated.
Coming back to this country, it is very hard to judge the low spiritual ebb.
You see it in our politics, internal and external. But you do not see [?] to
reach. All over the world everybody thinks his logic can be imposed on other
people and few will accept the logic of others. It must be done otherwise.
For instance, there are many among the young who want a demonstration and
family; they are taking what is called a “drug.” This is a very bad term.
They are finding entrances into the worlds unseen by chemical and botanical
means and so they come to find there are unseen world. It is not like a
scientist who is a mystic or mystic who is a scientist can come and explain
Malakut and Jabrut. There is no such instruction anywhere, just talk about it.
But there are the worlds unseen and they are finding these to be true.
One of the leaders of this new type of effort wrote a postal card and all
the postal card said was La Illaha El Il Allah. This man could
hardly be called a Muslim, but he sent a postal card and all that card had on
it was Kalama. One feels sure that the Messenger of God (on whom to
peace) would be pleased but a lot of “Muslims” demand all kinds of things
in Qur’an or Sunna or Fikr or elsewhere and would not call this man a
“Muslim.” But this person, receiving such a card, praised Allah that for
this country something was happening like the landing of the dove from the Ark
of Noah. And since writing that postal card, that man has become very
successful and famous. So if an American can write Kalama and why
instead of considering “Allah” they consider “Islam” all the time which
is just one of the 99 really beautiful names. What has happened to the
others?
In the last few months, very slowly a few people come and today one must go
out to prepare for his first public meeting, inshallah, which has been
requested of him. This person is not going to argue Allah Mansur against
Islam Mansur. Allah has decided on certain matters contrary to what some
“Muslims” would have.
When I lived at this residence some time ago, there were two pictures on the
wall; that of Hon. Ayub Khan and of mother. Now there is only one, that of my
godmother Miss Ruth St. Denis, the celebrated dancer. There are few men I love
more than the respective Presidents Ayub Khan and S. Radhakrishnan. They are
together not only in “The Temple of Understanding” but in the contemporary
move to make Ajmir a spiritual center for the whole world.
This is strange but welcome. As a person I have been trying to make Fatehpur
Sikri the Center and there are some signs that this will be, but not with
pressure. I have been involved in a strange complication that one rejects all
the efforts of all the missionary movement in Karachi (and elsewhere) to
promote what they call “Islam” in foreign lands. And at the same time I
welcome fully the efforts of Dr. Nasir of Tehran University who has been most
successful where fellow countrymen have failed. I have not only found Dr. Nasir
a great man spiritually but also scientifically and am involved in more
ventures than many could conceive but they all point directly or indirectly to
him.
Recently some friends of mine moved to Yuma, which is on the Colorado River
and have invited me to go there. I wish, inshallah, because in addition to the
social side, they are having the same salinity problem as in Pakistan and I
hope to see some practical efforts.
I am also doing some studies in Archaeology to prove that Allah has given
all peoples their Guide and their Guidance not only throughout history but in
what we all “pre-history.” Never has this world been without Guidance but I
am not satisfied with words, I wish the evidence and the evidence is always
there. It is only a matter of uncovering.
We are now making headway on salt water conversion from the ocean and
regardless of your countrymen, this would enable you to develop the Makran and
beyond. These two problems of obtaining water and getting rid of salinity might
come first, on the material plane.
Allah did not create “Muslims” and non-Muslims.” Man himself has the
choice of surrender and no surrender. The Divine Voice is always operating,
always manifesting. When one makes an offer and it is rejected, it is on the
side of patience, not dualistic. Our Pir-o-Murshid, Hazrat Barkat Ali is not
playing games. Practicing patience and not reach [?], though it takes years,
the doors gradually open and my own diaries will sooner or later, inshallah be
received.
In a few I shall be seventy years old and Allah has preserved this body and
mind for a purpose. This purpose was revealed at the Dargah Nizam-ud-Din Auliya
and is much greater than the sins or virtues of this self or anybody else’s
self.
My message to Pakistan is simple: Islam is the Shadow of Allah;
Allah is the Light of the Heavens and Earth if thee has its virtues. The
other night I spoke on Ism-i Azam; if people knew that they would stop
shouting “Islam” a particular word of particular languages and say,
“Allah,” which is beyond languages.
Hazrat Ali said, “Say ‘Allah’ and Allah thou shalt become.”
Sometimes I wonder whether Pakistan could not now play a part for peace in
Vietnam. This person was directly involved and indirectly involved in those
troubles, and not of his choice. Americans for the most part reject this and
Zafrullah Khan accepted if fully. This person has been a guest of honor at the
Royal Grounds of both Japan and Thailand. A dervish belongs to no country and
to all.
Rassoul-Lillah said, “Seek wisdom even as far as China,” so this person
sought the Oriental wisdoms, following the directions of Insaan-i-Kemal and not
of those who interpret what they do not know.
I am constantly learning details in nursery work so if and when I return I
can show others simple tasks which are not considered honorable.
There is a vast difference between Sufis and Muslims and I shall explain
simply.
Sufis are quite willing to perform any and all tasks of the same order as
those of Mohammed (on whom be peace) and the four Righteous Khalifs who did not
have hosts of attending servants and who considered no task to be ignoble.
Strength, he sat on the ground saying he was not a king or earthly ruler to sit
on a throne and have attendants. Muslims are not like that, Sufis are.
There is a book by one Stanley Lane-People called “Table Talks of
Mohammed.” Inshallah, I should like to write, “Table talks with
Mohammed.” That it is not done is not because of any fear of condemnation by
so called “Muslims” but because it would be nothing but a reecho of Hadith.
The Hadith have not changed yet.
The Prophet said he was an ordinary man like everybody else. This is not so.
He was an ordinary man. He did not wait for servants and protocols and red tape
and human institutions. The Bible says, “Jacob was a plain man living in
tents.” Nonsense. The word in Hebrew for “plain” is Tam meaning
“perfect.” The word for tent is Ohel which means Hal in Arabic and
the plural Oheloth is Awhal in Arabic, meaning all the states of
consciousness. Mohammed, like Jacob, was a plain perfect man who would and
could experience all states. Of consciousness, and who illustrated the
biblical, “I am the highest and the lowest, the first and the last.”
With all love and blessing,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
3rd September 1966
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco, Calif. 94103
Society for Understanding Fundamental Ideas
13 Soho Square
London, W1
Special Problems in the Study of Sufi Ideas: Personal History
Beloved Ones of Allah:
Last week we studied your brochure and as one prepares for the evening
class, one reports on materials which came to these doors since. There in a
publication from the Vedanta Society, one from Karachi and another from Ajmir,
all presenting their claims. The first and third leave no doors open; they are
absolute and that is that.
During this period, one has been going over the writing of Professor Seyyed
Hossein Nasr of Tehran University. One is not only learning but one is
influenced by this knowledge and ideas. This is mentioned because in a few
days, one will be seventy years of age and instead of the mind and body
atrophying, they are alive. One is tired of hearing protestations of acceptance
of the Prophets and Messengers of God who appeared before Mohammad (on whom be
peace) with the rejection of almost every teaching they gave. In this instance,
one in mind, “Unless you be as little children, yours is not the kingdom of
heaven.” And there is no doubt in my mind that to grow spiritually, one must
be open and Isa’s “Blessed be the poor in spirit” is interpreted as
“Blessed be the weak in nufs.” But editors, propagandists and missionaries
are not weak in nufs; they are strong in nufs and often weak in any mention of
Allah, or of Allah Er-Rahman Er-Rahim.
Therefore one who disciplines himself to keep an open heart and open mind;
one who disciplines himself to keep in accord with the teaching of the Hadith
on learning, has a hard time trying to harmonize with those who do not learn,
whose emphasis are not backed by any wisdom and whose private psychologizing
conforms to no system of logic whatever.
This country is suffering. An example has been the declaration by the
Beatles that they are more popular than Jesus Christ. This is quite evident.
Few people, especially Christians or Muslims, seriatim accept the teaching of
Isa. They accept the personality which is exactly what the Qur’an and Hadith
both protest against and all the material in Hadith on this subject are
rejected actually by some of the most vociferous of claimants to an
orthodoxy.
There are a number of startling defects in American today:
God (Allah) is far away and LSD is near at hand. Religion, with or without
prayer and ceremonies, does not elevate the personality, drugs do.
The traditional morality is shattered in every direction. This morality was
not necessary morality noble so it had a weak foundation and it is disappearing
and fast.
The intellectual acumen of the young is increasing by leaps and bounds. The
young are sharp, quick witted, intelligent and “lost.” Often they know they
are lost but they are not going to accept uneducated, unintelligent or unmoral
people as leaders. They learn from examples and they reject all efforts to
reach them by empty words.
In the sciences people learn by example and experience and this approach is
now passing into “non-sciences.”
The writer holds fast to the proclamation of Al-Ghazzali, “Tasawwuf
consists of experiences and not premises.” But even within the ranks of
purported Sufis this is rejected. For instance one school holds one has to have
a beard, shutting out Chinese and Eskimos from the Divine Kingdom. This utter
nonsense in characteristic of a lot more that stems from so called
“Islamic” publications that think they are internal and whose appeal is
almost entirely to their immediate neighbors.
For the first time after years of utter rejection, unhappy people are
calling on the writer. And even those methods which succeed shock the nafsis
who called themselves “Muslims” and have not the slightest idea of the
meanings of Arabic words:.
The first thing the writer is trying to do is to impress the word
Allah on people. This cannot be done by theological means. It can be
done by other means and especially if one has had the disciplines of and the
experiences in fana-fi-Sheikh, fana-fi-Rassoul and fana-fi-Lillah, there is
communication. For one is never at a loss with an answer.
As this person is never shocked, he must call attention to the lack of
repetition of La Illaha El Il Allah in so-called “Islamic
publications” and the repudiation of “All praise is to Allah” with the
substitute “All praise is to Islam,” meaning certain devotees and in the
end meaning one’s nufs and not Allah at all.
Although this whole subject is excellently explained by Al-Hujwiri,
Pakistanis for instance, worship his person and not his teachings and so on,
this being a standard practice. Self praisers do not realize that this is what
keeps the world from accepting the Qur’an-Hadith teaching because of this
interposition of “Islam,” which has little or nothing to do with surrender
to Allah. The word “surrender” is not understood; the word “Allah” is
not repeated.
The first thing one must do in this Farangi land is to impress the word
“Allah” and this is done in ways either explained or suggested by
our good Sheikh Idries Shah. The sound and its effects are tremendous.
The next stage might be that found in a book called “Irfan” written in
English in Pakistan which is the science of this Divine Name and no
substitution either for Allah and no confusion between Zat and Sifat.
4th September, 1966
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. There is a tremendous value in the Divine Love,
but when one tries to verbalize it, difficulties arise. The last few days have
involved one in affairs in the district immediately north of San Francisco.
Some of these have gone negative and the suggestion has come to return to
Pakistan. But immediately after that were some involvements in what we should
call Love or Ishk in the higher sense.
There was once a Khankah in that region (Fairfax, Marin Country) and the
higher one arose in hal and makam, the greater the misunderstanding and finally
one was expelled without a hearing not because one had done wrong but because
one had not done wrong and there was no hearing The party originally
responsible was one whom one had taught, and finding her hal (not her makam)
superior to one’s own, one nominated her as Murshida. And as soon as she
became a Murshida she did everything to destroy one.
But this did not bring that lady either goodwill or power or following, just
negativities and when one visited the region, one found a tremendous amount of
love and goodwill from those in no ways connected with Sufism. So now there
have been invitations to weddings and social matters of all kinds; that one is
regarded almost as a Universal Big Brother or Uncle.
At the same time, one has been running into a series of broken limbs. And
behind this is the same general situation all over which comes out of the war;
that the war fills the atmosphere with all kinds of poisons, and we all breathe
the same universal atmosphere and are subject to all kinds of malignancies.
Therefore one has been specializing on the Sciences of Breath (Pasi Anfas)
which are too little known and on meditations and silences because the teaching
of St. Mian Mir, that Allaho Akbar means “Peace is Power” and this
has been somewhat effective.
One speaks on “Vietnamese Buddhism” on the 22nd, which is not to extol
but to explain that religion. Although the Messenger of Allah taught that
“Seek wisdom even unto China” it is not the rules of Muslims to do so and
so they do not know the wisdom-of-China or most wisdom. And one who seeks any
wisdom which is not called “Islamic” is looked upon as guilty of shirk. And
at the same time people purchase motor cars and use the modern inventions which
did not come through “Muslim”; they make a division in Allah which does not
exist in the Absolute.
A good deal of this is the letter to the friends of Sheikh Idries Shan
enclosed. Now also I have sent your name to Ajmir and hope you will be able to
work with these people in your researches which, inshallah, can become very
important. And gradually through these letters and later on in manuscript, one
will open to you events of the past at several places.
Now, Beloved One of Allah, one must write at some length in refutation of
Yaqeen International, knowing it is better than many publications from
your country, for the mind and nufs of man are placed above the Divine Guidance
(Kashf, etc.) which come to everybody all the time. We are never without
Guidance no matter what anybody says.
The editor, without divine sanction, writes about “Islamic
Civilization.” Your Murshid holds that there is no civilization, has been no
civilization, has been no invention, has been no creativity without Divine
Sanction. Jesus said that the rain falls on the just and unjust and your
Murshid holds that Divine Grace is open to everybody, everywhere at all times.
This is also the theme of “The Arabian Nights” and we cannot escape it with
words.
True at one time the Islamic world was most civilized. But it adopted. The
great elements of Arabic arts and sciences came from the Greeks and then were
carried beyond the Greeks, just as the cultures of each century carry from the
former ones and extended them.
There is very little difference between the social found in Islamic
countries excepting that now, after long centuries, mankind is being freed in
many parts of the Arab world, freed from the dominance of every kind of
exploiter and conqueror. So called “Islamic Leaders” do not live as
Mohammed (on whom be peace) or Omar lived and I do not think they must. It is
only when the strong, the wealthy, the powerful claim to be following Qur’an
and Hadith that hypocrisy is evident.
Your Murshid is not a sociologist and if he has any objections to the
powerful Sheikhs and tyrants of the Arabic world, that may be his own
conclusions. And your Murshid is not interested in introducing democratic
institutions either; it is only that we claim to follow Qur’an and Hadith and
do not. We have the right of certain freedom, such as adopting inventions and
creations of man. But one does not look for priority to any country calling
itself “Islamic” unless it follows the Bismillah to the Full and
does not place anything alongside it. He said, “The Merciful learned toward
the side of Mercy” and this is not always found in fikh or politics claiming
to be Islamic. Nor will an intelligent world accept “Islam” putting forth
such unsupported claims.
Yaqeen has an article on “Kindness” which is fundamental in the
teaching of the Prophet of Allah and is not fundamental in so called “Islamic
History” after Kerbela. Nor is there any value in quoting and quoting
endlessly. Your Murshid has placed such matters before some of our institutions
because everybody has oratory and literature, but where are the examples. This
is written for two purposes:
On the negative side just as we all suffer from plagues and Allah does not
make any differences between so called “Muslims” and others, we all breathe
the same universal atmosphere and so are subject at this time not to physical
but to psychic plagues. These are increasing all over the world and these
things keep your Murshid constantly busy, with unexpected broken limbs and
deaths to those close to him. The question how could a Wise and Merciful Deity
allow such things comes from those who make no study of Allah but who often
proclaim in His Name without His permission.
Therefore one has been concentrating on the Science of the Divine Name along
with Pasi Anfas, and for this one uses the Divine Name as in the traditional
Zikrs, only we practice, we do not preach, we do not self praise. One shows by
example what happens to the breath, to the personality, to all else by using
Allah or La Allah El Il Allah. There is no room for
self-sanctity or theology here. It is “scientific” in the sense that one
gives instructions and each mureed and now also some non mureeds find this out
by direct experience (Al-Ghazzali)
As one goes deeper into it one comes to the interpretation of Allaho
Akbar by the Saint Mian Mir. But one has to be careful for Allah is an
essence word and Akbar is an attribute word, and the confusion between these
brings further confusion. If there is any superiority in the teaching of
Mohammed (on whom be peace) it is not in the multitude of self-praising reports
without universal examination, it is that actually in Allah, in
Kalama, in Zikr one does find the Truth to be True. And until
this point is established and it is not established yet, man will not find
himself. Hazrat Ali said, “Say Allah and Allah though shalt become.”
This must be most fundamental.
Then we can go to the science, inner and outer. One hopes you have had
access to Irfan which Bhai Sadiq owns and mark all your limps, [?] the
well and the not so well the name of Allah. This Word is totally different from
all other words excepting the term Hu into which one does not wish to go
here, but in Allahu and in the Serbahs of Zikr are all the fundamentals
out of which we can learn and grow. But if we insist on adding more and many
will do just that, there will be the continuation of wars, disease, poverty and
unhappiness.
After one has felt the Allah all over, in, with, through, around and outside
the personality, one can go ahead with safety on other matters. So one is more
concerned with your health, also because one is having so many people near
having accidents and it all comes out of the universal Harb which
encompasses the world at the moment. So long as the nufs if posited, it will be
continued.
Now please observe these things; do them for observation and not as Ryazat,
so as not to interfere with your general existence and also share them with
your Aunt and with Mr. Engineer and with whomsoever you think worthy:
a) Inhale
No thought
Any desirable thought
Any undesirable thought
Murakkabah on Allah
b) Exhale also these ways
c) Full breath also these ways
When one is convinced of the superiority of Allah as Name, Sound,
Deity, any and all ways, then drop all but Allah.
d)Full breath:
Allah
Exhale Al, inhale lah
Inhale Al, exhale lah
This prepares for Fikr
e) Exhale La Illaha Inhale El Il Allah
When one reaches this stage, one then goes into Ryazat but one must
be very sure.
One will find that the Divine Name increases both hal and makam, but any
thought even of the Sifat-i-Allah, will not have the assurance. Yet as white
Light is divided into colors, and again into the Angstrom units which
characterize the spectra of the chemical elements, so does each Sifat aspects
of Light and Sifat; these are also necessary for our emphasis and well
being.
Only in Adam are all the aspects together. We are weak and imperfect
variously and for each defect there is a Sifat-i-Allah which is corrective.
Therefore although one has posited absolutely Zikr and Fikr and Kalama, this
does not negate the Wazifas and Daroods and other forms of Ryazat. Only one
must be rooted in the fundamentals because then one is strong against outside
and personal pressures from all sources and having the roots in Allah,
one does not need to work contrary to others who make claims out of their
ego-minds instead of from divine guidance.
One hopes this is clear. The lack of emphasis on Allah in all the
Islamic and most of the Sufi publications compels this emphasis.
Say Allah and Allah You Will Become.
With all love and blessing,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
7th September, 1966
Beloved One of Allah:
We have had a long weekend and the post offices have been closed. Before one
could answer, your letter from Khanispur arrived.
This is a climax in your Murshid’s life and if things do not turn out
well, my legal counselor has suggested I return to Pakistan. But this is very
much, inshallah, actually and not symbolically. For both the hazards of life
and the Divine Guidance have directed one deeper into the science of Allah both
the Zat-i-Allah and the Kalama and Zikr. And since writing (enclosed), one
has been more under the Divine Guidance and has begun writing on a very heavy
scale.
For there are not so many groups claiming to represent tasawwuf and one does
not mind their differences, or non-differences. What one does mind is the self
proclamation in the Name of Allah and often one sees what people write is not
under Divine Guidance. Still one cannot go around criticizing or attacking
everybody. There is no doubt your Murshid is being influenced considerably by
Prof. Nasr but this does not mean he accepts conclusions of our good
friends.
Visiting the village one lived in long ago and from which one was expelled
by a false Murshida who seized control of the properties, one finds one left
many seeds of love, not the ordinary kind of love one finds usually in America,
but deep heart respect, and also calls from these people.
But this is complicated, and one knew it would be, by the increase of
accidents, injuries and diseases. And if the war continues in Vietnam, the
poisonous psychic atmosphere will continue to bring harm to humanity. So one
has gone “all out” to work for peace. All that is necessary is to
re-contact Miss Julie Medlock who was for so long on the staff of Pakistan
Times.
For the first time one is the councils of the mighty and one also has to
submit lists of books to the “Temple of Understanding” which is being built
in this country so that people of all faiths can worship in the same structure.
These people have rejected the Baha’is but have accepted Emperor Akbar and
this gives a good toehold for Sufism. And the next step locally with my friend,
Mr.
Malawi.
Here the conclusions of the Pakistanis do not always harmonize with those of
the Arabs and Pakistanis make a great mistake when they claim to be speaking
for “Islam” as a whole, or for Allah. Maybe they are, but in order to win
arguments they shut out the Heart. When the Heart is shut out, the Divine
Protection is weakened and when the Divine Protection is weakened, everybody
is
affected.
I have sent my close associate, a younger spiritual brother named Bill
Hathaway, to seek some of Hazrat Inayat Khan’s papers, which are not
available in order to verbalize. The alternative will be to listen to the Voice
of Allah Himself, which is possible. But owing to the unconscious arrogance of
so many so called “Muslim,” one does not wish to do this unless there is no
other recourse. Allah has not said this; one hears the Divine Voice again. But
one runs a very difficult situation, always busy, writing until the eyes are
tired, so many seeking help, so few giving it.
Major Sadiq showed me “Irfan” when I first went to live with him and
many notes were taken from it. One has suggested you might have access to it.
But it is peculiar that Begum also has trouble with her health. By divine
attunement and some physical work, one’s health and vigor continue and one is
even now preparing for his 70th birthday.
What is your authority for the statement, “He must be remembered, or
called only with one of the Names by which the last and kind Prophet and Guide
is known to have remembered or called Him.” Why? Where is your authority? And
what is kind about compelling people to call on the name of Allah, or with some
attribute in a foreign language?
In the name of ummi you are demanding what is contrary to the real Holy real
Teaching that Allah, Whom one still assents, is kind and merciful, has sent
some Messenger to many peoples in the course of history. And this person who is
adept in history and has studied history has found that all great gains in
civilization to all man at all levels of culture has not come from the ego of
man but from the Divine Grace manifesting to them at some period in or before
history. And that these Messengers of Allah, some of whom are mentioned in Holy
Writ and some not have given the seeds of all blessings to all mankind,
especially in such things as starting the use of fire, the growing of wheat,
maize, banana, coconut, the smelting of the first metals, etc. All great
progress of humankind of this writer is due either to the appearance of a
Rassoul or to Divine Grace. And if you do not accept that all great gains have
been due to Rassoul or Divine Grace, please point out where this point is
wrong! Is there another Power in this Universe than Allah?
Now the writer has been adept in Zikr and for many years. And often during
this life he has repeated the word “Allah” a lakh of time, (100, 000) times
a day for long periods. So from the scientific view he can hardly be a novice.
He has learned the value of the word “Allah.” And also he has repeated and
is repeating many of the beautiful names and can lecture on Ism-i Azam. So when
he appears before these spiritually ignorant people, he has some of the Divine
wisdom, whether again this came by effort or Grace.
There is a large movement in UAR to translate Holy Qur’an in all
languages, to teach it in all languages. The Arabs, to who the book was given
by Grace are willing to use any language to come to the praise of Allah and the
non-Arabs to whom the Book was not originally given, do not assent. And this
person has enough respect for Rassoul-Lillah who mentioned, “The People of
the Book” that in so assenting, he stressed Zikr and not Arabic, Fikr and not
Arabic, kindness and not Arabic. And one does not find in all the Sifat-i-Allah
any such reference but in Hadith it is said, “Holy Qur’an was revealed in
seven different dialects and each has its inner and outer meaning.” But you,
my beloved misguided friends, say one dialect and you wish to impose this on
foreign people. Whereas my friends in UAR wish to impose the Divine Blessings
on the whole world, not a particular language.
And if one can only praise Allah in Arabic, how can you take Urdu, which is
human language and impose it on everybody. Now one has to go to Id Celebration
at Pakistan House and for the moment says, Khuda Hafiz.
The Messenger of Allah has said, “Do not call me by grandiose names like
the Christians call Isa lest you be led astray by your own conditions. I am
nothing but the slave of Allah, therefore call me the Messenger and Servant of
Allah.” This is what the Messenger has said. And the faithful have called him
Messenger of Allah and accepted his Risalat. But they have not accepted
his mission as the servant of Allah. People do not cook food for their
families; people do not serve the women of their household, cut wood for fuel,
mend their shoes and perform the tasks belonging to servitude. Therefore in the
world of today, half of the person and teaching of Mecca Shereef are forgotten
or rejected and devotees try to atone for this by using grandiose names, and
more and more.
Therefore this person has accepted Mohammad in all his missions as Ahmed and
Amin and Abdullah also and is not ashamed of dirty or humble tasks.
Once in the cantonment in Lahore I encountered a group of working men trying
to lay a sewer pipe. They failed. This one came along and laughed at them. They
grew angry and challenged him. So he went home and put on gloves and lined them
up and had them breathe together and then shout together Allaho Akbar!
The sewer pipe was easily put in place and without any machinery. This is the
other side of Mohammad in action, the Abdullah side, the side that can be
followed every moment of the day outside the Mosque and devotions. And without
the full acceptance oneself of this person one cannot convince others, cannot
convince strangers. Our Riaza is too often in ourselves and not in Allah.
One likes “The Fruits of Faith.” There the writer has not superimposed
his own private views on Holy Writ; “Holy Qur’an was sent down in Seven
Dialects and each has its inner and outer meaning.”
One is stern here; one does not play with his private concepts and
superimpose them on anybody calling them “Islam.” To be a “Muslim” in
the Arabic sense, one must accept the teaching of Isa, “Agree with thine
adversary quickly.” Too many people calling themselves “Muslim” agree
with nobody. It is Allah Who is always right; it is nufs which leads to
perdition.
Love and blessing,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
2nd October, 1966
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. Your Murshid has returned after an absence of some days
and must rush an apology to prevent any misunderstanding. True, one has written
in criticism of the so called missionary groups in Karachi and elsewhere whose
devotion to something they call “Islam” seems to have so little to do with
Allah. But regarding professor Nasr, it is very, very different and there is
total agreement on the worthiness of this great soul.
Now your Murshid has been a student of many sciences and is still concerned
with sciences. But we must look at this in the largest content. There are
evidently sciences known to Muslims and the more one goes into Al-Biruni and
Avicenna the more worth one finds in them. How much more we are indebted to
Prof. Nasr who not only reintroduces these worthies but in a spiritual manner
and in such ways as to unite the intellectual and spiritual sciences of this
day and all other days. Indeed this conclusion had been reached before one went
away recently.
There is a young mureed here who is making some progress both
“realistically” and from the standpoint of Kashf, who is most interested in
the subject matters presented to us today by Prof. Nasr, and therefore one must
remove any misunderstanding at any level.
Not only have the “missionaries” failed to make any impression on
Americans, but at the other end Prof. Nasr has made great impression.
One had to go to Ojai Valley in southern California. This is a strange place
where evidently [?] believes here she is more spiritual than others and mostly
they believe in God in human form. The majority accept Jiddu Krishnamurti who
was born of Hindu parents and was raised with the idea that he was Christ
reborn. When he became an adult he denied this, denied that God could be in
human form, denied spiritual teachers and then let the world accept him as a
divine messenger, support him in luxury, attend his lectures and reach the
conclusion that he was most holy while they shut their eyes, ears, minds and
hearts to everybody, everything else.
This brought to the Valley others who supported other personalities as being
Divine Incarnations, this also extends to the so called Elijah Mohammed
“Muslims” but they keep away from all whites. So we have in the Valley all
sorts of strange beliefs that did not exist fifty years ago. And they have the
queerest ideas made mostly of imaginings and conceptions which have no basis in
traditions, scriptures (of any kind) and the further they can go from standards
or traditions, the more only holy they think they are.
There was a lady there who fell in love, in a way, with your Murshid and at
the same time she had the sign from Allah and your Murshid compelled her to
choose between her beliefs and her experience. She chose the experiences and
now one is to prepare her for Bayat. It is a peculiar situation because the
Valley is full, mostly of fairly wealthy ladies who seek a false form of
spirituality by looking, mostly for some man, but for anybody that uproots
tradition and think they have found some way to Allah and spiritual liberation.
So even when they have divine signs, they do not believe in them.
I do not think I ever encountered such a jumble of words passing as
philosophies (no thought) and as though passing as holiness. Even the
staunchest followers of Krishnamurti have books by Subud and Gurdjieff which
shows they have not full faith; that they doubt and are spiritually lost.
[?] Rassoul-Lillah but publicly he makes much more of his own Ryazat
which are very unclear, full of psychic elements and while they raise man above
earthly consciousness, they do not come to any awakening.
People like that here in California, they love mysteries. And they are also
attracted to Gurdjieff who introduced Ryazat without Allah Mohammed or Saluk.
So people [?] complex and not noble and they like it. But all are either proud
or dissatisfied or both.
At the same time now, the whole life is being surrounded by people who are
recently ill or have accidents and many come to your Murshid and the now [?]
fighting for respect and to try to get people to believe that Allah is healer.
It is very simple and very difficult because people here do not want
simplicity. Only when your Murshid introduces the profound, then they want
simplicity.
There is one curious side, that in trying to heal anybody, your Murshid
always has you in mind. If there was motive to forget you, Allah, the Gracious
and Wise, presents problems which reflect your condition so that there is
constant prayer and meditation and use of Ryazat. But so long as the war and
confusion continue and accidents increase because all mankind is One Being, in
a certain respect.
So without writing more at this time, my most profound apologies for
anything that savours of misunderstanding. This must be clarified not only for
its own sake but also for the first time your Murshid has been welcomed at a
University (California, Santa Barbara) as a Messenger of Light. This
University, which is new and in course of construction, resembles Beirut. It is
near the ocean with mountains in the background and the weather, scenery and
everything else is remarkably similar. And this again kept you in mind while
visiting in that area.
To conclude, there is a right way and a wrong way to present Islamic studies
in America; the right way(s) come from Professor Nasr; the wrong way(s) from
the so called missionary movements. We must not let such a misunderstanding
continue and if there is any fault on this person’s part, please accept the
most profound apologies. Prof. Nasr has opened up new doors for the intellect
and with your letter for the heart and soul too.
Allah bless you,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
4th October, 1966
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco 3, Calif.
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. There was a Hindu teacher who wrote his biography, In
Search of God, followed by In Vision of God. On this recent trip one
had to seek seeds at the Botanical Garden in Santa Barbara. Walking there, he
was picked up by a motor car and the driver asked him, “Are you going to the
Botanical Garden.” “Yes, I wish to get some seeds.” “I knew it, I knew
it! This always happens to me, I am the seed collector.”
He took me in and introduced me to Dara. “Where did you get your
name?” “Years ago my father was a lover of Persian Sufi poetry!”
I had just been to Ojai Valley and a lady there wants Bayat. She said she
had never heard of Hazrat Inayat Khan. Her house is full of shelves of serious
books. I went over to a neglected bookcase, pulled out a book, Health by
Inayat Khan. “Where did you get this?” “I never knew I had such a
book.” I opened it and there was an inscription on by the youngest mureed of
Hazrat Inayat Khan. So I reported to the man now acting as Pir-o-Murshid for
the United States and told him of the incident. I am sure he will take this as
a sign for the writer was a countryman of his and was also the college chum of
my host!
Ojai Valley is a strange place, occupied by people who believe they are on
the spiritual search and most of them believe that one J. Krishnamurti is
either the reincarnation of Jesus Christ or at least his representative. To
your Murshid they appear very mixed. It is certain that all the home libraries
visited were full of books showing the uncertainty of the owner. Besides that
there are other people believing in other men being Avatar or Mahdi. The result
is that everybody had a number of phrases they use to throw at anybody with
ideas, or knowledge. Contrary to this, the visits to the scholars was very
edifying.
One is now concerned with Peace in Vietnam. This continuance of hostilities
has poisoned the psychic atmosphere, resulting in one’s accidents. In not a
single case have physicians [?] ill and more diagnose the trouble. A least
one of the persons has gone to a psychiatrist.
There is a spiritual healer here in San Francisco who is sometimes of a
seer. He has privately made a number of predictions, all of which have
occurred. Lack of religion, superficiality in it and hypocrisy are the fuels to
the disturbances caused by war or they cause the wars. There is no solidity.
And on his next trip your Murshid hopes to meet serious people who really want
to face the basic problems; the war, the existence of God and the divine
experience.
Your Murshid returned suddenly, attended a Gandhi celebration as a Sufi, and
alhamdulillah, was greeted as a Sufi for the first time outside the Pakistani
and Iranian circles. Either your Murshid has evinced some progress or a
considerable number of people are becoming more serious about their spiritual
problems. Anyhow this house is open tonight for inquirers.
What Asians either cannot see or are disturbed by is that there is very
little knowledge of Asian religions in this country. People here look to
various Englishmen and Europeans as sources of wisdom, or knowledge. The only
Muslim reaching the public first turned Christian, then Muslim again and always
a hypocrite with enough publicity to confuse everybody.
There is a meaning of “Surrender to Allah,” that one has to dispense
with all plans, all programs, all everything. One has not the slightest idea at
the moment of whether he shall be accepted seriously, or whether his writings
will be published or by whom. Only now there are experiences in
“Fana-fi-Lillah.” One night one woke up with a headache. “Allah I am
asking you take this headache saying it is your fault; I am saying “You are
the healer, the preserver.” I cannot serve both you and this headache. Soon
the headache departed, your Murshid arose at 4:30 and worked all day from that
point on without fatigue.
It seems funny to act toward Allah as if He were a man in one’s immediate
presence, that one could talk and even argue with Him. On the one hand it seems
imaginary, on another it seems Shirk, and yet it has been effective,
alhamdulillah.
All this present condition keeps you in the open consciousness. Your Murshid
has been blessed with health and vigor and in a few days will be 70 (seventy)
years old. This is all Grace but it is real.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
17th October, 1966
772 Clementina St.,
San Francisco, Calif.
Prof. Seyyed Hossein Nasr
Department of Islamic Studies
Tehran University
Tehran, Iran
Beloved One of Allah:
Bismillah Er-Rahman Er-Rahim; a greeting is sent to you and prayers for your
well being. And one hopes, inshallah, that this letter reaches you in good
time. For one is called upon now to submit a paper on “Real Mysticism versus
Pseudo-Mysticism” to the Department of Philosophy, University of
California.
One encounters a difficulty that only too often the great Saints and Sages
are men and women of the distant past, which, like wines, we are supposed to
improve with age. And against this is the true teaching that the Light of Allah
is neither of the East, North, West, neither alone of the future or past or
present, and though we may say: Ya Haya Ya Khaiyum, to try to
illustrate, it is considered the height of impertinence and braggadocio.
In our scientific culture we are supposed to keep quiet unless we have
participated in experiments and their accompanying knowledge. It would be
considered quite wrong to speak on scientific subjects if we had not
participated in some of the disciplines. But when it comes to the Science of
Science, that is those which are related to our life in Allah, even to propose
that you have participated in that life is often regarded as self sufficient
evidence that you have not. And so the exclusive lovers dominate over the
inclusive lovers and perhaps it has always been so.
But now I have met this teacher who willingly reviews any real experiences
in real mysticism. And besides, he was a friend of one of my spiritual
colleagues who died of a broken heart trying to make experience a part of his
religion. The time has come now to have some standards in the spiritual
sciences, the same as some standards in the “material” sciences. Besides,
Imam Al Ghazzali said, “Tasawwuf consists of experiences and not
syllogisms.” And this letter was written only after “divination” so to
say and all true Gnostics confirm it; it will now be the first time that an
American is being offered the opportunity to report on mystical experiences as
he has been permitted to report on horticultural and chemical experiences.
But in the West there are two classes of people, at bitter wars with each
other, that dominate the science: (a) the translators of books who definitely
dominate the teaching. You have met some of them (as Prof. Gibb and his
colleagues who are very adamant against any idea that a modern Western man
could possibly have similar experiences to those about whom they are writing);
(b) people with social prestige who are able to organize and lecture and preach
and who are mostly “exclusive.”
Even now this person returned from his journey with words of comfort for the
Consul General here, which he is not going into detail because one may be
patient, hardworking and follow the Sabri morals and yet he will be accused.
Thus, Holy Murshid, one has answered your letters and more than answered,
but since the previous outbreak of hostilities, few letters have come through.
Your government has every right to interfere with the mail but that is hardly
this person’s fault.
During this period, the condition of Islam is even worse than previously.
There used to be three Mosques listed in the city of Los Angeles and now there
is one. Besides there are no Muslims lecturing to Americans at all, and they
are so divided.
This person had some training in the Arab world. His chief Teacher used to
lecture from the Hadith, and not only that, knew all the history of the only
family, every member of them. This was one type of instruction. And there is a
sort of inheritance here from Maulana Roum, whose descendent lives here and we
are very close friends.
Isa has said, “For every idle word ye shall suffer in the day of
judgment.” When this one was in Cairo, he used to be taken to task for not
praying. The people who took him to task never went to the Mosques and this
person was always going to the Mosque. But some people born, as they say,
“Muslim” have dispossessed the Creator of the Universe as Master of the Day
of Judgment and have taken over. And Allah always deals with them justly so it
not for this one to say anything.
Besides, the Daroods operate in the daily life, but one cannot report when
under clouds. My first Pir-o-Murshid, Hazrat Inayat Khan, taught that Murshid
and Mureed are one. Besides one has the teachings of the Grand Sheikh
Suhrawardi in ‘Awarif al-Ma’arif and one does not dare disobey such
teachings and even if one has few disciples, one never regards them as separate
or separated people.
It was by Kashf and without any human directions that this one met again the
son or Hazrat Inayat Khan and many of one’s former good friends, both social
and spiritual. This indicated a new day. This is also true in the universities
where now for the first time, praise to Allah, the professors and students
alike listen and respect.
But this one will not answer further. The totally ignorance of so many
“Muslims” of Adab and Hadith and other moral teachings places one in a
strange position. But before Allah one must not move. The whole day is spent in
forms of Zikr, at work or devotion or rest or anything else. And one stands
accused by people who are not so devout. So be it.
This person is not responsible for the political affairs of the world, and
neither for the problems with which he is associated which have come through
prayer and vision and not from nufs. Fortunately a miracle has happened that
when a Sufi editor asked for the names of the culture Muslims in this country
and this person had no way of finding them, in the same mail one received this
list from a surprising quarter. This is the way Allah operates, it is not the
way man operates. Of oneself, nothing could be done but the Grace is
continually manifesting and it is strange to be accused by those who defy the
Messenger of Allah by losing their tempers and abiding in other than a friendly
manner. It is not this person but the accuser who should be studying Qur’an
and Hadith and the Moral law.
Faithfully,
Sam Ahmed Murad Chisti.
16th November 1966, night
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. One writes in considerable awe and humility, for one
finds oneself the embodification of “In that day shall the Sun rise in the
West and all men seeing, believe.”
One encloses a copy of the draft for my term paper. The recopy will be a
neat work enclosed in a folder. If I sent that it may be by sea-mail, as the
cost would be expensive, but before doing so, it may be shown to the Consul
General of Pakistan here.
It has not only been a period of intensity but before I give the final
report on the Sidi, it is that this person is held in high renown by the chief
Buddhists in this world. And this week, one began the conducting of class on
Christian mysticism. So one is busy from 6 in the morning until 10 at night.
Yet although past seventy, one finds that this body can run and one has to be
very cautious to avoid seemingly miraculous deeds. Indeed often the weaker side
is shown.
Already in the class on Christian Mysticism I have been able to introduce
the personality and works of Major Sadiq. One has to be very careful. But these
people, mostly young men, have mystical and spiritual experiences and are
turned over to this person for guidance and instructions; it may be, inshallah,
that they will be guided “on the right path.”
Now I have offered three interpretations for the Hadith about the Sun rising
in the West, that it could mean the future, or the Maghrib or the New World,
and the meeting of Sidi Abusalem Al-Alawi demonstrated that, and it does not
matter which meaning is given. The Sidi not only refused me Bayat but told my
friends I was a fully qualified Sufi teacher, the most advanced person he had
met in America but I do not know to whom he said it but I do know it had a
radical effect and may lead to new enterprises.
I am not yet released from efforts to bring Peace to Vietnam. But I shall
try to get in touch with my old friend Mr. Makzan, who was with the Civil &
Military Gazette. I may ask this through Shamsuddin Ahmed for it is better to
ask a man to do my errands.
This paper may have a vague idea of what is coming in the autobiographical
material which is still incomplete and very [?] memories and the ahwal and the
and makamat all at the same time.
My last trip was one of Love of the Love is growing with persons. Thus a
Sufi has to be ready, in at least the direction of the universe of Love where
we all partake of each other, and the Universe of Wisdom which allows for
differentiations.
It will be necessary to take another trip soon, even if it be for the Bayat
of a single person.
Sometimes one thinks of Mohammed at Ta ‘if. One must embrace all things in
the class this morning; it seems as if the Divine Spirit were speaking through
one, and words and thoughts came out with an immediacy that was astonishing
even to me. But I think I told you the story of my talk to Mrs. Ahmed’s
class. If not, this will be offered after any early response.
No doubt this paper, written in a hurry, contains misspellings and even some
unclear phrases but I wish you to have some idea of the direction in which life
moves.
With all love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad
772 Clementina St.,
San Francisco 3, Calif.
December 9th , 1966
Beloved One of Allah:
As salaam aleikhum. One hopes this finds you well and also your dear ones.
The coming here of the Saint from Morocco seems to have added zest, or he would
have said Baraka. It is not one’s intention to write on Baraka here. One has
an old manuscript on the subject and since making scientific studies it is
possible to revise it, and since meeting so many Sufis it is possible to
strengthen it.
A strange thing occurred that on the morning after the Sidi left your
Murshid began teaching a class of young Christian mystics. These young men have
had serious histories but they have in common the experience of some sort of
“beatific vision.” These are very different from most people but the signs
are that there will be many more of the same types.
It was long predicated that a “new race” would be born in this State and
it is certain that there are either two types or many varieties of a general
new type born here. They want experience, unconsciously the divine experience
and some ones also consciously.
There are two general religions in California, one being a continuance of
traditional angelic Christianity; the other a revolt against it and these
people in revolt are charmed by anything (or anyone) that comes out of India
and especially by the word “Yoga” which seems to mean either exotic
exercises or exotic philosophies. You can find the exercises in books but the
philosophies pretend to be secret so you cannot find them in any scriptures and
there is an unusual lack of devotion in these people or else they coin new
prayers and became very devout over these new prayers.
The young people, excepting among the Roman Catholics, are in revolt
against both these types. The immediate result has been ingestion of
Psychedelic drugs. I do not know whether you know much about Psychedelics.
Generally when taken in and with some devotional ceremony they increase the
visionary faculty and foresight. Otherwise they increase the visionary faculty
but without foresight. There is plenty of literature on the subject and one
finds it very confusing. It is like analyzing the Universe, or Allah without
experience. And it is compounded for to declare you have experience is to find
yourself attacked or shunned.
One has already reported on the research in the Universities where
experience is wanted, the more the better. And it has been very sudden that
your Murshid finds himself with young people, dissatisfied with traditions and
left unsatisfied with drugs. None of them have any idea of Cosmic Joy, and
despite the emphasis on Joy in so many scriptures it is mostly shunned or
regarded as a part of philosophy.
I think I have told you about the warm relationship between Hazrat Inayat
Khan and the Zen Monk, Nyogen Senzaki. This Zen monk taught a number of forms
of Laughter. Once your Murshid told this to Zen layman, and he said he would
bestow an Eighth form of Laughter if no “expert” were around.
Every effort is being made to lighten one’s load but between the problems
of the Orient warfare and food, and the local problems of psychological and
spiritual unrest, this does not remove the obstacles. For one has to listen
always to Allah and this momentum has been increased because now one reaches
people generally young, about speaking to and listening to Allah.
One finds that there are Zikrs and Fikrs which are attractive. In general
the great Teachers favour Zikr and Sama for the young. One is making one’s
first steps in this direction and as is in the teaching it is the young who are
attracted. But there are so many inner sciences which are unknown and during a
long life your Murshid has collected (a) by literature; (b) by tasawwuri; (c)
otherwise a compendium of these inner sciences and Allah has not released
him.
So one must be aware of everything and use every moment for the sake of
Allah. The Islamic literature is useless. The Muslims of the moment have not
only cut themselves off from the great saints, they are also overpraising
themselves and acting as if they were the perfect elect of Allah. So there is
no humility.
In going over the pseudo Sufis one finds much more respect for Rumi,
Bestami, Shabistari, and Fariduddin Attar than among Muslims. In fact the work
now being read has so much excellent material one may have to copy some and
send it to you. There are many active Sufis in different lands. They are the
connecting links between Allah and humanity. They still remain as hopes of the
world.
Dr. Kelley, instructor in “The Philosophy of Religion” has regretted he
could only give the highest mark. The paper, “Real Mysticism versus Pseudo
Mysticism” won his praise and this may mean that one has to have it copied
for other universities. One believes the day when one is rejected without
listening is over. One has tried to avoid placing his burdens on anybody.
With all love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
[Undated]
My next moves, which should be accomplished later in the month, inshallah,
will all be of interest to Mr. Engineer. Inasmuch as I have experience,
although only on two occasions, Zardusht as Rassoul-Lillah, he should be
acquainted with these inner experiences.
After innovation, this person has made a form of Tawajjeh used by
Khal Uthman. One has been to India and seen all sorts of Darshan and mostly it
is the ceremony. But the Khalif uses this with utmost devotion and
effectiveness. It is one way to fulfill what has been said, “The eyes are the
windows of the soul” and thus to feel people.
There is nothing but unhappiness here. We have solved all the outer problems
and the more they are solved, the more unhappiness. On the other hand, it is
foolish to turn back on methods that succeed. The eyes of Allah are everywhere
and the heart of Allah is everywhere and there is no use in writing to a Sufi
and say things are so when they are not so. This person has not yet found any
fault in your gracious Prime Minister and when somebody writes letters and the
Prime Minister says something different, what is to be gained? Hadith says,
“Act as if in the presence of Allah and remember, if you do not see Him,
verily He sees you.”
One does not know how long one must remain in this land. It is true that now
for the first time there is response. The response is not in accord with the
scheme of most missionaries. A physician, looking at patients, often can
minister to them but he cannot predetermine the way by which they became ill.
That is not his job.
Americans are not illiterate Arabs. Their sins arise out of egocentricity
(nufs) and not polytheism. As the ego has been accentuated, it is not easy to
reverse the process. And one finds not only wide spread unhappiness but also
considerable lack of love, however one defines love.
If we follow the Messenger of God we could find that he did not go around
finding fault. He dealt with people as they were, as they came to him and many
were charmed by his manners without knowing what his religion was and decided
that if a man could not, he did, then his religion must be fine. But we have
through the ages put religion above man and though we have not always
succeeded, we do not wish to change. If we put Allah first this would give
freedom to change in all sorts of ways and yet reach the hearts of people. Here
I find this is worth trying.
With love and blessings from
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
[undated]
Beloved One of Allah:
Praise be to Allah, Lord of All worlds and Master of the Day of Judgment,
Who has seen it to open the eyes, and inshallah, the doors making it possible
to introduce the wisdom of the Divine Light into this country. It has required
patience and sobriety to an extreme degree yet this has been necessary.
Sunday was the Christian celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus, and it
was also manifest to a lady whom one had not met before that the Divine Light
can shine out and through personality and that when this life manifests through
a person, it is a sign of Grace.
At the end of a very uninspiring sermon given presumably in the name of
Sufism, she approached your Murshid and asked him some questions and the
answers were forthcoming. Then more questions and then she invited us to her
home and in the course of conversation, it was nearly all Kashf and communion.
And she told your Murshid she is planning to buy a very large house and
dedicating it to spiritual studies and wishes your Murshid to come and teach.
This is in Hollywood, 450 miles from here but she has already guaranteed
expenses.
As one was preparing for this short journey, the telephone rang and the man
told your Murshid that he had followed the advice given and suddenly had earned
a thousand dollars, which is a little less than Rs. 5000, by following your
Murshid’s advice and he then wanted to help your Murshid start a spiritual
school here in San Francisco. For now, there are a few young men in this
vicinity who are being drawn to the Teachings.
Now there is in Hollywood, an elderly lady, world famous, named Ruth St.
Denis and your Murshid calls her his “Fairy Godmother.” It was she who was
responsible for the coming of Pir-o-Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan to this country
years ago. She is a remarkable spiritual woman for this part of the world and
her Kashf is very highly developed.
On Saturday your Murshid met again Marion, his first god-daughter. This
arrangement had to be made prior to her marriage with “Saladin.” The
marriage was unsuccessful, “Saladin” is always travelling and one had no
way to contact Marion that it was in accord with the Divine will. But now with
the denunciation of your Murshid by the husband of the god-daughter, in the
next mail Marion contacted him. And we met again after 27 years. Then we went
to Miss Ruth St. Denis. Marion played her music which in spirit (though not in
form, resembled that of the Chistis). Its form is derived from several quarters
(west in the United States) but all dedicated to and which God and Love, and
were all deep songs of the heart.
We later called on Aramdarya, the last of Inayat Khan’s secretaries and
went to the meeting where there was a “Sufi” celebration of Death of
Resurrection but no spirit, no understanding. But from the beginning, this
other lady was attracted.
Now Marion is married (third time) but her husband is not opposed to her
artistic or spiritual life and this lady also is married but her husband is
opposed . Only she is wealthy in her own right. And it is peculiar that here
only one woman has been attracted and the rest men and young men at that; and
down in Hollywood and Los Angeles, it is the women who have heard so many
speakers, so many men pretending to be spiritual, so many famous authors and
writers and lecturers and no God, no heart. Everybody wants to lead.
This lady has also met all the so called spiritual leaders from India but
with one exception, they were all so opposed of each other that it became
impossible for her to accept any of them. And she has heard about Sufism from
Aramdarya but those who claim to teach it had no insight, no wisdom (Kashf,
Hikmat) that she wanted to meet your Murshid.
In that region, there are all kinds of developments in the name of religion.
Mostly there are men, but some women who crave public support and sometimes
they are spiritualists (but of a low order) and they are nearly all very clever
and self-centered and cannot work together for Heart is not in evidence.
Ruth St. Denis also wants your Murshid’s poetry and it is a problem how to
do all this typing but at least Allah has opened the doors and if He sanctions
funds from this sort, one may even be able, inshallah, to hire somebody.
All of this is most encouraging. Besides, as one manifests, the vitality
still after many years which one knows is Grace; this confounds others. It also
keeps one in Zikr and Fikr without any prompting.
No doubt the first lesson will be to teach Allah, for the sound of
“Allah” by itself is most effective. But there will be no compulsion. And
your Murshid has found no one achieving higher spiritual stages by the English
language yet. Some few by other languages or rather by the silence.
Your Murshid continues to study Maulana Roum which he finds, as others have
found, full of more wisdom and beauty than any writing inspired by Holy
Qur’an and Rassoul-Lillah.
Soon we may have some healing-meditations and some papers on this have been
found when one finally gets his papers in order after a long time. The world
needs Healing, it needs Love, it needs Life and it needs Beauty.
Love and blessing to your Aunt, yourself and all your family.
[undated]
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. The caps and the tasbihs are here and praise must be
given to Allah who is guiding this person in ways he does not understand. For
there was no call for these things and now every week more and more people
approach your Murshid and there is a class for candidates and one receives more
and more inquiries.
This did so take previously and the lost series of a priori rejections. Now
there are two things in the pages of the newspapers here; the war in Vietnam
and the spreading of the use of drugs making people aware of different stages
of consciousness than that of this world. We do not accept Jinnat or Malakut
socially and scientifically when there are adventurous spirits, and they do not
learn about unseen worlds from the religionists or scientists, but find out
elsewhere as from the native Amerindians they seek.
One was talking from the beginning that one should have a Guide and with a
Guide, everyone is safe and without a Guide, there are many pitfalls.
So it will not be long when there will be a conference and your Murshid will
attend and he will probably reach many people whom he does not reach now. But
it is also turned as the classes in the university terminate, one has received
tremendous respect and even friendship, which was not shown previously.
But there are some spiritual sides to it. When one was about to write a
letter, Hazrat Inayat Khan appeared and the consciousness melted into him and
it was like him writing. This has not happened for a long time. Which is not to
say that one has been without Guidance but generally, it is our gracious
Prophet or Saint Mian Mir. But the merging into fana-fi-Lillah is harder; it
takes one from activities and leads to exaltation and this is not one’s goal.
Yet in your case, it has been the gracious Rassoul that has been my Guide.
You may remember that I wrote that a friend and I called on a lady whom I
have known for years. We started out together. She and her chum chose an Indian
path and your Murshid was guided into and in tasawwuf. The other day, one led a
healing practice and it seems to have produced a tremendous change to the
better. Therefore one gives the Praise to Allah for there is nothing within or
without that indicates one has karamat.
At the same time, this is very encouraging and increases the Faith.
Your Murshid’s elderly uncle has been here and a great deal of time has
been given to legal matters. Then one must prepare one’s studies which are
over the next week with the final examination. This teacher has lived in
Pakistan but now she and her husband go to Kenya, in Africa. So there are no
plans for the future.
At the conference on drugs and higher consciousness one will, inshallah,
visit Hollywood again and report. For the time being, one lives in the
minute.
One will use as many tasbihs as possible to get the magnetism into them and
then give them away with the Baraka. This also means one keeps up Zikr and
Wazifa for that is the way by which it is done.
Tonight we shall perform the Zikr and also explain more about ecstasy. But
Kashf or Mahjub is now in the hands of one of the mureeds, so one will have to
give his own explanation.
Now my prayers also go to your aunt. More could be written but one has
always piles of work. Only this is written for encouragement.
Love and blessing,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
[Undated]
Beloved One of Allah:
This is a double holiday and as one was cleaning house one and this [?] one
feels directed to write to you.
The circumstances have changed radically here and tonight an open house for
the first time for spiritual instruction. Seems ever since my California
“god-daughter” returned there has been a trend of persons coming toward
one, first very few and last night an event which one would have preferred not
to open but which did.
One had to go to Berkeley, a neighbor city where the University is and the
audience were about fifteen people who previously rejected your Murshid. But
now there is a tremendous interest about taking drugs to escape bondage. As the
spiritual doors closed people take to the drugs and others fight the drugs but
one offers many positive means toward higher experience.
Your Murshid regards the step forward with drugs as a very [?] step but said
last night few would accept the possibility of greater steps. And as one had
prepared for a few young people to come here now others will come and the place
may be crowded, inshallah. Perhaps not at first, but now one sees trends that
way.
One’s closest man friend came here and may move here. We went to call on a
lady who has been a close friend ever since School days. We both vowed the
spiritual search, but she accepted an Indian Master and this one was accepted
by a Sufi. One found her suffering from a rare disease; she could hardly
breathe. So your Murshid performed a Sufi breathing practice and immediately
she had relief. This was astonishing and may be a Grace. You may remember the
day you were first brought to Salarwala one performed a healing treatment which
our Pir, Sufi Barkat Ali, said cured him.
One has not tried to do much healing. Also compared with others one seems to
have much knowledge to the breath and uses it to help others. There is a [?]
legend that Indian people know all about breath and the Sufis took some of the
learning and adopted it. It does not occur that Indians may have adopted from
Sufis and Muslims as they certainly did during the Moghul dynasty.
While there are theories of breath and what breath can do, they seem at
times miraculous and beyond one’s effort. But with this encouragement one
took up your problem. There are two aspects:
Hazrat Inayat Khan wrote some on the dialectic people and [?] that one face
from them when possible because even if one is successful it often requires
much energy. But suppose one cannot free.
Fortunately your Murshid can perform tasawwuri Mohammed, which seems to be
very profound and not easy especially when the world’s not in Khilvat. But
the practice of tasawwuri Mohammed can be affected in a concentrated walk
without resort to seclusion and this is the immediate report:
There are Muslims who see in Jihad an opportunity to war against external
enemies and this has been done even in selfish ways. There are others who find
in Hadith that the real Jihad is against the evils in oneself; Rage, Envy,
Malice and Contempt. And one has found in times of stress if one fights against
these inner evils this is the best way to overcome external enemies. Pakistan
failed in Kashmir because it did not fight against the internal enemies as
above. But in the case of diabolic enemies, it is different.
This Mujahidat must be inner and outer both. Even the pure may be beset by
this kind of enemy and it may be necessary to resort to stringent means.
If you can believe it, the Blessed Messenger of God has assured me he would
be your Protector provided that this person and others concerned used both
aspects of Mujahida, inner and external, not sentimentalizing, toward
international only, being a way that in cases of witches and even persons, they
may be on earth.
Suras CXI and CXIV are to be repeated with the prayers. Each time with the
prayer use one or other of these Suras and be very unsentimental about it. This
is not only for you but for all other unfortunates.
Also this is enabling your Murshid to accumulate Power through the Grace of
Allah through the blessed Rassoul.
As-salaam aleikhum.
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
26th December, 1966
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. You will find a copy of a long letter to Ansar Nasri of
Karachi. Now Allah has made it possible and one does not know how much this is
connected with the Baraka of Saints, that several problems have disappeared in
the last month. The Saint of Morocco bestowed his Baraka and since then one has
felt unusually strong and lively and for the first time positively successful
in transmitting spiritual teachings to people here.
Indeed plans to leave here were modified by our Pir-o-Murshid and your
Murshid wishes to be very careful because it may be partly on our financial
beneficence and partly on his spiritual beneficence that one may visit your
country. But certainly unless some unforeseen obstacle arises, there will be
enough money to travel to England.
One visited the office of PIA here and could take the line with a stopover
in Cairo. One would not want to stay there long but a number of missions are at
hand, both spiritual and agricultural. But the dream of moving entirely seems
to have disappeared, only due to the Will of Allah.
The teaching of the Sidi on the Mursaleen has reechoed into this heart and
also Sufi Barkat Ali clearly shows full understanding of the needs of this
people. Enthusiastic Muslims seem to think that by some magic one can make many
converts. During the studies in anthropology one has found that millions upon
millions, even crores upon crores of Muslims do not believe the same as in
Pakistan. Many accept the Five Pillars but do not accept the Shariat in any
form.
Are they Muslim? Who decides this, Allah or man?
As the Heart awakens one gets a different view and also as the heart awakens
there are new outlooks. What is Mushahida? Allah wishes me to help you in
understanding the higher forms of Ryazat. But as Pir-o-Dewwal Shereef foresaw,
it is very necessary to have organized spiritual teachings in this vast land.
And it would appear now if your Murshid visits, receives further instructions
and returns, he will have a great mission here. So one has to choose between
his own comforts and performing a vast missionary work.
There are times when you have indicated you would like to come here. America
is not only a vastly different country, it is changing rapidly, both in the
directions of moral disintegration and spiritual regeneration.
“True mysticism versus pseudo-mysticism” has been copied but by
agreement it will not be mailed until his rush season (in the post office) is
over.
Nearly every night Allah gives more instructions for you, very difficult to
write out. One is still in controversy with the disciples of Hazrat Inayat
Khan, divided into factions and all holding and withholding his teachings from
the world.
The Islam of the future will have several changes. Some of these are
indicated in the letter to Ansar Nasri. Islam was filled with innovations from
the very beginning. A religion that is like a stone cannot win the world, and a
religion that is like a tree cannot but develop. Sheikh Mahdudi would make”
Islam” like a “Stone.”
Besides the direct blessings, one has been able to read several new books.
One is on the teachers of Gurdjieff and the others are reprints of works by
Europeans. But as one reads these books, one seems to have both understanding
and baraka and this understanding, this baraka must be shared with the
world.
I am therefore at this same moment very happy. One can praise Allah for
removing the deepest pains and sores, the nature of which were withheld and end
the year in joy and yet tranquility.
With all love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
12/30/1966
772 Clementina St.
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. There is something strange going on in the universe and
one does not know whether it is Grace or good Karma or both. In addition to
regular affairs, there has been so much time in family and legal matters
coupled with the need of an immediate trip to Southern California.
If my brother’s plans go through, there will be plenty of funds available
to travel anywhere. But now also there is a question whether you would want to
spend time with me in this land. Going to Pakistan will involve the approval
first of Hazrat Barkat Ali; then of several Sufis, both Pirs and brethren; then
the matter of dealing with food problems.
Now I have to present both spiritual and intellectual matters in the
southern part of the State, as well as plans for world peace. Fellow citizens
refuse to accept not only personal experience but personal experiences of
friends who have lived and worked all over Southern Asia. We are meeting
tonight just before leaving.
Meanwhile one learns from Allah forms of breathing, Mushahida and other
matters.
When the Kashmir fighting was on, it was shown clearly; Kashf + Mushahida,
that the “winner” would have the worst famine. There was little one could
say and there was little one could not “see.” But, Alhamdulillah, one meets
now others who can “see” and there is hope for the world.
Love and blessing.
Al-Ghaffar (The Forgiver); Supreme Crown, covers you, your soul.
Al-Mushi (The Accountant); Wisdom, crosses you influence.
Al-Kuddus (The Holy One); Understanding crowns your obstacles.
Al-Ghani (The All-Sufficing); Love, beneath, rising from your feet.
Al-Shakur (The Thankful); Power, behind you.
Al-Wajid (The All-Perceiving); Beauty, before you.
Al-Hadi (The Equitable); Endurance, you.
Al-Kabiz (The Closer); Majesty, your house.
Allah; Foundation, hopes and fear.
Al-Hakk (The Truth); Kingdom, outcome.
Allah is within you, you are His instrument, and through you He expresses
Himself to the external world.
The man filled with the knowledge of names and forms has no capacity for the
knowledge of Truth.
13th January, 1967
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco. Calif. 94103
Bhallah House
Multan Road, Lahore
To Miss Saadia Khawar Khan,
Beloved One of Allah.
Id Mubarak. Yesterday I attended the Jami services at the new Mosque to mark
the end of Ramzan and several persons asked for caps, and in going over your
letter I am most pleased you may be sending some here.
It is very hard to realize and it is most important in the spiritual history
of the world, that since the saint (Sidi) from Morocco came here and left his
blessing (Baraka) everything in life has reversed, and sometimes with
remarkable changes. On the surface the most important has been the complete
reversal of my brother. He has lost two fortunes trying to prevent me from
getting one and now he insists we join forces to unload a very large amount of
money which has been piling up in my father’s estate from which neither of us
benefits.
Besides he is getting old (he is younger but ages like everybody else) and
does not wish the funds to be used for or by some institution. The legal
matters have been taking up so much time that one now works every day from
early morning until late at night, interrupted by necessary exercises and
walking to class in the morning.
The classes are increasing in size and response. The one on Christian
mysticism will be transferred however next week until the afternoon and this
will ease the program.
As to the Message of Allah, I am preparing, inshallah, “Six Interviews
with Hazrat Inayat Khan,” which will be dedicated in a sense to Shamsuddin
Ahmed of Model Town; and the complete Ryazat of Hazrat Inayat Khan for the Pirs
of Pakistan. I am not so sure about Ajmir and Nizam-ud-Din Auliya but am so
overworked I cannot answer any mail from India.
Have had to visit Southern California twice and it is very completed
[complicated?]. In Los Angeles my older spiritual sister is now dying but she
has affected my goddaughter there so much that the latter whom I call
“Tsil-Tsil” has applied for Bayat. Tsil-Tsil has had the inner initiations
of the Welsh, Maori and some Arizona Indian tribes, which is very rare, but
none of the great religions, as we call them. It is an example of what
Rassoul-Lillah taught that every people has had at some time a Divine
Messenger. Tsil-Tsil was once married to “Saladin” and it was most
unfortunate for each withheld their own spiritual secret from the other.
I was asked to adopt Tsil-Tsil, who was born in New Zealand, not a citizen,
to give her proper status and the relation and recognition was somewhat similar
to the meetings with you, my dear, excepting she had the Divine Wisdom in
utterly foreign forms. She has not been able to sustain Love or Joy but
realizes they come from Allah and not from man.
She also has the spiritual music within herself. Married three times she has
not found love until recently. Then under great trial she began to realize the
goodness of her present husband and I have to leave shortly to send some
materials of Hazrat Inayat Khan to her.
I was sent by Allah to Ojai Valley. This is a peculiar and rather secluded
section. Years ago the Theosophical Society declared it to be a kind of Holy
Land. Then the man they had selected for Mahdi, Jiddu Krishnamurti declared
this was not so with the peculiar result that it increased his flowering and
the strangest kinds of people live there, rich, comfortable and thinking they
are more spiritual than others.
It then attracted a number of Dajjals, so I was sent there. No sooner had I
given a single Bayat when I learned that Vilayat, the son of Inayat Khan, was
coming. He has never recognized me (or some others) as disciples of his blessed
father. He is a nice, sympathetic man with no divine insight. His host told me
he was tired of hearing so much of Inayat Khan and so little of God but a
domineering wife has it otherwise.
But if Vilayat is able to check Sufi Ahmed Murad, Allah is able to check
Vilayat. For on the second evening of my stay, the telephone rang and we were
asked to visit the home of Ahmed El-Senussi. Ahmed is the cousin of King Idris
of Libya. He was given a choice of being an Emir or a human benefactor and took
the second course.
He had forgotten that I was one of the first Americans he had met and he had
told me the whole story of his life, in particular his Ryazat. He has a kind of
center for psychiatric and psychological rehabilitation and wants to make it a
spiritual center, inshallah. He already has the place and funds and all that
will be necessary is to attract the people. So this is evidently a sign for
activity.
The City of Santa Barbara is on this (north) side of Ojai and some strange
events have been going on there which will promote two independent social
welcomes. There is staying also Dr. Huston Smith for whom I have made a copy of
“Real mysticism versus pseudo-mysticism.”
And on account of your news, I may arrange to send the copy airmail instead
of making a nice cover and sending it sea-mail. I shall also bring it to Los
Angeles.
My Kashf has been not to stay long when I go. But meanwhile, one is mixed up
in all kinds of legal entanglements. Next week I should receive a cheque which
will enable me to England. But the counselors do not wish me to leave until the
estate is properly handled. Nothing can be done without my signature. My
brother now wishes to see we both get a larger sum than I need unless I wish to
hire a secretary and my attorney wishes that. So I am torn, so to speak,
between love and money but this is subjective. With Allah it is not so.
Then there are increased requests for Bayat, hampered only because of
accidents to certain people, a holdover from last year when many took place. It
means possible legal arrangements.
Please share all this with Mr. Engineer. The next step is that Pir-Dewwal
Shereef has given me all the counsel for organization. The disciples of Hazrat
Inayat Khan and their disciples agree only in excluding your Pir-o-Murshid.
Each uses the term “Sufi”; Pir-Dewwal Shereef wished me to use the term
Islamia Ruhaniyyat which to begin with would save one from any legal
entanglements.
I wish to be in this country when you are here, inshallah. What is most
necessary is to know where you will go. For present plans may require visits to
many universities myself. Besides I have previously presented your case to the
Asia Foundation here and to certain branches of the University of
California.
The next thing is this. Allah has already vouchsafed victory in the case of
my father’s estate and directed that we should make some arrangements whereby
I may have dollars for you and you rupees for me. This is still in the Kashf
but there is plenty of time.
I am very happy over your spiritual status. Almost every morning Allah now
speaks to me, giving direction, insight, wisdom and helping with lessons.
One New Year’s Evening there was a Tibetan Lama ceremony and during it the
Lama announced that he was a Mevlevi Sufi in disguise and that Sam (i.e. Sufi
Ahmed Murad) was one of the members of the Living Hierarchy and he called on me
to speak in that capacity. It was this man who had been the host of Sidi Abu
Salem Al-Alawi.
Your Murshid immediately entered in hal and by this time some of his oldest
and best friends have come to respect his spiritual status.
Then there was the meeting with Bishop James Pike who is on trial for
“heresy.” He granted three minutes but gave much more. He is being
“crucified” mystically and your Murshid could see this in his eyes. So the
first thing has been to come to his defense.
He was astounded when I told him of the various peace missions I had been
sent on and how the American government and the peace organizations always
opposed them. He is particularly interested in Palestine. I told him that the
Israelis would have to make one concession; recognize Mohammad as a Messenger
of God, and that was all. He thought that was reasonable because Israel is not
an orthodox Jewish state in the synagogue sense.
The next move is to confer with the American Friends of the Middle East,
which is scheduled for Monday.
Now Helen is no longer a young woman and told me a good deal about her
daughter and grandchildren and her life into which we need not go. I was going
to take her to the Taj Restaurant where they serve Indian meals and this is the
climax of the day, not on the surface but in reality.
We went early and there was a young man there. He said he was from Lahore.
Later he said his name was Farooq and I knew he was Muslim. And when I told him
that Lahore was my second home he asked, “Do you know Data Ganj Baksh?”
This Data Ganj Baksh is the Urdu nickname for a great Sufi Philosophy known
as Al-Hujwiri. I have been studying his Kashf-Al-Mahjub which means
roughly the development of Kashf or insight and it is my main book of
philosophy. But it cannot be understood without corresponding spiritual
experiences. And I knew this was a sign.
For while we call him Al-Hujwiri as a philosopher, he is Data Ganj Baksh or
Data Sahib as a Saint. He has a very important shrine in Lahore and everybody
goes to him. And while I mention Raihana above, when I go to that shrine also
the heavens open, so to speak and I am not Samuel L. Lewis but Sufi Ahmed
Murad, who is a Saint or Master in that part of the world. The person, the
consciousness, ever changes and that dim phrase, “The heavens declare the
Glory of God” becomes a reality. And it was from that shrine also that all
the doors began to open in every direction, which has enabled me to meet saints
and Holy Men and Masters of all races, religions and types. So much so that
once in November and once in December I met Sufis from Morocco and Jordan, just
stopping over while they were here.
And I jump to tomorrow, when I am scheduled to have a serious meeting at
long last to bring Peace in Palestine. That is a long story but it climaxed
when I met Bishop James Pike and we looked into each other’s eyes. Someday I
may tell you the greatest story of eyes looking into eyes. This is called
Darshan in India and Tawajjeh in Arabic and when we meet again I
shall give you the method.
So poor Luise leaves this world, but I can only say what Abu Baker said when
Muhammad died, “Let him that worships Mohammad know that the Messenger of God
is dead, but let him who worships Allah know that he is Eternal,
Ever-living.
With all love and blessings,
Samuel L. Lewis
S.A.M.
Sufi Ahmed Murad-Chisti
15th Jan. 1967
Beloved One of Allah:
Yesterday was a long and eventful day and I have written to my goddaughter
in Los Angeles who is preparing for Bayat. It seems that the predictions of the
various Pirs is now coming true after four years. And it is now certain,
although there has been sign of marriage, that a lady now advanced in years has
returned to my life and there are some references to her in the letter to
Tsil-Tsil.
My youth was very tragic and no reference will be made to it now for it is
like ages ago. Helen won heart when she sang “Allah gives light in
darkness” and lost it when she was not drawn to Hazrat Inayat Khan. Now all
of this has changed and it seems also that the other persons referred to have
shown interest in Sufism and much time and attention (which one does not have)
have to be given in preparing people for Bayat. Indeed when this letter is
complete, attention shall have to be given momentary to that.
Tomorrow morning one has to meet an important person here in regard to Peace
for the Near East. This was under an amr from Isa and although one has failed
and failed, it stands stronger than ever. Also one has received visions and
inspirations. And after the preliminary meeting with this man, I am to meet my
brother and then his counselor. As his counselor is also concerned with Peace
in the Near East, I am hoping to use this situation to promote friendship. And
once we can get the team of peace and friendship started, we may be able to
apply it to other parts of Asia, inshallah.
The meeting with Ahmed El-Senussi also encourages action.
I have therefore not had time to celebrate the Id Festival. The service
Thursday was marred and I knew it would be marred by an unnecessary appeal for
funds. There was an excellent Khutba by the one local member of the Muslim
group with whom your Murshid is on friendly terms. Instead one has to be a
member of the Berkeley group which is associated with the Canadian-American
Muslim League.
There was an Imam present who is permitted no important part in teaching or
services. As was told years ago, this group is more interested in social
friendship between Muslims than in services to Allah and no American, no matter
how devout or wise he is, is given even equal status with born Muslims. That is
why a letter has been written; there is in America too much “Islam” and too
little “Allah.”
This was also the base of conversations recently and it is awkward to have
to prepare Americans in all stages because they refuse to give way to ignorant
persons just because those ignorant persons knew Kalama before they did.
It is hard for some people to realize what a change in emotions and heart
comes when a brother who has been as enemy and enemy who is a brother finds
himself in a new position. And the meeting of the Lahori mentioned at the end
of the letter, seems very significant and in some way spiritually connected
with your coming to the United States. I am therefore going over any points in
your recent letters not answered.
One is very happy over your appreciation of humor and wit. This was a
characteristic of Persians especially and it is one of the differences between
Persian Sufism (mostly expressed in poetry) and Arabic Sufism (mostly expressed
in prose).
I have just purchased one of Arberry’s books on Rumi and feel like
changing certain outlooks to agree with the Diwan. This is making one
re-evaluate himself but at the same time this very revaluation has helped one
in discussing spiritual things with others. And at the end of this writing,
will phone some other people who may be interested, especially the Danny
referred to. As I shall be meeting his father on spiritual matters tomorrow, he
may come or I may have to see him later.
The initiation or ceremony on New Year’s Eve officially proclaiming SAM
(that is, Sufi Ahmed Murad) to be both an Abdal and Lover no doubt affected
friends and others but it affected the heart even more.
Journeys. Now we must discuss some financial matters. I shall be
prepared to go to England and some time previously you did mention about the
possibility for paying my way on PIA to Pakistan. Here I am not holding you to
pledge or promise. Unless I get help I may not have to return, but there is a
greater possibility now of getting financial help from or through my brother.
If you can arrange to pay for a PIA ticket from London to Karachi or Lahore. I
hope, inshallah, to look after your dollar needs in this country. You will need
a large sum of dollars here. And if my brother continues in the friendly spirit
as of this morning we could either make a financial or a spiritual exchange
which either is best.
It is also notable that after you write on fana-fi-Pir with regard to Data
Sahib, etc. that this man should mention the subject. We also discussed many
things and inshallah, if I do receive anywhere near the sum my brother and my
counselor say I should get, he could come with me and act as translator in both
Iran and UAR as well as in the Arab world. So I feel there is no more need to
search for a companion.
Your Murshid is delighted with your attitude toward Baba Fareed. For many,
many years there was a hidden pull in this heart which was not understood but
occasionally your country had people in Foreign Service who understood this. I
have not been able to complete correspondence with Ajmir.
This person is prepared either way, as Allah wills or as Sufi Barkat Ali
expresses himself, to stay in America or to make a short visit abroad which may
be limited or unlimited. Then after you return, one is prepared to stay long
abroad. However the Kashf is very light this morning and other than the
impending deaths mentioned in the other letter, everything seems beautiful
including the weather; it has been Spring rather than Winter.
In California we have the two together.
Love and blessing,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco 3, Calif.
January 23, 1967
My dear Brother:
As-salaam Aleikhum. I was very much interested in your remarks yesterday
but, to one side of me, they were very funny. You talked about “Sufis,” but
did not name them; and you talked about them in such a way that some fanciful
personalities, whom you did not place in time or place or history, were used to
illustrate concepts. Whereas, in point of fact, last year a friend phoned this
house and said a Saint was coming. He gave no further information excepting the
use of the word “Sidi.”
Now, despite all the ignorant people, and there are a lot of them, who
lecture about hypothetical dervishes and Sufis, there are a lot of them. In
this case, I brought a picture of the Teacher of this Saint and it was right.
There are some 40,000,000 or more persons in Tarikat in this world; a point
that can be easily proven, despite our ignorance, and the right man was
selected because there is an grand area of Heart and Heart Wisdom which
persists beyond the appearance of this universe.
Recently, I went to Taj Restaurant and met some men from Lahore. “Do you
know Data Ganj Baksh?” That was exactly the same as my own selecting the
picture of the Saint’s Murshid; it was the same phenomenon revealing the
universe of Heart-Wisdom beyond appearance. I am not going to ignore it; to
remain and to pride themselves on their ignorance.
They verbalize Praise to Allah and then, Praise Holy Qur’an; they praise
it, but do not study it. Even when there were classes on Qur’an, very few
Muslims (so-called) attended.
It is my belief that there is no Power, nor Might, save in Allah and when
Muslims say they believe that, before the Almighty, they are guilty of
Hypocrisy. Why is money needed for a Mosque? All Power and Might is in Allah
and yet the Muslims cannot build a Mosque? Where is Allah? Where is Guidance?
Once, Prime Minister Nasser sent a man with money to support the building of a
Mosque. The “Muslims” preferred an Englishman, not a Muslim, who denounced
me; and they supported him, illustrating “Islamic Brotherhood.” When Prime
Minister Nasser’s representative heard about that, he tore up a check in my
presence.
Then, I said you could have property for nothing. I was born in San
Francisco, I know this city, but nobody listened. They raised some funds, not
enough, to purchase property and now need more funds. Where is Allah? Where is
Divine Guidance? You may argue, my friend, but where is the Allah? What will is
there beside His which makes it so difficult to have a Mosque?
I am very much interested in the behavior of Muslims. If I do not take their
side I am in politics. Before Allah I am not in politics. But some Muslims say
I am in politics; so they believe that, no evidence, no trail, they just
believe their “brother.” That is sufficient.
Muslims, as a whole, are no better nor worse than other people, excepting
that they have the best of examples of all created beings in Mohammed; the
Mustafa, the Amin, the Ahmed, the Servant and Messenger of Allah “who could
maintain perfection” without resorting to meditation, seclusion or anything,
and thus was the Prince of all beings. With this splendid example, man can
absorb all the Sifat-i-Allah. And when he does that and reaches the
nufs-salima, he dispenses peace, justice and guidance to humanity. But most
Muslims sit around and judge and expect from others and do not demonstrate
themselves.
I have before me two mighty causes, both by a Amir of Allah; one to work for
World Peace and Justice; the other to work on food-problems. Now, Allah has
pointed out that man is not ready to have peace in Vietnam. None of us, no
matter who we are, has given any consideration to the masses of Vietnam, who
are poor, who are peasants and who are Buddhists. They are not even given the
choice of the way they are to be exterminated. Unlike the Jews of Germany they
are crushed by two forces, not one.
But Allah, first by Kashf and then in the deep silence, has given another
mission: to work for peace in the Near East. And while friends and
acquaintances will criticize this person, he is always listening to Allah, day
and night. So when he took the first step about Peace in the Near East, he
received sudden approval. And then he had a long conference and more approval
and in a few days he is meeting another Sufi who is interested in Peace, Love
and good-will.
It is notable that this Sufis also did not attend the Jami prayers in San
Francisco. For the San Francisco group is independent of the Canadian-American
Muslim League, headed by the Imams, and all talk of Muslim Brotherhood is
nonsense, here or elsewhere, when the will of man dominates over the will of
Allah.
Plans are to cross the country this year, inshallah, and to collect more
material for desert reclamation and while some of your countrymen will sit back
and criticize; this person will do, will act, will study, will research. For
the pains of any person are the pains of the Sufi. He does not separate himself
from humanity. And also he does not fail to listen to Allah.
The first efforts to spread the Divine Message were immediately followed by
the appearance of Vilayat, the son of Hazrat Inayat Khan, who calls himself a
“Murshid,” and does not recognize any of the Dervish Orders; and they do
not particularly recognize him. He goes around in social circles, spreading
stories about his father. This is far worse than saying “Islam,” for this
refers to a Sifat-i-Allah. But Isa said, “Flesh and blood do not inherit
the kingdom of heaven.” Only in this country, it is the outer circumstances,
the outer appearances, which attract people. And only those who are caught in
the struggle between peace, joy and sorrow, can learn the spiritual and
esoteric sciences.
I already know what must be done for Pakistan in the agricultural field. But
no man is, nor can he work, in all places. This is a huge country. At my own
expense, I shall be glad to gather information, and sooner or later this will
go to Pakistan. But, if you obtain the position with the mechanized farm, I
already know what to do, how to help. This is from Allah and is in one sense
independent of all human beings, believers or unbelievers. “All praise is to
Allah.”
Although the Messenger of Allah (on whom be peace) said, “Allah loveth His
creation more than a mother loveth her children,” we have changed that. A lot
of people can say exactly who and why and what Allah loves. This is shirk,
nothing but vile shirk. Until we have entered in the heart of Allah, we do not
know. Even in his early days, Mohammed said: “The Merciful leans towards the
side of mercy.” (Rahm)
Allah wishes all problems solved. This season has seen the return to one’s
conscious fold, old acquaintances, both friends and enemies, and new
acquaintances, who seek the Divine Wisdom. Too many see this Wisdom through
some human personality and deny what Isa said, “The kingdom of God is within
you.” We have to seek our own hearts. Here, now, the greatest obstacle is the
behavior pattern people seek; to judge others, rather than find the Light
within themselves.
It will be necessary to travel back and forth in this State until well into
April. Then, I hope, inshallah, to spend a month crossing this country, then
sail for England. I do not even know all my mission, but can feel it.
For the first time I am getting any assistance, paid or unpaid, but it is
very little, compared with what must be done.
With all love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
P.S. My dear Daughter:
Please note there is no reference to you, here. It is notable that what you
seem to wish and what my brother (whom I am meeting today) seems to wish
harmonize. And, I believe I shall not go to the Orient until 1968, inshallah
with you. The means have been given for this British trip, and inshallah, for
others.
I am most concerned of your arrival in this country, and so far am planning
to talk to the Asia Foundation, and also to my bank, concerning your arrival,
and obtaining dollars. Other things can wait.
[Undated]
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. How is your Aunt? This trip involves visiting to ladies
who are my spiritual elder sisters, that is they are older in years. Their
various ailments remind me of your Aunt and it was necessary to import the same
or similar practices. It is curious that even with literature at hand some
people do not apply it to themselves. This makes it necessary to be tender and
patient. But it also makes it advisable to give those practices for the
restoration and preservation of vitality.
My elder sister here has had a most successful trip to Japan and may return.
She is just beginning to be interested in tasawwuf.
Pir Zade Vilayat Inayat Khan, the elder son of my first Pir-o-Murshid, is
also in this region. He wishes to establish the Sufi Order legally. But he does
not teach either devotionally or scientifically. Devotionally means beginning
with Kalama and Kalama would dominate from beginning to end. (See Junaid.)
Scientifically means that the teachings manifest in the life. Indeed the
Kashf has been a dominant factor lately in everything.
There are others who pretend to represent tasawwuf. They are stronger
socially and financially than this person but have not contacted the stream of
intellectual conscious.
You may realize that this country is under a power complex [?] the divine
teachings in any and all forms and in one becomes harder and harder. You can
read this in Hadith.
Tomorrow, inshallah, one goes to the University of Riverside, the Desert
Reclamation Station. This is one project. The is to meet Dr. Chandrasekhar to
work on peace and reconcile between India and Pakistan. If he is not there his
is to San Francisco anyhow where one should be in one week.
Allah has been most gracious. In 1949 your Murshid lost his library and
all his Sufi teachings in a fire. Some were recovered from those to whom
carbons had been sent. Now one Elder Sister in Hollywood has had in her
possession some of the most important papers of Hazrat Inayat Khan and
inshallah, I pick them up in a few days.
One also received a pleasant visit from both Guy Atkinson and the
Consul-General concerning Mangla Dam and has been asked to confer with Vice
President Atkinson before leaving the country. The next step has been taken in
my legal suit while one has been away.
Praise be Allah but my chief disciple in San Francisco has been graced with
more and more experiences in the Divine Light. One said from the beginning that
the teachings of Allah are true and would be proved to be true in both the
inner and outer worlds. That is the best testimony.
One carries a book of Al-Ghazzali which brings joy and guidance, and is
almost as valuable as Hadith upon which it is based.
There have been many other pleasant occurrences from and in all sides. My
love and blessing to your Aunt, yourself, your family and friends.
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti.
March 22, 1967
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. I have not heard from you for some time. The combination
of present day circumstances with so much illness and some deaths in the
private life and the need to leave here in a month causes some concern. For it
has been my plan, inshallah, to be somewhere near, if possible, when you land
in the United States; and even under certain circumstances, to accompany you
westward.
One must leave this country late in May, but no return time has been fixed.
There is a need by one’s aged uncle, in Montreal, Canada; and one could stay
in the eastern part of United States for a while because there are a number of
projects one could engage in.
But there are other factors now. On the surface, the two outstanding are a
substantial increase in income, and a sudden rise in the number of young who
come here for studies, about half of whom desire Bayat, and some have had it
already. So, one is planning a Khankah, or something like it.
Nor does one lay aside plans, for they all seem to come from Allah and work
toward the goals pointed out not only by Hazrat Inayat Khan, but now by many of
the chief Muslims who are in this country (not by the rank and file, but by the
chiefs).
One is hoping to find a day of rest soon, even if only for a few hours, but
one must, above all, surrender to Allah and as the Messenger of God has said,
“Surrender to Allah in adversity and praise Him in prosperity.” Now one
would seem to have both together but the Praise and Surrender have both become
easy.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco 3, Calif.
March 26, 1967
Beloved Ones of God:
It is fitting, on this Christian Day of Resurrection, to start a record, a
rather poor one after forty years of “Six Conversations with Inayat Khan.”
These things were never sought by the writer and the very fact that they were
requested by the Pir-o-Murshid earned for the writer the ill will of the then
secretary, a pattern which has been repeated many times. And even now, a
Vietnamese Master, coming to this city, sought this person before all others.
This is the pattern of life. And besides, this one awoke this morning with the
appearance of Lord Isa, who said, “This Is Very Significant.” So,
feeling the blessings of heaven, one will proceed realizing all the way,
without humility, that time and age have dimmed the records.
The so-called “Warfare between Science and Religion” has been chiefly a
warfare between trust and egotism. There are scientists with trust and
scientists with egotism, and there are religions with trust and religionists
with egotism. And so long as nufs remains dominant, there will be
misunderstandings, dissimulation, ill-will and divisions. Many people like it
that way. But the culture of the time declares that the egotist is not the one
who talks, who tells, who even brags, but the one who refuses to listen. Those
who refuse to listen, whether they refuse to look though Galileo’s telescope,
or, at a later day, at Frederick Soddy’s evidences of transmutation or
anything else, are the egoists.
Hazrat Inayat Khan declared that a Sufi was one who looked at life from two
points of view, that of himself and that of another. In this respect he had
hardly any disciples at all. For those who proclaim themselves “Sufis,”
descending from him, those who proclaim themselves “Sufis,” descending from
others; and those who are not Sufis, but are constantly defining what a Sufi
is, agree in not looking at life from anybody else’s standing, standpoint.
Thus, they conflict with the classical, “Only Allah I saw,” and inasmuch as
they place value in other than Allah, on self-justification does any good; the
world will remain divided and the Divine Message, which is in the sphere, will
manifest either through others or to and through the whole of humanity;
something of the kind being evident at this writing.
One does not remember any longer the exact six meetings, in order. One’s
records were destroyed in a fire in 1949, immediately after some of these
records were forcibly seized by a person pretending to be a Sufi; having a
following who call themselves “Sufis,” but who do not attempt to practice
La Illaha El Il Allah, proclaiming that the “Sufism” of the day is
different.
The meetings were held in the Beverly Hills Hotel in the year 1926. The
first one was the most significant to the reporter. In the year 1925, one had
come to the end of one’s tether, and had gone into the wilderness to die, he
thought. Instead, he was completely resurrected and learned, for the first
time, the Principle of Death and Resurrection, of which this day was
significant. Briefly, there were encountered, with Khwaja Khizr at the
beginning, and with the Mursaleen in the end, with Lord Mohammed appearing in
double capacity, the other Messengers of God singly, and one was vested in a
special Robe.
The history of the Robe will not be given here, excepting that it reappeared
many years later at Ajmir, there presented by Moinnedin Chisti (many
witnesses), and again by Amir Khusrau at Dargah Nizam-ud-din Auliya (in the
presence of Pir-o-Murshid Hasan Sani Nizami. Finally, it was given, in
actuality, by Pir-o-Murshid Sufi Barkat Ali, at Salarwala, Lyallpur District,
in West Pakistan. The Robe here is substantiating testimony. It may have no
effect on egocentric people any more than the evidence of scientists had
effects on egocentric people. Those who wish to believe will in the end be
believed; those who do not wish to be believed, in the end they will not be
believed.
The whole history of the 1925, the first Khilvat of the writer, was told to
Pir-o-Murshid. All records are gone. Three times was it submitted to various
descendents of Hazrat Inayat Khan in Europe, and discarded. The failure of the
Message of God in Europe, and to some extent in America, is due to too much
Message and no God, and in the end, personality emphasis. Pir-o-Murshid said,
“Heart speaks to heart and soul to soul.” This is for those whose ears and
inner beings are opening, or opened.
The effect of the experiences, mystical or occult, was the rejection of the
person by the whole culture. In 1930, he came upon “Act of the Adepts,” a
French translation of the work of Efleki, of the Mevlevi School, and found many
of those “saints” had identically the same experience. This only produced a
sort of martyrdom; but the Grace of Allah is greater than anything else. And
the blessings from Khwaja Khizr have resulted in fairly stable physical prowess
and only the slow introduction of integration and senescence. People who talk
Grace are not always willing to accept its evidences. But now there is a new
age, a new generation that does, and there are strong reactions against the
closed hearts, the closed ears, the closed spirits of those of the past.
Pir-o-Murshid listened and told me to write. But, in the next meeting,
something happened and it will stand as a testimonial, and, unfortunately,
against those who worship the Teacher and discard the Teaching; a habit which
is universal, and which brings only misfortune.
La Illaha El Il Allah.
(The detailed-record of self may follow later.)
There is a practice called Tawajjeh. At the second meeting,
Pir-o-Murshid asked, “Samuel, how many faithful mureeds do you think I
have?” I could not guess. “Make a try.” “Well, I should say, one
hundred, but as much as you indicated by the question, it was many less. I’ll
hazard a guess, but I don’t believe it, so I’ll say twenty (20).”
“I wish I had twenty. I wish I had ten. (Then, standing up, he gave the
Tawajjeh is a loud voice. “I Wish I Had Five!” Standing and
calling in a very loud voice, “Would you believe it? Your murshid has not
as many faithful mureeds as he has fingers on one hand.”
When I got up, he told me of his troubles. This was never believed. Neither
the disciples of the East (Europe) or the West (America) accepted that. Then he
began telling me some things which were also told to Pir-o-Murshid Hasan Nizami
on his death bed. These fall in the classes, the first on succession, the
second on the Sufi Order.
He began telling me that he wished me to defend Murshida Martin of San
Francisco, who has been my original teacher (1919 to 1923,) and in another vein
after that. I was to stand by her and protect her but see to it that she never
defended herself. He went over that again and again and again.
He said he expected trouble and I was to write to Mr. E. de Cruzat Zanetti
in Geneva about what he told me.
Murshida Martin was then under attack by several people. She had the
fana-fi-Rassoul with Mohammed soon after she met Hazrat Inayat Khan. She had
a long training in European Occultism and in Comparative Religion. But during
the years I knew her, although she was a Murshida, I know of only one or two
experiences in fana-fi-Rassoul and one in fana-fi-Lillah on her part. This was
much more than others experienced. I was not initiated into fana-fi-Sheikh
until 1930, when Hazrat Inayat Khan began to appear to me “from the other
side.”
I was told, over and over again:
(a.) Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan intended that Murshid Martin be his
successor.
(b.) She was never to defend herself on any occasion and positively never in
public.
(c.) She was divest herself of all right to handle funds:
This was the history. The aftermath was terrible.
The first thing that happened after the death of Hazrat Inayat Khan was my
removal from the Board of Trustees, which handled the funds. Never, after that,
until the disassembling of the Khankah, which Pir-o-Murshid blessed, was I
(Sufi Ahmed Murad) ever permitted to say a word about finances.
The funds were handled by a Board of Mureeds it the Murshida, without the
advice and consent of her family, and never was any undertaking done without
the family and when this person refused to continence private deals, in which
her family benefited, he was never forgiven, ever.
It must have been this spirit which was felt in Europe, where the vast
majority of disciples refused to accept Murshida Martin as successor to
Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan. But they surely felt the nufs. It is to one’s
great regret that Murshida Martin always insisted in defending her nufs in
public and this led to her downfall.
True, when she visited Pir-o-Murshid Hazrat Hasan Nizami, he proclaimed her
as successor to Hazrat Inayat Khan. There were deliberations and newspaper
notices and was accepted, or at least respected, in the undivided India. But
none of this had the slightest effect on Europe.
Still, if we have to see life from the standpoint of another, as well as of
ourselves, the outlook is that there is nothing that can be called exactly
right or exactly wrong.
Later on in life, much later than the above events, when an outsider came
along and insisted that Rabia give up public self-defense and control of funds,
she did that without a whimper. She could not do that at the dying request of
her own Pir-o-Murshid, but for an outsider she did that. Her death was a
tragedy.
This had to do with the papers for the disciples. There were several rules
and constitutions in the short career of Pir-o-Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan. At
that time he had papers called “Gathekas,” for non-mureeds (some of them
later published in “The Unity of Religious Ideals”), “Gathas” for the
first years and “Githas” for the next three years. He gave me some
instructions about them. There were further instructions at other meetings.
The Sufi Movement had been envisioned as covering twelve grades, but the
last degrees were for teachers only. Only if there was a “full graduation”
the person either became a Khalif or its equivalent, but that was outside the
immediate instructions.
Pir-o-Murshid told me how he wanted these things handled. He made me
esoteric, but not exoteric leader in Los Angeles. That is to say, my authority
was limited to the teaching of disciples, and training of applicants, and their
first Bayat. There was little in this meeting which did not extend to others,
elsewhere.
The Sufi Order was to be divided into three sections, and this also appears
in the literature called “The Sufi Message.” There was to be: a. the
Sufi Order, for mureeds and spiritual instruction; b. the Universal Worship,
which was a ritual including scriptures of all faiths; c. The Brotherhood,
which was to be the intellectual side of the teaching, to bridge the gap
between mysticism and universal culture.
He went into exact details and told me to work with Miss Sakina Furnée in
Suresnes, France, but if anything happened to her, I was to take over. She did
retire on Pir-o-Murshida’s death. This appointment was never recognized in
Europe and has been de-emphasized in America.
Still, one has gone on trying to bridge the gap between mysticism and
general culture and the last few weeks show, that if one persists for forty
years, he will surely succeed. But this success comes when there is no
practical, working Sufi Movement. It is only after constant stress that the Pir
Zade has recognized this.
All the people who have assayed to mystical or spiritual leadership have
assumed, and without any evidence whatsoever, that this exoteric undertaking
would interfere with their missions, their presumed duties and their claims.
There is so much to do with teaching the spiritual science. And now one has
reached a complexity, because the young to whom one was not originally sent,
accept his spiritual prowess, and at the same time, there is increasing
acceptance of this person all over the world as one bridging the gap between
the Intellectual and Mystical worlds. If Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti has any rights
as “Khalif” or “Murshid,” these came from Pirs outside the Sufi Order
of Hazrat Inayat Khan.
One would prefer to work in and with one of the various constitutions laid
down by Hazrat Inayat Khan. Long after he had left the world, he asked that the
disciples, particularly in Europe, either restore the constitutions, any one of
them that he had given, or have a visible constitution which could be seen by
others. Instead, there have been nothing but unsubstantiated ego-claims, as if
there was no Universal God.
It is notable, that after all these years, what Pir-o-Murshid said,
“neither can I be broken, nor God, but the one who would break me, he is
broken.”
This had to do with the science of commentaries. Originally, this had been
part of the general teachings. There was an Exoteric Constitution (there were
several), which distinction called for commentaries. Each person to become
Khalif was supposed to write a commentary on the “Gathas,” the first three
years,” instructions (very profound).
While this was explicit in the Esoteric Constitution, years later when I saw
a copy, the section had been removed. It is noteworthy that none of the persons
who have assayed to be the successor of Hazrat Inayat Khan have attempted
anything of the kind. The evidence is that they are incapable, and certainly
the visits, of various members of the Khan Family to Asia have not evinced
their awareness of the Divine Being or proficiency in Hal and Makam.
When Rabia Martin appointed one Mrs. Ivy Duce as her successor, that lady,
proclaiming the Parsi born Meher Baba as “Avatar,” laid aside all
provisions for the study of Hazrat Khan’s writings. What is done with them
now one does not know, but there is no evidence of proficiency in inner and
outer mystical sciences, and even less in that kind of Love that binds hearts,
regardless of birth, class or any other artificial or natural division.
In 1930, when in Khilvat on the third anniversary of the death of Hazrat
Inayat Khan, his spirit appeared to me and I began writing the commentaries
from the standpoint of fana-fi-Sheikh. One of the last letters of Hazrat Inayat
Khan, on his deathbed, was to thank me for my efforts. This letter was
destroyed in the fire of 1949 along with 25 years research and collections of
materials on the above and related subjects. The [?] of those commentaries is
in one’s hands.
This began with an initiation (Bayat) and later, when I looked up Hazrat
Inayat Khan’s early records, I found he had initiated me as “Sufi.” One
dared not take that appellation and it was only years later, receiving such
Bayat openly from Pir-o-Murshid Sufi Barkat Ali, that one could use it. But
this appellation was also confirmed by Pir-Dewwal Shereef, President of the
Board of Directors, Islamabad University and Pir-o-Murshid President Ayub Khan.
It has been accepted in Asia by many Pirs, many schools.
Pir-o-Murshid then asked me to study all his constitutions, all his records
and submit findings to Mr. Zanetti in Geneva. This was not an easy task. The
records were scattered. Murshida Martin had a book for Murshids, which she put
away for safety and, at her death, nobody was able to find it. But at her death
one found a lot of scattered miscellany, in a range of places. These covered
the complete Ryazat of Hazrat Inayat Khan. As they have been rejected by
everybody else, they became one’s own, but are to be placed before Sufi
Barkat Ali, and shared, or not shared, according to his decision.
4th April, 1967
Beloved One of Allah,
As-salaam aleikhum. There are times of trial and there are times of pain and
there are times of rewards and there are times of blessings and when they all
come together it is very hard know where to begin or to end. Last week one
worked 40 hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Christian Holy Days. Not
only had so many things gone wrong but so many things gone right at the same
time. I thanked Allah that He was giving me the trials on the anniversary of
the sufferings of Isa. Then suddenly Isa himself appeared and gave a blessing
and on the Monday (last week) the missing papers covering much of my research
in India showed up. These included the documents also on Irfan, the
Warisi School (which is the most unorthodox) and the teachings of Dara Shikoh.
Then I knew the worst had passed. But without notice the landlady ordered me
out.
There are a large number of young people called Hippies and they have
been coming here and receiving spiritual instructions, in particular Zikr and
now, inshallah, I am ready to open a Khankah and teach the Zikrs on a large
scale. My closest spiritual brother has urged me to go the authorities, which I
shall and place everything on the table. For there seems to be nobody who can
handle these wild young people but a single Christian minister, who is an
outcast and a very good friend, and myself. They resound to love and blessing
just as earnestly and eagerly as others do not. I am limited to the number of
mureeds to 12 at this time and will return to devote myself to spiritual and
food problems. Therefore I shall not go Pakistan unless there is a Divine
Command, an Amr or Kashf or especially Shahud; the last has been very strong
lately.
There is some sort of peace between some Western Sufis now which may enable
us to work on a large scale, inshallah. The young take to the Zikrs but I have
on file a complete moral training without any need of any kind of sermons at
all. Besides, Hazrat Inayat Khan said that the inner training would take care
of the moral problems without any need to admonition.
For the moment, the cost of a ticket was provided for by my mother’s
legacy, but far more money is coming from my father’s estate; it has been
necessary to lay aside a large sum for income tax before one receives the
anticipated amounts. Then there are letters from all over which will be of
great value in the future of Pakistan, on desert reclamation and other
subjects. And evidently Allah approves, for all steps towards working on “How
California Can Help Asia” have been accepted in certain quarters like a
miracle.
All this work with the Chistis is so close. The only other Dargah one might
suggest is that of Bulla Shah. The tasbihs have not come yet. All the ones
received before have been put to use. Generally your Murshid uses some and
after there is enough Baraka in them, he gives them to mureeds or those in
need.
Now there is something very strange which has not happened before in the
whole history of the world so far as one knows. Your Murshid is now considered
as one of the top Buddhists in the whole world, especially in the Meditation or
Zen School. It is impossible to explain. Since the Saint (Sidi) from Morocco
was here and recognized your Murshid, all the kinds of holy men came and
sometimes they do not call on other Americans. There is a sort of insight and
sight and recognition and there is no way to put this into words.
There are governments in this world called “Islamic” which not only do
not accept this Hadith but reject others. And it is with regret that one sees
so many ignorant people defending any and all those called “Muslim”
regardless of whether they accept Hadith or Saluk teachings.
Your Murshid is somewhat concerned with the affairs in the Near East. His
own program was warmly supported by UN officials and to his surprise, Arabs of
all kinds and Israelis alike once accepted it. The Universal Outlook comes out
of Fikr and Daroods.
When the American Muslims questioned your Murshid’s use of Zikr and
Kalama, that they must be “Islamic,” he wrote back that it was Zikr and
Kalama which established “Islam” and not some “Islam” which could be
associated or dissociated from Zikr and Kalama. One is glad to report they have
accepted his view and later, when health is fully restored, a much longer
report will be given.
During the Great War your Murshid had the special Grace of Allah of having
served directly under Ghaus-i-Azam on all planes of the Universe. When one
reached Cairo, there was a strange delegation that came to his rooms (this was
mentioned before) led by a scientist named Yusuf Wall and he also told of the
great protection given to the world by Ghaus-i-Azam and the Auliya. But every
time emotional Muslims wish to call their private quarrels “Jihad” this
does not always happen.
There is no question that the Israelis, in going to Palestine, did not
follow the pathways of Musa and Suleiman and Zerubbabel and they did not build
the Temple which was to be a “House of Prayers for all people.” Yet
President Eshkol has joined with President Ayub and Hussain in supporting
“The Temple of Understanding” at Washington. President Johnson has not and
this may be understanding to you and is certainly dear to many Asians.
Your Murshid will be continuing research on this Project: The Garden of
Allah while he is not permitted to travel. Every time one does anything
here the guidance is clear. And it is also becoming clear to remain here at
least until you come to this land, unless it is clear you are not to come.
The first efforts will be made tonight for a pilgrimage and one would like,
inshallah, to take a delegation to the Urs at Ajmer in 1969. At least Allah has
shown approval by seeing each person invited has received in some way or other
sufficient funds to make this possible.
One shall need all help with Hadith and Ism-i Azam and Sifat-i-Allah. One
will introduce these people to Imams for external instruction but oneself will
instruction these things which appeal to the inner man.
No doubt there has been confusion on one’s own part and one has caused
confusion during illness.
The tasbihs have been received and are “magnetized” before being given
away. Bayat ceremony is being discontinued until one can move in larger and
more commodious headquarters, which would be a sort of Khankah.
Will it be possible for you to bring saris? Recently I took my only lady
mureed to a special bazaar to purchase a sari cloth, and there was just one
there, very low priced, too. Your Murshid was unable to find any suitable gong
and on returning home found a large gong had been sent by a spiritual sister
from elsewhere in the State.
There has been a call for the meeting of “spiritual leaders” from all
parts of the world here next summer. Your Murshid has sarcastically asked who
formed the committee which selected them and who was the one who would deny him
(myself) credentials. This usually happens. But now, with the support of the
Islamic students, any more such rejections will be reported both here and
abroad. Besides there is a feeling one will be heard.
Indian representatives are given priority but one fails to find them
anywhere near the states and stages described by Ghaus-i-Azam. And last week
there was a man from New Delhi speaking on tasawwuf and to your Murshid’s
surprise, he was given the platform, the first time this ever happened. Since
then that same man has recognized your Murshid’s state and station after his
lecture on the Sufi poets. This series has ended but we have become friends. It
is rather curious that all the men present accepted your Murshid and all the
women rejected him! That is why one has gone very slow. The only lady mureed is
the wife of a man who shows tremendous spiritual acumen and inshallah, he might
become my Khalif here.
One has to work day and night and at the same time Allah is guiding that one
does not overwork. Sleep has become more and more restful and magnetism and
energy return. But one still has so many small problems including family
matters, that one is unable to consider your difficulties or even other
pressing matters here. If the physician releases me this week, I may be able to
extend efforts. One dislikes asking others to be patient, one expects patience
from oneself.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
April 4, 1967
Beloved One of Allah.
This is a second letter. The other was written yesterday and [?] This home
will be dissolved. After 25th April, your Murshid assumes his old address of 64
Harriet St., San Francisco, 94103. This landlady was a widow lady of great need
and now one can pay her a small but needed stipend to look after mail, and also
another small amount for storage. For, in forcing one to leave these premises,
also one has been compelled to save money, at a time one has sufficient. Only
it is something very few people dare to do, to have direct conversations with
Allah, and to receive answers as immediate wisdom, even on the most practical
things.
There has been some objection, for the young are coming to this place in
greater and ever greater numbers and a love has been established between us
that older people, and especially in this country, cannot understand. It comes
from the flowing of the heart and they pick it up. And last night also, an
older woman came, the first such a one who was not captivated by her own ego.
And so the plan to have a Khankah exclusively for the young will not be.
The hope was to have 12 disciples before leaving. One now has eight, six
young men, one older man (who belonged to Hazrat Inayat Khan’s “Sufi
Order” and one young woman, the wife of a man who has already all the marks
of a Murshid; he has the Sufi Symbol written on his forehead.
These young people are seeking love. Their parents are concerned either with
wealth or power. They are in revolt against society but they are not to be
confused with social revolutionaries. If anything they lean toward anarchism
rather than socialism and communism. Their hearts are more hungry than
anything. They find nothing almost anywhere else and they are telling each
other about your Murshid, and the place was packed.
One of my older mureeds said, “I see now you must have a much larger
place. But one must be very careful. One said they would like a larger place
and someone to cook. And yesterday when one called on his oldest (in age)
friend here, the man said, “Could I come and cook for you, and have a place
where I would not have to pay so much rent.” So, inshallah, it should be
arranged on my return.
The most ridiculous situation is that after being constantly rejected by a
certain local editor, one sent a paper to Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, perhaps the most advanced institution in this country, or the
world, and they in turn sent for your Murshid. It is ridiculous but that is
what it is. Half the people judge by knowledge and the other half by externals
and if they are not pleased by externals, nothing can influence them.
One tells the audiences that nowhere in this country is there a “School
for Heart.” And one uses various means. But the Kashf is to go to
England and look up certain books, for the science of the Attributes of Allah
must be taught along with Zikr and it does not matter any longer how many older
people sneer or oppose.
There has been one very beautiful young woman and she is charmed. I said:
“Why don’t you call on ‘X’ and see what they say about me? You would
get a different and entirely different outlook.” “I have been there and if
they criticize you, it is a sign of your true position, for I can’t stand
anything they do.” The criticism would come from a group of which one has
written before, pretending to be Sufis. But the real Sufis of the world are
coming together, from many distant places they are now world communicating
together. And although I have not heard since from Prof. Nasr or his friends,
one can feel this coming.
For yesterday also one received a letter from The Temple of
Understanding in Washington, where they await my coming. It is funny, all
the religions of America look to this temple and many sign up for it, but do
they grant interviews? One teaches the people on top and when one gets a little
[?] away!!! There is a lady in this city who has no use for your Murshid and
she is very charmed with a man who studied under a man who studied under you
guess who? It is not so funny as tragic. But anyhow one finds the young today
so tractable, so much seeking.
Then one gets more and more letters from far and wide, mostly on food
problems. And it is because of them one does not wish to go back to Asia, one
must wait for your coming here and save dollars for you. If you are not coming
that would be different but one must wait. And one writes to S. Ahmed on the
scientific and food problems of Pakistan.
Here some of the businessmen and industrialists like “How California Can
Help Asia.” And yesterday one wrote to Guy Atkinson here, the firm that
helped engineer Mangla Dam. People here know nothing of the achievements of
Americans. They only know about the success and failures of Russians and
Chinese, but of successes of Americans, they know nothing.
So I have tonight to meet my friend in Los Angeles, who did wonderful things
in Egypt and also worked in Sudan. One does not leave anything to chance. It
has taken a long, long time, but whether it is feeding bodies or hearts, it is
the same.
With all love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
April, 1967
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. This has been a time of harvest, only as Isa said, the
hands are few. The harvest has been much, and the whole program has been so
full that one is having a hard time keeping well. Add to this a sick brother
and many ill friends.
But this is a harvest. Last week, I inherited a large library. It was
necessary to move it, for the house in which it was kept is being sold. We
hardly moved it when the telephone rang. A man came from an important magazine
to give an interview on “Sufism.” I don’t know what they wanted it for,
but it is an important magazine. We got along so well that we did not complete
the interview and he said we must meet again.
You have already had, no doubt, the copy of a letter to Professor Nasr. Now,
this is what has happened. The first stage of the legal matters has been
settled. Praise to Allah, I am now relieved from poverty, and it may be for the
rest of our lives. But my brother wishes some money to meet his medical bills,
and they cannot give it to him without giving me an equal amount, and it is
this I have in mind for Prof. Nasr.
Now, as for you. The additional amount granted me may enable me to help you
while in this country, only I have not heard from you, when you are coming or
how. I wish to go to England for many reasons. As soon as I hear from Prof.
Nasr’s colleagues, I shall get ready to leave; crossing this country, going
to New England, Canada and taking a ship, inshallah.
Having lived years in poverty, for America, Allah is making it possible to
live in comfort. When I return, I wish, inshallah, to establish a Khankah. I
now have more mureeds and several applications. I do not wish to have a large
following until I can establish a Khankah. Many young people want to help me
with clerical and other work. I shall need this much more than financial help.
I may never, inshallah, need financial help again.
One mureed is going to type Saladin for me. I need copies; I need all
kinds of help.
There is the food problems; my scientific work.
I have written to my friend, Shams-ud-din about two Americans who are coming
to Lahore. They are disciples of the Parsi, Meher Baba, who claims to be Sufi;
also he says he is Avatar. His own teachers denounced him, but he says
he is Avatar. That is what Americans like, especially here in
California. They have what we call a “messianic complex.”
But the young are otherwise. They want love and affection and divine
wisdom.
My love to your aunt and family and everybody.
Fragment of letter in April 1967
The Chief Imam in Washington had boldly stated that there is only One
Religion and God’s Most Chosen Messenger has again and again insisted that
the higher we elevate the other Messengers of Allah, the higher is he elevated.
The name Mohammad is based on the deepest metaphysics. The superficial people
of what they call Shariat, say there is no metaphysics. But now, one has so
many teachings, also from Muhyiddin Ibnu ‘l-’Arabi and Maulana Rumi; and
today one ordered a new book from Karachi.
One is now going to copy the Complete Ryazat of Hazrat Inayat Khan, and one
copy will go to Salarwala, but one has to be very careful about the other
copies. Nevertheless, there are great values in these papers. One must thank
Allah for His Grace and Blessing at every step.
You are free to act as the Khalifa of this person in all things, and go
right ahead, with love, blessing and freedom. The Unity principle comes out in
the study of the Wali. Your Murshid has written to Holy Sufi Barkat Ali on this
subject, but did not make a copy for you. Besides, this was not complete, and
instructions are to look for Sufi literature in England, and also consult with
friends of Prof. Nasr. For there is an aspect of tasawwuf, and you have already
been given the initiation and blessing of Ghaus-i-Azam, which is most
wonderful.
I may have to move from here shortly. Any letters after April 25 are to go
to:
64 Harriet St.
San Francisco, Calif. 94103 USA
Unless you are otherwise informed.
My brother has not been out of his house for two months. He has released me
from obligation. I lost three friends in short order and many close friends are
ill. But Allah wishes me to work with the young. Remember, “With difficulty
cometh ease; verily with difficulty cometh ease.”
Please let me hear of your movements. I shall try to reserve some dollars
for you when and if you come to this country.
Love and blessing,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
May 17, 1967
Beloved one of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. Forgive me if this letter is written under trying
circumstances. One can hardly perform errands even for one’s self and mostly
I have a young man accompanying me.
No doubt there is a wise Allah who prevents us either from our own mistakes
or who has come with a hidden mission or purpose which we must fathom. For
example, there will be at least two types of spiritual gatherings here in San
Francisco, which one attends, because new travel is out of the question. In the
one direction, it will be easy and automatic, in the other, a shame and
disgrace.
For so far as spiritual philosophies are concerned, one faces either a
battery of professors, who were mostly British or European born, and who have
been quite successful in having this person rejected. And in the other
direction a group of utterly disreputable people who ignore all moralities but
who are nonetheless accepted here as leaders in “Asian Culture.” By this
means Asian cultures are downgraded; and by pointing to them, the power
structure people seem self-righteous.
But, here in San Francisco there is a psychological, spiritual and general
revolution going on, where all past values are rejected; and many young look to
these disreputable persons are their leaders. They have called for spiritual
teachers to come and speak, but the spiritual teachers will have to face panels
now, instead of the intellectuals or the disreputables. It is almost
inconceivable, but it is true.
You have full permission as Khalifa to represent me anywhere and everywhere,
on any occasion. Your reports are most encouraging, but neither your reports,
nor problems, can be faced at the moment, for I also have the problem of new
quarters. As soon as the doctor gives permission, inshallah, one will have a
Khankah of some kind. There have been no visions, little insight or guidance,
and one must feel one’s way along.
This period has been complicated by a multitude of opportunities such as one
has never had before; not only from all over Asia, but also from America and
England. The doors are open for full cooperation with Dr. Nasr through Mr.
Ross, but even this most necessary undertaking is difficult now.
I see the tremendous calamities of unwillingness to face real food (and
other) problems, and to utilize the Divine Wisdom to face real problems of a
real world. The best way for Pakistan to face India would be to settle some of
its own problems, but this it cannot do by mere negation. “Islam” solves
nothing and is shirked. Allah solves everything. La Illaha El Il Allah
means nothing but what it says, but on many levels, including that of pure
sound. Too many so-called “Muslims” reject Allah and demand “Islam,”
which, in the end, means supporting (or opposing) some political move. If Isa
was a Muslim, a lot of politicians are not. Every Sura begins with Bismillah
Er Rahman Er-Rahim and not with “even.” Therefore, one is most happy
that you have concentrated on the meaning of Fateha. There is so much in
it.
Illness, despite its costs, by canceling travel, leaves one in a good
financial position. Inshallah, I will cooperate to the full your coming to this
land at any date. The tasbihs have long come, but not any caps.
This is more of an acknowledgment, than an answer. Please be patient. My
rhythms must be slow, but my friends have become warmer and concerned.
Sometimes, one can even talk.
With all love and blessing,
Date unknown—Ed
Beloved One of Allah:
Allah wishes to make it clear I have not been in politics. I merely did not
take sides during the Kashmir conflict because I saw at least six views, there
may be more. Then Allah told me that whoever would win would have the worst
famine and it was so. Honors are easy, criticisms are easy, but to help sad and
unhappy souls, or peoples, is hard.
This week, inshallah, I hope to take the next step toward Peace in the Near
East; not empty words, but actual measures. Love and blessings.
(Allah now wants me to come back from England and open a Khankah, which will
be done, inshallah.)
This last was the most important of all the meetings. Pir-o-Murshid went
over everything with patience. I have since found several attempts on his part
for a constitution. One was based on prowess in Zikr, never completed. Another
on advancement in hal and makam. Another on different bases. All of these
records were either destroyed, lost in the fire of 1949, or came into the hands
of Mrs. Ivy Duce and Meher Baba. But many of the principles are found in Volume
X of the “Sufi Message,” now published. For practical purpose this volume
includes, basically, everything needed for a Sufi School in any and all parts
of the world.
Pir-o-Murshid explained the position of Mursaleen, and last November,
when Sidi Abu Saleem Al-Alawi came to San Francisco, he gave exactly the same
teachings; and did not establish a Khankah here, saying it was not necessary as
one in the audience had all the teachings and Baraka. The audience, then, did
not assent, but since that time there has been ever-growing attention to the
Teachings, rather than the person.
It is hoped, some day, this person will be given the papers requisite to
this place in the spiritual life so he can continue the commentaries as
requested by Hazrat Inayat Khan. There is one slight possibility of this; that
the present Pir Zade will awaken to the seriousness of the position in which he
has been placed.
The Sufi Movement in Europe broke, deliberately or not, the problems of
succession by “selecting” a Healer (Shafayat), Ali Khan, a cousin of Hazrat
Inayat Khan, as “Pir-o-Murshid” or “Sheikh-Ma-Shaikh.” This was a
flagrant violation of his rules or wishes. Even now, a delightful old
gentleman, a brother, Musheraff Khan, has assumed the title of Pir and the
rumor is that he has selected certain favored relatives as successors. This is
in direct violation of all principles of tasawwuf.
However, there are now too many efforts on the part of those who have some
prowess in hal and makam to come together, realizing the unity of all
knowledge, the passing of the importance of national boundaries, and the coming
of movement toward the Brotherhood of Man.
This has been written rather hurriedly in face of a number of dramas and
climaxes surrounding the writer and it is hoped, that at some leisure time, or
in khilvat, if possible, one can submit a more sober report. At this writing,
Pir Zade Vilayat Khan seems to have assented to his father’s wishes about
this person being a leader in “Exoteric Sufism.” As several organizations
of world importance have already done so, it becomes foolish to deny what is so
obvious in the “Mind of God.” This person has been totally unsuccessful in
convincing any of the other claimants to spiritual leadership that it in no
wise infringes on the appointments given by Hazrat Inayat Khan, nor do they, in
turn, determine either the Pir-o-Murshid’s succession or hierarchal status of
others.
The writer saw a similar impasse in the Shadhili School in Cairo, and noted
how they determined the succession, in love, in harmony and in mutual trust.
There are many means by which problems can be solved. The tragedy is a school
of Sufis discarding, one after another, the esoteric sciences which could be
used to settle problems, and resorting to ego-reasons, or rather, just ego,
then justified, instead of to Allah.
The rise of a new generation, not to say culture, that wishes Divine
Experience direct, and not personalities and personalisms, means, inshallah,
that the Truth (Hikmat) will manifest despite all the arguments, substantiated
statements and claims of all persons. This includes those of a writer himself,
who is not without faults. But in a law court, an eye-witness is permitted the
box, not on his private merits or demerits, but on whether he has been the
witness to events causing litigation.
Around 1946, the writer entered in fana-fi-Rassoul. Although this came from
Mohammed, the Khatam-ul-Mursaleen, it was followed almost immediately by a
similar experience with Jesus (Isa.) And, on this day, it was the appearance of
Lord Jesus which has prompted the report at this time.
With all love and blessings to whomsoever reads this and to whomsoever has
access thereunto.
Faithfully,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
June 5, 1967
Miss Saadia Khawar Khan
Bhallah House, Multan Road, Lahore.
As-salaam aleikhum. This letter is being sent in duplicates, the copy going
to our beloved Pir-o-Murshid Sufi Barkat Ali.
Whatever the truth of recent illness, there is no question that man’s
will, or delight, does not always correspond with the Divine Will or Delight.
One had no premonition of anything standing in the way, but their recent
illness has led to the purification and renovation of body, mind and emotions,
to say the least.
Tasawwur. One has greatly changed one’s pace and walk, it being
much slower, more deliberate, but bringing forms of assuredness. This will also
make it possible, inshallah, to teach more through the “feet,” to use a
Naqshibandi expression. It is certain that the pace of first, Pir-o-Murshid and
that of my “spiritual guide,” Mian Mir, were slower and more deliberate.
Now one has no choice but to walk this way; and at the same time it would seem
that the body, being renovated, it may be possible, inshallah, to live a long
time, to pursue those duties and ryazat which are before one.
Islam in America. It has been very hard to convey that your Murshid
has always been on very bad terms with the local Islamic community which is,
however, somewhat divided. The Urdu and Pushtu speaking people in this State
have their own Mosques and while calling for unity and brotherhood are apart
from the “Muslims Students Association.” The latter are organized
throughout the United States and Canada. Not only has your Murshid joined them,
but assured them, despite age, one was still a student, connected with at least
two institutions of learning.
And as matters have transpired, one is, today, Alhamdulillah, on very good
terms with the larger organization and thus ignores the local group.
American Friends of the Middle East is discontinuing their local
office. Your Murshid has taken back two Sufi books, those on Moineddin Chisti
and Ghaus-i-Azam and it will be on the latter one wishes to teach tonight,
and perhaps tomorrow night.
The brochure of the Muslim Students Association has printed “God refuses
to accept the repentance of one who has spilled Muslim blood.” It is on this
point that one did not see eye-to-eye with the late Mohammed Iqbal; and also
when at Dargah Mian Mir one received the “repentance” of the Saint for not
preventing the wars and bloodshed between the sons of Shah Jehan.
Now Ghaus-i-Azam had a very large family and the tradition is that every one
reached the eminence of Murshid. This, to me, is most ideal; that all those
wonderful sons of a saintly father should be concerned with the ways of Allah
and not wish prestige or power. There is nothing like it. And it has been my
fate in this life to have been befriended by Ghilanis wherever I have gone. So,
although my last letter to the Students was before the return of this book, I
intend to concentrate on “The Prophet said: ‘God refuses to accept the
repentance of one who has spilled Muslim blood.’”
There are governments in this world called “Islamic” which not only do
not accept this Hadith, but reject others. And it is with regret that one sees
so many ignorant people defending any and all those called “Muslims,”
regardless of whether they accept Hadith or Saluk teachings.
Your Murshid is somewhat concerned with the affairs in the Near East. His
own program was warmly supported by UN officials and, to his surprise, Arabs of
all kinds and Israelis alike once accepted it. The Universal Outlook comes out
of Fikr and Darood.
When the American Muslims questioned your Murshid’s use of Zikr and
Kalama, that they must be “Islamic,” he wrote back that it was Zikr and
Kalama which established “Islam”; and not some “Islam” which could be
associated or dissociated from Zikr and Kalama. One is glad to report they have
accepted his view and later, when health is fully restored, a much longer
report will be given.
During the Great War, your Murshid had the special Grace of Allah to have
served directly under Ghaus-i-Azam on all planes of the Universe. When
one reached Cairo, there was a strange delegation that came to his rooms, (this
was mentioned before), led by a scientist named Yusuf Wall and he also told of
the great protection given to the world by Ghaus-i-Azam and the Auliya. But
every time emotional Muslims wish to call their private quarrels “Jihad”
this does not always happen.
There is no question that the Israelis, in going to Palestine, did not
follow the pathways of Sulaiman and Zerubabbel, and they did not build the
Temple, which was to be a “House of Prayers for all people.” Yet, President
Eshkol has joined with Presidents Ayub and Hussain in supporting the “Temple
of Understanding” at Washington. President Johnson has not; and this may be
understandable to you and is certainly clear to many Asians.
Your Murshid will be continuing research on his Project: The Garden of
Allah while he is not permitted to travel. Every time one does anything
here, the guidance is clear. And it is also becoming clear to remain here, at
least until you come to this land, unless it is clear you are not to come.
The first efforts will be made tonight for a pilgrimage, and one would like,
inshallah, to take a delegation to the Urs at Ajmir in 1969. At least Allah has
shown approval, by seeing each person invited has received, in some way or
other, sufficient funds to make this possible.
One shall need all help with Hadith and Ism-i Azam and Sifat-i-Allah. One
will introduce these people to Imams for external instruction, but oneself will
instruct in these things which appeal to the inner man. No doubt there has been
confusion on one’s own part and one has caused confusion during illness.
The tasbihs have been received and are “magnetized” before being given
away. Bayat ceremony is being discontinued until one can move into a larger and
more commodious headquarters, which would be a sort of Khankah.
Will it be possible for you to bring saris? Recently, I took my only lady
mureed to a special bazaar to purchase a sari-cloth, and there was just one
there; very low priced, too. Your Murshid was unable to find any suitable gong.
On returning home, found a large gong had been sent by a spiritual sister from
elsewhere in the State.
There has been a call for the meeting of “spiritual leaders” from all
parts of the world next summer. Your Murshid has sarcastically asked who formed
the committee which selected them and who was the one who formed it to deny him
(yourself) credentials. This usually happens. But now, with the support of the
Islamic students, any more such rejections will be reported both here and
abroad. Besides, there is a feeling one will be heard.
Indian representatives are given priority, but one fails to find them
anywhere near the states and taigas described by Ghaus-i-Azam. And last week
there was a man from New Delhi speaking on tasawwuf, and to your Murshid’s
surprise he was given the platform; the first time this ever happened. Since
then, that same man has recognized your Murshid’s state and station after his
lecture on the Sufi poets. This series has ended, but we have become friends.
It is rather curious that all the men present accepted your Murshid and all the
women rejected him! That is why one has gone very slow. The only lady mureed is
the wife of a man who shows tremendous spiritual acumen and, inshallah, he
might become my Khalif here.
One has to work day and night and at the same time Allah is guiding that one
does not overwork. Sleep has become more and more restful and magnetism and
energy return. But one still has so many small problems including family
matters, that one is unable to consider your difficulties or even other
pressing matters here. If the physician releases me this week I may be able to
extend efforts. One dislikes asking others to be patient; one expects patience
from oneself.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco 94103 Calif.
June 13, 1967
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. It is with great joy that one has received your letter
giving the reports of your visit to Dargah Data Sahib. There is a peculiar link
between this person and Lahore and although one does not know exactly what
one’s geographical moves will be, one’s heart is there. It may be true that
one’s heart is closer to Ajmir and Nizam-ud-din Auliya, but there is no
desire to live in those places. If Allah wills, I should go to the Urs in
1969.
The doctor is very satisfied with one’s improvement. Actually, he has
helped eliminate poisons in the system and one feels very much better than for
a long time. Even when I was working in the greenhouse today, I found it was
easy to carry heavy plants. Something has happened, both to the inner and outer
bodies, for health, strength, vitality and magnetism.
The American Friends of the Middle East is closing its offices here. So your
Murshid took back the booklets on Abdul Kadir-i-Jilani and Khwaja Gharib Nawaz.
This proved to be a blessing; and all during the fighting one read the former
and also Rumi and this also proved to be a blessing in another direction.
Mills College here is the largest such institution for women, only. They
have a wonderful Botany Department. They publish the best books on trees and
shrubs. We found the director is Turkish and so first one spoke about Maulana
Rumi, which proved to be the best way. Kashf is better than Akl. In a short
while, the professor not only accepted plans for a gigantic Desert Reclamation
Project, but wants to join in. We are to call on him again in two weeks.
This Desert Reclamation plan is a merging of Kashf, Akl and Divine Guidance.
Very few know anything about “Peace.” The word is used loosely. Last night
your Murshid took the audience into the Universe of Peace and will try again
tonight. Peace is where we begin; and this, also, is a lesson learned from
Hazrat Inayat Khan.
The Mevlevi Movement became degraded because the family took over the
spiritual leadership. When Hazrat Inayat Khan left this world, this taking over
by the family was even faster. As your Murshid had complete union with Hazrat
Inayat Khan, even before meeting him, and as it was as disciple that both
Khwaja Khidr and all the Mursaleen revealed themselves, it is impossible under
spiritual and mystical principles to deny this. And in 1946, I believe, in the
woods, came the experience when Hazrat Inayat Khan told your Murshid he was
leaving him; and your Murshid lost a tooth and immediately after that, the
Messenger of Allah appeared. Years later, one learned the same tooth was
missing from the mouth of the Seal of the Messengers.
The details of your visit are so beautiful; one wishes one could show the
report to others. Your Murshid is rejected by the local Islamic community. They
are separate from the International Islamic community. The President of the
latter has accepted your Murshid’s spiritual position; and this letter has
been sent to Farooq Malawi, head of the local Arab Information Bureau, and
descendent from Maulana Rumi.
Part of your Murshid’s peace program is this: Salt water conversion plant
on the Red Sea, near Jeddah. This water is to be used by pilgrims and also to
irrigate the Hedjaz. To move the Palestinians there; the Arab world is
under-populated, especially as labor is needed in the oil fields and there is
deficiency in agricultural labor.
The building of huts, according to the programs of the University of
California, which are weather-proof, sanitary and cost little. This would
provide suitable homes for the refugees in sacred or semi-sacred territory.
The whole project could be covered by a very small tax on all pilgrims,
which could amount to considerable, in, let us say, 200 years. It would do much
for peace and friendship. You are at liberty to share this with anybody, but
your Murshid requests it be shared with Mr. Engineer.
Everything now is Oratory, the Oratory punctuated by dishonesty and
chicanery. The Arabs are wrong in allying themselves with godless people. So
are the Pakistanis. The Israelis have repudiated their own religion. If one had
their prayer books, this can easily be proved. Few accept Allah in fact. It was
a disgrace for Arabs to speak as if Allah was not listening. He is the Seer,
the Knower and no man can change that.
Your Murshid is fighting for more Islamic culture in this land. The Local
Muslims confuse this with folk-lore. They want Turkish and Arabic music or
power or literature. This is not “Islam.” The great spiritual literature is
not known. Recently an Indian, speaking on the Sufi poets, turned the floor
over to your Murshid. But there is prose, too. Your Murshid does not know Ibnu
‘l-’Arabi, only the comments on him, which are not very valuable. He may
send for Muqadimmah, which was left with a spiritual sister elsewhere in
this land. He has asked for all the material available on Hadith and on the
Sifat-i-Allah. When and if you come to this land, I hope, also, you will bring
such books.
You are so right about money. It has not only been necessary to meet
doctor and hospital bills, but in the midst, a heavy income tax payment. This
will be met, but then one has to move into large quarters; both for one’s own
sake and to help teach the Inner Sciences. Your Murshid has not yet studied
Inayat Khan’s explanations on Nimaz, and there, will have to add his own
knowledge to this. The world is, today, woefully ignorant of everything holy.
Politics is all.
Another difficulty has been about getting help. Those who originally helped
moved out of town and only come to lectures. The next group went into a form of
Khilvat. So, your Murshid had to resume hard physical work and still has a
mountain of writing and correspondence, worsened by solicitation over his
health, which requires courtesy.
Then there is a tack of taking your letters both to my druggist and my
medical doctor. The sign has come to do this, and, inshallah, that is now on
the agenda.
You do understand that Allah is the Light of the Heavens as well as the
earth. There were two seers here today who say that the Divine Light is now
penetrating the atmosphere. In the real Hebrew tradition, this is known as
“The Descent of the Holy Spirit,” and this comes when the world is in sin,
want or turmoil.
One shall be very glad to share any news from Dr. Nasr. Letter has already
been written to England, delaying financial assistance until one moves. But
this period has been filled with endless letters promoting that Peace Program
which came by Kashf and vision and to which your Murshid always has to return.
All kingdoms and powers pass away. There is no Authority save Allah. The
attempt at a jihad was false. A Jihad in which the godless take part. Nowhere
in history have Muslims, even at their worst, called in the godless to help in
a jihad! Of course, they lost. They were not only depending on Allah, they were
depending on the godless, on atheists!
Please convey love and blessing also to your aunt. There will be another
letter concerning your own condition as soon as there is any time available.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Later: You will be glad to know that there is now an influx of young people
seeking Bayat; and the man whom I have seen as fit to be Khalif here is admired
by everybody and they look upon him as spiritual leader.
410 Precita Ave.
San Francisco 94110, California
July 10, 1967
Beloved Ones of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. One moved into a house along with a friend (he is coming
today) and on the first opening somebody brought a little child, not yet able
to speak. He entered the living room and performed Sajda, facing Mecca! It was
truly astonishing and a report was made to Sufi Barkat Ali.
People may say that Allah is closer than the neck vein, but we live in a
world of sayings, not doings. I took this as a sign to open some of the psychic
and esoteric sciences and so we start with walking Fikr, to the end we
accomplish Akhlak Allah, so that all people can know, as the Christian
Scriptures say “In God we live and move and have our Being.”
There has, of late, been some increase in vision; once in dream, but mostly
while awake. There is a Hadith that visions come from Allah and dreams from
Iblis; one sees a certain truth in it. The vision concerned with matters of the
Near East. This is very complex.
Each group reserves its own “right” to go contrary to its own
scriptures. The Israelis do not follow Musa and the Arabs go contrary to Holy
Qur’an in making alliance with unbelievers. This is good for politics, no
doubt, but being contrary to Revelation, it can only bring woe in the end.
This person has sat down with UN officials, with Zionists and with Arabs,
but this very fact makes him unwelcome in the circles of the sayers who say,
while they expect others to do. The whole world is that way today.
There is a tremendous backlog of duties. One has a part time secretary and
one also feels very well, alhamdu lillah. One hopes to have some housewarming
parties, but after locating some people from Pakistan who cater, they have
disappeared.
Tomorrow one has an important interview regarding research into the solution
of food problems. The news from Pakistan is good, so far as Engineering is
concerned, but one has not been able to get many details.
There is also the possibility of having a good core of students, if not
disciples. For the moment, on account of moving, people have lost touch; but
the feeling is wonderful. One is also working with Prof. Seyyed Nasr of Tehran
through his colleague, F. Clive Ross, in England, and hopes to do more in this
direction when one is settled here.
There was just a telephones interruption indicating almost immediate
attention to manuscripts in one’s possession. The great problem today is
Peace and this comes with Allah, not with “Islam.” The
“Islam” of politics is not the “Islam” of Revelation.
There is a man named Begg living in Ajmir who does translation work on the
Big Five of Sufism, the first teachers of the Chisti School. He needs
financial aid. One wrote that if one has a spiritual undertaking, one should
first apply to Allah for His approval, and not go around begging from men; he
lives too close to his own name. But one has written to Pir-o-Murshid Hasan
Sani Nizami at New Delhi. Everybody wants money from somebody else.
The importance of Love teaching is great in this City, which is going
through a psychological revolution. There is so much confusion and when the
inner eye is opened a little it causes dismay and opposition, which is the
course of this history.
Special attention is being paid now to Walking Fikr. It is not only
impressive, it is practical. Before long it may be as Hadith says, “On that
day shall the sun rise in the West, and all men seeing, will believe.”
Love and blessing
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
To Miss Saadia Khawar Khan
9th January, 1968
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. All Praise is due to Allah, Lord of all the Worlds, Who
guides and instructs and helps those who love Him on the right path. One has
been so busy that letters are started and not even completed. One is crying for
help in typing and office work, and now, inshallah, it is coming.
There is an entirely new cycle here and one does not know what part your
Murshid is to play. Not only is there a slowly growing attendance at meetings,
but there has been a most wonderful response, love and generosity without one
having to teach them. Some day Muslims will take seriously that all souls are
born pure and are lead astray by parents and teachers. But the new type of
people are so different.
Some of them are called “Hippies.” They find themselves in a world so
contrary to what is taught in scriptures they are confused. They indulge in
drugs and their sex-life is very uncertain, for they are confused and there is
nobody to help them. The old game of criticizing and condemning is useless. It
only drives them further away.
The response to this person is so totally different from less than a year
ago. One finds the realities, not the empty words. Bismillah Er-Rahman Er
Rahim is the keynote, and one not only presents it, one finds it. Then each
week we take up another of the “Names” of Allah and thus they acquire the
attributes.
There has also been a marked increase in Kashf, Shahud and Divine direction.
One has to be most careful as both impressions and visions come into
objectivity, more rapidly. And it would seem that Allah also wishes to provide
funds. The first step will be taken tomorrow. For there are persons who want
the real wisdom of the real Orient. They are tired of listening to all sorts of
lectures by all sorts of people—California is even “worse” than India in
having all sorts of pretenders.
The celebrations toward the end of the year were filled with Love and
Baraka. Now, next month your Murshid is given the opportunity to “reveal”
his secret. There was nothing secret but a society based on personalism and
personalities is concerned not with truth, but with egos. The “secret” of
your Murshid’s vitality was the Tawajjeh of Inayat Khan. The people to whom
one told it did not believe it and denounced him—this all over the Western
world. But the fact is one lived on and Allah has assured him that so long as
people, and especially those who pretend to be “Sufis” refuse to accept the
hard fact of this Tawajjeh, your Murshid will live on and on and watch the
pretenders and Dajjals come and go and repeat the same story. For it is a Grace
and nothing but a Grace that one should live on and have both the same or
increased vitality and Baraka.
There are now three duties before one: (a) manuscripts of Asian wisdom; (b)
presenting the Message of Allah to the young; (c) working as closely as
possible for your paper on Khatimal Mursaleen, for it may be, inshallah, that
on that rests the peace, security and future of the world.
Therefore one repeats the SHAGAL instructions, if you have not had them.
Sit with posture of virtuous, straight, quiet, calm, clear thoughts from all
difficulties, the two arms on both knees. Gaze between space between the
eyebrows, eyelids without winking:
Inhale: concentrate on Sufi Barkat Ali
Hold: Mohammed
Exhale: Allah.
Begin 10 breaths and increase later, to 25
2nd. Lie down on floor (or on bed) and slowly;
Inhale El-Alla-Hu
Exhale: El-Illa-Ha
3rd. Fill the stomach with all air, send out by way of mouth, keeping the
gaze between eyebrows. Keep the gaze continuous
Practice these Shagals either in the day in sunny rooms; or if it is better
at night, having low light in the room. Do it in a quiet, calm room. Never
tell its effects and tell Murshid and keep it quiet.
Later on one may send the theory of Shagals. For it is necessary to give all
encouragement and now to be in tune with you—this did not take place when you
wished to come for intellectual studies. Your present venture is entirely
spiritual and in full accord, as your Murshid sees it, with the Will of Allah.
It brings us very close together and also gives your Murshid joy and
exuberance.
All love and blessings, Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Copy to Salarwala
13th January, 1968
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. Your letter of the 5th has arrived and is receiving
immediate if not certain attention.
Finances. This is most complicated rather than difficult. Last year
the income doubled but the expenses more than doubled. It has been necessary to
set forth a lot of money for Income Tax purposes. But as the greater part of
the expenses outside of rent and upkeep were for doctor, medicine, zakat,
contributions and such items, there will undoubtedly be a big rebate. But to
get this rebate it will be necessary to do a good deal of bookkeeping and if
one attends to the bookkeeping one is forced to let other things go.
What has happened is that a disciple is now able to come, come some 30 miles
to help. For there is another situation, that there has been a vast improvement
in the affairs of most mureeds and it is a Grace. And beyond that Grace is a
complicated story:
Two women are now in one’s life which were not there some time back. One
was clearly marked to become a God-daughter. She was given the choice of that
and mureedship but finally took the latter also. The other is clearly marked to
become a Sheikha but has not been told. When the two women met they loved each
other, and also since then their financial situations have cleared up due to
Grace of Allah. They have both signified that their Murshid should not worry,
that they will take care of things.
The God-daughter is in New York and the other lady is in the process of
moving. It is a very complicated situation and involves both an expansion of
activities and the possibility, inshallah, of a totally different financial
situation. For there are wealthy God-seekers as well as poor ones and one has
been cautioned, and I believe wisely, to be patient and let them go ahead. All
signs are that that is correct.
Theoretically one should be able to put aside about $200 a month but that
has not been so. Nor is one too sure that one will occupy this house, where the
expenses are great—it looked fine at the time but one did not realize there
would be many, many changes.
Disciples and Audience. This is entirely due to Divine Grace.
The audiences grow and grow, mostly young men. One knew by Kashf what one
should do but one could not be sure of what would come. One had hoped to have a
dozen men disciples, one has more; also some women. The older disciples (all
young men) have all but withdrawn and this puts a time-burden on teachings and
meetings. But it is marvelous that there are practically no personality
problems.
The next thing is the unusual love between nearly all of them for their
Murshid and for each other. This was unexpected. And I tell you, daughter, that
exactly one person has been drawn to Allah because of one’s own personal
efforts. It is all Grace. It is all wonder. It is like the unfoldment of
dreams. Perhaps it is the unfoldment of dreams.
The tie with Shamsuddin is that this original Murshid was a disciple of
Hazrat Inayat Khan. One met a few of these men but now one understands they are
all gone. They had also met Murshida Martin who was my original teacher and who
was made the Khalifa of Hazrat Inayat Khan. But Murshida Martin failed in her
mission and this placed this person in a most difficult position for years,
whether to obey Hazrat Inayat Khan (which he did) or to do what was expedient.
On the one hand the price was terrible, for years this person being “scored
and rejected of men.”
The “six Interviews with Hazrat Inayat Khan” was rejected excepting by
one mureed of this great Pir-o-Murshid. To justify nufs any stand is taken,
based on nothing but ego. But by what might be called “inner law” this
person comes into possession of materials which did not originally belong to
him, both of the seen and the unseen.
The teachings of the seen world consist of papers and it is obvious in going
over these papers if one should publish them one would be accused of having
fabricated them. But if you saw them you, Saadia-Khawar would know they are
true and in perfect harmony with the age-old teachings known as tasawwuf and
with the spiritual and mystical teachings of all times. One has therefore sent
one particular practice, and if you were to come to this land you would be
given the whole gamut for then it would be your lot to use them as you would be
seeing it. But the work connected with them is quantitative, and it has been
impossible to communicate this quantativeness. Here even seeing does not bring
always believing.
The second is in the Unseen. The major portion of the Unseen has been fully
recognized by Sufi Barkat Ali and Madzub Sahib to begin with; by Pir-o-Murshid
Hasan Sani Nizami who has been a companion in mystical ventures; and to some
extent by various Pirs and Saints in many lands, finally when the Saint Sidi
Abusalem Al-Alawi came here.
The refusal of acceptance by eager but ignorant souls wishing to lead rather
than to learn places in one’s hands the Mystical Experiences of 1925, upon
which the “Six Interviews” are based. Hazrat Inayat Khan asked one to write
these; one did three times and they were all thrown away by the presumable
“loving” disciples of Hazrat Inayat Khan. They simply refuse to accept that
an unknown American could possibly have veils lifted. But this was one’s
aeonic destiny, it is written and it remains.
Darshan-Tawajjeh. This will be the subject of a public talk on 10th
February, inshallah. The Tawajjeh of Hazrat Inayat Khan is the source of the
strength, vitality, energy and all else. It is not due to the accumulation of
efforts, it is not from nufs. But it was not accepted, and one told one mureed
of Hazrat Inayat Khan after another; they refused (with one or two exceptions)
to accept. Americans becoming disciples of either Islam or tasawwuf end up by
becoming more self-centered in the name of divine surrender than other people.
They lose all capacity for surrender.
The one living eye-witness to the first and lesser Tawajjeh has long since
surrendered absolutely. People who were not there take refuge in nufs and say
they take refuge in Allah but it is in nufs. And as one must employ patience
one has been patient for over forty years. But now Allah wants to make His
wisdom-teachings known and says that this person does not have to accept
anything—even caution—from others for it is necessary above all to get the
teachings know.
When Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan gave the Major Tawajjeh he gave much advice
and now he has returned and pointed out whom Sufi Ahmed Murad is to select to
work as outward man and this man has been of great help also but it is too
early to say much. All of this makes it indeterminate at the moment how one’s
financial affairs are.
Your Coming. One keeps on good terms with the Oklahoma State
University. Also my God-son, Norman McGhee Junior, has offered all help if you
come to this land via New York. He lives many hundred miles away but would be
glad to help you.
Dr. Nasr. Your Murshid looks upon this man as the world leader in the
intellectualization if not popularization of Sufi teachings. His colleagues are
now giving out many teachings and inshallah they will give out more. They are a
little heavy on the side of intellect and a little light on the side of
Love.
The whole situation is also complicated. There are a number of independent
groups calling themselves “Sufi.” Dr. Ala-ed-din Siddiqui has met the
members of Hazrat Inayat Khan’s family and they have taken the strange stand
that spiritual succession is by family, not by hal and/or makam.
This means, sooner or later, they must stand terrific trials to prove their
worthiness to wary on any divine mission. One understands that one of them has
admitted he is not worthy (Dr. Siddiqui long ago hinted this) but
“humility” is not a characteristic of those that use this word. Your
Murshid has yet to meet a humble man who used the term “humility.” The
humble would not know it.
Universities There has been a marked change within the past two
weeks. Truth is truth and Right is Right and no man can stop the onrush of
Truth. Doors that were closed for years are now opened and one is now doing
what Hazrat Inayat Khan wanted, bringing the Divine Message to the
universities.
The climax will probably come, inshallah, in March, when there will be an
institute on “Is God Alive?” Your Murshid was exceedingly successful when
the subject was “Is God Dead?” The universities are very different from the
metaphysical people who talk so much of “love,” brotherhood,”
“humanity” and never extend them to others—always their leadership.
World Brotherhood. It is over 40 years since Your Murshid challenged
the Baha’is, what would be the difference if we have 70 competing religions
or 70 competing “world brotherhoods.” We now have the latter, and they
ignore each other and for the most part treat other human beings as
inferiors!
Misunderstanding. You are seeing what you see in Pakistan because
that is the reflection of what has been going on here. When your Murshid left
here in 1956 he had 10 sets of enemies. Allah said, “Let your enemies destroy
your enemies.” He returned next year and this is what happened—there were
three left. One was a popular speaker, very famous, very skillful but with no
depth; he has since apologized. One was one’s brother who lost a fortune
trying to keep your Murshid from getting one; he has repented. The other was a
Roman who had desires to be a “Murshida” and by lying and conniving became
one and then used all the properties for herself and for a lying Dajjal whom
she says is head Sufi. Last week she had her associate telephone. She is afraid
that Sufi Ahmed Murad might publish the Ryazat and that would expose her as a
fraud. But Sufi Ahmed Murad-Chisti has no intention of trying what he cannot
quantitatively do. Only it is necessary for mankind to have the teachings and
all the different people posing as successors to Hazrat Inayat Khan rely on
their secreting papers and teachings, which, for the most part they do not
understand anyhow.
The Science of the Elements. One is planning, inshallah, to open this
tomorrow. As Imam Al-Ghazzali taught, tasawwuf is based on experiences and not
premises.” One has such wonderful young mureeds, so different, so open, so
intelligent and so full of love and wonder. From one lesson a week your Murshid
now gives four and also one lecture elsewhere on “The Religions of the
World.”
Khilvat and Baraka. This is so important one just wonders. Years ago
one wrote, “The Bestowal of Blessing.” Since then the studies in
anthropology and also one’s development and outer contacts make it possible
for this to become an important work some day. A very famous man took the
original copy in presence to have it published. It is noteworthy that this
famous man and the “Murshida” above outwardly hated each other and showed
it, in the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.
World Brotherhood in the Fatherhood of God (Allah). That was your
Murshid’s original mission. It has been denied by the various people
organically following in Inayat Khan’s footsteps. They are all exclusive. And
so most of the so-called “spiritual teachers” who come. They are all
mutually exclusive. The only way to complete this is to send some notes on
Tasawwuf form Hazrat Inayat Khan’s Ryazat. He does not care who rejects his
teaching any more, humanity will have it. The light that shines forth as Love
from these young mureeds is almost as overwhelming as that one has been from
the Great Ones of Allah.
Love and Blessings,
Nov. 1, 1968
Miss Saadia Khawar Khan
969 East State St.
Ithaca, N. Y. 14850
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. Your letter of 29 October has just arrived. I shall not
answer all of it here because in the same mail a letter came from the Muslim
students association which will require careful attention. It will be necessary
to fill out forms etcetera. I shall send them enough money to cover a
membership both for your good self and for the librarian. One of my disciples
here attends prayers regularly on the Berkeley campus. He says that most Muslim
students are no longer religious—that is they do not accept the formalized
religious ceremonies and the kinds of discussions at the prayer meetings.
Your Murshid finds that religious people in general today are not concerned
with Allah (God), nor with the basis of their own religious teaching but with
private egocentric hypocrisy which masquerades as religion. Your Murshid is not
on good terms with local Muslims. The question is whether these Muslims are
accepted by Allah. Many Muslims are even more emphatic than followers of other
religions in setting themselves up as masters of the Day of Judgment. Therefore
on my Thursday night meetings before both mureeds and non-mureeds all stress is
on Allah. Allah is demonstrated through Zikr and (and in) Dervish dancing. It
has not only been very effective it is becoming even more effective. The
disciple to whom this letter is being dictated has been able to receive
Murshid’s Baraka. So are others to some extent. This makes people feel the
presence of Allah which is through Zikr and nothing but Zikr except Kalama.
This of course is not accepted by orthodox Muslims. They want everything and
get nothing.
Your Murshid has taken a long road now and is combining his “Day of the
Lord Cometh.” “What Christ What Peace,” and “Saladin.” If Allah wills
these will make your Murshid famous someday inshallah. They are certainly bound
to cause disturbances among false believers of every religion who make their
own egos more important than Allah.
Your Murshid cannot over-emphasize the importance of the sacred phrases
given by Sufi Sahab. Your Murshid says laughingly that when he dances with the
young, which is often, he becomes young. Otherwise he becomes eternal. There is
no again, at least not evident. This positively demonstrates Ya Hayo Ya
Quayoum. The practice of the divine presence affects and transmutes the
personality.
Your report is not particularly different from the repetitions given to the
audiences of disciples and non-disciples. Moral regeneration comes from
repeating Ya Allah Ya Rahman Ya Rahim. True Islam comes in surrender to
the living God. Love and devotion come naturally. There are times when your
Murshid is almost a fanatic about Wazifas.
The sainted Rabia used to say she was so much concerned with Allah she did
not notice the sins, or the virtues of anybody. When we realize Ar-Raman
and Ar-Rahim we shall find that Allah is infinitely a loving and kind
Friend. There is no sternness about him and I do not believe sternness is found
in the sacred names. Your Murshid is seeking the light and goodness in
everybody without being hypocritical. He has found it is necessary to become
more and more tender especially toward young women. He finds without special
gratification he is stronger than many young men. This is due only and entirely
to Allah, His Grace and His Baraka.
Murshid has already written to Bibijan. The letter may be delayed of
course.
If you are not clear about Wazifas please let me know but your wonderful
faith is more important than questionable arithmetic.
Murshid will show your letter at least in part to Jayonara. This is
certainly a very fair way to getting dollars into your hands. We are becoming
quite interested in the clothing especially of Islamic countries. An Indian
element is present but this is secondary to that of both wings of Pakistan.
Last week Murshid was able to purchase to very expensive and exceedingly
beautiful sheepskin coats from Afghanistan for his two chief male disciples. We
are going to celebrate the birthdays of Mansur the esoteric secretary and
Shirin who also lives in Novato about two weeks hence at the Khyber Pass
Restaurant in Oakland. This is our favorite hangout so to speak. Novato is 30
miles north of here and the Khyber Pass Restaurant is in Oakland about 12 miles
east of this house.
The handing of money is a very delicate thing for a spiritual teacher. One
is waiting for some disciples from Southern California to organize my affairs.
It is most difficult to carry on the program of letters, interviews, teachings,
spiritual research, creative writing, etc. Even for a young man it would be
difficult. One always gets prayers and wishes plenty of them; what is needed is
help, down to earth help. Now for the first time Murshid is getting it, alhamdu
lillah. Actually there is far more to be thankful for although this is not
always evident. So many people expect more from others.
Although my disciples have written from Calcutta they had not met either Pir
Vilayat or Dr. Nasr in their last report. No doubt Murshid will hear more from
them later.
This is in many ways an incomplete letter. One hopes to have more time soon
to go into other matters.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
8th November 1968
Beloved Saadia:
It is with great joy that one has received your very kind birthday greeting.
It is wonderful to be regarded as a father today and even be called
“daddy-Murshid” by some.
It is very strange. On the one hand the wonderful new home (Khankah) with
Jehanara and Hasan, Fatima and Moineddin, Jemila and Mansur—loving and
devoted couples and all very close to Murshid.
On the other hand the manifest “magic” of the Wazifas and Daroods so
that in time one feels alive and vigorous; and on the other hand one feels
almost timeless. One recognizes the opposition one must expect from Muslims who
call everything “innovations” and from non-Muslims who will object to
“Allah” and Arabic (sacred) phrases. But as one tells the Muslims: do their
objections come from Allah or from humanity? Only 5-10% of the Muslims at the
Universities here join in common prayer.
We demonstrate and manifest Allah. The lesson last night was both elementary
and subtle. It was elementary that we only take up a few sacred phrases. It was
subtle because in God all the great qualities manifest as if one: the Strength,
the Beauty, the Wisdom, the Compassion, the Light, etc. are all parts of each
other and cannot be understood by mind.
The smaller the audiences the better able one is to communicate, and in San
Francisco the now small audiences have resulted in better contact. But in Marin
Country, to the north, the general feeling is so wonderful, it is electric and
magnetic.
Mr. Reps (who was named “Saladin” by Hazrat Inayat Khan) will be here
shortly. We shall be doing Dervish dances on Sunday afternoon before visiting
him and it would appear now that the “idea” has caught on. And next month
one may again address a large audience at San Francisco State College
(enrollment 18,000).
The disciples in India may have to change their plans. They may return with
Pir Vilayat Khan, the elder son of Hazrat Inayat Khan. This meets with
Murshid’s approval. They are finding out as all Americans must find out, that
there are different outlooks on life, different attitudes, different behavior
patterns, etc.
We are gradually taking up the matter of costumes. Several of the young
ladies here are interested in anything you may have to offer. They also would
like to know what price in dollars you would like to have.
With all love and blessings,
16th February 1969
Saadia Khawar Khan
215 Fall Creek Drive,
Ithaca, New York 14850
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. We may keep a phrase as a motto or we may weave it into
our lives. Religion has failed because sacred words have been turned into
mottoes, often in self-defense or other-wise and have not become the
measurements of our beings. And after writing this will also write to the
Muslim Students Association and send you copy, though more may be said here.
Your Murshid is going to cancel some engagements. He has not had a day off
this year and there is no possibility for this unless some engagements are
cancelled. Advice is the easiest thing to give, but those who face life face it
to its fullness, performing their various duties to Allah, to mankind and to
themselves.
If it had not been for the instructions from Pir Sahib Sufi Barkat All, this
one could not have possibly held up. And there is no doubt that his
instructions enable one to be a Pir, a Wali and an Abdal. These are each
tremendous functions, in which one plays a roll far transcendent to ordinary or
even extraordinary human roles. The rise in the quantity of mureeds requires
one kind of attention: the rise in the quality attested by reports means
further instructions in esotericism. In these last two weeks your Murshid has
begun very simple instructions in Mushahida and also in
Kashf-Al-Mahjub. There are lessons or lectures every day and tremendous
amounts of writing.
One has been working assiduously on the commentary on “The Inner Life”
of Hazrat Inayat Khan. During this time one ceases at the human level and all
the consciousness of Malakut becomes his. But also when one goes to the Khankah
one rises to the consciousness of Djabrut and brings out what looks like
“revelations,” answers to some of the problems of the day, in particular
those of the young.
One’s first talks in “Hippieland” have been most successful. “These
young people are crying for love and guidance and
getting—philosophies. Everybody has philosophies, advice, rules,
codes. The fact that none of them may work does not disturb “leaders.”
Between California and India the world is full of “Messiahs”—Dajjals. One
has recently passed on, one whose disciples in the “name of God,” of course
tried everything at one time to destroy your Murshid, appropriating all his
writings and research and attacking his name—easy then for your Murshid had
practically no friends. He had to begin life all over at 50. And one of the
claims of these people was there had to be a living teacher on earth—now
their leaders is gone. Also another man of Indian birth, adulated by
multitudes, has withdrawn, causing rise and falls in properly values, as well
as upsetting the emotions of his adulators. Social California believes that
almost everybody can be “God” but God Himself.
It is among the young, called “Hippies” that most Messiahs appear—and
disappear. Now your Murshid is among them trying to present Love, Joy and Peace
as actualities. Instead of asking them to repent for sins he is trying to bring
out the perfections. This attracts no attention among the important people, the
press, etc. But a publication called “Playboy” has written about your
Murshid in an article called “Cultsville U.S.A.” There are four universal
groups mentioned—Sufi, Vedanta, Zen, and Baha’i. We are placed alongside
all kinds of strange movements and persons which arise chiefly here in
California.
The article is not particularly scurrilous about your Murshid but the
implications on Sufism mean that your Murshid may be going to court. The matter
has already been placed in the hands of my attorney at law but no action will
be taken without full consultations with colleagues. In the past, without
exception, your Murshid has always lost when succumbing to advice and always
won when doing the contrary.
Years ago your Murshid went out for a morning walk. When he was nearly home
a great wolf-hound appeared in the way and would not let him proceed. There was
no stick or stone available and to return the way one had come would mean being
an hour later. But Allah, the All-Being and Praiseworthy, suddenly inspired
your Murshid. He put his hands behind his back and growled tremendously at the
hound- dog which fled. But your Murshid is sure some being or beings were
standing by his side. Then he heard from the Heavens: By Peace You Shall
Bring War and by War You Shall Bring Peace. Not only has this come from
heaven but for years it was never followed; one did what the good people
advised and always lost. Murshid was a thorough Gandhian and absolutely
uselessly. It never came the way the good people wanted.
Once your Murshid was near the Mall in Lahore, surrounded by communists.
They were offering all kinds of allurements and inducements. Murshid stood
quiet and repeated endlessly within: “Allah! Allah! Allah! Murshid has
won more victories by Allaho Akbar than all other means together and
combined.
Years passed and it was necessary to bring one’s brother to court. Murshid
did Allaho Akbar. Suddenly his brother changed his plans, the matter was
settled satisfactorily out of court and now his brother is fighting for him.
And it was and is necessary to stop silly ego-advice and even Gandhi, though he
had satyagraha which is Kemalic and non-resistance which is Jemalic, overlooked
the Jelalic aspects of creation. So India, without the Jelal is also in
turmoil.
Your Murshid has nothing to lose by fighting, excepting turning down the
advice of “good” people. So now he has his brother fighting for him on the
one hand; and the possibility of success with Playboy on the other. Besides,
Sufism is of no account in this country. One has failed in almost every attempt
to get in public. Even a paper on “The Religion of India’s President” has
been turned down.
Besides, what good is it to talk about Kashf. Putting it into
operation is the great thing. It never fails. And these young people also
admire strength and self-assurance. Murshid has been fighting against fear and
has been very successful, alhamdu lillah.
The next thing is the Dervish dancing. No doubt most of the “Muslims”
one meets look down on it. They are stuck with words and rituals. Allah is far
away. Islam means surrender to Allah and when one means that one is expected to
follow little details about ritual, and neglect the Bismillah one
wonders what comes of it. We have a multitude of wars.
Right now too. A group of Jewish Sunday school children came to investigate
Murshid who teaches that Allah is a matter of experience, that man can know
God. One knew that their teachers would start trouble. All they are concerned
with is Palestine and a lot of Muslims are more concerned with Palestine than
with Allah. All over the world, wars and Muslims have not only the
Pakistan-India trouble, but Palestine, Sudan, Nigeria and other conflicts,
besides the internal ones. Everything matters today but Allah.
So we do the dancing and repeat the Zikr. Then we use the Sifat-i-Allah.
Then we bring in the psychic science by putting the arms in accord with the
attribute involved. And yesterday we introduce the Saluk, the Moral Science by
deep meditation on the quality involved so we could become vehicles of the
Sifat-i-Allah, each one of us. All of this, of course is very “Unislamic.”
But the question is whether Allah wishes it and your Murshid is a fanatic about
doing the Will-of-Allah and communicating this to others.
Not only has your Murshid been busy every day but burned his arm and had to
go on as if nothing happened.
Now as to Pork. We eat little meat of any kind. My own physician has
explained the harm from the kind of protein in it, and it does cause many ills
or rather factors in them. While the important people are accusing tobacco and
cigarette smoking for Cancer, your Murshid has been asking, “why not
investigate pork?” “why not investigate white bread?” “why not
investigate coca-cola?” No, the important people have made up their minds and
cancer will continue and continue and continue.
No spiritual leader every permitted pork. Even Buddha, whose scriptures are
most certainly not studied and least of all by so-called “Buddhists”
permitted only certain kinds of meat on certain occasions and also he
prohibited pork. But the Chinese eat it and say strange things, too, in the
name of Buddha.
Ghufrana. I am very pleased with this name and should be using it.
For while a Murshid does not like to point out errors and sins unless they are
big and important, you have been more concerned with your possible shortcomings
than with the Glories of Allah. My own work, especially with Wazifas and their
repetitions in the Danes is on the Glories of Allah, not the short-comings of
mankind.
Hazrat Inayat Khan also left the keys to the Psychic Sciences. We use the
Glorious Names, their import, their magnetism (Baraka) and also now ingest them
into human consciousness so the perfections of Allah can be part of human
nature.
You have a degree in Psychology. Your Murshid has none. He has done very
little psychological study. He is waiting now to see if a certain psychiatrist
will return here. We have sex problems, all kinds, but no solutions. We have
psychedelic problems, all kinds, but no solutions. Now many young are listening
to your Murshid, decidedly over a hundred individuals each week end every
promise of more. More and more invitations and also more and more work here.
But at least a few helpers, not many but some.
When one goes deep also all the phases of the life of Malakut and of Djabrut
become objectively aware. One sees mush of the whole person. One sees the sins
of mankind and the forgiveness of Allah. One has used these in psychic
movements with the Allah. One has not yet come to “Ya Ghaffur” for many
repetitions of many Sifat take some time. And it is important to feel all this
in the blood-stream and heart. On this point the Jews and Muslims are
alike—they attribute all honorifics to God but do not make them part of the
daily life.
Now as to Rahana. I have a very good friend whose name is Rehana Tyabji. She
comes from a celebrated Shia family. She gives out this fragrance. You do, too,
but your Murshid has never mentioned this before. Our great Sufi Pir Barkat
Ali, is one of the wise men of earth and no doubt one of the top Walis.
Your Murshid has also had to write to the leaders of The Temple of
Understanding. They are trying to build in Washington where the people of all
religions could worship in one edifice. One of the top officials is Dr. Nasr
and I have made a copy of comments for him and will also now mention your
name.
In the first meeting before the “Hippies” one was surprised to find a
number of Iranians in the group. And one is also planning to do the Dervish
Dances for the Iranian Consul-General. Your Murshid knows nothing of Iranian
politics and most politics seems merely demonstrations of latent emotions which
could be better used in constructive efforts.
Here we are trying to put these constructive efforts into the arts. After
innumerable rejections your Murshid has found a small group which listens to
his poetry. They become transfixed. It is not surprising because your Murshid
was transfixed when he wrote. And he is planning next to have published his
Christ and other poetry. All the predictions come true, one is far, far above
all the well-known prognosticators and some day, inshallah, when there is
objective and impersonal investigations, this work will become famous. It came,
so to speak, out of the Heart of the universe.
The Shias have asked whether Sufi Ahmed Murad thought Ali was as great or
greater than Mohammed. He said, “Ali was always aware of Allah. Mohammed was
aware of Allah and also of mankind always. Thus he was the Perfect Man.” They
accepted this explanation.
My friend Hussein has not been successful in the book business. He went into
it without consulting Murshid and also he withdrew without consulting
Murshid.
The people at the Khankah were all raised as Jews, Christians or without
religion. They have all had the Divine Grace. We have no active Muslim group,
just a mixture of ethical peoples whose parents were Muslims and they have a
social engagement once a month with a few prayers. Also a Sunday school for
children where those quite incapable of “teaching” instruct the young,
mostly in formal matters—prayers, rituals, etc. They have no Qur’anic study
and were originally organized by a Christian who expected them to pay him.
Now in the encouragement of the arts this includes dress-making, etc. We now
have a potential dress maker, a young woman who has been in trouble and has
come to Murshid for help. But she has gone to Hawaii for a while and is
expected back in May. Although Murshid appointed a committee to look into this
matter only a single girl has given measurements. These are all details which
consume time and do not belong in the duties of a spiritual teacher.
I am glad you have gotten into the spirit of Americans. Now the time has
come, as one sage has said, “I have come to destroy religion and bring
God.” Actually he only brought his ego, but there is no question that
religion is disintegration and all the more because it is a legend that
religion has anything do with morality. The purpose of region is to get people
to come to a particular ritual. I teach that Allah is closer than the neck-vein
and thus try to make people aware of it, actually. Now some have the Divine
experience.
Stillwater must be almost 1500 miles from here. If you wish to come to this
Coast via Oklahoma it can be easily done by bus and also by train. If by air,
it will cost a little more depending on what air-line is involved. But I know
you would be most welcome at Stillwater. I suggest your looking at some maps of
the United States.
Your Murshid now has a beard. He looks very different. The beard has made
him become very popular; like a hierarch or patriarch.
The Murshid now regards the disciples as part of himself. One says in
public. “The difference between Sufism and other spiritual movements is that
in Sufism Murshid and Mureed are one.” Hazrat Inayat Khan put it also, “it
is the mureeds who make the Murshid.” This one has been more fortunate than
Hazrat Inayat Khan or Murshida Rabia Martin in having wonderful mureeds.
In May there will be a seminar here on mystical experiences, and for credit.
Your Murshid is wondering whether he will be permitted, inshallah, and it is
very probable. This will change again the whole status of his position in the
community.
We shall, of course, have a place in the Khankah for you, but we are also
trying to expend the place although the question of money is a hope and also
the question of work is a promise.
One has not written to Sufi Barkat Ali and neither Dr. Durrani nor Mayor
Sadiq have answered. So one assumes that one’s work must be in the United
States. There is an agreement with one’s brother about the family estate—if
we win now, and again presuming one outlives him. Then there would be money for
travelling abroad unless help comes from the outside. The only important
manuscript sent out was never returned so there is a promise here. But one
simply does not have the secretarial help for all the potential projects. Only
if certain mureeds are successful in their careers, the help may come.
Now, outside the arm, the health has been excellent. The life is full of
ventures every day and every night. There is hardly time for sleep and too much
of interest to have even radio and television programs, much less any social
and entertainment functions. One did hear a lecture on “Iran” two weeks
back and will go to another one: ”Caravan from Calcutta to Marrakesh” this
week. We do spiritual talks and when the weather is dry gardening, but it has
been a very, very wet winter.
This is only a partial reply. And now one has to write otherwise and send
you a copy.
All love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
March 5, 1969
My dear Daughter:
In “The Taming of the Shrew,” to tame his wife the hero beats and
starves servants. When one mentions “occult law” and “hierarchal law”
people shake their heads and say they know them, but they do not.
These laws and principles, being occult, are not usually offered explicitly
in literature. In “The Sutra of 42 Sections,” a Mahayana Buddhist
scripture, they are offered explicitly. They were brought to this country, and
even more specifically to this city, by the great Zen Master, Shaku Soyen.
Buddhism, becoming entirely sectarian and narrow, does not teach them. But this
does not hinder their operations in the least.
In the teachings of Rumi, the great mystic and poem, it is taught that fire
and air and earth and water are man’s servants. Everybody shakes their heads,
they understand it! But when asked “how” there may be some confusion.
In the Chinese occultism which is very slightly studied, one learns that man
represents one element, is a friend to one, an enemy to one, has one for a
friend and another for an enemy. Murshid has found this to be absolutely
true.
In this instance Fire has become his friend. He does not like it. Crossed by
silly women in the name of Meher Baba, the next thing the woods were on fire.
Crossed by Mrs. Duce here, the next thing was that the old Sufi Khankah burned
down. And Don McCoy who “loves” Sam and has never said “yes” to him has
had his experiences.
According to all traditions and customs the Murshid should be in absolute
charge of his center. For the sake of love and harmony and beauty, and also for
the sake of “democracy” some teachers have surrendered such privileges.
This was behind the withdrawal and death of Hazrat Inayat Khan. Receiving this
“democracy” they took Pir-o-Murshid’s organization from him. One need not
follow.
Although there is literature covering, “Customs of the Khankah,” it has
not been imposed. A sort of democracy and family feeling, even unity prevails.
Some time back one of the members of the Khankah took it to scold Murshid for a
minor infraction of a now dead “rule.” This is contrary to all hierarchal
and Sufic law. The next day the Khankah took fire. The elementals of Fire who
have become or made themselves Murshid’s guardians simply could not stand an
uncalled for and untoward action. Fire struck. The “occult” cause was
simple and clear but never before explained.
Now the “family,” passing some regulations in deliberations in which
Murshid did not take part, ignores some of them. Against Murshid one took the
onus of scolding Murshid, but when it comes to outsiders apparently nobody
wants to hurt stranger’s feelings.
The only way to prevent the physical fire was for Murshid to have the fire
come out of his person and he did. It has become a most serious thing to have
rules and regulations of an institution to bind the “boss” and to be eased
for outsiders. This cannot be. There are these courses only:
a. Murshid has been offered seriously another place which, if accepted,
would have to operate as a Khankah and non-residents would be expected by all
residents to obey their rules and every resident would have it incumbent upon
himself to enforce his own rules and regulations.
b. Or, if a group cannot enforce their own rules; or wishes to bind the
teacher, then the prerogatives of the teacher to make rules, or rather impose
the traditional rules would be in order.
c. The world is looking for guidance and direction. It the captain is not
permitted to steer the ship, what will happen? There is no anger, there is
simply the need to instruct in occult law by example and enforcing it, not
permitting anybody to override or overrule the teacher without some
consideration of him first. The same wisdom that is bringing forth the
dances and the Darshan cannot operate if the teacher is not given proper
respect.
Love and blessings,
March 6, 1969
My dear Daughter:
Yesterday one had to rush something on paper which was not mailed. Now one
writes further and copy of this will go to the Khankah. The amount of burdens
thrown on this person have been overwhelming but saying they are overwhelming
is not always helpful. Last month one overdrew one’s account and one is so
close to it now and yet the very persons who ought to know this have come to
Murshid begging. Fortunately the men in this household really realize what one
is up against.
One started off with an overwhelming load. To this has been added the
personal problems of more and more people, all thrown at Murshid—perhaps
rightly. Yesterday, after writing, two of these problems were solved; both of
them brought pain and anguish and now solved. These pains, this anguish did not
fall on the consciousness of others, each engaged in his or her “thing” and
perhaps rightly so. But they do not realize what a Murshid has to undergo.
Tomorrow instead of facing the present problems it is necessary to
investigate the possibility of a Town House. It has been thrown at one. And
perhaps the negative lessons of the Khankah will be now corrected. Such as:
a. A group making rules cannot enforce them against the Teacher and release
them against outsiders.
b. No visitors or outsiders when the Teacher is present excepting relatives,
without his permission; and no program involving outsiders, when the Teacher is
present without previous consultation.
c. When things are on a bulletin board, or in the minutes, no further
projects to be indulged in unless they are put on the bulletin board or
programmed.
The teacher is willing to harmonize with programs but not with concepts and
under no circumstance with ideas of outsiders, even if they put in time and
money. Now needing more secretarial help, the housekeeper is outside on a job,
the chief and assistant secretaries are outside on part-time jobs; David here
has to change jobs, and the only money is that of collections. Murshid is now
earning more money in outside jobs than several disciples earn, but all of this
is consumed in office supplies and other necessary expenses, and in the
respective households.
There is no room for the spreading of the Message and the very successful
Darshan last week is followed by horror because there is no substantial help
when Murshid wants or needs it. One has been saying this constantly without
much avail. I am hoping to God that the Oracle succeeds. If not we may
have to change our whole outlook. Nyogen Senzaki cleaned out his Zendo several
times. I cannot clean out the Khankah but with the possibility of another place
I am more than nervous.
From my point of view the Wednesday darshan was very successful. And
yesterday at the Dancing Class one introduced the Sun-dance, the Moon-dance,
and the beginnings of the Wheel-dance. Coming up the Swastika dance, the Dance
of the Numbers, and the Shiva-Shakti dances. Also a new principle, or rather
the compilation of old principles in Choral settings.
I have the coming here of my closest friend and also my God-daughter Khawar
soon. I do not know how I am going to handle it with the Khankah people away,
unless I now overrule and override and establish my own staff in their midst
who will devote some time and energy to spiritual matters.
All this time I have had legal matters over my head; they are not gone
either and necessary because this is how I get the major portion of my income,
and others lean on this. I am not sorry over any outbreak. I have to have a
Center and if it is not Novato it will be as God directs. God does not stop
talking to Samuel and sometimes through him and we have our prayer: “Open our
Hearts that we may hear Thy Voice which cometh constantly from within.”
One has to be kind, to be compassionate, even gentle, but Sufism is Divine
Wisdom and not being indulgent to every person who comes along.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
March 17, 1969
Miss Saadia Khawar Khan
215 Fall Creek Drive, Ithaca, N. Y. 14850
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. One must thank you for your very cordial letter and also
for your kind invitation to speak before the Muslim Students Assn. Now it is a
very questionable thing and while I may write to Samir A. Hoodbhoy, so far as
time is concerned the difficulties are so great as to be insurmountable. Still
if Allah wishes me to travel I shall do so.
I have failed to impress many people how great the demands are on a mature
person. If it were not for the prayers and disciplines one could hardly stand
up. The number of mureeds and classes has increased to the point there is no
spare time and the invitations keep on coming. And today one was offered a
place in San Francisco for a Khankah and school and one does not know whether
to consider it or not.
For also this week comes the question of introducing the Dervish dances into
the public. A little while back was the problem, “Is God Dead?” and now one
is going around telling about the Living God (Al-Hayy). We are having a special
festival this coming week-end—which just happens to be your National Holiday,
five birthdays being celebrated and Murshid is planning a huge curry dinner.
The course on “The Effect of the Traditional Religions of Asia on Modern
Political Movements” ended with the addresses of one Dr. Williams. He has
been connected with the American University at Beirut. So much is the ignorance
that one has decided to present a paper on Pakistan, mostly from field-notes
and some from correspondence. This all the more because of the strange position
Ayub is in.
You know some of our friends and certainly your Murshid’s friends are very
close to Ayub. I have witnessed the great improvements made, almost
incalculable. Also I have been the guest of the Basic Democracies. Begum Selim
Khan of Abbottabad was once stationed here in San Francisco when her husband
was Consul-General, and I not only have called upon her in Abbottabad, but saw
her and the Basic Democracies in action.
Dr. Nasr did not attend the gathering in Calcutta of the Temple of
Understanding but his paper was read. If you go to Harvard and I do not, please
contact
Dr. Huston Smiths
Department of Humanities,
Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
Cambridge 02139, Mass.
I shall certainly pray for you. So far as your Murshid is concerned you have
fulfilled your obligation to Allah, the Generous, the Merciful.
Your Murshid is under agreement, if not contract to write for several
magazines and this is wonderful, but where is the time? The flock of your
mureeds, very loving, very kind but each with problems and one is not yet so
organized one can carry on properly and two theological seminaries are
considering sending for me although they know one is, in a sense a Muslim, and
they Christians. But the young are seeking for evidences of the Living God, the
young want real religions and one is often much more successful in convincing
so-called “non-Muslims” than so-called “Muslims” that Allah is really
closed than the neck-vein.
There is a new kind of humanity here. You hear a little about Hippies and
campus troubles, but the truth about them does not get into the press or
television any more than the truth of the affairs of your country, and many
other lands.
Love and blessings,
March 17, 1969
Samir A. Hoodbhoy,
Executive Secretary, PSAA
102 Davis Hall, Kingston, R. I. 02881
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. A letter has just been received from my God-daughter and
Khalifa, Miss Saadia Khawar Khan about the possibility of my being invited as
guest speaker to your national gathering to be held soon. Also that I have been
invited to appear.
I have lived in Pakistan and am most interested in it but for some rather
strange reasons, if reason is to be the dominant factor in life. One aspect was
the future of Pakistan as an agricultural unity to help supply foods not for
its own people alone but for those of surrounding and even distant lands. I am
also interested in its potential mineral resources.
From another view I find it very much my spiritual home, especially Lahore
where the tombs of (to me) very great saints are situated; and I have drunk, so
to speak, the wisdom of these saints. Even today they are being put to
practical use, to spread the teachings that Allah, as Al-Hayy is ever Living,
and here and now and that all talk, “God is Dead” simply means a different
approach to religion and spirituality.
In this regard I have two Murshids in Pakistan: Sufi Barkat Ali of
Salarwala, Lyallpur District, of the Chisti-Kadri-Sabri Order; and Pir Dewal
Shereef, a much better known and perhaps more controversial figure. But Pir
Dewal Shereef is also close to Ayub Khan and they are both associated with
Islamabad University, an institution with which I hope to cooperate more in the
future, inshallah.
I have also been greatly under the influence of the great Moghuls and have
visited Nizam-ed-din Auliya in New Delhi; Ajmir, Agra, etc.
I did not study Islamics either under an Imam or Maulvi, there being none
available and have not been very happy with the non-American non-Muslim
instructors in this country. But I have also lived in UAR and while at Punjab
U. lectured on the Islamic Art of Egypt and brought pictures for that
institution.
As I have been a disciple in tasawwuf for over forty years (now being both
Murshid and Khalif in various Orders) my approach is that of Al-Ghazzali rather
than of Imams and Maulvis. I was present during the time Sheikh Mahdudi called
on Pir Dewal Shereef and a firsthand report shows the merits, though in
contention, of two worthy men.
The other day I had reason to write to Prof. John Shover, now at the History
Department, University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He used to be connected
with the local San Francisco State University (the scene of contemporary
melodramas). He held a seminar once on Pakistan and it almost ended in an
uproar. He said there was no divine there but when this person took the floor
he was able to reconcile the contending parties, all or whom became his
friends.
I am today teaching a new form (in a way) of Moral Cultures by having
disciples recite the Sifat-i-Allah and Wazifas with suitable movements and it
seem to have a marvelous and often transforming effect on their natures. Or as
Al-Ghazzali contends, “Tasawwuf is based on experiences and not
promises.”
I understand you would pay my expenses if I took such a trip. You realize
that an air-ticket (or rail) is not cheap. But on the other hand I cannot
afford just to leave this place and my work.
Will you please advise at once if you wish to make any arrangement, so my
schedule can be properly adjusted. In any case I wish you every success.
All love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Mural Chisti
San Francisco, Calif.
March 29, 1969
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. One hopes you are not disappointed at this time if your
Murshid does not travel now. Even if a free ticket were sent and expenses,
there is the danger of moving according to man’s will, not according to
Allah’s Will.
A short while back it became evident one would have to write a paper on the
influence of religion in Pakistani politics, for the local universities, but
hardly had the decision been made when outbreaks occurred, the nature of which
is not clear. One thing is certain, your Murshid does not agree with those who
believe in what they call “Islam.” Your Murshid believes absolutely and
devotedly in Allah and holds that Allah is the Light of the Heavens and Earth
and that one gains success in this world and in the word to come by repeating
“Allah,” not in repeating “Islam.”
Your Murshid has already had this trouble in India where he said that the
word “Shanti” was an obstacle to true peace; that peace was beyond words.
He did not convince others and he finds that those who repeat “Shanti” and
repeat “Islam” are not on friendly terms with each other. Nor have they had
the Divine experience which alone is worthwhile.
Your Murshid would have lectured on the psychic, moral, and spiritual
influences of saints in Pakistan. Now he has to go to the non-Muslims for this
for the so-called “Muslims” are too interested in politics and war and
strife and do not realize the Divine Islam, nor that from the Divine Islam—so
different from politics—all peace and power comes. Or as is said in “The
Arabian Nights,” there is no power nor might save in Allah.”
Your Murshid has been much more successful than the tablighi people in
getting Americans to repeat “Allah.” The young do it willingly. Now your
Murshid is doing something like Ajmir Shereef with both dancing and singing. He
now has two new dances in praise of Mohammed (on whom be peace) to get
Americans to recognize in some way the last Messenger. In school his teachers,
who are not regarded as Muslims, also have come out in praise of Mohammed and
there has been no opposition or even criticism. It is evident that multitudes
are very dissatisfied with traditions. And last night in a different context,
his teacher and friend, Mrs. Becker-Colonna came out strongly for both Islam
and Mohammed.
One is studying Arab art with her on Tuesday mornings and this also has
started very well. There are many open-minded Americans.
This is a very hard period—new disciples, new audiences and one’s local
god-daughter and begum-housekeeper both ill. On top of that there is much
fervent especially in this region and the possibility that one will be called
to work in a much later field.
There are still legal complications. One has been successful by attending to
them, not blindly trusting in “Allah” and leaving it to blind faith. And
our work-party last Sunday was a huge success. Murshid cooked curries for about
a hundred people. One is getting a larger and better following and is now
teaching Exaltation as a human experience but this Exaltation
comes by repeating “Allah” and also suitable Sifat-i-Allah and they work,
and they are effecting the lives of many young people although the methods may
seem to be new. We make a reality of Allah, not a blind ghost-concept.
Even at this writing if one were sent a ticket one would go but preferably
at some later date. One also has a living brother here who is ill.
Now as for Summer Vacation. We have a special room at the Khankah which is
being kept in reserve. One cannot say about San Francisco as there are changes
taking place and too many to make determinate statements.
If you remain in the country and return to Cornell or any other Eastern
university it will be very necessary and important to visit that part of the
country. This is a long story and involves much. There is also a local
publication which has fallen entirely into the hands of mureeds, as if it were
Allah’s will and much is happening all the time.
One must praise Allah for His gifts of blessing and strength, without which
one could not hold up. The sacred phrases manifest in the life, in the
character and in the effectiveness of their very nature.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
The Garden of Inayat
910 Railroad Ave.
Novato, Calif. 94947
April 3, 1969
Beloved One of Allah!
As-salaam aleikhum!
Everything is very encouraging here. We have programmed your coming in May
and especially want you to meet the disciples who are interested in clothing,
fabric and costumes. This letter will not be mailed until tomorrow afternoon
and by that time some pictures will be ready and enclosed. One of these has
already been sent to Pir Sufi Sahib at Salarwala.
While I have never thought that wearing a beard or dressing in an oriental,
and particularly in an Islamic, garment necessarily proves anything, change of
appearance has either been a factor in or has come along with larger audiences
and far better response.
The local publication The Oracle will be out shortly with some
reference to what we are doing in the dance field. Dance methods based on Zikrs
and Wazifas have been particularly effective. My own
Ya Mohammed Abdul la
Ya Mohammed Abdul la
Mohammed da Rassoul Lillah
Ya Mohammed Abdul la
has been particularly effective. The format is based on a combination of
actual dervish dance movements and European and American patterns woven
together. These same patterns without the repetition of sacred phrases do not
have necessarily lasting effects. Contemporary dancing, whatever else be true
of it, operates something like alcohol—cheerfulness followed by innervation
or ennui. The sacred dances or rather, dances using sacred phrases, bring the
experience of exhilaration and exaltation even to skeptics.
The repetition of Allah has proven very easy and very successful. Now
I find remarkably little criticism at either to chanting “Mohammed” or to
accepting his mission. I have already written to a local Professor Williams on
the problems of Pakistan and Islamics (copy of this went to W. Cantwell Smith
at Harvard and to others and, I think, I sent you a copy).
It is more than a surprise to have one professor after another come out
strongly for the mission of Mohammed, and sometimes, uncompromisingly so. This
has been particularly true of Professor Becker-Colona. I have been studying
classics, art, and archeology for some time with this lady. I am now enrolled
in the course on early Arabic art. Our next lesson will be on Mohammed. Murshid
shall recite Azan, and may appear in proper garb. But Professor Becker-Colona
has already come out so flat-footed for Mohammed and Islam, one is amazed.
This course on Arabic art will continue into June. I have proposed that you
be permitted to come to address us both on Arabic garb as much as you know of
it and on Hajj. I hope, inshallah, this can be done.
Murshid has also been offered a cooperative apartment house in San
Francisco. If the deal goes through, one can offer you a place there as well as
here. Actually, there are other deals all going on at the same time—no days
off, no spare time, and although many problems also answers to many problems of
many other people. I believe this is as Allah wishes.
Love and Blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
April 14, 1969
Miss Saadia Khawar Khan
215 Fall Creek Drive,
Ithaca, New York 14850
Beloved One of Allah:
There have been constant delays in writing. One’s burdens have increased,
necessitating a “family” meeting at the Khankah in Novato, to make the
disciples realize we are uniting for the sake of Allah and if that comes first
all other things will follow. There I have very good help in the
khalif-designate Moineddin.
One is assuming that there are two purposes in life—the pursuit of
Allah’s purposes and one’s own livelihood and that other things must fall
in place. It is not easy. One has also had to face the criticism of not being
determinate enough and there is some truth. But how is one going out on a
mission and be both over- determinate and attract?
There are some elements in the attraction which may interest or even amuse
you. The wearing of a turban or beard or Asian clothing often attracts but has
no depth. Some saints wanted this person to wear a beard and now one is caught
for the beard both seems to satisfy what the “saints” wanted and also a
large sector of the American public, the young of both sexes. It is only
objected to by older women, and some older men.
There has been a long delayed program concerned The Oracle which one
is told has an article on Dervish Dancing. Murshid has instituted his own
“Zikr.”
Ya Mohammed Abdallah
Ya Mohammed Abdallah
Mohammedar Rassoul Lillah
Ya Mohammed Abdallah
It has become easier and easier to get the young to accept “God” and
repeat Allah. But as one progresses, it has become easier than thought to
present Mohammed, on whom be peace.
Two of my professors have come out strongly for him—you would hardly
expect that! And in the course on “Arabic Arts” the teacher not only came
out for Mohammed but even for Sufism! She is a lady with whom I have been
studying for years. All sorts of subjects. And next week the subject will be
the Holy Qur’an!
Last week Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti chanted Azan and the class says one has a
beautiful voice. This is not true concerning ordinary singing but if one is in
hal one is in hal.
It was even more astonishing during the week. There was an unusually large
audience in Marin County and we ended with a choral: “Allah, Allah, Allah…
Allah! with interjections of “Ishk Allah, Mahebood Lillah.” It really had
an enchanting effect and to find us “kaffir feringhis” finding joy in what
good “Muslims” do not do, is something. It may open up new arts and will
reawaken forgotten sciences.
You will be most welcome at the class on Arabic art, especially to relate
your Hajj experience. We have spent much time discussing that. (You don’t
find such discussions at Mosques, most unfortunately!)
In fact the Dervish dancing has gone over so big one may have to divide
between an “esoteric” and “exoteric” class. One has also put some
disciples on portions of “Kashf-al-Mahjub.” One such group has been
assigned to study “Patched Frocks.” But we are gradually going into
different types of Asian clothing and what we can learn from each of them.
Murshid now has two Dervish robes, one green one, one apricot one, and also a
Buddhist robe. Also both a Jallabi and Moorish robe, and others are being
encouraged in several directions.
We may also buy up remnants and hold them for further use especially when
you come, inshallah.
Lots more is going on.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Garden of Inayat
910 Railroad Ave.
Novato, Calif. 94947
7th May, 1969
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. One hopes you are well and not too concerned in the
campus politics. There is plenty of news but it is not clear. And while there
is always news here about race-conflicts it is also extremely confused. One
does not believe the newspapers in anything anymore but sometimes there is an
honest comment.
We should be informed as to when you will come here. We have occasional
guests and would like to know ahead of time. At the moment our young
housekeeper in San Francisco is away. She had a strange time (traditionally),
the young girl unloved at home, began to take drugs and becomes full of fear
and would not eat regularly. New it has been almost like a miracle—she has
turned out very beautiful and become a disciple.
She felt she had healing powers. Anyhow a long distance call came that her
mother was dying. The mother was dying but Gwen prayed for four hours she told
us and a healing took place.
New we are going through rapid changes and what is being accomplished here
has few parallels in history. For instance one has been invited to attend a
“peace” conference among the Muslims and has frankly told them he would not
attend although he has the money, etc. (which they want) because they have
refused to accept his history. The trip to Nizam-ed-din Auliya in 1962 was a
peace-mission. It failed, in a sense and the local Muslims are not interested
in one’s exploits or one’s knowledge, only in cone’s money.
Besides, politics is not my field. Sufi Sahib scolded one for even referring
to it indirectly, but the trend of so many Muslims is away from “Allah” and
toward “Islam” which nearly always means politics. And as the moral law is
universal, and as Allah does not make the distinctions and differences others
(including Muslims) do, one sees nothing but turmoils of words, all over.
But one is no long or in the “Cave.” One is not doing anything in the
Orthodox fashion. One accepts not even the so-called Five Pillars. One accepts
that those who repeat Kalama will not go to Hell and after getting scores to
repeat Allah, one is getting even larger numbers to accept Mohammed as
both Abdullah and Rassoul-lillah and praise to Allah one has become more and
more successful.
The story of Dervish Dancing is out. While “Muslims” pay no
attention one new has about a hundred followers and there are signs of further
increase. From Dervish Dancing we have gone into other spiritual dancing too.
One has become an instrument of “Joy without Drugs” and one is expecting a
large crowd tonight. There is in the Bible, “The stone which is rejected is
become the corner-stone.” This was one’s history a long, long time and now
one is being received and welcomed.
The attitude of professors and so of university students is changing
rapidly. The hard thing is lack of help. But the reason now for lack of help is
that one’s close associates are now working professionally at least part
time. Both Mansur the esoteric secretary and Murshid have been called out of
the State. Murshid is delaying this until August for a multitude of reasons.
One very big project we have here is the interest in clothing and fabrics.
We are having to institute departments in music and walking, in pottery and
ceramics, in clothing and fabrics, and Murshid has been telling disciples you
can be a source of much inspiration and practicality. One need not go into
details here.
We must know when you are coming, which air-line and when it will arrive. We
have two motor cars here; two in San Francisco (both subject to ailments); and
one which goes back and forth between the two cities.
The disciples at both homes are “family.” If you reach here by the
20th you will be most welcome to join in a “family party” at the
Afghan “Khyber Pass” restaurant in Oakland; if not we shall take you there
some time. It is notable that so many people who have lived in West Pakistan
and Afghanistan have been meeting one scholastically or socially.
All things are so different today—with a goodly following and much better
financial passion, but still with little free time, only lillah, one’s health
and vitality remain.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
9th May, 1969
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. I am very happy to find you have won a scholarship to
come to California in the summer. You are right about Berkeley as they changed
their departments to Davis some time back. Davis is about 90 miles from here,
and we can reach it by motor car.
I like the campus at Santa Barbara. It will remind you of Beirut—the
mountains, the sea, the temperate weather with plenty of sunshine. However I am
not telephoning. Instead I have called Asia Foundation which presumably has all
this information in one place and I shall go there early Monday afternoon.
As much as I should like to help I am in an unusual quandary. Working 7 days
a week, and now only one partial secretary, a long waiting list to become
disciples, larger attendance at all my public meetings and problems of a
multitude of persons, sometimes very complex. And along with that two miracle
healings effected by two different disciples.
The only School near Novato is Sonoma State. And Jemila is there now
registering but for the Fall. But all the catalogs are on file with Asia
Foundation. I can look over the catalogs if they are in one place. The American
Friends of the Middle East used to have this information but they no longer
operate here.
Of course I am happy that you will be in California. I have given notice
that I shall not leave this state until August. But even now I have visitors
and more are coming in June, inshallah. Santa Barbara is 350 miles away and not
easily reached by plane, only by bus or train. Compton is harder to reach and I
do not favor it for private reasons.
I am glad you told me your Aunt is coming for if you visit this way we can
now prepare for two persons instead of one.
I am happy that you may meet Dr. Nasr. I have written him because his
address to The Temple of Understanding was not in accord with some of his
writings but I agree thoroughly with the address. It is hard enough getting the
people to repeat Kalama. I not have them repeating “La Illaha El Il Allah”
and “Mohammedar Rassoul-lillah” and the other night I taught a
folk-dance—which is going to shock a lot of “Muslims” and please Allah
based on Bismillah. This is a day when it is necessary to interest
people in God; most religion today is 90% politics and 10% dogma. There is no
room for Love and Compassion, and for Allah as the Reality. But
Allah always wins.
More to follow.
Love and Blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
May 13, 1969
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. This is a very hard letter, to keep the heart alive and
for love to be functioning and yet to advise there is a limit to what one can
do. And if there is any criticism it is that persons seeking advice or help for
themselves say “take it easy” and when they say “take it easy” they do
not see that that defeats the one whom they seek for help. For actually it is
Allah that does, and it is Allah that suggests, but many very good people think
and then they presume Allah will carry out their plans and so there is plenty
of confusion. Indeed it is a part of human psychology and they trust and pray
that their plans will be carried out but do not realize that Allah may be
depending on them to carry out His plans.
One has a large and growing family, and more and more appointments to the
point that not only is there not a single free day but not even a single free
night! The telephone rings and sometimes it is for an appointment and sometimes
a problem and all kinds of things. And last night it was the Grace of Allah
that the Dean of Studies at Los Angeles, the University of California shall
call on personal matters. And so without doing anything one was able to place
your problem.
But the people at Asia Foundation have been ill and they think if you
consult your own professors, there should be the list of courses at the
different colleges and universities. California is a very big state. Santa
Barbara is 350 miles away, UCLS 450 miles away. Davis is 90 miles from San
Francisco and 85 from Novato but Murshid has not had a single minute and long
distant calls take time. So one will try, inshallah. But with a very, very full
program one has not even had time to do much garden work for his own health.
The two chief secretaries have now secured outside jobs which means a
certain financial release, but excepting Melvin here one has nobody to fall
back on with more mureeds, more applicants and more classes to teach and more
mail to answer. One wants to help, one wants to see you, there are many things
coming up to mutual advantage and also for you to meet the new type of
American. One will try by phone, or even go to Davis if necessary, but one
cannot promise.
All love and blessings,
Murshid
May 16th, 1969
Saadia Khawar Khan
215 Fall Creek Drive, Ithaca, New York, 14850
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. There is no doubt a true karamat and a false one. It
must have been the Grace and Mercy of Allah when last week the Dean of Studies
of the University of California telephoned on private business and I was able
to place your inquiry before him.
Now Murshid was summoned to visit the University of California at Davis and
then to go to Sacramento. These places are respectively 80 and 90 miles from
here but not so far from Novato. We had business in connection with the
publication The Oracle, now on sale.
By grace the very first person met on the Davis campus was an associate of
Evelyn Jones. That lady has just been transferred to the campus at Santa
Barbara. So if you have written there you also might contact her. Davis has no
courses along your line this summer but does have seminars to which you would
be eligible but hardly worth your while travelling so far.
Murshid has always felt Santa Barbara would be best. It is so much like
Beirut—mountains, sea and similar climates and the campus not too far from
the ocean. It is several miles north of the City itself. I have few friends
left they being quite old. My chief associate has gone to Mexico.
It takes 9-10 hours from Santa Barbara to San Francisco. Slightly less if
one flies to Los Angeles and then takes the plane. But the direct air line is
very expensive. We do have cars which make the trip from time to time. Mansur,
my private secretary, will be here in a few minutes. He leaves next Wednesday
morning for New Mexico and he may be able to stop off but I think you may have
had some direct information yourself by that time. He knows about your
letter.
We also had a strange experience. The mureeds, Mansur and Phillip went into
a store to see if they could sell The Oracle. They were successful and told
Murshid, the owner was a lady half Indian, half Arab. This was exciting but
when I saw Arabic clothing in the window and she wearing a sort of sari (which
resembled still more ancient Persian clothing) we struck up a sort of
friendship.
This morning we spent in part with Jehanara (who lives at the Khankah) and
Zeinab, my local housekeeper. We purchased some cloths for dresses and
“costumes.” We have to make two robes for Khalifs and I wish the
Murshid’s robe to be identical, and also a shawl for Murshid of the same
cloth. Then some other clothes or costumes for spiritual purposes.
In the store at Sacramento there was a lady’s robe, which Murshid calls
“Fatima blue.” He wants some dresses of that kind especially for our begum
Fatima. We also bought cloths for dresses and will want other for men’s
longees. But you may be visiting us before long, inshallah.
Incidentally this lady regaled us with a very important story from her own
life about “inshallah.”
That is all now.
Love and blessings,
Murshid
410 Precita Ave.
June 13, 1969
Dear Saadia:
I am writing this letter for Murshid who is just now leaving on a trip to
Southern California. While he is gone he will visit several universities any
may find a program suitable for your needs.
Aside from the question of Universities, speaking for a large and loving
family of disciples, I would like to issue the most heart-felt invitation to
you to come and visit us. We have heard much about you from Murshid and love
you as our very self. We only wish for your presence so that this may manifest
still more.
Northern California which includes San Francisco stays slightly chilly even
during July and August. One often needs a light sweater and a blanket on a bed.
Southern California is quite warm.
One hope that you will be able to see your way clear to visit us and see the
blossoming work which our beloved Murshid is doing. Personally, I also am an
almost Ph.D. in Philosophy lacking only writing the dissertation, and one would
trade all the degree etcetera for one week in the presence of the Joy one finds
here.
Please excuse my attempted permission.
All love and blessings,
Wali Ali
Sept. 23, 1969
Saadia Khawar Khan
215 Fall Creek Dr., Ithaca, N.Y.
Beloved one of Allah:
As-Salaam-aleikhum! After ten days we returned home quite refreshed. We have
seen some of the most beautiful country in the whole world, in the Northwestern
part of this country. Not only that, the body was rested and the mind
clarified. So the first thing we took up has been the matter of The Temple Of
Understanding. The vision was always clear and direct and inshallah may be the
fulfillment of a dream of over 40 years inner and outer effort.
The next thing was a complex of personality problems. Some of the worst of
my whole life were placed in these hands; eminent crises. Some of these you are
aware of already; worse ones came to my immediate attention requiring immediate
action. Add to this that there is no certainty whether my brother will live or
die or continue onward indefinitely in a sick state. On top of that there is
also the opening of school here: today the class starts on Islamic Art. Later
in the week this person has been invited to attend a seminar at another college
to present the Sufi point of view, an excellent opportunity which cannot easily
be bypassed.
As you have seen the wire from Sufi Barkat Ali one merely encloses a carbon.
On this point I have no view whatever. It will be as Allah wills, but to make
this clear, I feel it proper to accept absolutely any advise, conclusions, or
directives from Babaji. I think you do too, although it does affect your
personality much more than my own.
Yes, we are remembering in our repetitions of Ya Shaffee, Ya Kaffee. But I
believe Ya Haya Ya Khayyum in one of its several variants is even more
valuable. This is partially true from objective points of view; and also today
I am compelled to present Irfan both to mureeds and non-mureeds, that by
practicing the presence of Allah in practical ways they may find the means to
release themselves from pain and also to solve some difficulties.
I believe you may have seen Ayisha’s latest work; she has actually
uncovered a divine occultism in the Names of Allah. This is truly astonishing,
but I am unable, I mean physically unable, to keep up with all the very
successful efforts of disciples. We have had a whole procession of new-born
infants and are awaiting that for Fatima, to be followed by others.
I do not know what more to add here. I can understand easily why you may not
write often, but you must also understand why Murshid cannot be writing
often.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
October 13, 1969
My Beloved God-daughter and Khalifa: As-salaam aleikhum
This is written in Novato before the return of three of us to San Francisco.
Wali Ali brought your two latest letters yesterday. There have been so many
changes recently, alhamdu lillah, that different weeks are almost like
different cycles.
Now as to marriage. One must realize that tradition is tradition and very
often tradition stands so much before the Divine Will that whatever Allah wants
is not directly accomplished on earth. People say they surrender to Allah; it
is just words. Mostly in the end they give in to nufs.
At the same time there is hardly a valid alternative. The “love” of
romance is sometimes wonderful, sometimes terrible. The Jemila incidents are
both complicated and very foolish. They destroy all bases for anything
positive. We had to have the romantic love because this nation was composed
originally of all sorts of refugees with plenty of space and opportunity. The
whole course has been changed but here also we established “traditions”
very different from your traditions.
If we take the whole world into consideration, scientifically, we find that
Allah has permitted all kinds of things which various religionists reject. One
often wonders what use is Holy Qur’an at all for traditions and customs
dominate over it as they dominate over the Bible, the Upanishads and all
scriptures. We quote the scriptures when it gives us assurance and by-pass them
when they do not.
One has looked very carefully at the young men here. True, most of them are
younger and some of them are not too substantial. But I cannot give a finality
until another matter is settled of a quite different nature.
It was in 1929 that Allah revealed to this person a certain aspect of his
life-work. It is this that Wali Ali is now working on. Many records have been
lost, mostly through the fire of 1949; others through the machinations of Mrs.
Duce of “Sufism Re-Oriented.” But the stage is now set.
One received six or more retractions in two weeks, praise to Allah, and one
group, the Humanists, opened their doors last week, very satisfactory.
But one big thing was the sessions for presumably “holy men” of the Bay
Region and this person did not come out worst. I think for the first time in
our history we had hundred—and maybe more than hundreds of young Americans
chanting “Allah!” Only about 200 could dance because of limited space. And
when one finds out the effects of others, one did not come out so bad. And the
doors are open for people to chant “Allah.” And we did one dance also with
“Mohammedar Rassoul Lillah.”
In general Muslims do not approve of what I am doing—but neither do other
religionists, even less—but Allah just might.
Tuesday night Murshid went to get the criticism of his poetry. Instead the
teacher came and sat at his feet and said: “I need spiritual help.” This is
in marked contrast to the receptions one has had in the past. Later he
mentioned the name of a certain predecessor and I said, “Now you know why I
speak of myself as ‘rejected.’ For years that man saw to it that none of my
poetry was published or even got a hearing.” It is changing much.
All of this is in preparation for the conference at Istanbul. Mr. Dunne is
out of the country so details are not available. Anyhow the change of social
status may become effective and the programming of Hadith as a basis for world
peace and understanding is now in the hands of Allah for the doors of mankind
open.
Yes, I feel your marriage is part of life. We can pray for insight from
Allah. It has come lately to Murshid in many things and the events follow. But
I should prefer to cooperate with Bibijan.
Excepting Moineddin when I first met him, and Mansur, since his trial began,
there have not been many visions of mureeds. The visions are all of
group-endeavor such as is taking place now.
Thank you for the check. I shall see Zeynab later today—she goes to
school. We are ready for two parties: one in San Francisco on the l8th, my
birthday, for a free dancing lesson; the other here at Novato about which I
have nothing to say at all. But I hope you do not mind—we shall not have
cake. Many of us, including Murshid, do not eat cake much. We shall have ice
cream and I hope you do not mind.
I am keeping the mind and heart free for next Sunday where there may be
surprises. We can feel them. But we also have to await for the birth of
Fatima’s child. Fatima played a big role in the last class on Islamic Art.
This is coming along marvelously. Everything is coming along excepting
time—one does not have but a single free night per week and only by a strange
incident a free Saturday. It was as if Allah appeared as a man giving human
counsel, at a very human level and He said he wanted Murshid to be free to
attend or watch football games—he needed the recreation!
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
October 27, 1969
Beloved One of Allah:
As-Salaam aleikhum. There is an interesting side-line that your position and
that of Khalif Akbar are remarkably similar in all the aspects and
vicissitudes. Perhaps that is part of the test or progress or needs in the
spiritual life, or more properly the complete life which takes in all
aspects.
The difference between the Sufi and other devotees and mystics is that the
teacher takes on, even deliberately takes on, the troubles of disciples. Now
the number of disciples and followers increases. The attendance at the birthday
parties was fine, and slowly the total attendance at meetings increases. But
also the inspirations increase.
On the hard side there are still strong aftermaths of the departure of
Jemila Johnson and great uncertainties as to the residences of disciples. Some
of these stories are quite pleasant but all consume valuable time.
One does not like to impose lessons but we have to learn that Allah is
Rahman and Rahim and if we have doubts about it we are most unfortunate. Allah
is a not a giant book-keeper recordings sins. There are supposed to be angels
for that but this is a myth, neither true nor untrue. We all have shortcomings
but those shortcomings are not overcome by prayer. In prayer we are often too
concerned with ourselves, and in contemplation we cannot be concerned with
ourselves, but with Allah only. And until we are concerned with Allah only we
have not the complete surrender, much less the Salam.
Murshid has promise of help for the offices, and inshallah this may be.
Certainly he is earning—and by hard work too—more money, needed both to
help others and to concern the visit to Istanbul next year.
We can always do the healing prayers and will continue. This is part of at
least five programs a week. This whole last week there has been the uncertainty
of the delivery of Fatima’s infant. Fortunately we have Nancy as a sort of
guide. But it is still hanging and practically all of Murshid’s free time has
been concerned with this presumably blessed event.
Of course Allah is blessing and guiding you. You have given every sign of
that. We expect to go forth singing “Subhan Allah! Alhamdu lillah! Allaho
Akbar!”
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Nov. 10, 1969
Dear Saadia Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam-aleikhum!
A number of different factors coming together prompt this letter. The class
on Arabic Art has made much progress. There is not only growing enthusiasm, but
the accumulation of real knowledge. I do not at this time wish to condemn
hypocrisy because there are too many things to do. It seems the whole world is
concerned with human personality, and that the acceptance and praise of such
personality is a safe subterfuge and refuge from the acceptance and praise of
Allah.
I believe it is His will that this person carry and quote a number of the
Hadiths. For instance, the attitude of the messenger of God is totally
different from the attitude of orthodox Muslims in regard to Knowledge. You
cannot even quote Prof. Nasr to the bigoted ignorant. But sooner or later
things are going to come out in public; the days of subterfuge are at an end.
Your Murshid is willing to die for the principle that Allah is Master of the
Day of Judgment, and that no person, orthodox or heterodox, devotee of any
faith, has any right frown their own teachings or any other teachings to
condemn the world. Everybody is doing that and even the worst bigoted Muslim
looks like a giant of faith when we read the literature coming from other
sources. It would seem that instead of arguing, “My faith is greater than
your faith,” the ignorant declare, “Me egotism is greater than your
egotism,” and perhaps it is.
In any event, very shortly, inshallah, there will be a joint meeting of
students of San Francisco State and the University of California to consider
the subject “Arabic civilization and its relation to the city of Mecca.” It
is us kaffir feringhis who are enthusiastic about this. We can notify Muslims,
but one is skeptical about their interest. Anyhow, the program is in charge of
a young man whose immediate ancestors at least lived in Mecca. We shall keep
you informed.
In connection with these Arabic studies, Murshid has been reading Affifi on
Ibnu ’l-Arabi. One does not know how much theological and philosophical
agreement or disagreement there is. But certainly, at the highest mystical
revelation of my present understanding, there is marvelous agreement. The first
phases of this came in the poem “Saladin”; the later phases are hidden in
the incomplete “Rassoul Gita.”
One of the best of many excellent birthday presents was the copy of the
rather expensive and voluminous work of the anthropologist Westermarck on
Morocco. Murshid is particularly interested in the first three chapters which
have to do with Baraka. Already the disciples have shown interest in earlier
work on this subject which I consider incomplete, but between my own
experiences, the silent and audible transmissions from Hazrat Barkat Ali and
other saints met in this actual life, a really good work could be done,
inshallah (copy of this letter is being sent to Salarwala).
A number of persons have been inquiring about you. Murshid is entirely too
busy to handle these and other inquiries. The total number of meetings has gone
up; the total attendance has gone up; the total revenues have increased praise
to Allah; the total amount of clerical assistance has gone down. Indeed,
murshid came out into the open last Wednesday and openly challenged: why is it
that every time murshid calls for help so many disciples find displeasure with
their landlords and have to move their residences. In some cases no doubt it is
true but in most cases it merely reveals emotional instability—this appeal
did not have a bad effect. The next day two volunteers showed up at the Khankah
and enabled murshid to catch up in some badly needed garden work. There are
also signs that proper assistance both in the office and in our garment
projects is coming.
Last week, Nur-un-isa was born to Fatima and Moineddin. Jayonara and Murshid
had previously gone to a new fabric shop in San Raphael and picked out a number
of cloths for various purposes. The Fatima garment was made immediately and
given to Begum on her release from the hospital. Shirin, Moineddin and Murshid
have seen many pictures based on early Arabic culture and in particular that of
Medina. The Fatima garment was made as close as convenient in color, texture
and design as was possible. A Mohammed garment will be made in a corresponding
shade of dark green, following also the pictures shown in the class (the face
of the Messenger is always veiled of course, or rather brillianted in great
light which is correct). We hope to have other garments following the records
of the civilization of Medina and also the pictures we have of Dervishes. This
is become a great project, almost equal in intensity to our office work.
The growth in hal and makam has been excellent. One has no control over the
Grace of Allah, but it is marvelous how it manifests. Shirin, the daughter of
Phillip and Salima, is not yet a year old and her first words were “Allah,
Allah” and she constantly repeats the divine Name, as if it were perfectly
natural. There have been and are such signs among our tiny infants.
Last week when one was saying that the sound G-O-D was not as mellifluous as
other names of God, a Christian devotee then said “Why don’t you say
Allah?” I think this is marvelous considering the source. When Muslims,
so-called, do not go around saying “Allah, Allah” and when we kaffir
feringhis go around saying “Allah, Allah” it is possible that Allah Himself
will be pleased.
It is a pity that so many Muslims are dishonest. In the last months an
ever-growing number of young Americans are repeating “Allah.” Except in a
single case with some Jewish people, I have found not only no obstacle to this,
but no obstacle to repeating Mohammedar Rassoul Lillah. In that single
case Murshid told the Jewish people “All right you are exempt provided that
you repeat the same name of God as Moses (Musa) used.” They said they could
not do that. I told them all right, either you use the name of God that Moses
did or you repeat Allah. So they repeated Allah.
I am willing to take a chance on the Day of Judgment that through endeavors
personal and transcendent, hundreds, and inshallah soon thousands, will be
repeating “Allah” and many, many, many of them will be saying Mohammedar
Rassoul Lillah. True, the Messenger of God said that those who repeated
Kalama would not go to hell on the Last Day, but “good” Muslims have added
and subtracted so much that the actual words and methods of the Divine
Messenger are lost and smothered in folklore, traditions, customs, etc. And I
fervently believe in “Say Allah and Allah Thou Shalt Become”.
Therefore Murshid is not disturbed as other people are over the shortcomings
of everybody else. Nor do I think that the Merciful One is watching over us to
find some picayunish faults for failing to comply with some folklorish dictum
which has been exaggerated into becoming not only Divine revelation but even
superior to the Divine revelation. I fervently believe, along with the Prophet,
but not with the apparent majority of so-called Muslims, that the Merciful One
is fully inclined to the side of Mercy.
We are going to celebrate an unusual Christmas coming out wholly for Jesus
Christ without Santa Claus. Publically, Murshid is becoming more and more bold
on this point. But in the poetry class, Murshid has come out almost as boldly
against the strange art forms and figments of the imagination that have
supplanted the historical and spiritual Jesus Christ in our culture. Father
Blighton and his disciples fully support this campaign. And, as it would seem
now, inshallah, that Murshid will go to the next convention of a Parliament of
Religions, one feels very sure, inshallah, that sooner or later there will be
total success in efforts to supplant folklore, customs, artificial traditions
in the name of religions. The Oracle, the local publication, is now dedicated
to spiritual revolution. I understand that Phillip Davenport, the editor, is at
long last receiving some financial backing. They are asking for more and more
articles from this person. In short, everything is progressing, and sooner or
later, inshallah, one may be receiving the badly needed clerical assistance.
I realize in all this there is less and less time and energy available to
consider individual problems. These persist, which is natural. But more and
more of them are in evidence, which means less and less time and energy are
available for the individual problems. It is easy enough to quote—anybody can
do that—but quotations are not balms.
Murshid has been going through pains in his body for almost the last month.
They all reflect the pains and sufferings of disciples near and dear to one.
Murshid has not asked Allah to relieve him from such pains. Indeed he has used
them as indicators that by looking into his own being he is discovering the
trials and tribulations of the daily lives of others. This may not be very
comforting, nor is it any solution to a person in pain to be informed that
others also are in pain. Equally, it is not particularly beneficial to remind
anyone that patience is a great virtue. So instead Murshid is getting these
empathetic pains, and is quite willing to bear them. This covers of course your
own situation as well as those of others.
So far as Kashf and vision are concerned, they remain. The visions of
several years ago have now come into manifestation. It is possible, inshallah,
that the visions of the day will also come into manifestation. It is remarkable
and peculiar that several disciples have been receiving the same visions, the
same insight and foresight, covering a number of subjects. Kashf is of course
often denigrated by people without vision. They tend to call such visions,
temptations. The Hebrew Bible says, “A people without vision perish.” The
last visions this person had came out so exact down to small details that one
could hardly adjust. But that is what happens, and this has seemed to have been
one’s normal state. When visions come true, and opinions of others do not
come true, one is apt to lean strongly on the side of visions. Holy Qur’an
definitely teaches that Loving Allah never leaves this world without guidance.
I fervently and absolutely believe this to be true, regardless of all opinions
from whomsoever. Sometimes I even believe that the acceptance of such visions
and guidance is a real acceptance of Allah in the daily lives. Therefore
Murshid is full of hope, full of joy, and to a growing number of young
Americans an ambassador of Divine Love and Mercy.
The teachings of Rassoul Lillah—there is no compulsion. In the teachings
of the day, practically all traditional faiths, there is plenty of compulsion.
He said, “The Merciful leans to the side of Mercy.” Murshid totally and
absolutely believes this without any qualification whatever. Therefore he is
very single minded about your future, in all directions, on all subjects.
With love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
20th November, 1969
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. When this phrase is uttered it is of itself a prayer.
When it becomes a mere empty greeting of courtesy it loses all its Baraka. It
is the basis of meditation and devotion and concentration. It is the beginning
and of all things and not a just a refuge to fall back on in times of trouble;
it is a refuge and more than a refuge.
Murshid is going to the doctor today. He believes that the troubles are
psychic and mental, but there is a physical effect. No doubt all of us,
breathing in from a disturbed atmosphere, pick up these disturbances and so
affected by those disturbances we are disturbed. It is universal and yet it is
personal, but it is universal to a far greater extent than it is personal.
Sensitive people are affected by these vibrations, by these atmospheres.
The early verses of Holy Qur’an were meant to be protections against such
events and eventualities.
Fikr is the special practice of most value—concentrating on La
Illaha as we exhale and El Illaha as we inhale. Continue to do this
with rhythmical breathing as long as we may, and to do this until it becomes
continuous and unconscious, so to speak.
I shall take your letter to town tomorrow and pay Zeynab the money
requested.
Mansur is well educated. He graduated from university and for some time
functioned as a college professor. He feels that life is sterile. He has many
aptitudes, such as carpenter and painter. He was an orphan, of apparently
excellent family, either scientists or in government service. His foster-father
is a fairly successful business man.
Several people have had the same spiritual vision as Allah has given me. It
was not my personal vision or feeling but it must be potentially true for it
keeps on coming back. As my own potential picture of this ego was always
marvelous one adheres to the same standard with others. Not only with Mansur
but with several disciples here it seems to be foreboding: “In that day will
the Sun rise in the West and all men, seeing, will believe.”
There is now another grand picture placed before Murshid as well as the call
to go to Istanbul next year. But this is producing a crisis for there are now
three persons living on Precita, contributing almost nothing to the cause of
Allah but giving Murshid not only the problem of their sustenance but also of
their personal and personality problems. So instead of doing the work of Allah
one must be shackled by man.
At this moment an excellent omen. One of the disciples has just put on a
record of Azan, along with other Islamic prayers and I take this as a
sign of Divine Approval.
We have just had a joint birthday party for Mansur, Shireen and Martha who
is now the household helper here. She is actually a college graduate with high
honors, who has had nothing but exploitation and suffering and has never been
able to be herself.
But Murshid has to return to San Francisco with extremely difficult problems
that disciples instead of helping him, are taking every advantage of his
presumably large income, to share it and instead of completing my work
attention has been given to household and financial matters. It is not only the
cost but the time and energy and especially as one as being prepared for real
large missions, inshallah.
At least the Garden of Allah looks wonderful. The weather is excellent. The
tomatoes and other vegetables are still coming and now several persons are
helping, praise to Allah.
Also the attendance at meetings increases and there is both loyalty and
sincerity on a growing number of young Americans. But one cannot pray and
meditate when one is compelled, day in day out, to attend to small worldly
matters which should not be one’s concern.
In a few weeks there will be a joint “Mecca” meeting and I am hoping to
have my Mohammed robe ready at that time.
Love and blessings,
Murshid
P.S. As I close Qur’anic readings are being broadcasted.
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
12th January, 1970
Beloved of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. This is a New Year and a sudden visit by Vilayat Khan
brought forth the remark: “You have not only started the New Year right you
have started the New Decade right.” We made no effort to advertise his coming
yet must have had at least 60 persons at the San Anselmo meeting. He is
returning this week. We also have a very fine conference.
There is at least one change in plans. The conference has been moved from
Istanbul to Geneva, Switzerland, and I have not been advised of the date. And
Vilayat is leaving us (presumably Mansur and myself) the choice of hotel or
pension. I am not sure of our financial situation though things have improved.
It sometimes takes more effort and will than one wish to exert to get even the
simple matters accepted. Items necessary to telephone Washington but like here
they are shorthanded. I am so shorthanded that even with growing financial
betterment I have not been able to get proper help. Mansur is more concerned
with financing his own way and I think this is wonderful.
His life has been complicated by the return of Jemila and there is no
question that each has a large role to play in the spiritual life. Murshid is
making no endeavor to reconcile them and Jemila is split between a desire to
establish a home, a career and spiritual life!
All of this means an incertitude on dates, but it would appear that Allah
wishes me to spend some more time in the Eastern part of the country than had
been planned. The term ended on better terms with a number of professors but
this only means no time at all, and it has been most difficult to get a few
hours off. The general attendance grows just one or two each week but the
continuance of such growth means more and more demands, more and more rapid
typing and more mistakes and we live in the world of time.
It is therefore impossible to fix dates. Our visit to southern California
has been changed, the dates not the program.
Vilayat laid down a large program with emphasis on Junaid, Ghaus-i-Azam and
Ibnu’l-Arabi. This fitted in fine with my ideas but in the meanwhile new
books appeared on the market and so many that one just purchased two, to read
and assimilate before going on. And on top of that we are waiting for a
Palestinian Arab, a citizen of Israel who is presumed to be a Sufi. If he comes
one must drop all else. So there is no repose and perhaps Allah wishes that.
Even this morning unexpected errands must be accomplished.
As to dresses from Pakistan. I have nothing but your note. Yes, we would
absorb the charges, but I would then leave them to Amina, because it is beyond
my capacity and time to be concerned with anything more. Have had a wonderful
meeting with the Consul-General of Indonesia and will try to see the
Consul-General of Pakistan this week, but time is what Murshid does not
have—and my brother is always telling me, and delaying that he is awaiting a
capital operation.
Life is like the rain here. It is always coming, and sometimes too much and
man must adjust to it.
We took to 6 young men and one young woman yesterday. This is a new type of
mureed, quite solid, intellectual and devout. And the house is crowded
today.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
23rd January, 1970
Miss Saadia Khawar Khan
214 Fall Creek, Ithaca, New York
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. This is being written at the Khankah, and taken to San
Francisco in case the latest news proposes additions. Life has become
exceedingly complicated, causing fatigue, followed by the most restful
sleep.
The most serious, to me, events are the dual happenings, both of which will
cause dismay about the Orthodox: i.e. the growing number of reports on the part
of disciples of the manifestation of Rassoul Lillah before them; coupled by the
same experience with Azam. I know whenever there are real spiritual experiences
one is liable to be accused of the temptations of Iblis, as if Allah had no
power at all and Iblis all power.
But the coming of Azam may have a great influence on this life and program.
He is an Arab who is a citizen of Israel. He has lived in both Mecca and
Jerusalem. He has a peace program based on spirituality and not on the hard
egocentric, nufsian outlook which is so predominant today. And after a three
hour session he told me he is a talib in tasawwuf and intends to have his
Murshid, who apparently lives in Jerusalem, contact me.
His general over-all approach to both religion, especially the spiritual
side, and politics, so to speak, are the same as my own. We both want to get
rid of wholesale murder justified by something called by selfish people either
“religion” or “politics.” He has had to witness mounting hatred and
murder. His whole concern is with Allah and not with human devices and
institutions.
He will return to this region after completing his course this semester at a
Texan college. He came upon our meeting last Friday when we must have had over
150 people to greet Pir Vilayat. I should say his concessions are about the
same as yours but he did see the Holy Prophet and he has had experiences of
this kind before. It did not take a glance to bring about mutual
understandings.
He has come when one is preparing to go to a world conference, inshallah,
for the Temple of Understanding. This requires an overwhelming preparation
which the person does not have. One gets plenty of verbal good-will, but the
whole heavy work is on the shoulders. We now have many new disciples and a
growing waiting list. But the office work has, with few exceptions, devolved
upon Wali Ali and Murshid. Still the health has been uniformly good.
A much more complicated but not so time-consuming problem is that of
finances—I do not mean need or non-need but actual complications. There are
stories here that you have offered to help us purchase property and at the same
time you seem to be needing dollars. And the drawing of a Murshid into
financial affairs is a terrible psychic deprivation, drawing one downward when
one’s life is upward. I do not know how you are in this sense, what you need,
what you have proposed, etc.
But before you react, please read carefully. Murshid received a telephone
call from this brother who had been an enemy for over 50 years. In the last
year the brother has had more and more trouble with others and has become very
lonely. He phoned and said he may be dying. His departure means a very great
increase in income. But now he says also one is an heir to more money. One
cannot make any estimation or anything, but the general tendency is to draw a
spiritual teacher into financial affairs, and with all the teaching, lecturing
and interviews, one has hardly an hour to spare and even that hour is sometimes
begrudged one. It is only the Grace of Allah and the spiritual practices which
enable one to continue, in considerable health at what to many would be an
advanced age.
It has not been cold here but we have had warm rainstorms and near flooding,
or actual floods in this general area.
There has been another strange form of real or potential success here and
that is in the field of selling organic foods. Hasan and Moineddin have been
drawn into it and now there has been a big increase in their salaries with more
doors open and opportunities also for others, including even Murshid, to find
markets for fruits and vegetables grown even here as well as in near-by places.
The last salable article has been Ginger, which was grown as an ornamental and
one is told that his Ginger has the best taste and context of any. We have had
remarkable success with little preparation.
Last year almost everything was thrown on or at this person but this year it
will not be so. There are not only volunteer workers but the moving of
disciples to very close places here. This was all foreseen first by Fatima and
then by others.
Even larger has been the success in chanting and dancing, and the call upon
this person has been enormous, with no secretary available and only desultory
help. But there are huge possibilities, inshallah, and when we went to an
Indonesian restaurant recently and chanted for them, the whole staff came out
and greeted us. They thought it was wonderful.
On the first appearance of Pir Vilayat Murshid wore green robes patterned
after the pictures shown in class on Arabic Art. As reported, no “Muslims”
attend any of these courses excepting two American born Hajis. Azam found the
Mosque impossible and some Americans have withdrawn, all politics and
self-praise and if your grandfather was not a Muslim, perhaps you may have a
chance in “another incarnation” but not now. But Azam says it is the same
in many places—self-praise, not Allah praise.
But now Murshid has not time even for this diversion. Still we do repeat
Alhamdu Lillah and one realizes the tests that life brings. And while
one is not changing because one’s brother gave a telephone call, this will
produce some radical changes when it happens.
Then there are more and more calls from more and more colleges and persons
in the Eastern part of the United States. One has presented this lightly to
one’s travel agent. If one’s brother leaves this world—one leaves this
entirely to Allah—I shall make preparations to leave here as soon as possible
after March 15, so I shall keep you informed. And this would also mean a much
longer stay from this place because the funds would be available.
One leaves off at this point and will write further from San Francisco,
inshallah.
Friday Night: I have failed to see my brother because he was in surgery when
we visited the hospital, and could not be reached in any way.
There is a very good reaction here against the work of last week. The theme
used came from Shah Latif of the Sind: Allah Is Not Your Jailer, He Is Your
Lover. One is not disturbed whether Orthodox people will accept this or
not. It is true. It does not interfere with the Message of Mohammed. Mohammed
has been covered by legalisms and formalisms. We are doing what he wanted, that
people will be saying the Kalama, and the ease of getting them to do this is
remarkable for it is the Will of Allah which is present at all times and in all
things. If we surrendered to it we should suffer neither fear nor anger. The
Hadith stands on one side; many traditions and practices on the other. There is
hope for the world. Ya Hayy! Ya Haak.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
31st January 1970
Beloved One of Allah: As-salaam Aleikhum.
Your latest without date but mailed on the 28th has found a very
tired old man. There are two aspects to it, very, very different. I shall give
the negative side first:
Despite all efforts the Murshid is involved in the material problem of
disciples. Despite passionate pleas publicly and privately, it has been of
little avail. This week mockingly I said was fairly successful: only two
persons placed before me the problem of where they should live. And this week
one has to put the foot down on any question of acquiring the land next door to
the Khankah. This project was started without my approval, and I was left with
a large number of duties and practically no help. It is so easy today: “Take
it easy.” Anybody can say that. It requires no wisdom. But it sometimes
requires wisdom not to give other problems.
Last year I went out with an axe. “What are you going to do” I am going
to destroy that seat. Why was it built.” Murshid said he did not want it.
Murshid side he did not want any more ideas from outsiders and it has been done
and the things he has asked for are not done and all kinds of excuses are
given. This jolted Moineddin and there has been some caution not to be involved
in a lot of “beautiful” ideas which throw work on somebody else. And when
this “somebody else” is the spiritual Teacher, it can only produce
difficulties.
I can praise Allah there is still the physical strength and willingness to
work. There is a lot of work to be done at the Khankah and there is a lot of
help showing up, but it is seldom help given to Murshid. All kinds of excuses
are offered. Not only is one busy all the time but I regret now I must tell you
some of the problem at this end-and then the blessings—all going on at the
same time:
My brother, somewhat reconciled after fifty years of enmity, has been
between life and death. I do not want any sympathy. The only sympathy worth
anything is the realization that this is a burden. If he passes away I shall
have to do a lot of cleanup work and this will mean the cancellation of those
things being done for Allah. My work here is to get people to recognize and
praise Allah.
Then there has been the most complex situation with Nancy. I did not wish to
communicate it. She has had a horrible sex-attraction by a worthless young man
who convinced her he loved her. And she began consulting everybody but Murshid
and when these people told she blamed Murshid. Why it as necessary to put
pressure on some disciples who held back. She has gone to see her family in New
York which may or may not settle anything, abandoning her own baby. And hours
and days had to be used. I told people her husband could sue Murshid for
permitting adultery and there would be no defense unless we did something—did
and not just talk. Everybody talks.
The lover had taken advantage of the attitude of Ralph toward Murshid and
the attitude also of him toward certain mureeds besides yourself. What has
happened to this point is that Ralph is undergoing repentance. He has come here
and cried and blamed himself.
One has now so many mureeds and hardly time for them—too many other
attractions or distractions.
It is right that you tell some of your “troubles” but what do you want?
This person takes refuge in Allah and often Allah comes to his rescue, praised
be He.
Before one communicates the bright side, which is very bright—Murshid does
not know when he can get even a free hour. And he is constantly falling asleep
with weariness.
One’s closet spiritual brother has written a book, sent to publishers, in
which a whole chapter is given to this person, an unknown. But since then Pir
Vilayat has been trying to get a contract with a national broadcasting company
for the Sufi dances. Then a very well known formerly professor from Harvard is
here weekly and he named this person, while he was castigating everybody else,
and said he would give some time to him—before a very large audience,
something like the group at “The Family Dog.” Then another disciple came
and said he wanted to take pictures of our work and he has connections.
In the meanwhile it has pleased Allah to give more and more dances, and no
help. Both Moineddin and Hasan have more work and much more money. Mansur is
often working. And there are spiritual lessons to prepare and write all the
time, seven days in the week and no surcease and then criticisms because one is
no free for this and that.
I have taken refuge in Allah actually, not symbolically, not ritually but
actually. And he tells me what to do and then one tries to do it. As the
lecture for Vilayat, taken from Shah Latif of Sind was: “Allah is not your
jailer, He is your lover,” has been the keynote. There is even now a dance
for Lovers but it is only given to husbands and wives and those who really love
each other. And now a greeting dance which begins: “As-salaam aleikhum”
(three times) followed by “La Illaha El Il Allah.”
There is the whole problem of Peace in the Near East presented by Azam who
will return in June; and the presumable trip for The Temple of Understanding
and no word as to date. And between this and the situation of my brother it is
impossible to set a schedule. Then one has received invitations from Hollywood,
Boston and New Mexico (this will be paid for) and more inquiries and no more
help.
I know Ithaca is very beautiful. We have had a most pleasant winter. Too
much rain in some places and sometimes the highways are blocked. But at the
writing my hands are tied.
Now is Allah the Wise, the Compassionate, the Merciful, the Tender, or is he
a stern old Judge? One does not like to ask you to be patient, to trust in Him,
or to look upon your trials as real. They are real, very real. Yes, I do pray,
I must pray for you, but when it comes to externals, one regrets having to
write as above.
All love and blessing,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
January 31, 1970
Beloved One of Allah:
After resting. There are many who pride themselves on surrender to Allah.
But what is it? Is Allah a book? A man? A tradition? A doctrine? The Sufi finds
that Allah is “The spirit of the Universe” and that this “spirit” is
nothing vague. It contains the Sifat-i-Allah, the qualities about which so much
is made verbally but hardly psychologically and consciously.
To repeat the theme, “Allah is not your jailer, He is your Lover” can
only be a first state. Christians speak of God as a Loving Father. If He be a
Loving Father, then He will give counsel. I believe this to be true but it is
quite evident that very few listen. We act and then pray that Allah will
approve our acts instead of praying and listening before we act.
As matters stand I have one more month, and then will have to change
entirely—perhaps clear out this house, these methods being used today and
devote myself entirely to Allah and only permit people to come close who will
be devoted entirely to Allah.
While the last house meeting showed much cordiality and good-will it was
very little concerned with Allah and today I realize that the promotion of
goodwill between disciple and disciple has produced a situation that many help
each other but few help Murshid. And the discussions about the property next
door have become a weight because our own grounds have so much unaccomplished
work. But I tell you this person seeks Allah, asks His advice, consults with
Him and is consoled by Him.
As there is no compulsion in the “Islam” of Mohammed—there is plenty
in the popular faith—one cannot compel anything of others but neither must
one be drawn into games, which so often happens.
There are a number of important letters to be answered and they involve work
which cannot be done under present circumstances. There may be money,
opportunity and even monetary returns but one cannot accomplish what is beyond
one’s ability. Therefore one seeks Allah and asks him and when the answers
are not pleasant, still one accepts them. There are three great, very great
possibilities here before one and one may not even be able to handle a single
one but one realizes that Allah has His own wish, which is that He become
better known by the people of the world.
Love and blessings,
Murshid
Feb. 10, 1970
Miss Saadia Khawar Khan
215 Fall Creek Dr. Ithaca, N.Y. 14850
Beloved one of God:
As-Salaam-aleikhum! One hopes this finds you in better spirits than in your
last communication. Hazrat Inayat Khan has said, “Give me heaven or hell o
Lord, but not purgatory.” Still it is that Allah, the wise, the
All-knowing, has kept one partially in purgatory, and partially in a potential
heaven.
The potential heaven is that the date for traveling abroad has been fixed.
We are hoping to leave here late in March for Geneva. We will stay then in
England a few days, but the “normal” is not. My brother is in the
purgatory. Hovering between life and death, and optimism complimented by the
need for blood transfusions. A little shock can change it either way. If he
recovers, there may be a new set of relations; if he leaves this world, we
shall have to return immediately from wherever we are. In that case, after
winding up family affairs here I would return to the Eastern part of the
country on a separate trip. Then there would be money available for it. If he
recovers, we shall visit Eastern seaboard states before returning out here. At
this writing it can go either way.
Murshid has no only had no day off this year, he has not even had a half day
off. He has to work without adequate help, but the surrounding circumstances
are no bad at all. The financial situation at the Khankah is far better than it
has been, praise to Allah, and it is possible that I may have proper garden
help this year although that is not settled at this writing.
The next factor is that the number of disciples and candidates is
increasing, increasing at a rather mobile rate, and this is something one
cannot ignore. This has brought with it some increase in the treasury of the
Sufi Order, which in turn may facilitate our traveling.
In the next place, Allah has chosen to give more inspirations. One of the
most important of these is the greeting dance. The persons say the salaam three
times followed by Kalama in a mobile progression. It has taken on wonderfully,
and we start our meetings with it before the Rahmat dances. But this is only
one of a number of new things.
The above does not ease in one bit the amount of creative writing, copying,
teaching, and interviewing which are incumbent on a spiritual teacher. It is
only because Allah is a reality that this is possible. People marvel at the
energy, but man does not posses such energy. He makes of himself a vehicle for
the divine energy which may pass through his personality and bodies. Last night
I purposely took Wali Ali and Marcia through some severe movements with Allah
Hu. No doubt the onlookers saw a phenomena. You would have thought this person
was a young man. This is the denouement of “Ya Haya Ya Khayyum.” Our
work is not metaphysical, it is not even devotional, it is actual. It is the
fulfillment of Ya Hakk.
On the darker side, Murshid is unfortunately involved in the economic
problems of other people too, and has to pray Allah constantly for help.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
910 Railroad Ave.
Novato, Calif. 94947
February 18, 1970
Saadia Khawar & Bibijan Khan
Ithaca New York
Beloved Ones of Allah: As-salaam-aleikhum!
One hopes you are well and at peace with the world. There are today at least
three distinct meanings of the word Islam:
a. peace with Allah
b. a religion theoretically or actually based on Five Pillars with
some additions
c. whatever Muslims do.
If you examine these three aspects as human institutions you may find them
totally different and confusing. Even in the Five Pillars, four belong to human
behavior and one with certain qualifications to Allah. In the third type of
“Islam” it all has to do with human behavior.
In the Islam of Allah one is concerned with the existence of being of Allah;
with the 99 attributes all based more or less on Rahmat; with prayer
devotion surrender and adab. It is said that Allah loves his creation more than
a mother loves her offspring. It is said. It is said.
One regrets very much that one has not been able to communicate one’s
present condition. But before one talks about the self here, one had better
talk about Allah. In “The Thousand and One Nights” it is said over and over
again, “There is no power nor might save in Allah.” The wise accredit
Allah; the unwise give strength to Iblis. There is a vast gap between the
teachings of the Messengers of God and various peoples who call themselves
“believers,” whatever that means.
In “Saladin” Lord Mohammed presented the truths proclaimed by other
faiths. Mohammed differed vastly from the vast number of so-called Muslims when
he said that Allah sent prophets to all peoples. It is a delusion that Muslims
believe in this—they do not. They definitely do not, excepting of course,
saints and Sufis.
Mohammed did not come to teach everything; he came to unify what had been
taught. So long as Muslims are concerned only with the unification and not what
has been taught to the world by the wise Allah who existed long long before
Mecca Sherif we are going to be concerned with problems, the problems of
ourselves and of others. Allah presents peace and so Islam; the nufs is the
spirit of agitation.
Yes, in Christ, in Hinduism and even more in Buddha the subject of pain,
poverty, illness, and death are given keen consideration. If you study these
faiths you can learn. You are working for a PhD degree. It is not necessary to
constantly answer questions asked in the grade schools or even in the
universities. You have to work on the level of the graduate scholar. That is
right. That is what you are doing. Allah has blessed you in what you are doing.
You are praising Allah for what is happening, but your Murshid is not convinced
that you should be concerned with problems totally unconnected with your
presence in America and especially at Cornell University. You are there no
doubt for degrees. You are there no doubt to serve Allah and to help spread the
Islam of Allah that humankind may recognize the existence of Allah and practice
the praise of Allah.
I think it is wonderful if you wish to go over the ground of the teachings
of Buddha concerned with the shortcomings and sufferings of mankind, but I am
not sure that this is the will of Allah at all. A Murshid is not a Hakim. A
Murshid is not a Shifayat. Hazrat Inayat Khan definitely laid this down. And as
soon as he left this world the chief Shifayat’s legally made it possible to
become Murshids and others without training to become Shifayats, so
confusion.
If we look deeply into life there is valid causation for every form of
suffering. You have had a great deal of trouble, legal and otherwise. If you
interfere in the processes of Allah in this world, your troubles will
increase.
Your Murshid would have liked you to have studied some of the teachings of
Hazrat Inayat Khan, not those in books but in the sacred lessons. Your Murshid
is constantly receiving from Allah in fana-fi-sheikh, fana-fi-Rassoul, and now
alhamdu lillah in fana-fi-lillah itself. It is the true work of a Murshid and
the work of a true Murshid is to listen always to Allah. It is not true that
Bismillah means “in the name of God”—it means “from the sound of
God,” it means “in the supreme light of Allah,” it means much much
more.
In the Hadiths is said, “Holy Qur’an was given in seven dialects and
each one has an inner and outer meaning.” I am not concerned with Muslims, I
am concerned with Truth. There are seven planes of existence as Lord Mohammed
said; they are. From each we get an outlook vastly supernal to and transcendent
over the one below. So fana-fi-Sheikh is stupendously transcendent over the
human outlook. Fana-fi-Rassoul is almost inconceivably stupendous over
fana-fi-Sheikh. Fana-fi-lillah is in common language “far-out” and
trans-verbal.
One is now concerned in the writing of Rassoul Gita which is as far
above “Saladin” which is far above “The Rejected Avatar” which is far
above the poetry of the day. Wali Ali knows that because he receives the
dictation. There is a Christian hymn “Look up.” Now I do not believe Allah
has asked you either to be concerned with the pains and sufferings of the
humans around you or the pains and suffering of the humans not around you or to
disturb your Murshid with such exceedingly small matters.
If you remain concerned with the small you will be entangled with the small.
When your Murshid came into Karachi in 1956 he saw in one place 600,000
displaced persons; not that many displaced persons but that many displaced
persons in one single city. It is to the eternal glory of General Ayub Khan
that almost alone he cleaned this all up. When your Murshid saw this tremendous
poverty, he gave up his career of working with ornamental plants and
concentrated on food growing. He is still engaged in this pursuit and evidently
Allah so wishes it, because all kinds of doors are opened not only for Murshid
but also now for his chief disciples. Alhamdu Lillah. This is only one small
portion of Murshid’s life; one small portion.
One of the bigger situations is his preparation to go to Geneva Switzerland
instead of Istanbul, to work for real international peace and stop this slop
nonsense of editors all over the world who keep humanity agitated. Jesus
condemned the scribes and the Pharisees, we adulate them.
Another situation which may arise from this is to bring peace in the holy
land. That is in this poetry. It comes from Allah and not from man. We had a
small meeting once with an Arab who is a citizen of Israel and two former
Israelis who love the Arabs. We have planned a meeting for June after the
international conference above.
This of course is snubbed by important people; this is the way of the world.
Last Sunday we were doing dervish dances in the park in front of Precita
Avenue. There was a stranger there looking on with approval. He is another Arab
who is legally a citizen of Israel, actually an exile. Why did Allah send him
to us? Personally I think this is far more important than any effort to heal
anybody or correct family matters of strangers.
Up to this time Murshid has been very tender not to let you know all that is
going on. Do you think the above is all that is going on? Murshid cannot get an
hour off and is on the verge of a breakdown. His brother has been in the
hospital for weeks between life and death. Moineddin here has been ill. His
very closest spiritual brother in the Northwest is ill, and others.
In the meanwhile Beloved Ones please keep this in mind in the meanwhile, the
spiritual dances continue to come. The classes are all slowly increasing in
attendance. One has been offered a summer school! One is receiving more and
more invitations—not money, just the invitations.
This week we took in a second contingent of young people through the process
of bayat in San Francisco. We have 15 new disciples in San Francisco and the
East Bay, not counting what is going on in Marin County. Our meetings in Marin
County average anywhere from 60 to 100 people a meeting. All of these are human
beings with their outlooks, their aspirations, their problems, their
loneliness, their ideals.
It is hypocrisy to repeat, “Allah loves his creation more than a mother
loves her offspring.” Murshid saw by kashf and shahud that this was coming.
It is the finality over personal efforts and abilities. He is not looking
further, but he knows that Allah to whom be all praise offers his wisdom, his
counsel, his advice, and his guidance to his Beloved. Kashf is so superior over
anything nufs can offer, it cannot be verbalized. Allah has appointed human
beings as his Khalifs. Jesus came to awaken mankind to the fullness of human
and super-human possibilities. This mission was not entirely successful. But
Jesus came to the wise and Mohammed to the ignorant, a more difficult
undertaking.
Yet the chain of Baraka persists, and the Light and Life of the universe
with all its Wisdom, with all its Majesty, with all its Glory, with all its …
continues. When we arise to the vast stupendous possibilities and have the
divine outlook, the seeing of pains and sufferings must not control our
emotions, be they of masses, of individuals, or of the sub-human kingdom.
It is by our efforts to reach the stage of nufs-i-salima that we attain the
peace within ourselves, that we become Muslims in the sense that Mohammed
meant, and then we can be of the greatest assistance to ourselves and to all
the world.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
Sufi Ahmad Murad Chisti
March 2, 1970
Miss Saadia Khawar Khan & Bibijan
215 Fall Creek Dr.
Ithaca, N.Y. 14850
Beloved One of God:
As-salaam-aleikhum: As you know we are preparing, that is Mansur and
Murshid, to attend a conference of all the religions of the world at Geneva,
Switzerland. We should be there on the 30th of this month. Preparations are
being properly taken so to assure our schedule. Roughly speaking, we should be
in Geneva between March 30 and April 5, then go to London and stay to fulfill a
period of two weeks, so as to obtain the minimum tourist rate.
There are of course two fundamental factors: a. the arrangement of time, b.
the arrangement of money. Both are complicated by my brother’s condition. If
he left this world there would be plenty of funds available. If he recovered
our joint action could increase the allotment from the estate. But as it is, he
has not recovered nor is he ebbing. But is in a sort of comatose state, unable
to do very much, and throwing a burden on myself in regard to both legal and
financial matters. And if he remains in such a condition, I shall not be able
to go on a prolonged tour. Besides this, I do not have the money.
I am fortunately in a position to be able to obtain a loan to cover the
expenses for Mansur and myself. If I were to travel alone, there would be no
financial complications, but I am no longer able to handle all the financial
and commercial transactions needed for such a journey, and also to carry on my
main missions social, spiritual, and intellectual.
I have two important programs in London to begin with: one is with the group
who publish “Studies in Comparative Religion.” These are the colleagues of
our good friend Dr. Nasr of Tehran. I do not know whether Dr. Nasr will be
going to Geneva or not. The two most important Muslims in these matters are Dr.
Nasr himself and Zafrullah Khan who, although a Muslim, is a “heretic” of
sorts, if you want to call it that. In our one interview we got along fine, but
this convention is too serious. One of the local Muslims has written to me
emphatically that very few people really believe in La Illaha El Il
Allah. If we continue in the old ways of making this person important, and
that one unimportant, we are certainly not going to have peace, and it will
also sooner or later terminate all traditional religion. This is one of the
factors behind the so-called “generation gap.”
If I were to remain in the East and visit various places there would have to
be in my hands funds not now available. Although I am of an age long past
retirement, and have a goodly income, I am compelled to work just as hard, and
go and earn additional income to maintain my present status and do well to
those who are sacrificing life and career to help a spiritual movement.
I now have a solid group of mureeds, further bolstered by quite evident
manifestations of love and harmony and beauty. It is very real; it is very
wonderful; but it is not a bit easy because I am not referring to statistics,
but to actual souls everyone of whom is a Beloved One of Allah who needs care,
attention, advice, and compassion.
In the long run, the picture is very optimistic. Beginning this week,
inshallah, the first steps will be taken to televise our work. For this Murshid
does not have to offer anything but time. Yet time is the one thing of which he
has so little. It is noteworthy that besides this direct effort to televise our
work, there are two or three other incipient efforts also. One of these is by
Pir Vilayat Khan who feels that in our choral and dance work we have something
to offer the world which the world also will accept. It is possible also that
these different groups may get together. On the positive side this means
immediate employment of Mansur, beginning today and continuing we prepare to
leave this country. But this also means need for my own attention to the
typewriter. For the two other persons helping in the office at the Khankah are
also directly involved.
It is quite evident that Allah has given his blessing. One has new simple,
sacred dances, fundamentally based on Kalama and Zikr. It would appear at this
writing that nothing, absolutely nothing stands in the way of the
accomplishment first assigned to this Salik.
All of this makes very uncertain any visit to universities in the Eastern
states without some financial support and other arrangements for this now
elderly person. The amount of work to be done here is so overwhelming one dare
not look. On the other hand, there is considerable spiritual growth, and
alhamdu lillah, Khalif Akbar has returned. He can be trusted and with him Wali
Ali, who is sacrificing everything for the divine cause. Moineddin also will be
able to carry on private and public work in my absence, but not the office work
which must lag.
On top of that one has been invited to the states of Colorado and New Mexico
for the summer; financial assistance vouchsafed. It would appear, inshallah,
that there will be new Sufi centers. This is also in the offing for London, and
presumably the area of Boston, Mass. Here the help is vouchsafed. One is not
being asked to make a sacrifice of time and money with hope there may be
returns. In other words, these are not ventures, but real invitations.
My daughter, I have to be very practical here. It is not that I do not wish
to go to Ithaca. If I came to Ithaca, I should also be visiting a number of
other universities in the same general vicinity, and to profit. But I cannot
speculate. There must be certainties, and even more certainties as to dates.
Besides that, any form of success at Geneva would be opening doors also on
the West Coast. One cannot be everywhere and do everything—to spread the
cause of Allah, carry on the correspondence, act as consultant and adviser, and
do the creative writing which is most necessary for the dance and the sublime
Rassoul Gita which is now in my hands (copy of Saladin has been sent to
Dr. Sharabi at Georgetown University, but no response so far). On the other
hand, some local poets have become interested in spiritual writing, etc.
Please advise at your convenience what you suggest. With all love and
blessings to Bibijan and yourself,
Murshid
Miss Saadia Khawar Khan & Bibijan
March 8, 1970
215 Fall Creek Dr.
Ithaca, N.Y. 14850
Beloved Ones of God:
It is very difficult to fulfill all the requests made by others, and the
situation is now complicated, although quite favorably complicated, by
present-day events. No matter who the person is, he has limitations of
geography and ability to fulfill requests no matter how noble and worthy they
may seem. At this writing not only are Murshid and Mansur preparing to go to
Geneva on a putative world peace mission, but also we have invitations from
London and Boston, the latter backed by proffers of financial assistance. In
addition to that we are getting a special rate provided we return within a
given time, and are unable to go beyond that. There is nothing going wrong in
the private life. In fact the private life is very beautiful indeed. Nothing is
going wrong excepting on one point—that too many things are going right to be
handled by a single person with very limited help. We have so many invitations
today in many directions, and neither the financial nor secretarial resources
to fulfill them. Kashf is a great faculty; it often operates contrary to the
wishes and whims, but it is never wrong. Murshid gave what he considered his
farewell address to his family at the Khankah. It was not an address of
departure; it was an address of complete change of function. It immediately
came into objectivity, for this week this home is to be “invaded” so to
speak by cameras and sound equipment to record not only what we are doing in
Dervish and spiritual dancing, but also the whole private life and the
objective presentation of Sufi Mysticism in and to the Western world. In other
words, it is actually the end to a form of peace and quiet so longed for, but
which must be surrendered for the sake of Allah. As one has foreseen it, there
can be no comment. There can only be acceptance of the Divine Will, in
operation, in actual operation in the external world. There seems little doubt
as to the outcome, although there is always a danger of self-pride, especially
when forms of success long foreseen are vouchsafed.
It is not especially easy for a man whose whole life has been passed in
being rejected almost everywhere and anywhere, to becoming accepted in an equal
and opposite fashion which is now going on. I therefore hope you will forgive
my inability to come to Ithaca at this writing. But this is not a refusal, it
is simply that there are uncertainties. My brother has been hovering between
life and death. The estate which controls our funds may be able to release
further monies or it may be required by law to restrict what they are giving
out now. I am unable to predict anything here, but I do know that it is wrong
to assume blindly, and I do not wish to repeat what has happened to your
beloved Aunt Bibijan and to your family.
I must say that there is now always a fair attendance at meetings; a much
finer type of disciple than has been in evidence in previous years, and that
Allah Himself seems to be manifesting as He wills to those whom He selects to
pursue His righteousness in this world.
Anything that is not clear here, please let me know.
With Love and Blessings,
Murshid
Sufi Ahmed hued Chisti
P.S.: I have given your name and address to one Mr. Deepak Merchant whose
residence is Bombay. Mr. Merchant and your Murshid have been close friends for
many years and our outlooks on many subjects are similar if not identical. The
son is enrolled at engineering at Cornell, so I have written him mostly from
the outlooks of his father and himself. Of course you may meet him at some
gathering of Asian students.
I hope this finds you well and that you will understand that One has often
to face the trials and tribulations of friends and relatives, and most
especially when his own personal career seems to be moving forward on a steady
keel.
March 13, 1970
Beloved Ones of God:
As-Salaam-Aleikhum! There is nothing more evident in the private life than
the Divine Will manifesting and demonstrating its wisdom. In order to promote
peace and good will, not just verbalisms but actualities, Murshid is drawing
all his small savings to provide transportation, hotel and other necessary
expenses to attend the world peace conference in Geneva, and to follow it with
any necessary undertakings. It was not so long that this person was flat on his
back in a hospital when Allah, to Whom be all praise, awakened his inner
faculties especially as regards both vision and hearing and presaged certain
messages, all of which now have come into objective manifestation. One has for
practical purposes about 100 disciples and the general attendance at all
meetings, though still not large, has been ever-increasing since the
commencement of the year. Every single week without exception, bringing larger
audiences and this is only one aspect of the situation at this writing.
While this has been going on one has been involved in legal matters. I think
our combined experiences will support that “Allah helps those who help
themselves.” In the past one has always won by action and always lost by
default. No exceptions. Pious verbalisms may cause people to be pleased with
their egos, but this does not always avail in outlier matter. On previous
occasions, actual action has always brought success.
One has been involved in such action and then came the dramatic news that
one’s brother may be dying. He has been hovering between life and death,
certainly since the first of the year if not before. Much depends on the actual
outcome. If he leaves this world, or if he lives on as an invalid one is
assured of an increased income. One is not assured if one defaults, if one
follows the pious platitude of “Leaving it to Allah.” Action on one’s own
part has in the past brought both financial betterment and respect, and lack of
action has brought both financial loss and disrespect. So at this writing there
are several possibilities of increased remunerations, not counting on the
opening possibilities which may be mentioned hereafter.
All signs, inner and outer, point to success on the part of Mansur and
Murshid at the gathering of the world’s religions at Geneva, Switzerland.
This has utmost priority, excepting for the present day family situation.
Therefore, I am not concerned with any financial sacrifice on your part; I am
concerned with the ability to integrate the various programs before me within a
time process.
I must be back in San Francisco before the end of April. If my brother
leaves this world in the meanwhile, there will be a new financial arrangement,
but I should also be in New Mexico as early as possible in the month of June,
therefore it is more important from my point of view, for you to realize my
present program, than for you to be involved in over-burdensome financial
complications, and I shall keep you informed as far as possible with each and
every stage of our progress, feeling with assurance that the same Allah Who
lifted the veil in 1967, also lifts the veils in 1970.
Every moment of time outside of sleep is consumed in and for the cause of
God. There is increased attendance; there are more disciples; and at this
writing one is under klieg lights and sound equipment, with the possibility,
inshallah, that the Dervish and other dances will be televised later on.
It is very necessary to promote methods which will end the wholesale
slaughter of human beings by other human beings, under the asinine assumption
that only by such methods can peace be brought to the world. Ego-reason will
promote any cause, and Iblis lurks under the guise of rationalism. I think I
have already told you we intend to bring Palestinians, Arabs, and Israelis
together in this house upon my return. One believes, honestly and profoundly in
the statement of the Messenger of God, that Allah loves His creation more than
a mother loves her offspring. For my part, I shall not accept hypocrisy and
bigotry from any source. For my part, I shall stand firm for the divine
Rahmat and no nonsense. I also feel that as one walks toward Allah He
definitely walks toward the person. Actually, not philosophically, not
logically, not piously, but actually. So one is not afraid of enemies.
The above is borne out by the events of the days, even the events of the
moment. Cameras and television equipment have been used at public meetings, and
also in the private life. This is so even at this writing. And in view of the
above and other dramas, one has to have unusual patience and tranquility. But
there is nothing of an evil nature going on; there is nothing really
disturbing.
One thing is certain, the increasing love for Allah on the part of an
ever-growing number of American persons.
As to Mansur, I am thoroughly in accord with proposals. If, within the month
or so, there is a radical change in the financial situation, either one of us
or both together, will be able to come to Cornell. The airline will not permit
us to break the journey. The present legal and family circumstances do not
permit one to break the journey. The personal wishes have to be laid aside. One
has spoken with both exaltation and sadness of having to abandon, at least for
the time, anything like a stable family. Problems are not solved by our refusal
to attend to them and my whole life has been so bound up with the hopes for
peace and good will in the holy lands of the world, and cannot turn my back on
existent situations with any sense of justification whatever. This is not easy
to write. If you feel the present circumstances are not entirely justified,
please let me know. The heart above all is concerned with the pains and pangs
of others.
With all love and blessing,
Murshid
To sum up, at this writing it would appear that I definitely would not be
able to be in Cornell before the end of April. It is equally unclear, in both
directions, and I am very uncertain of my whole program after April 28. If my
program is clarified I wish to come to Cornell because there are other places
in the same general vicinity I wish to visit.
March 23, 1970
Miss Saadia Khawar Khan
Ithaca, N.Y.
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam-aleikhum! This is written at a time of uncertainty due to the
postal strike. Mansur and Murshid will be leaving shortly and we are writing in
the hopes that this letter will be properly delivered, but we are also facing a
simple hard fact that when delayed mail does arrive, it will be impossible to
answer it.
There are two private matters here which definitely and absolutely need
attention. My brother has been between life and death ever since the first of
the year and there is still no absolute sign of either recovery or death. My
young cousin, who has been looking after him, has simply had to get away. Her
own mother, my first cousin, is languishing in the hospital in another state,
between life and death. Her grandmother, my aunt, is in the same condition as
my brother.
While this is going on, our financial affairs are in a flux. If my brother
passes away this would be very clarifying, and there would be plenty of money
for all efforts. As it is, the controller of our estate simply cannot reach any
conclusions, legal or otherwise, although he is trying to be moral and
sympathetic. So we are leaving with every sign of financial betterment, but at
this writing, only signs.
This makes it imperative to return as soon as possible from the trip abroad.
If there is any financial settlement I shall have to make another trip to the
East Coast as soon as possible, not only to come to Cornell, but to handle a
number of pending matters.
Outside these two complexes, everything looks marvelous. Our spring Festival
drew up to 250 people, practically all young. It was also recorded and
photographed for possible later television showing. There has been a
substantial growth in the number of disciples and equally a growth toward their
spiritual awakening. No doubt one is using heterodox methods, but these have
been effective methods.
Al-Ghazzali has said that Tasawwuf consists of experiences and not premises.
Yet everyone who writes on the subject it seems goes around with measuring
sticks. This is particularly true of orthodox Muslims on the one hand and
linguists and pseudo-orientalists close to Prof. Arberry on the other. The word
Sufism, the word Tasawwuf, is used apart from any consideration of
Allah. This is ridiculous, but that is the way it is. We are certainly
drawing a group of Palestinians, Arab refugees who cannot yet speak English,
and in this the seeds of friendship are being sown.
The next step of course is our going to Geneva. We are going to meet many of
the spiritual and religions leaders of the world. The hope is to bring about
better peace and understanding; that is the hope. But unless there is a great
change in human attitudes and behaviors, one expects to see a number of persons
of diverse opinion arising and praising themselves as if that meant anything at
all in the course of world events. The Hebrew Bible says, “My strength is in
the Lord” (actually Yahweh)—that name of God which the synagogue people no
longer repeat, and which the Christians mis-translate.
My basic plea will be “not what you want, but what will you concede to
others.” Self-praise and self-proclamation have never furthered any cause of
peace whatsoever, but I am no longer worried—the old will make demands, the
young will offer concessions. It is the champions of concession granting that
will bring the peace, not the egocentric pleas of orators or theologians.
Personally, I am more interested in what we may accomplish in London. At
this writing I do not know whether Dr. Nasr will appear at Geneva or not, but I
have already made arrangements to contact his colleagues in London. I feel this
is the best group of educated persons in the whole Western world, and I have
been trying also to conform to the methodology as prescribed by Dr. Schuon, a
European Sufi teacher and friend of Dr. Nasr. Western people will not accept
ignorance, and one reason why they are turning from religion, is because it is
dominated by the ignorant.
The other day I was sent for by the father of a beautiful young girl who
wished to become a mureed, but she has been caught in the complicated world, of
psychedelic drugs. The authorities and psychiatrist have not been of much help.
I was therefore greatly surprised when her father, who is a chemical engineer,
sent for us. I was further surprised to learn he had been trained for the
Rabbinate. But he quit cold. Modern religion has little to do with the
Scriptures, or anything spiritual, and already his wife has been favorably
disposed to our work. But if one can successfully use the Ryazat in helping the
unfortunate of the age, and if one also succeeds in drawing more and more
people, some of whose ancestors were members of the synagogues, we shall
certainly be following in the footsteps of Jelal-ud-din Rumi who has written so
much on this subject.
One is presuming that this trip will consume a month of time. We are going
forward with full trust in Allah—actual trust and not a word to veil our
efforts. At this writing Mansur is busily engaged also in the technical side of
the television work involving not only this Murshid but now many of his
disciples and friends. For our Spring Festival exhibited not only what Murshid
is doing, but what a number of his disciples are doing and the audiences are
beginning to accept. They are and feel and learn.
While this had been going on one has felt throughout the closeness of Mecca
Sheriff, and this had also been demonstrable, and demonstrated, although not
directly explained. Despite all the humbuggery of certain so-called Muslims,
one had not run into any opposition concerning Allah, no obstacles. And when
one told the Arab neighbors that some would not accept any praise or thanks,
but that we are all demanding, Alhamdu-Lillah! They smiled in joy, and in time,
inshallah, the world also will smile in joy.
This is a hurried letter in a very filled program, complicated by the
uncertainties of mail delivery.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Geneva, Swiss
April 4, 1970
Miss Saadia Khawar Khan
Ithaca New York
Beloved One of Allah:
Asalaam Aleikhum! Greetings from Geneva, where the conference of the
world’s religions has just ended its sessions. Greetings also from Dr. Nasr,
who has especially asked about Bibijan.
As has been seen and foreseen by divine grace, the end of the period of
social ostracism is over. The murshid so long rejected or ignored by the power
structures has been so warmly welcomed by the great religious people of the
world that the pieces do not fit, simply do not fit. But form the beginning it
was obvious that this person was the only one in the vast assembly of notables
and near notables that knew about all the religions and that even knew persons
in the various delegations, perhaps all of them except the lesser known faiths,
and even there he had personal introductions, and from this, inshallah, may
come something more. In fact, one is now ready to draw up some comments for the
organizers and directors.
One was especially successful in trying to promote a plan for the holy land.
On the positive side warm friendships were established with the Papal and
Jesuit representatives; also with nearly all the assorted delegates from
Lebanon. One received profound apologies from the two Rabbis because of the
failure or refusal of their colleagues in the US ever to answer or acknowledge
any letter whatsoever for the last 5 years. One received an even more profound
apology from the chairman, a Presbyterian Christian from the city of
Washington, and have been invited to stay with him, if when and should I visit
that city.
The mere fact that all religions met together with some amity may be a step
forward toward peace and brotherhood. Whereas in the last conference which took
place at Calcutta, the chief discordant notes came from the Jewish
representatives, here the chief discordant note come from Muslims. For example,
a man who presented himself as representing the Islamic community of Geneva
objected strenuously to the presence of his Excellency Sir Zafrullah Khan.
Zafrullah was I believe almost the most learned person in the vast assemblage
and mostly he behaved himself very humble. While he presented himself as a
Muslim, he made it clear that he did not speak for the Sunnis. On the other
hand, the Sunnis had some excellent speakers and were granted, perhaps, more
time than the representatives of any other religion. There was no objection to
that or to them. It was only that Doud, the Geneva representative always acted
contrary to the Hadiths where it says, be not angry. He showed nothing but
anger throughout, and carried a long stern face. Later I said to the Druze
representative, “Shah Latif said, “Allah is your Lover, not your Jailer.”
He accepted this with a smile, but whereas Doud was furious with the time
allotted to the Druze, both Dr. Nasr and Murshid and, indeed, all the Lebanese
felt very close to him. And the Rabbis seized the opportunity of the attacks on
Z. Khan and the Druze to make friends with them. Thus it was evident that the
Muslims, of whom there were not a few, were divided.
Later, Dr. Nasr told me he had rigorously rejected invitations to the
Baha’is and some of the recent synthetic groups. While I may not concur in
principle this undoubtedly saved Murshid from getting into the very kind of
fight that Dr. Nasr had foreseen. It is with this new type of
pseudo-religionists that Murshid has had the most trouble, and their exclusion
was most welcomed personally and saved one from having to enter into some
doubtful forensics.
Our program is not clear. We leave for London Monday for a 10 day trip.
Presumably returning to NY on the 16th. Then our program depends
almost entirely on the settlement of the airfield strike. If that is settled,
we will go to Boston at once and then must return to San Francisco. This is
actually necessary, because of legal complications and the conditions of health
of both one’s brother and several near relatives. The longer I stay away, the
longer I prevent an increase in the distribution of the assets of my father’s
estate. Even if my brother lives there may be an increase, and the delay could
cost more than separate journey to the East Coast.
One has had of course no mail and did not want any. And while we shall give
you our Boston mail address, any additions to our present program would make it
most difficult for this person.
One of the most interesting characters met here has been DR. Jurji of
Princeton University, who has written on Sufism. Hot only have he and Cr. Nasr,
but many others, accepted the fact that the Sufi Ryazat has kept this mind and
body in excellent shape, that they concur in the attribute given that Murshid
is the man who writes the longest letters, but makes the shortest speeches. All
was short and to the point and pleased the Chinese, because it has become
evident that this person has accepted the dictum of our Holy Prophet, “Seek
for Wisdom, even as far as China.”
You will excuse me at this time if I do not write further. There is so much
on the agenda and now with at least three doors opening, it is very hard to
keep in close contact with any person. These three doors are: presenting the
spiritual life to the young; expanding one’s geographical efforts (which
would include a visit to Ithaca); and extending cooperation to and for “the
Temple of Understanding.”
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
April 20, 1970
Beloved One of Allah:
Asalaam-aleikhum. It may seem very unfair to you for us to be in Boston and
not stop at Ithaca on our way toward San Francisco. Sometimes there are reasons
and sometimes there is something greater than reason. The chief reasons are:
that arrangements had already been made for our coming here; we are being amply
compensated, being given room, board and parts of the collections at the
meetings; and substantial plans have already been made to provide for Murshid
when and if he comes again. He has also had to see relatives, but is not
completing that function.
Of minor importance are some private matters of business important to
Murshid personally. Mostly in connection with his private professions.
But undoubtedly, there are greater reasons than these which are unknown to
the personality. Two of these have already been made evident. One of these has
been our meeting with a remarkable character of the nature which I believe is
called ghaib. He is a highly spiritually developed man of mixed
extraction. Mostly of Negro races. With a very complicated background. He has a
remarkable knowledge of herbs and natural medicine. He also has highly
developed insight into human nature and used it. He does these things without
compensation, in the meanwhile earning his livelihood as an automotive
mechanic. But along with this he seems to have a highly developed moral and
spiritual nature. He feeds people at no cost to themselves and does other
things of this kind. We expect to see him again seen, inshallah.
Our host is one Richard Harvey. Among other things he owns and operates a
bookstore which sells chiefly occult and mystical books. He hardly entered his
store when Mansur found a 4 volume edition of the Hadis in English. We knew
immediately that that was the real reason for our coming to Boston. These books
and others will be shipped shortly to San Francisco.
We expect to return to the West Saturday morning, inshallah. It is
absolutely necessary for legal and financial reasons. Already a blockage has
been made, and the longer we delay the worse this shall be. But if our attorney
gets full information and authority, it would release murshid and enable him to
travel wherever Allah wills. Too many people are beguiled by the phrase,
“Leave it to Allah.” And it doesn’t turn out that way.
One of our best experiences in London was to meet the Imam of the Mosque
there. He is a friend of Dr. Nasr, a very beautiful soul. We did not go to the
mosque at Woking, which is under the direction of one Mohammed Tufail. This
institution his long been famous and the Imam has been very successful in
making friends with many important English persons and institutions. He is
generally regarded as the spokesman for Islam, although he is an Amadea.
We are not so much concerned with opposing the Amadeas as with supporting
the Imam at the London mosque. This man was a friend of the Jinnis but he has
carried on his career in such a manner, he is also called “uncle” by Mrs.
Gandhi.
I am also concerned for the London mosque because there is a real
persecution of Pakistanis in that great city. It is too bad that the newspapers
of Pakistan have been yelling sometimes rightly, sometimes falsely, about the
persecution of Muslims in India and elsewhere. But here we have a case of
actual persecutions going on—actual mayhem, personality attacks, brutalities.
This shows the falseness of our whole culture, that the people respond only
when the press makes headlines.
We also took this matter up with a cultural attaché at the office the High
Commissioner. Fortunately for us he is a friend of Pir Dewwal Sherif and his
Pakistani home is in Islamabad. But this is a matter we will take up letter
after we get all our immediate business out of the way.
We have had no mail forwarded and especially have not wished to be disturbed
on account of the above legal and family matters. I hope you will understand
that the only way we can help you financially is to see our affair through
successfully. Murshid had to borrow heavily for this trip. It has been worth
it. This indebtedness will either be a burden or an ease, accordingly as we
take matters into our own hands and to nothing in blind trust.
With all love and blessings to aunty Bibijan and yourself, and assuring you
we will take up later the matter of a mutual meeting as soon as the immediate
matters are properly handled.
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
April 26, 1970
My most reverend Pir–o-Murshid,
As salaam aleikhum. You must be back in San Francisco. Saadia has been
receiving all your letters but has not replied to them, which is due to several
reasons. May Allah be with her always. Amin!
We called you and Zeynab received the call and told us that you left for
Europe a few hours ago. We are overjoyed to hear that you are coming to visit
us in the near future. I am impatiently waiting to get this opportunity after
about nine years and get your blessings. I have been doing the Wazifas
regularly and felt as if I was under your search light. Praise be to Allah Who
has given us a Murshid who is a real saint. Alhamdu lillah.
Murshid, I know that your affection for Saadia is deeper than a father for
his daughter. She is your spiritual daughter and whatever you decide for her
will be the best for her. I am picking up courage to say something only because
you wrote in one of your letters that you will bring one of your favorite
disciples as a proposal. You had mentioned that you will leave it to me for the
final decision, if you had said that you had already made a decision and were
bringing him along with you for an engagement ceremony. I would have accepted
him as the best match for Saadia without giving a second thought; but since you
have left it to me, let me tell you that a very strange thing has happened here
contrary to my wish and expectation. Kashf has operated and while I was awake a
voice clearly said “Give Khawar’s hand in marriage to George.” After that
there were many signs approving the marriage. So when George came to me and
asked for Khawar’s hand I agreed without consulting anybody. I would have
called you to seek your advice. But you were away in Europe and I did not know
your address. As things stand now, I think it would be better if your disciple
Mansur does not come along with you here and is not given any assurance, but I
would request you to come here whenever you find it convenient so that you as a
spiritual father may put the engagement rings on Saadia and Atta’s fingers;
for as you know according to Islamic law a girl and a boy do not touch each
other until they are pronounced as husband and wife in the name of Allah.
I have mentioned the name Attaullah. This is the spiritual name of George as
it came out in the Holy Qur’an. The name means gift of God. I will tell you
the details of all the signs and Atta’s intense desire to marry Saadia on
meeting you.
I must also tell you that the proposal in Pakistan of the C.S.P. man is now
refused through my sister.
Before I close I must request you to consider Atta as your spiritual son
just as you consider Saadia as your spiritual daughter.
Wasalam.
Yours,
Bibijan
PS. This letter has been typed and mailed by George.
Bibijan
April 29, 1970
Beloved One of Allah: As-salaam-aleikhum!
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds. The coming into
manifestation of the fulfillment of the Darood-practices assigned by Hazrat
Sufi Barkat Ali has been so universal that it seemed impossible for any
negative circumstances to continue. Your letter of the 26th arrived almost
immediately after Murshid had dictated the letter enclosed which has some of
the latest news.
In addition to that one has had a new type of difficulty—bursting into
prayers because of the wonderful achievements of so many mureeds. Now this is
becoming so common that Murshid must accept this as a now type of norm.
I feel absolutely in agreement with you on everything you have written. My
program is taken up until the end of June unless there is an emergency. Right
now in the midst of other complications as explained in the letter to Khawar,
we are preparing for the wedding of Vashti and Shibley, two disciples young in
age but long in Bayat. On this occasion also Murshid may be called upon to act
as the father of the bride, to give the bride away. One feels like each
marriage must be taken seriously and not rushed from ceremony to ceremony as if
one were a professional prelate. But each marriage should be considered as a
holy undertaking.
After this marriage between Vashti and Shibley, it will be necessary to
consider Zeynab’s marriage here. In this case it is even more important that
one act as the father of the bride. Unfortunately neither Zeynab’s real
father nor her stepfather have shown proper interest in her. If either one does
or did then Murshid could step aside, but this has not happened yet.
Then Murshid is under contract to be in the state of New Mexico for the
whole month of June unless there is a terrific emergency.
One accepts wholeheartedly the name Attaullah. It seems that the disciples
here have been adopting Qur’anic names right and left, especially for their
newborn children, and often without consulting Murshid. This is acceptable and
accepted because Kashf is more real than personality.
As for Mansur, something wonderful has been happening in his life and there
is no problem anymore.
In the name of Allah the Merciful the Compassionate, as Murshid in the
Chisti-Sabria and as Khalif in the Chisti-Khidri and Kadri Schools, I declare
that Attaullah is now and henceforth my spiritual son. This does not bind him
to become my mureed, but it does impose the obligation of ultimately having
Bayat in some spiritual order through his own awakening and from his own vision
and faith.
One should like to know how long you will stay in Ithaca. It will be
necessary to visit the Eastern seaboard in October, let us say. Ithaca could be
visited before that. Or in an emergency one could come to facilitate and
promote the marriage, either in the form of a pledge or final ceremonial. I am
no longer troubled about expenses, but I am very much involved in time
processes. So while Blessing is given and assent, I shall have to know more
about what time would be convenient and also how long you remain in Ithaca.
No doubt this letter is not final. One has as you can see in the letter to
Khawar, a multitude of details. Even at this writing there are three different
projects going on this afternoon for Murshid, all quite different. It is
fortunate that as secretary Wali Ali came up from San Francisco so there will
be no problem about performance.
As soon as the Vashti-Shibley wedding is accomplished more attention will be
given to this inwardly as well as outwardly.
Love and Blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
April 29, 1970
Miss Saadia Khawar Khan Ithaca, New York
Beloved One of Allah: Asalaam-aleikhum.
One of the definitions Hazrat Inayat Khan gave for a Sufi was that he could
see from the point of view of another as well as from himself. It is not always
so easy to recognize the points of view of others. Nor is it always easy to
fulfill one’s material obligations, moral standards, and what others think
should be one’s mode of life. Many failures come because persons confuse
operations of and at different levels. The greatest confusion no doubt comes
from “leaving it to Allah.” It is equally certain that neither among
Muslims nor non-Muslims is there resulting satisfaction. There is some
agreement, of course, of blaming it on Iblis. When this is done one is positing
a power other than Allah to which this person does not assent, not at all.
Therefore, he sometimes loses friendships and consideration, because he does
not see evils other than those from nufs.
This subject will be taken up again shortly in a letter or may be more than
one letter to or for Dr. Nasr. He cannot have it both ways, that Allah is with
us and we have troubles, and then blame it at all. In his inner visions this
person has seen nothing but clear light. He is sure that many will deny this.
He is equally sure that many will affirm that this light came from Iblis and
not from Allah.
This makes it very difficult to share one’s wisdom, one’s insight, and
now one’s material gains.
Both vision and insight counseled an early return home. For the moment,
one’s immediate private financial affairs look very satisfactory. But this is
not true, this is far from true from those of the family. Deaths, divorce, and
illness have left this person the only male excepting for an aged uncle, who is
92. The doctors and lawyers have been taking full advantage of deplorable
situations caused by a brother who has for years been willfully negligent. One
is therefore almost compelled either to battle for the women of the family, or
to see them impoverished by the machinations of others.
Now this person has felt that there have been lessons in the private affairs
of both yourself and your wonderful aunt. He has been warned and forewarned
again and again that not only are such matters wrong, but that they should not
happens again, if possible. Yet the situations of my various cousins is
identically the same as of your own family affairs. The chief difference is
that whereas in your case the people who took advantage were called
“Muslims.” In my families’ affairs the most guilty ones were Zionists.
The situations were very similar: people esteeming themselves as religious
and pious took every advantage of the defenseless. Mohammed has said, “The
laws of Allah may abrogate my laws, but my laws can never abrogate the laws of
Allah.” The Christian Bible distinctly and definitely states that true
religion consists of looking after the widow and orphan in their needs. It is
obvious that the “true” religion called Islam has far over-emphasized other
matters. It is equally true that non-religions people and politically minded
people have no such scruples. Your Murshid is not going into that. Following
Mohammed your Murshid accepts the actual scriptures given before him, and in
his heart and consciousness feels absolutely bound to defend first of all the
exposed women who are his kinfolk. And in this, although he cannot immediately
help either you or Bibijan, in principle, he is doing just that.
I repeat the words of the Christian Bible, which Muslims do apparently not
have to accept, “True religion and undefiled consists in assisting the widow
and orphan in their need and keeping one’s heart unspotted before the
world.”
Now all other matters, Alhamdu Lillah, are in wonderful shape. One was
greeted by a crowd of young people. One is getting hundreds of Americans,
mostly young, to repeat: “Allah.” One is receiving more and more dances and
chants based chiefly on the repetition of Allah and the more commonly repeated
sacred phrases. Not only that but one finds almost like a wild fire that
one’s disciples are now receiving dances and chants, mostly based on:
Allah and Alhamdu Lillah. One’s disciples are repeating these
phrases more and more without any urgings. But they are not doing it in accord
with certain advocates of orthodoxy who are often equally even more
practitioners of hypocrisy.
One not only has faith in Allah; one sees, actually sees Allah as the light
of the heavens, the inner planes, as well as of the world. The loved one feels,
the compassion one omits is being reflected back to him. There is such a
contrast in the affairs both of public and of private life. In one sense an
almost divine wisdom seems to exude from the personality along with the
Baraka.
Tonight one has one’s first public meeting, and next week, inshallah,
there is to be a lecture reporting what has happened, at Geneva especially. We
have now world contacts, but more especially, important contacts within the
United States. It is going to be necessary to visit the State of New Mexico in
June, inshallah. It is going to be necessary to travel to a greater extent
after that.
Apparently Allah, to whom be all praise, favors such movements. One has seen
them by kashf and shahud. In our going to Boston, surprisingly, instead of this
being an expense, it proved to be a sort of revenue, and we should be visiting
there again. But there are many other places in this country, especially in the
West and Northeast. Therefore, one wishes to know exactly what your plans are.
One certainly does not depend any longer on any financial aid from you. No
doubt it will take about 3 months to pay off my immediate indebtedness, but
that will become very unimportant. Much more important are proper time and
space arrangements.
One has now about 100 disciples and candidates for discipleship. One has
before him the problem of organization; of heart consideration for each and
all; and one does not forget you a single moment, although in this mass of
detail it may seem to be so. One cannot pray for each and all. There is no such
time; there is no such duty demanded in religious teachings. There is, however,
a transcendent method the use of which has been eminently successful. It almost
shocked Professor Nasr. The methods of Mujahida and Mushahida are
of the highest nature and importance to this person. One is not in the
slightest concerned with any negative reactions from anybody. In the university
you do not have to be repeating constantly your grade school lessons.
Methods and measures needed to control savage illiterates have been
formulated into compulsions by pious persons. The simple fact one came upon
unexpectedly the four volumes of Al-Hadis in English corroborates that one is
under divine guidance. This is outer evidence. The inner evidence is even
stronger, although one is very far from the Islamic world with its multitudes
of uncalled for compulsions.
La Illaha El Il Allah means just that. The very persons who oft
repeat, “Allah has no partners,” have not only made Shariyat a partner to
Allah but many other things, including quite unconsciously hosts of
compulsions. If these worked, if they brought peace and solace and
satisfaction, that would be wonderful. But something is missing, something is
terribly missing, that is Allah Himself and his Rahmat most, above
all.
One cannot over emphasize this. One feels your every pain. One feels your
every need. It may be possible that the doctor has the medicine after all. But
here one is very forceful in trying to communicate his Rahmat, and in all love
and reverence awaits any communication from you,
Love and Blessings,
Your Murshid
PS Within the week we shall be writing Dr. Nasr in several matters and you
will be getting copies.
Ithaca, NY
May 19, 1970
My Most Reverend Pir-o Murshid,
Asalaam Aleikhum!
My joy knew no bounds to learn that you have approved of Saadia’s marriage
to Attaullaha, a lover of Muhammad and son of Islam. Alhamdulillah. I strongly
feel of Kashf that their marriage is not only made in heaven but celebrated in
heaven. Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah.
Under the circumstances, I would be grateful if you would come to Ithaca
after your return from Mexico in order to perform the engagement ceremony.
Inshallah, I will let you know the dates ahead of time. I would like the
ceremony to be in July.
As you understand, there will be a strong opposition to this marriage as
Attaullaha is an American and not a born Muslim. As such, I am keeping this
secret until Attauallaha and I are in Pakistan. I will break this news by
saying that our Murshid has found a man for Khawar. I shall remind my people of
your words which you uttered when I went to you seeking your advice about
Khawar’s marriage with Muzaffar, that C.S.P. who was the son of Prof. Qadin
who taught philosophy to Saadia. You said, “Bibijan, do not worry; for her a
spiritual man.” I asked how will she meet a spiritual man. You said they will
not meet socially, but spiritually. Khawar’s wedding with Atta is purely
spiritualﾀ??a realization of your words.
I will remind my family of your words, “Bibijan, I will send a spiritual
man for Saadia.” In such a way I will tell my family that Atta was
recommended by you, and then I also did the istakhara and had a voice say
“Give Khawar’s hand to this man,” and so considering Allah’s voice I
made no enquiries as I used to do in connection with other proposals.
So please don’t mention anything to anyone in Pakistan until I am in
Pakistan, for they are likely to misinterpret; particularly Mr. Ahmad’s wife
and such other people.
Khawar has not written to you as yet. She is busy with preparations for her
exams. She will be writing to you soon.
Atta is very happy at having been accepted by you as your spiritual son. He
sends his regards and Salams and will soon write to you.
With Salam from Atta, Saadia, and myself,
Bibijan
May 23, 1970
Bibijan
215 Fall Creek Dr. Ithaca, N.Y. 14850
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam-aleikhum! One appreciates your letter of May 19, but you will have
to understand my point of view. I have been through a great many things
recently, none of them tragedies, alhamdu-lillah! but all of them taking up
time and energy, and sometimes this person is so tired he can do nothing but
sleep.
Much of this news has been sent in the letter to our good friend Shamsuddin
Ahmed in Lahore. You will find a copy. But nothing is mentioned here about
Khawar. It is not only that you do not wish this matter taken up. It is also
that there are other matters to be considered, and it is impossible for me to
write on many subjects.
Next week Mansur and Murshid leave for the state of New Mexico. We do not
know how long we shall be gone. We hope to be back by the 5th of July. Then
there will be other things to consider. My financial affairs have not gone so
well as others would like. They have gone well for me alone as an individual,
but not for obligations. But neither can it be said, they have gone along badly
either; they seem to be going along as Allah wills.
This is a large country. I have neither the time nor the money to be
travelling incessantly. There is only one way for me to prepare for another
trip, and that is to earn, and I cannot be earning and travelling at the same
time. Although my affairs are financially in a marvelous state compared to what
they were in the past, it also is—not maybe but is, that Allah has certain
obligations for me, chief of which is to try to promote peace in the Near East,
and this cannot be done if one is constantly on the go. True, I have a plan
before me for visiting some Eastern states later in the year. The only way it
would be possible for me to travel before then, would be for you to supply the
funds. I am not asking this, but of my own self, and my own resources, it is
impossible to make any more journeys until I replenish may coffers and also
arrange for the tutelage of an ever-growing number of young Americans, here and
elsewhere.
I am totally satisfied with your spiritual reports. I accept them
wholeheartedly. There is nothing but love and good will emanating from my
person, and I pray also that Allah will be extending His Divine Baraka.
Yes, there is nothing but love and blessing also between Murshid and Atta.
If you feel between your good selves and him that you could send me money for a
special trip to Ithaca I should accept it, but I am not demanding it. There is
too much now in both my public and private lives. I cannot even tell you what
is coming next and do not wish to look.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
Box 444,
San Cristobal, N.M. 87564
June 8, 1970
Saadia Khawar Khan Ithaca, New York
Beloved One of God:
Asalaam Aleikhum! You will find enclosed a copy of a letter to our good
friend Shamsuddin Ahmed of Lahore. I am sending a copy of that letter to Sufi
Pir Salarwala. I understand he may be writing to me.
In the same mail I received a letter from one Keewatin Dowdney. He says he
will be seeing you on June 27th and 8th. This will save me the problem of
writing to him for I am very, very much over-worked—nothing bad, that is the
way things are.
As you can read, Sunday was the first day that any young Americans ever made
a pilgrimage to me and now tomorrow, inshallah I have to meet many more.
I differ from Brother Shamsuddin and could be wrong but I am not disturbed
by the turmoil of the world. Circumstances or maybe it is the will of Allah
have provoked increase of followers and a continually but slow steady increase
in income. When I asked Allah in meditation, he said I must complete my
programs and then think of going to Pakistan—but my programs are very great.
I met many of the world’s leaders at Geneva and am now receiving respectful
answers to my correspondence.
I do not know my schedule beyond July 11th when two of my disciples, Shirin
and Jelal-ed-din—I believe you have met them both—are to be married.
As matters stand Pir Vilayat does not seem to be interested in establishing
a working center at this time. But he has furnished me with the assistance I
need, and this in turn while clarifying my pictures, gives another increase in
quantitative duties. I am accepting these for the cause of Allah.
Mansur and I are trying to coordinate our separate visits to the East Coast.
But the interference of Ralph Silver, Nancy’s husband, has thrown a number of
unnecessary hazards in our way. Here I must trust in Allah absolutely. I am
trying to get people to repeat Allah. This has been, is being filmed. But Ralph
has been successful so far in making a personal commercial venture out of it
for which he is highly paid but adding nothing to the spiritual programs which
the world needs. Here I guess I must repeat more Allaho Akbar.
Love and Blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
July 10, 1970
Beloved One of God:
Asalaam Aleikhum. Your murshid returned dizzy for quite a number of
unconnected causes:
a. Having lived at 9,000 feet in a sort of nathagalli one did not
immediately adjust to sea level breathing.
b. There was a pileup of bills and correspondence, nothing problematical
other than they all needed attention.
c. We brought back the problem of Sufism in this land and have written to
the New York Times without any feeling one way or the other of their giving it
any consideration.
d. Pir Vilayat’s camp was quite successful but brought a large number of
persons to this vicinity who are now looking for further spiritual guidance to
this person.
e. Pir Vilayat also left some of his father’s sacred writings to this
person for proper distribution.
f. Quite independent of all these was the number of young people who have
been attracted toward Sufism chiefly because of the efforts of Pir Vilayat and
other faithful disciples.
g. It is now necessary for Nakib Daniel Lomax, who has been a faithful
shepherd, to be transferred to the Southwest where there is a great growing
interest in spiritual matters, and, of course, the need for a teacher. Alhamdu
Lillah his material needs will be handled by a rather wealthy new disciple in
tasawwuf.
The above is far from mentioning or describing many new outlooks, problems
and opportunities.
A cursory inquiry indicates it will take at least $600 to begin with for a
joint tour of Mansur and myself. Fortunately more and more mureeds are
realizing that their old teacher has taken upon himself responsibilities and
costs. Many of them are now, Praise to Allah, much better financial
circumstances are seriously considering taking some of these weights from him.
How this is to be done will be determined in his absence which is quite proper
and most welcome.
On July 5th at the celebration of Hazrat Inayat Khan’s birthday we put on
the first version of the Rose dance, dedicated to Abdul Kadiri Jilani. Then
Wednesday night one suddenly found a young Algerian girl in the audience. On
closer inquiry we learned that her grandfather had been a Murshid of the Kadiri
Order, so we again put on the Rose dance with a most marvelous and beautiful
response; she became so enthused that she has taken up temporary residence with
Sheik Amin Quance.
I then related to her the tradition of friendships between Chistis and
Kadiris and told her a number of stories from my own life.
Tomorrow morning disciple Jelal-ed-din Cave and Shirin Boyle are being
married and much tamasha is being promised. Shirin is away at a graduate
ceramic school and when she returns the kiln here at the Garden of Inayat
should be in operation.
But so much is now in operation, so many new mureeds, so much better
financial potentialities, inshallah, we are actually looking toward a new
Khankah.
The plans are still, inshallah, to go east in the autumn, provided we can
clear up some of the mountains of work here; but this Murshid is now in
excellent physical and mental health, Alhamdu Lillah!
Love and blessings to you all,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
July 21, 1970
Bibijan
Atta-ullah
Saadia
215 Fall Creek Dr. Ithaca, NY 14850
Beloved Ones of Allah:
As-Salaam-Aleikhum!
I wish to thank you for your several letters. I must ask you to if the reply
is not entirely clear. You will find a copy of a letter just received from
Shamsuddin in Lahore and also the answer, but I am not sending him or anybody
copies of this correspondence. It is only due to Allah’s Grace that I am
managing to keep well. I have not had a day off since returning from New Mexico
and it is only a warning sign that may make it possible or imperative to do
this. The number of emergencies and problems are stupendously overwhelming,
complicated by the fact that today, Alhamdu Lillah!, most of these efforts are
successful.
The simple fact is that the holy men in Pakistan either directed or
predicted a return to this land to get people to say “Allah.” This
is become simple and easy, but the methods are not the methods of Tablighis.
They are successful in a way as penicillin is successful in some ways. Mohammed
was sent by Allah to ignorant, vicious Arabs with the Message needed to correct
and cure them. The people of the United States are not ignorant, especially the
young. Nor are they vicious in the manner “people of darkness” were in
Arabia during the 5th and 6th Christian centuries. But one thing is sure, that
Allah is er-Rahman and er-Rahim, and I have no time to try and convince the
orthodox, of this. People have been responding in small numbers, and note it is
getting to be by the hundreds. And during this time I have been limited to my
small resources and trying to maintain a home. The resources are now in much
better shape, praise to Allah, but home problems are not entirely solved.
There is one thing for sure. That a large number of mureeds are becoming
serious adults, serious and intelligent. We have a prayer, “May the Message
of God reach far and wide.” That is happening. It is happening in ways Allah
permits. I do not believe there is a power or might save in Allah, and I do not
care what the attitudes of politicians are, and am not disturbed by events on
the world’s surface.
But one thing is sure at this writing—that is that Murshid is unsure.
Theoretically one should be ready to travel after the date of 13 September,
which was the Hejirat Day of Hazrat Inayat Khan. It is certainly definite that
one must appear in the Eastern states. It is quite indefinite as to what
one’s material resources will be. I may have to cancel a debt at the cost of
some savings, but this is a financial problem only. The real problems are those
of time, space, and dealing with human beings, and these are increasing but not
annoying. So I beg you to grant me a month at least before a final decision.
When you consider also the terrific problems which one is facing, such as
trying to bring peace in Palestine, the very problem which may bring me to the
Eastern seaboard, I beg your indulgence regarding any travel answer. I have
just refused a call to go to Colorado. Then they offered money, but I do not
have the time. There are increasing number of so-called “Holy Man’s
Jamborees” in this land and they are all looking more to “Sufi Sam”
without consulting. Perhaps this is Allah’s Will.
In any event, please let me know exactly what your travel plans are, if you
go from Ithaca to New York, or any alternative, before flying home.
Bibijan must not be disturbed over “my” plans. One has to listen to the
Divine Voice at every moment. The only problem is whether we will meet in
Ithaca or in New York City.
I must differ from you on one point, and wish to make it clear. Saadia
writes that Babaji Salarwala seems very happy over her spiritual growth. I
agree entirely with the Saint, and see nothing to be ashamed about in anything.
We are always looking not for perfection but for super-perfection in ourselves
and others. Nor am I concerned about spiritual retreats. So many people want
spiritual retreats away from society as if to be in society was to be away from
Allah. I do not assent. The very word Medina indicates that Allah may wish His
Messengers to be in the midst of society. I am having this problem here. My
disciples wish to remove to Marin County, which is very beautiful, and the
great accomplishments and inspirations come in San Francisco. I am thoroughly
satisfied, indeed entirely pleased, with Saadia’s attitude.
Last night we had a preliminary meeting about opening up higher stages and
higher practices of spiritual development. The world is full of, and this
country is being invaded by Dajjals. Emotions, not enlightenment, is
increasing. My name was coupled today in the newspaper with a Hindu who has a
very complex knowledge of the English language, more profound than my own.
There his profundity stops. But this sort of thing has been going on, and I
stand firmly by the philosophy and policies of our very dear friend and
colleague Dr. Seyd Hussein Nasr.
At this writing, not only have there been strong requests to go severally to
England, Switzerland, Israel, India, and Korea, but some of them have been
backed by offers of financial aid, and all of these to a man, a rather mature
man, who has not had a day off in months, and the number of whose followers is
continually increasing.
Everything else you have written pleases me immensely. Make no mistake about
it. I feel the Divine Blessings, the Baraka, in everything you have done, are
doing. And with a change of attitude on the part of so many loving mureeds, and
with new policies thus presented yesterday, it may be possible within a month,
inshallah, to write with determination and certainty.
All Love and Blessings,
Murshid
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Aug. 11, 1970
Miss Saadia Khawar Khan
215 Fall Creek Dr.
Ithaca, N.Y. 14850
Beloved One of Allah:
As-Salaam-Aleikhum!
Things are happening here so rapidly that we are dizzy. You will find a copy
of a letter written to Shamsuddin. I have just spoken to Ralph, Nancy’s
husband. He tells me he is going to Teheran very shortly to meet Pir Vilayat.
This will probably mean Dr. Nasr also. They are then to go to Ajmer and New
Delhi. But Ralph says by caravan, and this should mean they are visiting
Peshawar, ‘Pindi, and Lahore. I am therefore wondering whether you would want
to have Ralph have any introductions other than to Prof. Durrani, Mr. Engineer,
etc., etc. This is all very sudden.
This is all very sudden when the pressures of events are compelling me to
give up any idea of taking time off. Tomorrow my fourth dancing class, with
indications of another one. So many invitations to give lectures on Sufism that
Wali Ali has to fill in. Khalif Moineddin is just now recovering from illness.
Khalif Akbar is opening up doors for me as fast as possible. Just after the
University of Southern California wants me to visit them to lecture on Sufism,
the department of Philosophy in Berkeley is now asking for the same thing.
In the meanwhile, I am trying to establish a scholarship, one or more, at
the Dept. of Near East Languages in Berkeley. My own financial affairs compel
some forms of zakat. Everything is proceeding beautifully excepting too many
things for too few people. Yesterday alone brought so many requests for Bayat I
cannot tell you.
All signs are that we are going to be able, inshallah, to have funds to
come. At this writing it would appear that secretary Mansur will not be coming
because he also has a job, with the same undertaking that will involve Ralph,
but Mansur must remain here. There is a new secretary here in San Francisco
whose name is Joan—she will probably be given a spiritual name shortly. She
tells me she has her own car in New York, so I think we will fly there,
inshallah, and then can visit Ithaca, Washington, and New England, which would
mean you would be getting first time preference, if this can be arranged.
Although I have not the money yet, Kashf indicates it will come, and there are
now several enterprising young men who tell me they want to raise funds for our
spiritual work. Ralph above has been very successful financially; what he needs
are introductions.
I am also hoping to visit the Pakistani Consulate today. I understand
dancing is not too much recognized officially in certain quarters. When I was
living at Abbottabad the most successful cinema film was one showing European
dancing at night. If European dancing can be so successful commercially why not
films of Dervish Dances? Why not films in praise of Allah? Why not films
demonstrating Tasawwuf?
In any case we expect to film Urs at Ajmer, and all the work and affairs of
Nizam-ud-din Auliya. I shall be mailing this before seeing Ralph who will visit
the Khankah Thursday morning. If life is full of work, it is also full of
delight. There is not a dull moment. There is not a moment not dedicated to
Allah. There is not a moment in which we cannot praise Allah.
I do not know how clear this is. We have still the very practical thing of
raising the money for our trip.
Love and Blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif. 94110
21st August, 1970
Miss Saadia Khawar Khan
215 Fall Creek Drive, Ithaca, N. Y. 14850
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. In sending this greeting one hopes you also can
understand its deeper meaning. We have a greeting dance here which goes:
As-salaam aleikhum, as-salaam aleikhum, as-salaam aleikhum La Illaha El
Il Allah.
We greet, but in whose Name do we really greet? The Hebrews say: “Shalom
Aleichem” and people are killing each other in the Name of the same Deity,
but what is it? If we really surrender to the Will of Allah we find ourselves
in a totally different transcendent cosmos. Once the Khalandar, Ali Mastana
whose home is in Abbottabad but who often lives with his family in ‘Pindi saw
my full person and mission—it has turned out that way anyhow. Then, after
denouncing Golra Shereef he took me there. It was strange because that night I
had had a visit with this Pir and when we went there everything happened as in
the vision. The Pir dismissed everybody and gave a prediction which has proved
to be absolutely correct, correct now to details.
This life is spent at several levels of consciousness: fana-fi-Sheikh;
fana-fi-Rassoul; fana-fi-lillah. Praise or blame does not affect, things happen
that way. The conscious initiation into fana-fi-lillah came when this person
was flat on his back in the hospital in 1967. Everything has happened
that way, the growth of work, mission, followers, opportunities. It was
beautiful to go from six to thirty disciples; then it was not difficult from 30
to 60. Then 60 to 100 but the visions showed a great break-through and this has
come. And this one is but a single nufs with a body of limitation and a mind of
limitation but with a mission beyond limitation, inshallah.
This person differs from many “orthodox” interpretations of Islam. He
has become the wearer of the robes offered physically by Pir Barkat Ali but
offered previously, the same “robe” by Amir Khusrau, Moin-ed-din Chisti and
Khizr himself. One may argue against this or denounce this person but the
events go on, go on as Allah Himself wishes. And also in this one has become
the incarnation of the four Dharania presented by Sufi Sahib.
Despite the Holy Qur’an most Muslims have made also first Mohammed and
then Sharia the partners of Allah. They will say “No” and they will act
“Yes.” Mohammed, from whom be peace, said that all children are born
Muslims but their parents and society change this. He did not say we were born
with a knowledge of Sharia and that if we broke Sharia we would be condemned to
Jinnah. He said: “Bismillah Er-Rahman Er-Rahim. And we verbalize, we do not
realize. This person repeats and then strives for realization.
Isa said: “He that believes in me, the things that I do he will also do
and greater things than these will he do.” Mohammed said, “I am a man, a
man like yourselves.” But Christians do not accept what Isa taught and
Muslims do not accept what Mecca Shereef taught. Only in this Allah is the
Master of the Day of Judgment although most Christians and Muslims (so called)
make themselves the determinizers of the day of judgment.
Mohammed who is verbalized as Khatimal Mursaleen, verbalized but not
followed, said: “My words can never abrogate the words of Allah but the words
of Allah can abrogate my words.” Moses said that Allah created all mankind in
His Image and I see nothing in Mohammed that has changed that and I am for all
scripture where the teachings are not definitely changed by Holy Qur’an.
There is a Hadith: “On that day will the sun rise in the West.” There
may be many interpretations of it, but it is possible also, inshallah, that it
refers to this one’s career. Khizr does not bless, nor does Barkat Ali bestow
for the sake of honoring a personality. We now have a new housekeeper here who
has a two-year old son. He is running around all day repeating either “Allaho
Akbar” or some other Wazifa. I think every child born to every disciple has
learned to repeat “Allah” but the traditional “mama” or “papa.”
Yesterday I took a young applicant out for a week and before we had gone far we
were surrounded by American children chanting: “Allahu! Allahu!”
This person has been appointed by Allah, so to speak as Guardian Wali for
the United States of America. Three men who claim high spirituality—and may
have it—all left this country proclaiming that this person was to take over
their spiritual duties and missions. Now one has many, many invitations; long
waiting lists for Bayat; Secretary Daniel has opened a new center in Tucson,
Arizona and immediately twelve people applied for Bayat. One dares not open all
one’s mail. Invitations, invitations. The universities also.
The course of events, with my brother’s death, also increased my income,
but there had been obligations and the burden of the trip to Geneva. One has
had to take a backward step. But Allah has blessed the disciples. They began to
realize and they have had two meetings to help their Murshid. Then Allah
stepped in.
There is a friend who is a leader in what might be called “New Age
Foods.” He sells only natural foods. These young people, indiscriminately
called “Hippies” are buying them. Many of them come from wealthy family.
The business has more than flourished. For a while Moineddin and Hassan worked
for him. But his stores prospered, and more and more. He is opening up another
store and inshallah a restaurant. The incomes have gone up and up. We now have
surpluses at the Garden of Inayat, the Garden of Allah and elsewhere.
Everything is moving and growing so fast. And Allah has shown the bursting of a
dam, that the time has come for the spreading of Divine Teachings in this land
as Pir Golra Shereef (the previous Pir) and others had said. And as Allah has
shown.
One did get two days off. Now one has no time off, none whatever!
The dancing classes impressed others. Pictures were taken by a disciple. He
wished to expand the pictures. He was joined by Mansur who is working full time
in what he wanted as his profession and is leaving the Khankah. This leaves
Murshid with a single secretary when his work is growing excepting for Divine
Grace. Wali Ali is wonderful. He has an assistant, a girl named Joan, and it is
possible, inshallah, that Joan and Murshid will leave for the East Coast as
soon as arrangements can be made. With increased revenue, with the help of
loving disciples and with rapidly increasing audiences, etc. it is not a matter
of money, it is a matter of time.
There are four classes in the Garden of Inayat on Thursday night: One no
longer knows how many classes, but a hundred disciples in this vicinity and
innumerable applicants especially in Arizona, New Mexico and Massachusetts.
Ralph, Nancy’s husband, has been very successful and others have been
successful in raising funds. And what has been the first mission of Ralph?
Alhamdu lillah, he received yesterday his visa for India to go to Urs at Ajmir.
Phillip and Fred have also applied. With all this work and practically no
secretaries one has had to spent time at consulates, travel agencies, etc. The
cause of Allah is the cause of Allah and when we walk one step toward Him he
walks ten steps toward us, actually.
In the year 1946, I believe, there was the opening of the Heavens and a
manifestation of Isa to go to Washington to work for Peace in the Near East.
One went and all the doors opened. There was a single person, a women, who was
in one’s confidence. This women became a “Murshida” and betrayed the plan
and blocked all the doors. She later [?] especially “Sufism Re-Oriented”
which proclaims Dajjal Meher Baba, the Parsi Madzub.
In 1961 one succeeded in the Near East; the Israelis, Egyptians and Saudians
all assented. A single person thought it was the greatest plan he had even
seen. His name: Gunnar Jarring. He is the person now in charge of the peace
negotiations. But it was rejected by the Americans and especially the so-called
“peace societies” and the religious groups.
Now one’s disciples have gone ahead. They have Jewish people cooking a
dinner for Arabs and Palestinians; and next the Arabs have agreed to cook a
dinner for Jews and Christians, including even Palestinian refugees. The news
media don’t like this sort of thing. We go ahead. No politics but Muslims
repeating the Jewish Shema and many other peoples the Kalama. One has gotten
far more people to say: Allah than all the Tablighis combined in this land and
it is growing and growing and growing.
Fana-fi-Sheikh; fana-fi-Rassoul and fana-fi-lillah are realities.
Now I am busy writing all sorts of letters. Yesterday an errand for
Faizeddin Nizami of Hyderabad, Deccan, the Town Planner. If he is not alive,
then for his sons. Phillip Davenport wishes to visit many parts of India and
then to Pakistan. So one has to write Ansar Nasri at Karachi and others.
Joan, the new secretary, had to return home to New York. I did not know it.
When Mansur took his job, she told me she had a car there. So the plan was to
go to New York, inshallah, about September 15 or as soon after as convenient
and then visit Ithaca at a suitable date. But it is impossible to leave the
country. One not only has the three huge projects as above: Sufism, taking
pictures and records of Urs and holy places and helping to bring Peace on a
spiritual basis, but much more as one has from Allah the cure for all the
confusion about Psychedelics.
You may phone here any time reversing the charges: 415-285-5208
Mansur leaves the Khankah and plans to marry Salima Davenport. She has been
divorced from Phillip Davenport who is planning Urs and then Nizam-ed-din
Auliya and later Pakistan. He will have to travel as my representative. Your
“Sister” Nancy gave a dinner recently for Murshid, Phillip and Banefsha who
is in charge of the “Peace” efforts. Everything is growing and moving in
all directions but one cannot leave the United States without Divine Sanction.
Please understand.
Your private affairs are not discussed and I believe this is the first time
for years that a carbon is going to Salarwala concerning matters in which you
are involved.
Love and blessings,
Murshid
PS. Please do not call on Wednesdays. If on Thursday, the Khankah
415-897-5426.
P.S. It has taken some time in meditation and spiritual preparation to start
a “School of Zikr.” Last night, before reading your letter, this School was
started. It’s only elementary. But one has tremendous material both from
Hazrat Inayat Khan and his son, Pir Vilayat. Then there are forms and aspects
of Zikr which have been given to this person.
One used to scorn the Pakistani papers which published, “Islam has the
cure for all ills.” To this person Allah has the cure for all ills. The sin
of the Jewish people is that they have substituted a single Sifat for the Zat
of Allah (or Jehovah) and the so-called Muslims have also substituted a single
Sifat-i-Allah. Mohammed (from Whom be peace) said: “Say: Allah.” He did not
say: “Say: Islam.” Once cannot change multitudes but one can so what is
directed.
In the hal it has been directed that when people have certain diseases the
Messenger comes with certain correctives and curatives. Whatever else be true
the American people have not the same diseases as the illiterate Arabs had.
Therefore the corrective and curative will be different. The esotericism
remains the same.
Last week we were dancing and some Arabs came and watched curiously. When we
performed:
La Illaha El Il Allah (three times)
Mohammedar Rassoul Lillah (twice)
They were satisfied. You don’t stop wars; you don’t even win wars by
formulae without Divine approval.
I do not believe that anything happens, can happen, without Divine approval.
I believe: “Surrender to Allah in times of adversity and praise Him in time
of prosperity.” When adversity comes there is not always surrender. Often the
opposite. Allah is Love, not hatred, not dualism. He created all mankind and
loves His offspring more than a mother loves her children. On this point
Mohammed (from whom be peace) and “Muslims” differ. Besides Mohammed
always said: “Allah knows best,” which does not belong much to historical
Islam, which has become solidified and gone back to ignorance.
It takes a long time to study, meditate and perform all aspects of Zikr.
This is the work Allah wishes this person to do in this country and with His
blessing and guidance it will, it must be done.
Sept. 6, 1970
Miss Saadia Khawar Khan
Bibijan
215 Fall Creek Dr.
Ithaca, N.Y. 14850
Beloved Ones of Allah:
As-Salaam-Aleikhum!
It is impossible, almost, to convey the dramas that are going on here, and
one is enclosing a copy of a letter to a colleague at Ajmer which may throw a
little light on what is going on. At the time of greatest need, one has been
deprived of the services of two noble secretaries. Ignorant people immediately
react emotionally, and it is this type of emotional ignorance that has kept,
will keep, the world in darkness. If we gave up Islam and accepted the religion
of Mohammed we would know that Allah always knows best. We are bound by words,
conventions, and conceits, and do not know it.
Secretary Daniel is in Arizona, and has been totally successful in assisting
the spreading of the Divine Message. Mansur has a full-time job in connection
with the very projects that have grown out of our efforts. He is assisting us
nobly, financially, which will make it possible to have paid successors. The
numbers of invitations, the opportunities, are far beyond one’s capabilities,
but absolutely in accord with the predictions made by many holy men of Islam,
the Islam of the day, not of tradition. For weeks now this Murshid considers it
a fortune to find time to eat and sleep. There is no time for any sort of play,
for any type of pleasure other than spiritual duties and studies, and the works
of carrying on an office and giving instructions to a constantly growing number
of young Americans, and more recently universities.
The chief Khalif, Moineddin, has been exceedingly ill for weeks. His life
energy has ebbed, but the Grace of Allah is quite evident and we feel sure that
Er-Rahman, Er-Rahim, will permit him to function in this world, so we have
nothing but hope, despite occurrences. And in this we have been helped by a
number of Americans, chiefly women of high spiritual development and
attainment.
Now after many years some of our work is being accepted seriously. Efforts
to bring Jews, and Muslims, and Christians together are succeeding beyond our
dreams. This shows that Allah is with us, and not with those people who yell
and yelp Iblis, to every actual accomplishment. Khalif Akbar, who is very
young, has himself had veil after veil lifted. So it often may be that what
Allah wills may be contrary to the proclamations of the divines, the
authorities, and those whom we blindly accept as sources of information.
It is most difficult to arrange a schedule and at the same time it may be
most necessary to visit the East Coast of this country. Yesterday one was
informed that there can be air connections between San Francisco and Ithaca en
route to New York City. But it is almost impossible to make arrangements. It is
almost impossible to make you believe that Murshid has hardly time to eat and
sleep. And it is certainly hardly in accord with the will of Allah that he
abandon this country at the very time when the predictions of so many holy men
are being manifested.
Not only that, three different men who have proclaimed themselves to be
spiritual teachers in this land, have abandoned or are abandoning it to go to
India and all selected Sufi Ahmed Murad to take over their missions. This is
included more and more invitations to visit the East Coast, so it would seem
this is Allah’s will. In addition, a disciple has pointed out it may be
possible to visit Ithaca on the way to New York by TWA. We have no time to look
into these matters at this moment. The calls upon us are stupendous. The amount
of writing and correspondence alone is to the point of utter straining. We are
getting responses; we cannot abandon humanity, and we do not ask much from
others, but there must be some definite time for a meeting, whether it be in
Ithaca, New York, or San Francisco.
This person has had more experience in Hal and Makam in his recent period
than in any other time in life. The same is true of Khalif Akbar. The same is
true of several disciples. It would seem that Allah is always telling us what
He wishes, but we cannot compel others to accept, and have no intention of even
trying. Even at this writing the choral group is meeting. They have created
such wonderful hymns based on the holy phrases of Islam. This astonished a cook
from Morocco when we visited this place and your Murshid had a wonderful
couscous. This has astounded and delighted the Afghans of the Khyber-Pass
restaurant. We are working very closely with them, and inshallah shall visit
them again this week. They are not only in full accord with us, but have given
many disciples proper spiritual names, and like miracles as soon as these names
are given they manifest in the daily life and habits and events.
Now one must have dates—where you will be, and what. It is impossible to
change one’s patterns of life at this time. Everything has been fore-visioned
but now always believed. It is not easy to be a Murshid of a hundred persons
and also to have to act like father, mother and grandparent, but wherever we
have sent disciples, even new ones, they have been totally successful, like
miracles.
We are going to have a religion which is religion and not custom, not law,
not restriction, but the development and manifestation of Kashf in everyone’s
life, inshallah, and with it Ishk Allah Mahbood Lillah.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
September 7, 1970
Beloved One of Allah:
You will please excuse your Murshid for sending this letter, but this is the
anniversary of the departure of my first Pir-o-Murshid, Hazrat Inayat Khan,
leaving the then India for the Western world. There will be at least two large
air-mail letters sent to you shortly, one containing lessons and the other
copied of the essay on the reconstruction of Islamic Philosophy.
In those envelopes are also some interpretations your Murshid has given to
some aspects of tasawwuf which do not always appear in books. There are forms
of Ryazat given in “The Sufi Message of Spiritual Liberty” and other forms
which appear in ‘Awarif al-Ma’arif of Sheikh Suhrawardi. In some, various
ones also find other forms of Ryazat. But although you get some inkling of
Mushahida in “Kashf-al-Mahjub,” the instructions in Mushahida and Mujahida
have never been written in a scientific” fashion, but given to mureeds.
Originally Hazrat Inayat Khan also modernized Zikr instructions but of
these, instructions were either lost or taken by people who treasured them as
if they had some secret and used that for personal power. So Zikr has not been
used much in the western world.
When your Murshid returns to the Orient, he hopes to give some scientific
forms of Zikr. Compared to Arabs, the Chistis go much further in the line of
music, but the Naqshibandis do not use it at all. Westerners have contrasted
the “Whirling” Dervishes, the Mevlevis, with the “Howling” Dervishes,
the Rifa’i. This is not correct. Both schools stress Love. Whether one
can have a complete synthetic or eclectic form of tasawwuf I do not know. But
the semi-independent methods of various schools may not fit the people of
modern education. It does not mean any change in Shariat or Tarikat, just the
systematization. However, as your Murshid would have it, these systematizations
would keep one even closer to Azan and Fateha.
It has become absolutely incumbent on your Murshid to change his programs,
and this will make it most difficult to do research or clerical work excepting,
a) Allah vouchsafes it; b) Financial consideration operates.
According to the papers, conditions are worse and worse in parts of Asia,
and human beings do not accept “solutions” offered by strangers. This is
very contrary to the principle that Allah is All-Beneficent, All-Merciful. He
never wishes humans to suffer from anything but people often will not accept
any kind of help or advice from strangers, forgetting that Allah is the Creator
of All humanity and Lord of All worlds, and not just necessarily the area of
our friends and devotional brethren.
There are rumors here of some young men wishing to study with me and they
must also be given attention and help. There are not many disciples in tasawwuf
left in the United States but they also need consideration.
It is also necessary to retrace many steps caused by your earlier requests
for information about coming here, and also concerning your Urdu book. As there
is a new semester, it will be necessary to find time and at present, there is
no time to think about your work. Or if Mr. Shah remains on the campus, some
important developments may ensue, which also must be traced. This man has some
knowledge of Sufism.
My paycheck comes this week and then I can send the mail, which is rather
expensive for me at this time. One regrets having to write this, but more
important is the internal and external Sama.
Love and blessings.
Saadia
September 10, 1970
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. This will confirm our telephonic conversation.
Religionists say, say, say “Thy will be done,” “I surrender to Thee, O
Allah.” But even the best of Muslims refuse to accept what the Divine
Messenger said “Allah always has His representative on earth.” There is one
thing all good-Muslims agree on and that is to yell “Iblis” to anyone who
claims to be a representative of Allah.
There is a vast difference between functioning as a representative of Allah
and making a claim to prophethood or more. What is Kashf? I did have a great
many discussions with Dr. Alaeddin Siddiqui on the difference between Kashf and
Firkan. Kashf is disjunctive like a telephone call. But it goes on and on as
Allah pleases. The lecture one has given more than any other is that imam
Ghazzali said “Tasawwuf is based on experience and not on premises.” Then a
hundred writers earn their living by commenting. But these comments merely all
refute the definition that “Sufism is based on experience and not on
premises.”
This letter is being dictated by the new secretary Hussain. Even Hussain has
had to go through his own experiences, his experiences, not his philosophy to
learn that Allah has a place for him and it might be very close to Murshid. The
more expansive the work the less the help. But worse than that is the inability
of human beings to understand they have no right either to judge or to react.
Isa said “I judge no man.”
The other night we went to the Khyber Pass restaurant. Most of the people
there are from Sufi families and one elderly man there was an initiate. Murshid
was offered some wine. After the dinner the owner’s nephew condemned Murshid
for drinking the wine. He did not condemn his uncle for pouring it out. That
was different. And this explains operative Islam more than anything else. The
leaders of the Mosque in San Francisco, without consulting anybody,
congratulated the Shah of Iran for his coronation. The coronation consisted
mostly of wine drinking including a libation to the young son. No single good
Muslim objected to that but they are adepts with finding fault with other
people. And to this Murshid that Islam has nothing to do with Allah at all.
Fortunately one does speak on Mohammed the man without endorsing the so-called
religion of Islam. Many Sufis go so far as to say there is only one sin:
hypocrisy.
Now I found the original copy of letter to you and presumed you were sent
the carbon which is the Sufi sahib at Salarwala. Worse, the typing was on the
wrong side on some sheets, so I re-mailed to you and will write him
presently.
After our conversation last night at my midnight vigil Allah made it very
clear Sufi Ahmed Murad is not to leave this country while Khalif Moineddin is
ill. Already three putative spiritual leaders; Pir Vilayat Khan, Mr. Paul Reps
and Professor Richard Alpert who calls himself “Baba Ram Dass” all left for
Asia and the same week wrote this person he was to act as a spiritual guardian
of this country. I think this was written you.
Recently your Murshid threw up his hands and said he would lecture no more
in public. The audiences were growing larger and larger and the voluntary
offerings smaller and smaller. As soon as this decision was reached not only
disciples but friends took it upon themselves to arrange for paid lectures. The
first one, last night, was surprisingly successful, so much so it would appear
that Hussain may be given a part-time (inshallah) paid job or if the trends
continue a full-time job.
Murshid is not in financial difficulty, quite the contrary. The
determination was followed by a large audience last night. Not only that the
woman’s dancing class put on its first demonstration of a dance based on
“La Illaha El Il Allah.” Thus the divine guidance, thus the difference
between making Allah a reality and a vague mental idol to be summoned only
against enemies. Allah is Rab Alamin. He is the creator of everyone and He
does not condemn anybody on account of race. If you meet a good Muslim he
will declare he is better than you because his great-grandfather was a Muslim.
This is one of many, many differences between the Islam of Mohammed and the
Islam of the public including politicians.
Your Murshid has loved you enough that despite his being busy at every hour
every day he has gone to the travel bureau to get full information. But with
the ill Khalif, the ill housekeeper, the ill secretary, and the very successful
operations of the former secretary, he is fortunately enough to find time to
sleep.
While this is going on his third home at Lama in New Mexico has received
national recognition. It was given a two-page picture in the National
Geographical Magazine and constant shots on the Tuesday night television
program. The classes are slowly but surely being better responded to; we are
having a Bayat ceremony Monday. The crops here are marvelous but dying unless
they are picked. Allah has provided and provided and provided. This is the
material aspect.
Murshid has written that Mr. Gunnar Jarring has felt his plan for the Far
East is the best he ever heard. Nearly everybody else would not even listen.
But so successful have the endeavors of Phillip Davenport and Ralph Silver been
that it is exceedingly difficult to make others realize this, following the
trip of Murshid to Geneva early this year.
It is coming. Soon we will be known. It is so written “Allah wishes peace
and blessing for humanity.” It is silly to pilgrimage to Dargah Data Sahib
and not know his teachings. They will become known to the world, inshallah. And
believe me your Murshid is not in sympathy with that Pakistan which claims to
be Islamic, has ignored both the great Sheikh Al Hujwiri and that wonderful
character the Mogul emperor Babar. You can have power and morality together.
I have made inquiries but it is impossible to leave before the 24th. On the
other hand one is surrounded by a growing number of the most beautiful young
women Murshid has ever met and almost the double the number of young men, fine
characters and beautiful souls. One must excuse for not writing more, although
now a letter will be sent to Sufi Barkat Ali.
Love and Blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
c/o Lonnie Less
27 West 71 Street
October 28, 1970
Saadia Khawar
Khan
New York, New York 10023
Bhallah House Multan Road Lahore, West Pakistan
Beloved One of God:
As-salaam aleikhum. Your Murshid sends all love and blessings, first of all
to Atta and yourself and then to your relatives and friends, and then to
everybody. In testimony thereof also there is a copy of a letter to His
Excellency Yahya.
Your Murshid feels very satisfactory concerning your marriage. He even
considers it a highlight of an active life. It may also mean a cutting short of
our efforts now and a return visit, inshallah, after your return to this part
of the country. But the great difficulty in your Murshid’s life is that he
receives the divine blessing, goes out and does things with Allah’s approval,
and then wins the approval of other people who immediately ask for or demand
more from him. It has been too much. It has been very much so, because not only
those people who ask financial help or material benefit are interfering with
the divine work, but those people who want me to pray for them. This is the
destruction of Islam and a warning: that it is just as evil to ask another to
pray for you as it is to stab them in the back. It is an assumption that there
is another power in the world other than Allah; it is a denial of the teachings
of the Holy Prophet, that Allah is closer than the neck vein. And when people,
especially Muslims, refute that Allah is closer than the neck vein, they are
the sinners and your Murshid will not intervene for people who in practice deny
the teachings of Rassoul-lillah. He gave prayers so that everyone could find
refuge in him.
The greatest obstacles in your Murshid’s life come from those who believe
in personal intervention. The Roman Catholic Church has established
interventions of saints. The Hindu religion imposes the interventions of
non-living beings, which is far below the intervention of saints. It means man
has a right to create a super being which is nonsense. Now the United States is
being invaded by all kinds of gurus who give very healthful and helpful breath
exercises and also give very vicious teaching like the substitution of an
elephant monster etc. for man, who was created in the image of his Maker. If we
do not see man as the perfecta creation of a Perfect Creator we are, from your
Murshid’s point of view, guilty of shirk. At the same time there is no
condemnation of the confused and lost. The confused and lost must be helped.
Personally your Murshid does not believe that there is any help equal to that
from Allah. But he means by Allah, Allah—and not some institution called
Islam.
The hard part in your Murshid’s life is that success is always being
followed by demands of other people for him to do more, either to pray for them
when they should be doing their praying themselves or to start another
activity. Both of these deny the Sifat-i-Allah. When your Murshid received a
letter from Ajmer that those who did not have personal guidance should study
Kashf-al-Mahjub (this stemming from Moin-ed-din Chisti himself), you Murshid
became delighted, inspired, and very very strong. A book can be no greater than
its author, but an author who is an awakened soul can be very great indeed. For
example, your Murshid has always been blessed when he visited Dargah Data Ganj
Baksh. It is sometimes amusing to hear people speak on telepathy and its
possibilities when your Murshid has had so much telepathic connection with Moth
Saint Hujwiri and Saint Mianmir that this all becomes elementary. Yet it is not
a Sufi’s place to be constantly proclaiming his own powers.
The news from disciple Philip Davenport has been wonderful. But your Murshid
does not know how to reach him. He has given him Dr. A. A. Siddiqui’s address
at the University and may be writing him. I do not know.
But the successes of Philip and his career and the latest news, concerning
President Yahya makes one feel that Atta’s career can now go on without his
changing his views on anything. The reconciliation and amalgamation of your two
separate philosophies can be as valuable on the mental plane as the legal
ceremony of marriage has been on the physical plane. The greatest boon you can
give to your Murshid is to get together with full feeling. One is sure this
will be. I don’t think there’s anything more wonderful than a physical,
mental, and spiritual marriage altogether. That is exactly what I see.
The visit of Pir Vilayat Khan has brought out many wonders but also confirms
your intuition. This country is crowded with real or fanciful spiritual
teachers who wander all over everywhere and establish no centers of peace. One
cannot deny that they may have guidance. One cannot deny that they are helping
confuse Americans. But one wonders how far souls are helped by excitements or
substitutions for excitement.
The Ahmadiyyas at least tell about nufs-ammara; nufs-lauwama, nufs-mutmaina.
This is far more than the Sunnis do. Therefore your Murshid has not always
condemned the Ahmadiyyas. They do present very unique teachings. They do
present aspects of life which have been neglected by the orthodox and by some
of the modern pseudo-philosophies. So they are not necessarily performing evil,
but they do not have the highest teachings. Sunnis and Ahmadiyyas alike becloud
the highest teachings. Thus, there is now knowledge of nufs-salima. Sufi Barkat
Ali gave this person practices known as Daroods. These Daroods have been most
effective. They have produced considerable success on the inner and outer
planes, both simultaneously. Praise to Allah. It may be necessary to present
these to Pir Vilayat Khan. One cannot impose them. But if he does not accept
them, one may be compelled to resume the representation of Pir Dewwal Shereef,
which one has avoided, but one is not sure that this avoidance is Allah’s
wish.
In a short time, one may have a most important visit which could affect all
the rest of his life. One is not sure at the moment, of course; one cannot do
everything by oneself. One cannot do everything. Words are too often the
instruments of the devil. Anyone can present niceties. But this letter is not
pessimistic at all. It is written in the hope that you will appreciate the
burden of a man called upon to do many things and often criticized because he
doesn’t do more.
However, one feels that on your return you will be doing things the very
acts of doing being the greatest help without assigning or ascribing what these
duties should be. And this will become a tower of strength to your Murshid, a
tower of inspiration not a leaning post. One hopes this is clear.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
November 4, 1970
Saadia Khawar Khan
Lahore, West Pakistan
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. One is too busy to argue with even Muslims or
non-Muslims on such teachings as “Allah is closer than your neck vein;” or
“Act as if in the presence of Allah, and remember if you do not see him,
verily he sees you.” There is a most interesting part of New York City which
is known as Washington Square or Greenwich Village. It is there that one meets
colorful people and also sometimes eats in most interesting restaurants. For
instance, we ran into the “Shah Bagh” restaurant. I knew the proprietors
must have come from Dacca, and we had a wonderful time with them.
In that same district we met Ed Sindoori who has lived in many parts of
Pakistan. We found him to be a very spiritual man; not only that he is a close
friend of our host, Mr. Lonnie Less (whom you have met) who has been appointed
our N.Y. representative. He has given Murshid a scroll on which the whole of
the Holy Qur’an has been copied and which will go on the wall in one of my
bedrooms. In that same general district there is a wonderful bookstore owned
and operated by a man named Samuel Weiser. Long before we left San Francisco
Sitara said she wanted to buy a Qur’an, and something in me stood in
opposition, and especially in opposition to that horrible Arberry version. When
we came into this store we found many of the works of Hazrat Inayat Khan. But
on the same shelf with the Sufi writings, we found a Yusuf Ali edition of the
Holy Qur’an all in one huge volume, Arabic and English and all the valuable
footnotes. It is a strange thing that the price of the volume was one-third of
what I had to pay for it when my income was about one-third of what it is now!
We grabbed it at once. The value of having just one volume and the blessing in
having a reasonable price is truly a sign from Allah.
But while I was talking with Mr. Weiser my hand fell on a reprint of the
Awarifu-l-Ma’arif. This is a work of the founder of the great Suhrawardi
Order. I had this in Khilvat many years ago when I had the most marvelous
mystical experiences. Looking over it, I find that its basic teachings are
totally in line with the program I have been repeating over and over again,
stressing the need to restore to the world the esoteric sciences and, in
particular, Mushahida. The cashier told me there were companionate works coming
soon, and I praise Allah both for the availability of these books and the fact
that financially one can afford to purchase them. Samuel Weiser is in close
touch with Ashraf. In fact, Sitara will remain in New York, and we hope to
supply her with enough money or to make arrangements with Weiser to purchase
books not always available as yet in the rest of the country. Mr. Weiser
himself is a publisher even more than the store operator.
We have had to cancel our trip to Washington not because of frustrations but
because of successes in too many directions.
Lonnie especially has asked to be remembered to Atta. Murshid has made him
his New York representative for the time. I have just received the sign from
heaven to give him the spiritual name of Shahabu-d-Din, after the Suhrawardi
grand master. We feel very strongly about your marriage, and it is possible,
inshallah, that either Murshid or his representative will make every effort to
contact Atta and yourself after your return, inshallah.
All the news from the West seems to be dramatically favorable. We are also
making some progress here in the promotion of peace from a spiritual and
universal standpoint. It is chiefly the politicians and those who are in
control of the press and publications that are stirring up wars. The majority
in this land, especially the young people, are very much in favor of peace,
tolerance, and understanding.
Love and Blessings,
20 November, 1970
Beloved One of Allah,
As-salaam aleikhum,
This is written under a combination of most blessed and most trying
circumstances. As you can see by the copy of the letter to Sufi Sahib, there
seems to be a very plain path in front of one and every time one works in that
direction one has success. But it is most difficult, exceedingly difficult, to
get others to see even simple things. When one is overworked, people tell him
to take it easy; people offer him free vacations, places to rest and the work
mounts up and up and up. And every time anybody makes such foolish statements,
a trial follows. And every time someone comes and offers real help by helping,
not by chitter chatting, an obstacle is removed.
The meetings are receiving larger attendance; the universities are opening
their doors. The financial conditions are getting better but with no colleagues
to assist, one has to thank God for good health of body and mind with no
prospect of any kind of rest or release, only human foolishness.
There is another matter which is also disturbing. The country of Pakistan is
regarding the complexities of the Near East as religious not as racial or
political. One wonders how many people really believe in Allah. Tonight one has
a special meeting giving out the moral teachings of Ghaus-i-Azam, which are to
this person remarkably wonderful. But one is also concerned with two extremely
different situations: a) the terrible tragedy in East Pakistan; b) the hard but
simple fact that some of the greatest and grandest of Sufi literature is being
republished by a Jew who is also acting as Ashraf’s Chief representative; in
this country “good” Muslims are too busy in other matters.
Despite the burdens, there is also relation or as Holy Qur’an says
“verily with difficulty cometh ease.” Everything is expanding though time
is limited. Fortunately a number of disciples have realized the seriousness of
the situation and are now working to organize us properly. As Pir Vilayat Khan
is so busy lecturing and teaching and so unconcerned with organization, the
disciples feel we must become more closely associated with the Sufi Orders of
Pakistan. This is their suggestion, not my own. Soon I hope to write “Six
Interviews with Hazrat Inayat Khan” and I’m going to talk and tell,
Inshallah, but pay no attention to the restrictions on spiritual persons by
conventionalists who keep the world in darkness.
Love and Blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Feb. 7, 1971
Mrs. Saadia Khawar Khan Lear
Lahore, West Pakistan
My dearly beloved sister,
May the peace and blessings of Allah be with you and your family.
We received yesterday a most blessed letter from Babaji Salarwala. He gave
all of us the practice “Ya Hayyoo Ya Qayoom” to recite. He spoke in the
highest heartfelt terms of our late Pir-o-Murshid, may Allah accept him into
His eternal unity.
I wish at this point to put your mind at ease once and for all. Murshid was
quite aware that you were extremely busy with wedding and in-laws, etc. He was
over-joyed with the reports he received from others about the wedding and about
the reception which Atta received in Pakistan. He spoke of Atta from time to
time with the greatest love; he has truly accepted him as a spiritual son. And
of yourself he has never wavered in considering you an illuminated disciple.
Through the Grace of Allah, may the purpose of your life be fulfilled.
We find the Presence of Murshid among us. We do Tasawwuri Murshid and he is
walking through us. People communicate with him in dreams and visions. In times
of stress and question he wells up inside of me like a lion, praise be to
Allah! His body put out such light and blessing that all those who went to pay
their last respects entered into profound states of meditation. Through his
death he has taught us that there is no death, that there is Life
Eternal!! He teaches this the only way he allowed himself to teach—not
through lectures and dogma but through example, through actual experience.
Moineddin went through a tremendous initiation this past year. For months he
lay close to death in the hospital. Murshid went in and yelled at him and he
came back to life. Now, praise be to Allah, he is healthy and radiant. Now we
can see that he was being prepared for the role he has been chosen to fulfill.
May God grant his strength and health to fulfill his purpose in life. Fatima is
everything that a wife should be; she is a tower of spiritual strength and yet
modest as a young girl. One can see clearly that she has Murshid’s
transmission.
The autopsy matter became quite complicated. The law of the state of
California requires that an autopsy be performed on the body of any person
dying in part or wholly from accidental cause. We could not deny that his fall
was at least in part responsible for his death. But nevertheless we made an
argument on the basis of the First Amendment to the Constitution which protects
religious freedom. One of the disciples, Salima, is legal secretary to a fine
lawyer and he took on the case out of sympathy to our cause. He appeared before
a judge and succeeded in getting a temporary restraining order preventing an
autopsy. Then a hearing was called in Superior Court. (Some of the disciples,
not many but a few, especially Mansur who became quite Madzub and much in
communication with Murshid’s body, suggested that we kidnap the body from the
morgue. However, Moineddin and myself and most everyone else felt that we
should try every legal means at our disposal but engage in no illegal activity
which might make a smear against Murshid and the Message.) Pir Vilayat Khan
made a special flight here from Los Angeles, cancelling meetings, to appear in
court. He testified that Murshid Samuel Lewis was a Saint, that the traditions
of the Sufis included as an essential part the establishment of shrines as
built upon the tombs of Saints; that the human body was the actual Temple of
God, not a structure of stone, and that it would be a violation of religious
freedom to tamper with the body of the Saint. However the court ruled that the
autopsy should be performed, and it was so performed. The body was then
released to us and, praise be to God, still retained its Light and magnetism.
He was dressed in the Dervish robe given him by Pir-o-Murshid Sufi Barkat Ali,
and his tasbihs were placed in his hands.
His newest disciple (just initiated by Moineddin) being a carpenter was
given the task of making the coffin, which he did joyfully. Basira and Mansur
then flew via TWA with the bier to Albuquerque, New Mexico where they were met
by a delegation from Lama Foundation. The whole area where Murshid is buried is
considered sacred by the Native American Indians, the Taos-Pueblo Indians, who
have worshipped there for hundreds of years. Murshid met the chief of these
Indians the previous summer at Lama and they instantly communicated. The grave
is at about 9,000 felt. Very very high for the United States. Sheikh Daniel
Lomax, who is leader of a center in Tucson, Arizona, and who was appointed by
Murshid as God’s representative for Arizona and New Mexico came to Lama to do
the burial service. (Pir Vilayat had led a Universal Worship service at the
Khankah, but without the body which was still being held by the state). He read
the burial suras given by Pir-o-Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan. Zikr was chanted by
all. There was snow on the mountain. They had to dig for a week to break
through into the frozen ground. Then each person helped fill up the grave. Now
the spot is indicated by a simple wood marker which reads: “On That Day
the Sun Shall Rise In the West, and All Men Seeking Shall Believe.”
(Inshallah)
Fatima has designed a shrine that will be built there, but not until the
summer when the weather is more suitable. A group will go from here to build
it. Anything which Babaji Salarwala would wish included would be done. There
will be scope for additional adornments after the original structure is built
also. Fatima sees it as a place where the Dervish Dances will be performed, a
seat of pilgrimage and so on.
Murshid’s consciousness fluctuated in the hospital. Mostly he was little
aware of the earth plane. From time to time he became more aware, as when he
dictated the letter to Pakistan. He had been in some pain; there was a blood
clot in the brain. His body had a rash which was irritating. The last day his
breathing became very irregular. Jessica was with him (she is the newest member
of the Khankah). She said that his breath suddenly became very calm and
peaceful. That he took four very distinct natural peaceful breaths which
relaxed his whole frame. And then immediately a very perceptible Light rose
from his feet, traversed the length of his body and exited through the crown of
his head. And he was gone. Just at this moment Vashti came into the room,
Murshid’s last partner in his Krishna dance. And she was inspired to spin in
the middle of the floor.
Almost all of Murshid’s 120 disciples here kept vigil with the body.
The work is continuing; attendance at meetings is perhaps going up,
certainly not down. We are initiating 9 new disciples tomorrow night.
Allah is the Ever-Living. All praise belongs to Him, the Lord and Master of
all the worlds. Most Merciful, Most Compassionate.
My deep love to you and to Atta and Bibijan, both of whom I feel that I have
already met.
Wali Ali
