July 18th, 1966
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco 3, Calif.
My dear Shams-ud-din:
As-salaam aleikhum. One has been directed to write to you and hope you will share this with our good friend Haji Sarfraz. A copy will ultimately also reach Muhammad Sadiq who now occupies the Manzil Ayub at Abbottabad.
A Sufi is sent into a distant land and expected to work miracles, and only Allah can work the miracles and if it be not His pleasure, one should not try the karamat and if it be His Grace, then the karamat will follow but not along lines men can direct or think. And the greatest error of the times is to ascribe to something we call “Islam” what belongs to Allah alone. And I shall begin with “Allah” and “Bismillah.”
Some Pakistanis think this person is making innovations and he is, in a sense making “innovations,” and he is willing to accept the judgment of Allah if these innovations are not entirely within the spirit of Holy Qur’an and Hadith. One receives many missionary publications and mostly they are of no value and yet at the same time what they say about “kalama” one finds to be true. And recently also one received a magazine from a nearby university in which there was an article on “Islam and Science” in which certain basic foundations are laid. There is no dispute but foundations are not houses.
So in opening a class on “The Mysticism of Sound” one begins with Zikr and Kalama. The gracious Prophet said, “Allah is nearer than the neck vein.” (This seems to be disputed by some of your friends, who, like the Christians place Allah far away and do not accept that He is the Seer, the Knower no matter what they write.) So we begin with a concentration on the neck vein. And after the concentration on the neck vein, we have a short meditation on the heart. Then the head moves from the neck vein position to the heart position and we chant Allahu and we not only know where the neck vein is and the heart is, we make the sound “Allahu” which is preparatory to Kalama. This is an “innovation” which may not please all “Muslims” but which may please Allah, inshallah.
Then there is a talk on the sound “Allah” and how it is found in many places, not exactly as in Arabic, but close to it. One is not going to write here in detail because “Muslims” are not always open minded but the talk last week included one on the word “Allah” which has been used in the Hawaiian Islands and is not far from “Allah” and is still closer to the Aramaic form of “Allah.” So there is a great value in the sounds, and although the Hindus teach “sound God” they do not demonstrate it. The scientific people of the day want demonstrations, and inshallah, they will have the demonstrations. So instead to writing on “Islam and Science,” one gives the demonstration which becomes effective in the lives of mureeds.
Hazrat Ali has said, “Say ‘Allah’ and Allah thou shalt become” and there are other passages in Holy Writ. But today one hears so much about “Islam” from Pakistan and so much about “religion” in other lands but people do not say “God” here. The advantage of “Allah” over “God” comes (a) in the sound as above (b) that the sound was uttered by a Messenger of God.
There is now in this country more wealth, more misunderstanding and more internal drama. Also the slow rise in a form of Mahdiism. There have been many forms of Mahdiism and Hadith says first there would be many living Dajjals, which certainly has been true. But so far the conditions which are listed in Hadiths have not manifested. Now they are manifesting here with more agitation, uncertainty and even chaos.
A woman named Mrs. Dixon has made many successful prophecies and among them one that the Mahdi would manifest soon, that he has already been born in the Near East. I tell people, “That means he has been born a Muslim. Are you going to accept him?” Quite unexpectedly many say they would. However it is best to have trust in Allah and to seek the Peace within. If it be His Will to send a Guide, that is another matter but we all have the Guide in our inner understanding and Kashf.
If this reaches you at Abbottabad one hopes you are enjoying that beautiful country.
There is a large Asian art exhibit on and one notices the absence of Gandara Buddhas. It is some weeks since one has written on this subject and no answer. One is going to take this up also with the Consul General. There is still too much misunderstanding among cultures and too much discussion without bringing any better understanding.
One has soon to make another venture to reach the young here. If they want excitement that is one thing, but if they wish guidance that is another.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
6th August, 1966
772 Clementina
San Francisco 3, Calif.
My dear beloved brother Shams-ud-din,
Receiving your letter of the 30th past. I have dropped all other matters to answer and wish you divine greetings. As-salaam-aleikhum.
I am sending a copy of this letter to my Brother in Hazrat Inayat Khan, Shamcher Beorse, who has declared himself Pir-o-Murshid. For although Hazrat Inayat Khan gave me many, many confidences, he did not name me as successor, and besides it is most important that the United States have a guardian Khalif.
Shamcher was born Bryn Beorse, a Norwegian, and has led one of the most fascinating and adventurous life you can imagine and all the time has had to bear a most grievous cross of personal and personality problems. He is a great engineer and economist and I have long felt he could be of service especially in Islamic countries which combine the spiritual and scientific outlook. But though this is so, nufs abides and this continuance of nufs has stood.
Now I am going to make this a long letter and it is based on this truth which cannot be emphasized too much, Nothing Exists But Allah, The Perfectly Compassionate, The Perfectly Merciful who guides this world, gives us our food, our medicines, our protections and when we reject them, with or without reason, then the punishment comes. But the food, the medicine, the blessing is always given first and it is time that a few Muslims accepted and respected, “Woe be unto you who hath gone astray after the guidance hath been given.”
The disputes with Naim were silly and it illustrates the activity of nufs. As soon as the fighting took place, this person called on the Consul-General of Pakistan and proclaimed friendship even though the politics were different. This person knew five or six solutions but the main solution is and was Nothing Exists but Allah, and He is the Most Wise. If a few Muslims stopped yelling “Islam! Islam!” and cried “Allah! Allah!” just to test, it might perform miracles. But they keep on crying “Islam” which is a derivative Arabic word, and not “Allah” which is a Universal term.
This subject is being discussed scientifically with one Sheikh Idries Shah of London. But it was also presented to this person by the Pathan Abdul Ghani, who is a friend of Muhammed Sadiq and to whom Allah, the Merciful, the Wise, has given certain jurisdiction in political matters. And it as because it is the Kashmir matter, one did not of Ahmed Murad to handle as faith and there is also order and wisdom that each one on the path of tasawwuf is given the ryazat by Allah and it is not his business, much less of anybody else, to go beyond the divine instructions.
In the case of Kashmir, Ahmed Murad had already been sent on a peace mission. Its failure is due in part to the absolute refusal of the United States to trust its own citizens. And it is more foolish because,
a. The Tashkent conference took place
b. This government is demanding in Vietnam what it refused in Kashmir, showing there are no principles involved, only nufs and nufs and more nufs.
California and India resemble each other in that they are not satisfied with Divine Guidance or wisdom, human or divine, they both demand an Incarnation and in both regions you find throngs of Avatars and Mahdis, all in competition, and all solving exactly nothing.
This person recently visited Ojai Valley, the residence of one J. Krishnamurti, who was self-selected to be the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. When he denied, it was only to be called most humble and modest and to increase his following. A very complex situation arose also that others have other candidates for the “Divine Incarnation”; they are all over the place and instead of wisdom or self-assurance everybody depends on everybody or somebody else. In India this is called “the cat theory.” But you can’t teach these people anything.
This person was sent for to visit a lady in Ojai who had a spiritual experience. But to have a spiritual experience is to offer [?] Krishnamurti and when I demanded she choose between Krishna and Ahmed Murad she chose Allah! And this is a sign that in the most difficult of places one may have to present the divine message of Sufism, of which Allah be praised.
The same refers to Elijah Mohammed. You may have heard there have been riots in this city. Before leaving, Ahmed Murad went into that district and there was a Negro arising the people against the whites and selling Elijah Mohammed’s paper. So I gave him the Greeting and showed him my card and he turned very [?] and I have no use, I contribute to them nonetheless. For although one does not accept any of the forms of Elijah, Mohammed is one of the few men who gives moral instructions to Negroes and makes them satisfied in some respects with life and with Allah. There are no Christian Negro respects I know of emphasizing morality. Only theology.
As your letter shows at every point the acceptance of Tauba, there is no need to make any personal corrections. Few today accept Tauba and of those who accept it intellectually, not always many accept it psychologically.
There is project in the United States going on called The Temple of Understanding, and the idea is to have a “House of Prayer for Allah Peoples.” This is posited in the Bible but when the Israelis returned they did not establish such an institution. It is noteworthy that three prime ministers or rather Presidents of Nations that accepted this undertaking, versus those of Pakistan, India and Israel. But one of the leaders in it is the Chief Imam of Washington Mosque.
Criticisms received from your fellow citizens are not only immoral but cowardly for these people would not dare call their own Leader wrong, but when some foreigner agrees with him, that person is wrong! Of the messenger of Allah.
My first teacher in Tasawwuf gave us instructions of the “sahib-i-dil” and “gentlemen of the pooch,” etc. And it is pretty hard for the Orthodox to accept that Allah is Allah and there is nobody or nothing like him and they cannot comprehend Uwais who knew the inner sides of the real Islam without any visible contact with the divine Messenger.
While the Orthodox talk about the virtues of Mohammed (on whom to be peace), one instructs people in the Sifat-I-Allah and enables them to comprehend to universality of these virtues and one also teachers that Allah created mankind in His-image. And while the Messenger taught that he was not unique, the Orthodox teach that he was unique.
For instance, there is the tradition of “The Shadowless Prophet” which is acceptable, but Jesus also went around in the Light; today and I have seen Sufis also manifest the light-body, and this enhances the teachings of Mohammed (on whom to peace) but weakens the position of the Orthodox.
The material from Ajmir gives one great hopes of working with that body of the Sufis with whom I have indelible ties anyhow, in ways that may make it possible for the Divine Message to spread in this part of the world. The all inclusive Heart encompasses so much which the dialectic mind and the ever-reparative nufs do not allow.
As one says, despite age, despite experience, inner and outer, one keeps the open ear. One does not forget at anytime the Bismillah, nor does one elide these sounds to reach some conclusion hardly connected therewith.
One has in his possession the work of Fabre D’Olivet on “The Hebrew Tongue Restored” which is one way of describing and explaining sounds, which is also the work in another direction of our good Sheikh Idries Shah.
With all love and blessings and hoping to hear from you some time,
Faithfully,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
20th October, 1966
My dear Brother Shamsuddin
As-Salaam-aleikhum. Your letter of the 12th has been very encouraging. For years the marked defect in my nature (from my point of view) has been impatience. And I realized that it was impossible to fulfill the Sabri Bayat of our Pir-o- Murshid of Salarwalla without being cautious and considerate.
Besides, we have had a long war and it is disturbing the atmosphere and causing both psychic and physical difficulties. It has had the one good effect of making the few mureeds understand that Love is deep and unitive consideration of others and not an emotional sentiment which brings us a form of pleasure, though it may do that.
Recently a very long manuscript was sent by an Indian scientist who is mystic and he gave a dissertation on nufs-mutmaina. And in answering I wrote on nufs-salima, and it is on this point that one finds Sufism more preferable than some other teachings and that in the Capacity of Seal our Rassoul Mohammed was the most all inclusive of teachers. So one does not downgrade anybody but finds in the Tasawwuf methods (not answers but methods) which seem to be superior in this day and age.
Besides, Hikmat is so all inclusive. And besides being able to write to this man on the cooperation between mystical-scientists of all races, one is now taking a course on “The Philosophy of Religion” and one has been assigned the theme of “Mysticism and Pseudo-Mysticism.” One finds the teachings of all mystics quite assumable. And it is remarkable that no matter what theology they have assumed, in the end they come to the Unity (Tauhid). And if there is any controversy one will hold to this.
Besides, in discussions with the very top people in the religions would and I mean the whole world, one has been able to come to agreement, and I do not believe that anybody can refute Tasawwuf. But there is a theme in “The Whirling Ecstasy” concerning Shams-i-Tabriz, when he asked who was superior, Mohammed or Adnan Bisami, he fell into an ecstasy. This is a false question. If man can accomplish the fana the whole thing is clear but not in any dualistic sense.
Some of Inayat Khan’s disciples are arguing with me now and if send them his first lecture they will have to retract. One does not like to put anybody to shame. Besides although fire and opposition deprived me of most of his lessons for disciples, I do have a very compete compendium on Ryazat, and this helps one help others in all circumstances.
My Message for Pakistan has always been simple: Too much Islam and not enough Allah. If you have too much Allah you can use the Islam. So the Hadith have been carefully checked. Besides there is a strange school in English by this Sheikh Idries Shah, and he goes very much on sounds. So I have written him a paper on Allah-laha (Tibetan) and Aloha (Polynesian) to show the value of the sounds and some of our friends told me about Ila in the Vedas which is true.
Roughly speaking your experiences with Hazrat Inayat Khan are very closely paralleled with my own with Mecca Shereef—sometimes the parallels are astonishing. I am doing a number of things today which might shock the Orthodox. My new friend, Hassan Hashim of Sudan, says: “Religion is what comes when people do not follow their Prophet.” Thus the Jews are those who do not follow Moses, the Christians are those who do not follow Isa, and the Muslims are those who do not follow Mohammed. His explanations to me are lucid and inspiring.
There is one difference and it is a delicate one. When this person tries to perform tasawwuri Murshid with Hazrat Inayat Khan he has to slow down his walk and breath; when he performs tasawwuri Mohammed he has to perfect his walk and breath. In each case there is a kind of attunement, but one is the perfection of what you are have, and the other is the perfection of what you might before can be, inshallah.
You have plenty of room in the courtyard, or even on the roof, to concentrate a little on Hazrat Inayat Khan and imagine you are walking behind him, keeping up with his steps, rhythm and breath. When I am ready to leave here I shall try commentaries on his writings, or take a few with me for consideration en route. Sooner or later you will have as much as possible of his teachings with all their meanings.
Next, if you would send me your birthday I could have your horoscope cast. It is not necessary, but it is helpful in a few things, and then I could show you how to help others this way. The horoscope is for insight, not predictions.
As to Pir Dewwal Shereef and Baraka. You are right. But it may be the will of Allah that this person is to bring him the Baraka. This already happened at Murree, and is not something one wishes to speak about. Hazrat Inayat Khan tells a story of a man who pretended to be a saint and everywhere he went the boys would come and yell: “Hello saint! Come in, saint.” And such things and after a while he came to be a great saint.
In September a conference of the world’s faiths takes place where also Dr. Nasr should be in attendance. After that I should prepare to go east, stopping at Universities, particularly Chicago and Pittsburgh, to pick up details for the journeys. Then leave from New York to London to visit one or two friends and pick up further information at Kew Gardens east by ship or plane, does not matter. By that time I would know whether you may be a short jump to Sudan. There will be many people from all parts of the worlds.
It is my outlook to have Lahore a sort of semi-permanent headquarters from now on, unless Allah wills others, and only come to America occasionally, unless something unforeseen happens. But I should have to make trips to various parts of Asia—to Northwest Pakistan and Sikkim in the warm weather, and to parts of S.E Asia (unclear yet) in the cold. But invitations keep on pilling up, only there is no clear kashf.
There is in ‘pindi, and sometimes at Abbottabad one Ali Mastana, a developed spiritualist. Previously your Murshid saw clearly where he might go and where he might not and this man, a Khalandar, saw and explained. It was so, it was exactly so as if there were tremendous barriers where to go and where not to go. This vision of travel is complete with the giving up interests here for some time unless the termination of the legal battle warrants holding on to possessions or properties here. This would mean perennial visits to this region but not long stays. This is the Guidance-Vision. There is some faith because of the previous Guidance-Visions completely manifesting and this does not mean all is either right or wrong, favorable or unfavorable, but all is in accord with the Divine Will.
Receipt of the magazine “Anjuman” from East Pakistan has a statement from Kalvath Shan in Ceylon: “The seeker must be adopt a selfless attitude in his day to day dealings with those around him and live not for himself but for others. His mind should be stilled, emptied and totally detached from all disturbing thoughts, imagination and material involvements.” This also is the Sabri teaching of Pir Sufi Sahib Salarwala.
Now concerning the statements of Shehudllah (spelling not sure). Idols the self thought which occupy the mind and consciousness as above. Any interference with constant Fikr is, in the Sufic sense, shirk. One may be totally orthodox and yet guilty of shirk.
One is glad to get the correct address of Brigadier Ghulam. When visiting the place they all said that Khizri Ruhaniyat would be sufficient, but it has brought no answers.
This does not give ideas about scientific and technical accomplishments. One has an ever growing accumulation of human, if not divine wisdom. The question is largely how far the people of Pakistan will accept and how far otherwise; these accumulations may go to the World University in New Delhi. Already Prof. Durrani and A.A. Brohi of Karachi have made some movements in the latter direction and our good friend Shamsuddin Ahmed is looking in that direction.
People may claim to believe in Hadith. The Prophet said. “Poverty is my pride” but among most so called Muslims everything else is the pride. Besides “poverty” must be interpreted as above the non-accumulation of thoughts, feelings, emotions and vices. The man who is clear of these has a poverty of which he might be proud. It is the non-attachment, as the people from Kalvath Shah say.
Tonight I am to meet a Witch, which means originally “wise woman” who had knowledge of herbs and all kinds of things; also I have been invited to meet her again next week at a reception. Your situation may be communicated to her. Beyond this one can do no more now.
Now I am going to post and will write to S. Ahmed and his friend Naeem on technical accomplishments which, inshallah, may be most valuable to Pakistan, and if there is anything to add this will follow as soon as possible. But the next following days are already crowded.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Chisti
772 Clementina St.,
San Francisco 94103, Calif.
January 20, 1967
My dear Shams-ud-din:
Id-Mubarak. One must thank you for your greeting. But I hope I can convey to you how Muslims act here. There is a new Mosque, and it is not paid for and I went for holiday prayers. I told my friend, “I am going to the Mosque where they believe in the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of money.”
There was a beautiful service, followed by an inspiring prayer, followed immediately, without pause, by a passionate appeal for funds. Next to me was a friend, an Imam, but despite his knowledge, wisdom and high morals he was not and is not permitted to lead in prayers. He has committed an unforgivable sin; so have I. He was born in the Fijis and I was born in San Francisco, so no matter what we know or where we stand, we cannot lead; we are never called on to speak. But ignorant people who call themselves “Muslims” who place self above Allah would call this congregation “Muslims.” They were all born in the right place and being born in the right places makes one a “Muslim” as nothing else can.
I told the Imam when it was time for Zakat I should consult him. But Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful suddenly bestowed on me the means to pay Zakat and also to make a trip this year to England. So the Zakat, first installment, has gone to Ajmir. And if there is any question about it, the next night I went to a restaurant called “Taj” and immediately met two men from Lahore and the one said to me right off, “Are you acquainted with Data Ganj Baksh?” I knew, immediately, this was a confirmation from Allah.
Now, a Sufi does not have other beliefs than Muslims, he has other practices, or rather one, which is to listen to Allah. Ignorant Muslims say: Bismillah and they do not know what it means. SM is the root of the term Sama which is explained at length by the same Data Ganj Baksh (Al-Hujwiri) in “Kashf-Al-Mahjub” but ignorant Muslims go to shrines and pay respect to the persons, while Sufis absorb the Wisdom which by Grace of Allah manifested in and through those persons.
No attempt here will be made to convince anybody that we can listen to Allah, either directly or by Kashf. Only, one finds, when one does that success comes. Sooner or later and if we do not, if we insist on our own wills, and most of us do, life does not come out as we plan it and then we blame others. This blame is not so bad of itself, but it is an affirmation that some other Power exists then Allah. And the fact is that most Christians and Muslims are indeed largely Zindiqs, believing the forces of “good” and “evil,” and giving in to Iblis and denying Omnipotence to Allah. They may call Allah the “Omnipotent,” but this is not practiced.
It is a subtle matter and it is most important that Allah represents all the Sifat; they are all merged in Him, but when each is used separately, they are not all there. Saying “Islam” does not bring victory and I am not going to argue over it. Saying “Allah” has brought another complete revolution, or more than one in my age, which is three-score and ten.
During this time, one has had trouble from one’s Khadim, at Ajmir. There has been interference, both with mail and funds. It has been long and complicated and he is in difficulties, and I am in full sympathy with him. But I am almost afraid that if this gets too public, it could cause trouble between India and Pakistan. I have been unable, rather than slow, to follow this up. Indeed, I would not even be writing this excepting Allah asked me to drop even emergencies after you wrote, and this morning’s experience confirmed it.
One has had some of the finest interviews with Asia Foundation, and the doors are open when one returns from abroad, assuming one goes to England, for “How California Can Help Asia.” Indeed, this project is exceedingly clear and everything seems clear for the future, praise to Allah. Also, an old friend, the sin was I knew him since boyhood, who always opposed me has changed his tune and wishes to cooperate. He was very spiritual when a boy, but was turned from the path by a fine, but material-minded lady. This lady was a friend of Dr. Chandrasekhar, who is now in the Indian Cabinet and who also became a friend, and that made them angry! But in all these things, more people have turned against one for being accepted by Asians than for either one’s sins and shortcomings, or virtues, of which they may be jealous. From one end of Asia to the other one may make friends.
This has also been true of the Iranians here. I did receive an important communications from Prof. Nasr of Tehran University and although he was answered and all the doors are opened, I have not since heard from him or his friends. This can become an important international Sufi undertaking.
One also finds nothing to like in the Islamic Movements here. They are divided and will not admit it. They are very narrow excepting the Imams sent from UAR, who are very broad and have the right way to approach Americans. I am approaching Americans with Zikr and Kalama and they like it. I do not confuse them with Fikr. One does not overcome prejudices with complexities. One has to be patient and wait for opportunities to present themselves.
Now I have purposely confused them with the story of Sheikh A. Maudoudi. They have been praising him; and for awhile he was kept in prison. I do not know the circumstances and am too prejudiced for your President. I do not agree with the majority of Muslims, that worship and politics go together, at all. I can teach the Nizam also, but refuse to introduce any kind of politics. Besides, the young who come do not like politics at all. They want Allah; they don’t care about governments.
Everything happens, good and bad together, and one bows before the Will of Allah. One uses Holy Qur’an for Divination, but some day I hope also to use some writings of Hazrat Inayat Khan for that purpose.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco 3, Calif. 94103
March 11, 1967
My dear Shams-ud-din
As-salaam aleikhum. The last few days have been so terrible, it is necessary to use both patience and foresight. If one says they are evil, they will become good; but if one “surrenders to Allah in adversity and praises Him in prosperity,” then one is practicing the divine surrender.
All problems follow so fast, right after each other, but the main problem is time and one seems like a drop in the ocean in time of storm. But it is necessary to hold faith. For while some very heart-rending things are happening, so, also, many things on the good side of the ledger of life. One is tired much more than in Lahore, but many of the things are compensation or even rewards.
On the sad side, another death; three in a row, and illness of friends. My brother, fully reconciled, has been ill all the time. We are entirely agreed on our Wills today, both as to provisions and possibilities. He realizes, inshallah, that I shall outlive him and, as matters stand then, should be in excellent economic circumstances. But pride demands success by oneself, without depending on any outside help.
Two entirely new legal threats have come without giving one time to think. One is already operating on a pre-Khankah basis. But neighbors, without thought, have threatened one with the police and the landlady has threatened eviction. This, of itself, is quite illegal, but when one is planning to leave the country, it may require an entire rearrangement of plans. Praise to Allah that my brother has now offered his commodious home for the storing of my possessions, although my critics do not know this. They think I shall be caught into making concessions.
A Vietnamese Buddhist Master has come to this city and, without warning, he notified this Sufi and has both granted him much time and expected it. One has known about Vietnam for a long, long time. One has manuscripts from close friends and one also has close friends who have lived both there and in neighboring lands. On top of that, Miss Julie Medlock, who has not severed her connection with Pakistan Times, still writes and sends one material which will never appear here. Though the people are sadly divided, they do not listen to Asians. They are for war or for peace but are united against learning from Asians.
Then one had one’s first newspaper interview. It also came as a surprise and one was unprepared for time. One does not know when it will be published at all. But the strangers found this person in full possession of Kashf and the demonstration of it. The unusual is much less welcome here, even if favorable, than the unfavorable usual. But it had the strange effect of causing a young woman who was present to ask for Bayat, and there are so many asking for Bayat.
There is also a test. One had a spiritual Brother type many papers on Sufism; and although one has the postal receipt, the papers have not arrived; and it is with difficulty that a tracer would be sent out.
My first mureed has just received a legacy and I have asked him to hold it in case we arrange to go abroad. Last week my second mureed lost his mother and there is every sign that he also will receive a legacy. In this case, his family long wished to visit both India and Pakistan. This letter will be mailed before he returns, but this seems to verify the visions of Saint Nizam-ud-din Auliya, as above.
Then there is the visit here of another man from Morocco, and he makes the same complaint of the Islamic community here; that in the name of Islam they do anything they wish. The Mosque here is more a playground than a center of devotion and they have refused all suggestions to get a place free. A Buddhist group built a very large church without it costing them anything; and now a Christian group, who are mystics, are also getting a large place without it costing them anything. The community supported both efforts.
But the Muslims, who have no idea what Bismillah means, are always asking for funds and will not accept either gifts or guidance. They have demanded a Mosque; and of the leaders, not one was in the previous Qur’anic study group. They all claim to know their religion and they know nothing but folk customs.
Years ago, there came to these rooms my dearest friend, who was not only a Buddhist, but a leading Buddhist at that, one of the very top. He came in, threw off his cloak, sat down and said,
“Samuel, we ain’t got it!”
I looked him straight in the face: “Phra, we have got it!”
This man died of a broken heart, trying to prevent the war which has broken out in Vietnam. He lived there. Tragedy has weighed heavily on me. Despite our seeming to belong to difference faiths, we were very close friends.
Now this person is teaching the leading Buddhists here and also the spiritual Christians. But this is happening: there is a book by one Sheikh Idries Shah, who lives in London, criticizing groups in the West who parade as Sufis. This book itself has been criticized, which is most unfortunate. For that means that the false, pretended Sufis, find their critic criticized and themselves not criticized. All these pseudo Sufis have money and social prestige.
The older son of Hazrat Inayat Khan goes around in weird clothes, which I have encountered nowhere, and tells of his wonderful father. This attracts all kinds of people to what is known as “Sufism.”
Then there is a local lady, known as a “Murshida,” who goes around teaching that one Meher Baba, a born Parsi, is Avatar, or incarnation. It is easy, for her social prestige is great, but she does not teach much tasawwuf.
Then there is a huge organization following a man called Gurdjieff. He actually visited many teachers in the Near East and was given Bayats. But he taught his own methods; no Love and little Allah, but strange forms of Ryazat, which delight the disciples. Only no spiritual awakening.
Then there is the recent revolution going on, wherein people take all kinds of vegetable products to experience false ahwal, and they become confused and so does everybody else.
My closest associate has a remarkable son, who has become a leader of youth and who is in revolt against his parents. He came to this house suddenly; he also disappeared suddenly. “I want Bayat.” “But why do you come to me?” “I have met those other “Sufis!”
While he has disappeared, now several other young people have come for Bayat and in the midst of hard work and also legal things, I have asked Allah and He seems to say that one must prepare for a Khankah here, to remain in these parts at least until Saadia Khawar returns to Pakistan; and to try to arrange a sort of group pilgrimage.
In all this, what is most outstanding is the manifestation of Blessings (Baraka,) both from the Daroods and Wazifas. My Christian friend here, the Rev. Blighton, has uncovered the secret without knowing the basis of it and both he and his chief disciples see this person in the Light. But they do not know the Nuri Mohammed, nor is it time.
Another thing that it seems Allah wishes, is to put aside some money, so that when your commentary on Hadith is complete, it be sent to the United States, either with Saadia Khawar or otherwise; and I seek enough funds to support one Pakistani student through university by having it translated into English. Of course, the litigation is only beginning. But my brother has asked for considerable sums, and we are supposed to share alike. And when I asked Allah what to do with such money He said to have your work translated, so that, inshallah, this is a goal and concentration.
This week, also, I have to prepare for Bayats, because other young people, disgusted with the lack of spiritual development from other sources, and finding in this person the source of much more Joy and Wisdom than elsewhere, are beginning to seek discipleship. So one must be prepared. This is so different from the reports of last year and one seems to be following the visit and blessings of the Saint from the Maghrib.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
March 22, 1967
S. Ahmed,
Model Town, Lahore, West Pakistan
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. I was preparing to write to Pir-o-Murshid Sufi Barkat Ali on the eve of Pakistan Day when your letter of the 18th arrived. Now it is not to my delight to criticize anybody, but when you write about taking care of health, one must realize that a Sufi sees life from two points of view, his own and that of another.
About three weeks ago, when one was tired, a telephone call came from a wealthy widow, that she was selling her home and was offering me her large library, free, if I would pick it up. It has many valuable books in it. With a program already full, one began working at six in the morning and was through at 3. Then, one lay down, but the telephone rang and there was a representative of an influential magazine who wanted an interview on “Sufism.” This was my very first such interview and the man was leaving in the evening. What should one have done?
When my closest friend here was ill and sent me on an errand, only to find that two of our mutual close friends were ill. And, this time and since, my brother has been ill and apparently unable to leave the house. And then, a widow lady whom I knew very well suddenly died while preparing to return to California. This is only one aspect of life, just one.
It was with great difficulty that I have completed my research for the University of California; and I have been summoned now to a meeting of Sufis in London. This was prompted by Prof. Hossein Nasr of Tehran. Fortunately, my mother left enough funds to cover this, which was already planned. But, I have heard nothing since and my plans are to leave [?] been successful.
Then there was the family litigation. And with my brother ill, there might been a ruling which would deprive me of many thousands of dollars. I am glad to report that the prayers of my friends have been successful. My own income has increased substantially and there is every possibility I shall become a wealthy man when my brother dies, inshallah. We have become reconciled after years of estrangement.
While this was going on, (all this and more, at once,) news came that my Zakat payment to Ajmir had been intercepted by an Indian government official. I then sent another check, registered, and have not heard. What is worse, my Brother in Ajmir has been in all kinds of difficulties and on top of that, he could not delay his daughter’s wedding. The date had been set. And when you place all of that on top of a seven day a week, 12 hour day schedule, one wonders where one can give.
All of this, and more, has cut down on my writings, even my correspondence.
Now, during this same period one has been discovered by the young people who have been called “Hippies.” They have discovered there are other stages of consciousness and become aware of them under the influence of chemicals and drugs. And now the world around is divided between those who have experiences in the unseen and those who are fighting such experiences, at all costs. Neither of these groups is in the slightest concerned with such experiences coming without Drugs, under the natural influences of pure devotion, or Ryazat. I have had to stand firm against the whole culture. Even the Muslims are against me. But, fortunately, they are divided.
During this period, the last few weeks, this house is overrun with young people. Three Bayats were given recently. Quite a few more people are preparing for Bayat and others for study; and one of my older mureeds is ill all the while, and another older mureed has had to face death and legal complications; all this going on at the same time, on a regular program.
So, my Brother, it is easy to say, but not always easy to follow. Indeed, I am now home awaiting a telephone call from a Vietnamese. This can be very important, and for that reason, I am using the time to type.
Tomorrow some of these young people are coming here to help in smaller matters.
In the meanwhile, I had given papers to be typed to a spiritual brother. He has disappeared. And although I have a Post Office receipt, I do not know where those papers are and so I cannot give the “official” papers to these young people, both new mureeds and applicants.
While the local Muslims reject me, (but not my money,) I have started the Zikr and the Kalama. When the Messenger of Allah was on earth, there was no complete Fikr. He even said that those who repeated Kalama would surely reach Paradise. But, if any Western man said that those who repeat Kalama would reach Paradise, all the so called “Muslims” would rise in wrath. I am letting them rise in wrath and I am teaching the Kalama and Zikr to the “Kaffir Feringhis.” I also tell tales from the Hadith and other records. And I know when I reach Washington, the Ulema will welcome me. I can tell from the literature I receive from them.
Then, I teach effective Meditation. The Meditative methods of most people are good for Americans whose minds are overactive. But they do not arouse the Kashf. During all this period, the Kashf has been active. But when I told a “Muslim” I depended on Kashf and shahud, he did not know what I was talking about. Allah is nearer then the neck vein, and also I use the neck vein in the Zikr movements.
During this period, also, another death and rebirth, so to speak. Sometimes, without having any rest at all, one is reinvigorated. I have met the new Consul General. He comes from East Pakistan, and today I extended greetings for the morrow.
Now we have to learn that only Allah exists. If you look at these trials, they look dramatic and horrible. If you look at the results, they look like magical story books. But the world is at it is. The dramatic and the horrible, the trials and blessings come together.
When I return from England, inshallah, I expect to devote myself to two things: (a) agricultural problems; (b) the training of mureeds.
With all love and blessing, Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti.
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco
14th May, 1967
Shams-ed-din Ahmed,
48-K Model Town
Lahore, Pakistan
Beloved One of Allah: As-salaam Aleikhum!
This is written by one arisen from a sick bed. There is no doubt that Divine Wisdom has acted as a deterrent to some fine plans which, especially if they had been successful, could well have work out this body. It was probably an attack of food poisoning that revealed a chronic illness of the kidneys; and as that was being cleaned up some very strange behavior on the part of one of the nurses provoked another malignancy, causing the entire lower digestive tract to be blocked. After several days of effort on the art of my physician, this has cleared, but one has had to evaluate time, effort, and purpose.
Fortunately money had been saved for a trip to Great Britain, now called off—and a re-evaluation of the interpretations of the respective will of my late parents leaves one in fairly comfortable financial circumstances. Added to this was the complete reconciliation with my brother and the amazing fact that he was in full accord with my plans, and if not always for noble reasons at least for harmonious ones. For he feared I might be in league with his enemies—which I certainly am not. And it is also notable that all the surrounding circumstances other than this have been totally favorable, praise to Allah.
Inshallah, I should be moving into what to all effects will be a Khankah and I am therefore asking your indulgence not to answer your very kind letters at this time to receive a report of present circumstances and outlooks.
It was certainly at Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan’s insistence that I stick to Murshida Martin. This was a pretty good trial for it was evidenced that one passed her in hal if not in makam and this resulted in being estranged alike from both friends and foes of this lady. The Cause of God is nothing but the Cause of God (Allah) and the efforts of any and all persons to proclaim themselves without the Divine Grace and the proper experiences in hal and makam have led, and will continue to lead to strange aftermaths.
[second page seems missing]
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif. 94110
24th February 1969
Shamseddin Ahmed
c/o S/L Sadiq Iqbal,
P.O. #450
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Beloved One of Allah:
As-Salaam aleikhum. I am always glad to hear from you and especially with the contents of your reports. One is today busy, every day, having had exactly a single day off since last November and not caring a bit, for there is so much to do, inwardly and outwardly. The health is wonderful and few of the signs of aging praise to Allah. The only thing one can account it for is the actualization of Ya Haya Wa-Khayyum and no nonsense about it. It is very, very real.
Your reports of Haj were most interesting. To me the Zemzen represents “the waters of life” referred to elsewhere. I had the blessing of having some given by the last Haji Baba Abdul Aziz at Havelian. This man cabled from aboard ship that I was to remain in Abbottabad until he came. It is like a mystery. Our meeting were like mysteries. And when I kept on urging major Sadiq and Miss Khawar Khan to call on him, when they were ready it was too late.
The incident your witnessed is typical of all humanity. This person is now acting in the merge rolls of spiritual guide, parent and grandparent. One takes on the pains and shortcomings. The whole emphasis on perfection. Jesus says: “Be ye perfect, as your Father in Heaven is Perfect.” And one tends to accept the Supreme Messenger of Allah (on whom be peace) in the roll of Insaan i-Kemal, as much or more than otherwise. For this can be the practical ideal. In this one finds the perfection in the manhood and not much to be gained by a devotional attitude toward “superman.”
Recently one Meher Baba left the world. He made all kinds of claims and he permitted any kind of action, moral of immoral, if done in his name. Just accept him you could break all the commandments and his disciples did. But they were able to seize the Sufi property and Sufi name and came out with a lot of pretenses. They grabbed all my writings and so confused that they think some of Hazrat Inayat Khan’s writings came from me and took some of mine as his! Their main contention, that one must have a living master on earth, is now broken. I wish some people know more a of Abu Bekr’s “Let those who worship Mohammed know that he is dead, but those who worship Allah, let them know He is ever-living, imperishable.”
The curing of disease is a most thankful report. One works hard to obviate this. By practices of breathing, mediation and reciting the Divine Names one keeps robust and protected against both Dajjals and Iblis. Only I have departed on a venture which may bring controversy, or otherwise.
The field of Dervish dancing has been extended. We repeat Allah and the Divine Names with proper movement. While the good orthodox will look askance, the young Americans repeat “Allah,” over and over again. They practice the Wazifas with appropriate movements and ingest into themselves the moral qualities of each and in this way their strength, their beauty, their courage, their kindness comes out. I have not yet explored all of Rahmat and feel like the saint who never learned Aliph. Only with a Teacher the young take courage, and become brave and strong. So today one has more loving followers than one ever dreamed of and slowly more and more take the Bayat, Alhamdulillah.
I am taking advantage of your being in Arabia to give you some of the latest news and also sending copy of this to my friend, F. Mawlawi Sahib, head of the Bureau of Arab information here. He is a descendent of Maulana Roum and we are very good friends.
One of my disciple, returning from England has gone into the business of acting as agent for Arabic clothing. This is most welcome to the disciples who are growing in number. But it also fits in with some of the under-current revolutions which never get into the press. We have already purchased a number of Iranian (and Pakistani and Pathan) items both for men and women. At the expensive level cloths, and at the lower levels of money, ceramics. Some of the clothes fit in for the Dervish dancing.
I am ready of given these dances for either the Pakistanis or Iranians late in March. We shall also have a festival at that time, the beginning of “Spring.”
Another item which may be of interest, I have been studying Archaeology for years with a Mrs. Decker Colonna. Her specialty has been Egypt. This Spring she gives a course on “Early Arabic Art.” Let me tell you a story:
After leaving Ajmir I contracted dysentery, the only time in my life. When I reached New Delhi Hazrat Inayat Khan appeared to me and said I should visit the UAR embassy. So I went and nobody was there (it was lunch hour) but one man. “What do you what?” “I am interested in Moineddin Ibn’l-Arabi and in Egyptian Art prior to the Mameluke dynasty.” He dropped his papers and stared at me in astonishment. “How did you find me? Why I am the world’s greatest authority on those two subjects.” The is how I became friend of the late Mohammed Hussein of the Faculty of Arts, Cairo, one of the most beautiful friendships of the life. The dysentery disappeared….
I also have a young Jewish woman disciple. She was expelled from Israel as a Pro-Arab. There are many of them, they want their faith but not the politics. They cannot have their faith. She tells me that the great Maimonides, one of the greatest of Jewish savants became a Muslim, too! These stories do not get out, but they can be of great importance in establishing, Inshallah, peace and understanding in this world.
I write little of Pakistan, and have made no reports to Baba Sahib. I do put into practice the teachings of Mian Mir.
I find the aphorisms in the Islamic magazines perfect, but no relation between be life-habits of the persons involved. Some sage once wrote; “Inspiration is the quality of the wise and quotation of the ignorant.” Quoting does not justify and even Holy Qur’an teaches that.
One does not know whether the repetition of Ya Wahabo or Ya Fattah will help. But it is curious that they work even with my “kafir-Feringhi” followers, and the outer circumstances change, sometimes like miracles. One is now also involved, it seems endlessly in legal matters but no bad news. Playboy, an important off-color magazine, has written me in the March issue as a “Sufi.” But at least they recognize there are Sufis. Most of our culture does not and I am fighting and will continue. I am barred from the East-West conference in Hawaii. Out of twelve on the executive committee, five Jews. Only one each of the great religions otherwise and No Muslims! This is our (?) “East-West” conference.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
P.S.
This is a post-script dealing mostly with Sufism and no copy to the Arab information Bureau.
The Indian teaching in the United States have been mostly through individuals, and some of these individuals have no backgrounds at all. They use the methods of actors and orators and often are quite successful in building up followings. With Sufism it is different, it is either in the hands of non-Sufis or of legal organizations usually corporation, None of these recognize the others and none of them really accept Al-Ghazzali’s “Sufism is based upon experience and no premises.” They all have their premises.
The universities follow, more or less, Dr. Arberry, an English Arabist. I personally resent his translation of Holy Qur’an, very beautiful English, no doubt. And on this point I differ from those that deny the authenticity of Hadith. I shall not go so far to say that without Hadith Qur’an is not clear, but the Grand Man, The Insaan-i-Kemal, is understood best by accepting Hadith even so-called “weak ones.”
The corporations have money and following but no prestige. One group had accepted Meher Baba. Another is just a corporation with legal sanctioning, derived from the incorporation of Hazrat Inayat Khan’s office force to ensure the publication of books. But “democratic” processes they have elected at Will “Pirs,” etc. with no regard to spiritual enlightenment of even initiation. They have even changed his esoteric constitution and have radically altered his “Confessions,” omitting sections and introducing others. This is fine for the ignorant but they practically deny the existence of higher levels of consciousness and direct functions there form.
Opposed to them is one Idries Shah, son of Ikbal Ali Shah. He has made Sufism into his own private property. Of course his presence irks the followers of Arberry, etc. But there is no deep love, no Allah, no Divine Names, etc. Only mysteriousness.
Against him in turn is a remarkable group of European Savants, all of whom have been initiated into tasawwuf, including one F. Schuon, Titus Burkhardt, etc. They publish a magazine “Studies in comparative Religion.” They work with and under Dr. Seyyed Hussein of the University of Tehran who is a friend of Khawar and I believe of A.A. Siddiqui. It is in this group I see much hope.
But I have allied myself with Pir Vilayat Khan, the elder son of Hazrat Inayat Khan because he works with the humanity which may be most important. He presents Sufism as a progressive and progressing Science. And there is a new Age of sorts. The term “Hippie” has to be used in derision but there are now multitudes of those with heart-outlooks. And many of the young Americans tend therein.
In April there will be a seminar on “Mystical experience” and this time, Inshallah, it seems I shall not be shut out. There has been too much of that, but gradually one’s tentacles spread, so to speak. So the outlook at the moment is very good. It is yet difficult with the lack of secretarial help and so many inspirations but in time, Inshallah, my teachings on walking and dancing maybe ready either for the mureeds or the general public.
All love and Blessings,
Sam
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
19th April 1969
S. Ahmed Sahib,
c/o “Co-Opera” Bookshop,
70, The Mall, Lahore,
West Pakistan
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. Your letter of the 4th is being answered and at some length with carbons going to several persons. One has not the time to carry out by one’s ego-self all the projects and opportunities and if Muslims will not accept say: Allah and leave them to their devices, this person will continue to say “Allah” and there is every evidence that Allah approves though “Muslims” (so- called) may not.
In either correcting or directing some disciples one had them begin variously portions of Kashf Al Majub, not that one insist this or any book be followed, but to give them individually and collectively direction and this seems to have been entirely successful, praise to Allah and I have more than ample evidence that Allah approves of lots of things human beings, Muslim and non-Muslims alike do not approve and also that he disapproves of many things that Muslims and non-Muslims alike (but differing from each other) approve. And the lesson of Al-Hujwiri about Riza has failed for just as in his time and before and since the majority of so-called “Muslims” approve of their ego-selves and do not follow the standard of having their Riza in Allah. Only now one has become quite successful in presetting Allah and more to my follow kafir-feringhis. So if you came here you would be finding my disciples and friends repeating Allah but “good-Muslims” have no time for that, just for advocating, advocating but not doing five prayers a day and making dogmas out of the pillars which never was the teaching of the last Messenger (on whom be peace.)
I do not accept the news of our press and am not surprised of your reports. Politics has invaded everything and there is hardly a so-called “Islamic” publication that has any time for “Allah,” but they do publish some fine Hadith and saying of saints, of which I thoroughly and absolutely approve. The Christian publications are little different with no time for “God” but also no time for fine quotations. In this “Muslims” are ahead of “Christians,” but in observation, no! That is why the young are seeking and seeking.
This morning one attends a seminar on “The Mystical Experience” and Sufism is on the agenda. Not that one will succeed. There are two kinds of “Islamics” in this country: (a) intellectualism by non-American, non-Muslims who have charge of giving degrees in “Asian” philosophies hardly found in Asia; (b) Mosque people who spend all their time praising themselves and those of whom they approve and neither keeping up with culture of that time nor of the past.
Against this are the fine lectures by Americans who have been won to Mohammed but not to “Islam” for they will not indulge in politics, national or international. Contrary to your bigots—and you have a lot of them—they do like the Islamic prayers; indeed they prefer them to their traditional ones but they do not want to go to the Mosque and learn the politics, they want Allah and Mohammed, and they can’t have them!
Indeed the internal peacefulness which is at the very care of Din is absent. Few have this peacefulness and the fact, the hard, hard fact that this person has the baraka is becoming evident, despite both these classes of “Muslim” above, the professors and the Mosque-organizers.
Verily With Difficulty Cometh Ease. We have been close friends for some time and I tell you there is another way to approach holy Qur’an and Hadith and that is to got rid of Nufs. Besides that there is Kashf, and Kashf, not some blind editorial word called “Islam” is the way to the solution of problems. Or as the Hadith says, visions are from Allah and dreams from Iblis. I won’t go into that.
One has had the visions of the cosmic dances and then one tried Dervish Dances. These are compilations of movements from several tariks, mostly of the New East and when your countrymen stop this nonsense of Pan-Islam and actually accept what their spiritual brothers do and don’t try to lead, just to join them, you will see something else, Inshallah. In fact this movement has grown so much that they are in demand and while you do not hear the “Muslims” doing it a greater and greater number of young Americans are respecting Allah! Allah! Allah!
I do not teach them everything. Mohammed the messenger differs from “Muslims” because he said that those who repeat Kalama shall not suffer from Naar and most “Muslims” are demanding a whole lot of things, in the name of Qur’an and Hadith, which do not appear in Qur’an and Hadith. And in the Arab lands they are having social and political changes of quite different orders which are solving many real problems of real persons. I am neither sociologists nor politician and am concerned with heart-basics.
When I presented by dance in which the people repeat; Ya Mohammed Abdullah! Ya Mohammed Abdallah! Mohammed Rassoul-Lillah! Ya Mohammed Abdallah! the response was eager and instantaneous. And the campaign of “Joy without Drugs” has been successful. Or as written earlier to understand “The Cave” one must have the Cave experiences, of coming before utterly strange people by perseverance in Allah not in “Islamics” there is greater and greater response.
But the other night the place was so-packed we could neither walk nor dance so one began choral singing:
La Illaha Il Allahu (three times)
Mohammed Rassoul-Lillah (twice)
with about 80 “unbelievers” present, and the joy and report was overwhelming, and as Hazrat Inayat Khan said, “Heart speaks to heart and soul to soul.” And it is kafir-feringhis who want to repeat Allah while others are busy in politics. And I tell you, Brother and friend, it is a manifestation: “In that day will the Sun rise in the West and all men seeing, believe.” For the Sun of Truth is rising and my disciples and now others repeating Ya Hayy! Ya Hakk and the baraka is manifest and the blessings and the joy more and more every week, praise to Allah.
Indeed one has had to take some of our Indian brethren to task because they are praising everything and everybody but Allah and without any effect all, the same problem, the same miseries.
It is not only necessary, it is coming that one will be given halls for one’s work at no costs with rising collections and larger audience. This may be a new way to present Sufism, which is based on God-realization.
To an entirely different group of people, many of them older in years one’s Azan was most effective. For one can sing to Allah and with Allah and not think of ego-self. This is in the course in “Early Arabic Art.” It is necessary to write a paper therein too. One has plenty of materials. And here one also differs from “Muslims” who are so full of self-praise and without knowledge.
In this class the next lesson is concerning the Khalifs Al Rashidin. One has no right impose on others (but many so-called “Muslim” do just that) but the khalif Omar has been my ideal in so many things. And I have already brought to class some Arabic clothing and will wear a fine Moorish robe later on. We are encouraging interest in all kinds of clothing but mostly Persian and Arabic. As Miss Khawar may be here later we are keeping the doors open but all is being prepared. The campaign to import Arabic clothing commercially has not yet succeeded but I am urging an interest in Pakistani clothing and have already taken the first steps. On the point I an American, that is a doer, a pragmatist.
(So far as Pakistani foods are concerned that has been essay for me. But our next big feast outside will be at the Khyber Pass Restaurant in a neighboring city.)
Allah has also seen fit to increase remuneration from all directions. Financially I am now “at ease” but must organize and also keep in mind the possibilities of travels again. I await Pir Vilayat, son of Hazrat Inayat Khan. There are some serious things going on whether he will obtain a large parcel of land not far from the Khankah. These people refused to come to our free lectures but now they pay and they have to pay, for Americans do not learn unless they put out money.
Despite the years, the health is excellent and the practice of the Divine presence (Akhlak Allah) is most beneficial.
No doubt something will be accomplished today when one must speak for tasawwuf, but I wish to get this off as more and more doors are open.
With all love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif. 94110
10th May, 1969
Shams-ed-din Ahmed
c/o “Co-Opera”
70, The Mall,
Lahore, Pakistan
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. The work done with the young increase all the times. My old acquaintances do not accept the world in which they live and there is now a “Generation Gap” in which it is often said that older people do not comprehend the younger. Nonsense. This is nothing but nufs. Millions go to visit Data Ganj Baksh but hardly a handful know about his teaching on nufs and practically nobody recognize that Nufsaniat is the equivalent of Samsara. But everybody wants their own ego and millions of repetitions of La Illaha El Il Allah do not change this.
I do not remember his name but one of your sons became a very good friend and Inshallah, when it is possible to return to Pakistan I could keep him very busy. My outward circumstances are changing all the time and few older people want to recognize it; the inner circumstances are also changing all the time and fortunately many young people recognize it.
In 1962 I visited the tomb of Amir Khusrau with Pir-o-Murshid Hasan Sani Nizami and one of his brothers. The spirit of the saint appeared to me and gave me the same robe which had been offered by Khawja Khizr and Moin-ed-din Chisti. He said: “I appoint you as successors to Mohammed Iqbal in the school of Jalal-ud-din Rumi.” When I came back to Pakistan Sufi Sahib gave that robe and I have it. And all the famous and infamous people, all the authorities who preach without identification with their own words cannot stop what is the Divine Will. It is in operation all the time and one is now seriously considering also giving up sleep.
The other day President Zukair Hossein died and I had to listen to dualistic and hypocritical important people speak about him. But the time has come, the hypocritical and important people are being found out and very gradually the name and prowess of Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti is wending its way into the universities exactly in accordance with the blessings of Hazrat Inayat Khan. His disciples and followers refused to accept; even the man who was present has refused to accept because they do not understand nufs.
A billion repetitions of “No partner hath He” and still humankind make itself equal or superior. This person has refused adamantly to attend a “peace conference” of the local Muslims. There is no Peace but in Allah. Doctrines, dogmas, assertions are not peace and the state of Nufs-Selima is practically unknown.
The attendance at my groups increases. Last Sunday one had 150 and the daily attendance grows, the number of meeting grows and one has to visit the universities more and more and more, and no help. My chief secretaries are now engaged in their own pursuits and Allah is manifesting more and more and more. Everybody has suggestions; it is laughable. If there is one thing I do not need it is suggestions, as you will see:
It is my mission before Allah to do in this part of the world what Moin-ed-din Chisti did in India. I do wear his robe though the physical counterpart came from Sufi Sahib. Today dances are pouring through me as poetry did before. The poetry was rejected but the story is coming out. People who go around proclaiming Love, Humanity, Democracy differ only in that they use these words. It is not necessary to depend on them. The rich and the famous who might have helped, on them there is no need to reliance, in Allah only is reliance.
Every time a group comes Allah bestows a blessing. The other night one had the disciples get up and do another dance—these dances are always coming. It is based on nothing but Bismillah Er-Rahman Er-Rahim. It is real, it is effective. It is based on knowledge of psychic and mystical law which pretenders and proclaimers do not know. These dances are pouring out of one. Soon the poetry will be recognized. There is a seminar on poetry writing soon as effected by Oriental Philosophy. I shall without question bring “Saladin,” the greatest of my efforts so far.
The story of “ Saladin ,” the outer story is a shame. The person to whom it was dedicated refused to look at it. He is rich, famous and very, very lonely. He gets all his books published, he gets audiences everywhere, but they are audiences, they are not parts of himself and he has deserted Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan for his own fame and glory and he will go down in history unless he comes to the gate of Tauba. I know all about his private life and have kept quiet and probably will continue to keep quiet but it is disgusting how so many pretended devotees defy Allah Knows All Things. They act as if otherwise. And I personally defy all so-called Muslims who do not accept:
“Act as if in the presence of Allah and remember, if you do not see Him, verily He sees you.”
I do not even have free nights. Last night was taken up by two long interviews. The disciple, oldest from point of Bayat was here. He is going through two crucifixions. He is marvelous physically, mentally, morally and spiritually strong. He has already had the Khalif’s Ryazat and next I shall arrange to have a robe made for him. I wished to institute him publicly in the presence of Pir Vilayat Khan but do not know Vilayat’s itinerary.
The people at Geneva and in Holland do not accept the Invocation of Hazrat Inayat Khan: “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.” I understand they are instigating legal proceedings against both Vilayat and myself. Yesterday one of my disciples, given Bayat by Vilayat, told me that Pir Vilayat knew exactly what was coming and he has taken all the legal precautions. We are preparing to send a caravan to him for mountain climbing. (Murshid’s “mountain climbing” is different—through makamat and ahwal).
A whole hour was spent last night with a young lady getting material on “Alternates to Drugs in bringing Joy to the Young.” She took down huge portions of my personal history and all her questions were easily answered. They are no problems. There is just the refusal of important people to listen. Allah and Listening solve all problems, all, but important people cannot listen. This is nufs; it deadens their senses and mind. They cannot listen and so the world is disturbed.
Now I must tell you about the work of Abdal. I was initiated in the path by Ghaus-i-Azam and served him and through him, Allah and “All the illuminated souls who form the embodiment of the Master, the Spirit of Guidance.” It is a terrible undertaking and line of work. But one was recognized immediately in UAR which is a long story.
Now in Hadith there is a prediction: “In that day will the Sun rise in the West, and all men seeing, will believe.” The long interview last night coming after the blessings of more and more walks and dances based on the basic teaching of Islam, of Qur’an and Hadith, makes one recognize what one has always known. Akbar, the Khalif designate as above has long been trained in Tasawwuri Mohammed, the most difficult and deepest though simple of all practices. It is Jili’s Insaan-i-Kemal in action and practice and no nonsense.
While this is going on the Vietnam complex. I have a chair once occupied by Robert Clifton (Phra Sumangalo), my dearest and best friend for thirty-five years. He came into my rooms: “Samuel, we do not have it!” Without batting an eye, “Robert, we do have it!” This a top Buddhist. This, one of the organizers of the World Buddhist Federation! Only some of the top Buddhists recognize more and I can tell you stories of the very top Buddhists, only it would fill Muslims with pride and ego, excepting Sidi Al-Alawi who preaches Khatimal Mursaleen and recognizes all the prophets of all faiths and all religions, ending and terminating in Mecca Shereef.
This theme is to be completed in Rassoul Gita which will live on after me and the generations of the future will look askance on the people of the day. But I am also teaching The Gospel of St. Thomas, the real words from Jesus Christ, more authentic than the Christian Bible and it repeats over and over again that the servants of God will be shunned and persecuted and no one know it better than this person. People can malign, imprison, beat but they do not take away the Divine Spirit.
There is a growing concern with the breakdown of all “moral” standards. We will teach the Adab but now with dance movements and the repetitions of the Sifat-i-Allah with the proper movements and postures. But the ease with which people, I mean the young repeat not only Allah but Mohammed Rassoul Lillah puts so-called “Muslims” to shame. I have enough time with the Bismillah, Takbir and the Sifat-i-Allah to last more than a lifetime and in the young mureeds the light of Love and Compassion and of each of the Sifat shines and so no special moral or other admonitions are needed. The Sifat prove themselves by effecting changes in character and action. The light of my young friends and followers is becoming more and more manifest.
There is a corporation in Geneva and there is another one in San Francisco called “Sufism Re-Oriented.” The last accepted Meher Baba who is gone and all of his predictions fell for naught. But too many human beings “forgive” every so called “saint” for every sort of transgression and expect the little people to obey all the “traffic laws” of the universe, whereas Allah expects the proper behavior from the important people and forgives the little ones.
The true transmission is non-verbal. How many know Um-Khitab? The new dance, Bismillah will live on and on and on. There are others. The Dervish dancing has been reported and published in The Oracle, a local paper. More is to come. As I have no secretaries now, just one helper, I cannot look after details.
All love and blessings,
Murshid
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
S. Ahmed
6th June, 1969
c/o Co-Opera
70, The Mall,
Lahore West Pakistan
Beloved One of Allah;
As-salaam aleikhum. Returning from the Khankah I found yours of 29th May and am pleased to answer it immediately. Am sending a copy to the new Consul General whom I do not know. I wish permission to copy some materials from the latest papers for a term paper on Pakistan for the Universities here, You may read about the turmoil going on at both San Francisco State which is in San Francisco and the University of California which is about nine miles from here. Actually these turmoils involve very few students. As soon as somebody wants to start trouble he notifies the police, the radio, the newspapers and television and pretty soon he is on the air and the world knows about him. But of the studying, research and achievements not even the students themselves know. It is not that I am “’against” for there is certainly much in our society to be corrected. But there are also some good things.
Besides now with the Grace of Allah, to Whom be all praise, the doors are opening and the time has arrived that not only one has no few days but not even a free evening. Sufi Sam as I am known here, has been invited to a seminar or conference “The Frontiers of Science” to be held tomorrow night. One has classes Mondays Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
The Sunday night class has been discontinued and instead we are meeting at the Khankah for a long dance session. This will no doubt disturb a lot of so- called “Sunnis.” If a person calls himself a Sunni he self-exempts himself from following what is actually in Qur’an and Hadith. Personally I think the spirit of Islam is more important than the form. The Hadith (and no “good-Muslim” has to study them) says: “In that day will the Sun rise in the West and all men seeing, will believe.” This person ignored by Mosques both in your land and this is getting a lot of “kafir-feringhis” reciting and chanting. And with joy. When you can got a hundred “non-believers” chanting Mohammedar Rassoul-Lillah it no doubt causes joy in heaven, but not among the so-called missionaries who do not missionary many people.
Hazrat Inayat Khan said, “Heart calls to heart” and “soul to soul.” The effort to introduce Dervish dancing has been overwhelming. I think I told you some time back we tried out using the Names of God; there were only a few of us. Nine opted for Allah! one for Ram, and none for God. Realizing that these were all Americans of Christian or Jewish backgrounds, that eight have been news, but the way in which it was done is too unorthodox to satisfy. So we follow the Qur’an; “Say Allah and leave them to their devices.” One realizes that “good-Muslims” do not have to do that. They have so many more important things than saying: Allah. And then one is also called a “fanatic.”
Two weeks ago I began explaining; “There are just three religions: Jewish, Christian and Fanaticism and I am proud to say I accept the latter.” This was an entirely different group and the remarks were met with laughter. And it is this group and not the “good-Muslims” that are interested in my lectures on Rumi. And I must laugh when you mention a cousin of George Bernard Shaw has adapted Islam. Why even my teachers, one by one are accepting that Mohammed was a Prophet or a Messenger and none of them are Muslims. And far from being hated and despised, it is only the ignorant missionaries who are gaining no converts who say Mohammed and Islam are despised in this land. The young want God, with or without religion.
A copy of toy work in Dervish Darning was sent to Ajmir. The recipient has been working on the Big Five of Chisti-Sufisms. He is strongly in favor of both music and dancing being used. This has been very encouraging. We had been using:
La Illaha El Allahu (three times)
Mohammedar Rassoul Lillah (twice)
La Mohammed Abdulla (twice)
Mohammedar Rassoul Lillah
La Mohammed Abdullah
Now we have both music and dance on Allah Er-Rahman Er-Rahim. Than one tried singing (low) Subhan Allah; (medium) Alhamdulillah; (loud and slow) Allaho Akbar. It is amazing how the young Americans have taken to these and other efforts. I am not going to say more here.
Everything written here may be shared. I shall try to see that you get some of the published material on the Dervish Dances. But I am at my wit’s end, always busy. I am very glad you have seem Ghulam Mustafa whom I know and may write him and send some material, too. Yes, I know about Bibijan coming here. Miss Khawar has been at Cornell University and wanted help to get her a place here. Today one has a following of about a hundred people, most with a spiritual and psychological problems and one has no free time and has not been able to make this understood. One has had so many requests about getting places to life.
I am glad you realize that my heart is still in Lahore. Since 1922 I have been studying and studying Kashf Al-Mahjub and I guess Moin-ed-din Chisti and Al Hujwiri (Data Sahib) have been the greatest influences in my life but now it is also Jelal-ud-din Rumi. When we had a big dinner for my disciple Fatima at the Afghan Restaurant, he called all of us out and gave names to those who still carried their ancestral ones. He called one Jelal-ed-din which pleased us all. And now also I am ready for another lecture an Al Rumi and Masnavi shortly.
I am so glad to be remembered by Baba, Haji, Qatari and Shafiq. It is most welcome to know that Allauddin Siddiqui now is Vice Chancellor. He has been one of my best friends of this whole life.
Please be sure to tell the Nawab the fist of this letter. Someday, Inshallah, I shall write my major opus which will be called Rassoul Gita, and will be an Islamic rejoinder to Bhagavad Gita. Oh, it is in me. But first “Saladin” must become known. This month a seminar on poetry writing as influenced by Asian studies will open and it is my intention to bring this out and also to the class on Rumi but not right away.
Praise to Allah the health is good and years do not weigh on me, only the amount of work. My chief secretaries now have outside jobs and there has been an almost miraculous change for the better. The effects will not come out immediately but they will come, Inshallah.
All love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
To Shams-ed-din Ahmed
2nd July, 1969
Beloved One of Allah: As-salaam Aleikhum!
It is with great joy that one answers your letter of 25th June. There is no question that Allah alone exists and it is tearful and pitiful that many, especially many calling themselves “Sufis” in the West today ignore Allah entirely. So to them as to the Muslins one says, “No, I am not a Muslim. No, I am not a Sufi, I am an Inshallah-ist!” Hazrat Inayat Khan warned about being used in people’s games and that is exactly what is happening and there is no acceptance of Saluk or Adab. Just words and claims, and the most marvelous reports one can give.
The Oracle of Inayat Khan said, “Sleep is restful but awakening is interesting.” I know that my last bastion would have to go and not only seven days in a week but hardly any sleep nor does one need it when one lives in Allah, the Eternally Awakened.
On top of the very full program came a procession. There is an Indian friend of Hazrat Inayat Khan here and he has tried to reach me but we have not been successful yet. Then Khawar came. It was magnificent. She was here only a few hours. We cooked all kinds of curries and then she put the young ladies in Pakistani clothes and never in my life have I seen anything so beautiful. It went over big, tremendous. We later took her to the Khankah and she watched our Dervish dances (sometimes joining) and sang with us in what are companions to Khawwals. I laughingly asked her if I would be permitted to go to Ajmir! Well we are on excellent terms with Ajmir and I hope, inshallah, with Nizam-ed-din Auliya.
Khawar stayed only a few hours and had to go to Los Angeles, 450 miles away, but will be here later. I understand Bibijan will be coming soon, as soon as the wedding ceremonies are over. But this is a new day, alhamdu-lillah!
Monday I called at the Pakistani consulate. The new receptionist is also a friend of Dr. Alauddin Siddiqui. We are in agreement that the Mosque is doing nothing. They had a meeting asking why the attendance and funds are low. When we wanted the Khankah we prayed Allah and the money came immediately without our doing anything. Someday people will accept Allah and forget all else. Then I phoned Asia Foundation and wrote to a former employer who is president of the Board of Regents of Asia Foundation in regard to a Pakistani fashion show. I shall keep you informed. The enthusiasm is very high.
I did not ask Khawar what she thought about Fazal, she who has known many Sufi Pirs. But Monday also wrote to Pir Salarwala a most encouraging letter. For things are so different, and the young are coming in ever greater numbers as Allah has shown me. Consequently I am not concerned or disturbed by other “Sufi” groups who will get the old people, if anybody, and not many of them. They also say: “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, but to them it is an invocation and to some of us it is Reality, not “a” Reality but Reality.
I am therefore making many copies of this letter which will be sent to many places.
This letter, inshallah, may well become historical. When I began study there was just one book (and no class papers). It was called “A Sufi Message of Spiritual Liberty” and from it one quotes:
“The Sufic method of realization, the study of Shariat, Tarikat, Hakikat and Marifat, also the practice of Zikr, Fikr, Kasab, Shagal and Amal, is claimed to be the easiest, shortest, and most interesting for spiritual accomplishment.”
When I went to hear Fazal last night the door of “love, harmony and beauty” was closed and a big (physically) man tried to bar the way. But he called Fazal and Fazal began—this is also “love, harmony and beauty” to accuse me. At his uncle’s meeting and at his own I never said a word but facts are unimportant to nufsians. Anyhow I went in and it was hard not to weep. The travesty, nothing at all in the slightest resembling the above or any of his sainted grandfather’s teaching.
It is fortunate they did not bar me. There were several of my old friends in the audience and one disciple of Hazrat Inayat Khan at least. What touched her were my disciples, beautiful young women, and more than beautiful. For while there was an intellectual and often quire erroneous discussion going on Jasmine asked, if after all, Sufism was not the religion of love. Fazal said that that question was better than both the speeches. It was. I told my Sister that this was one of the least of my disciples, that I had many, many more and more more advanced. This is something that corporation and church people cannot understand, the lifting of the Veils by Grace. It is totally foreign to them.
When we got home I was happy to find that Jasmine had passed the gate of Tauba. She did not know that. She just went through a complete change and turnabout. But she and Parisa and Zeynab who were there, all young, beautiful and accomplished young women, all have their inner eyes opened already. They could hardly hear the words, for they saw the lights (or absence) and the colors and the radiance (or absence) in the speakers and knew all about them. And when Fazal and his people get this letter they will be shocked. But that will only be the beginning for La Illaha El Il Allah and “these two things cannot exist together, nufs and Allah.” But then these pitiable speakers never knew Hazrat Inayat Khan and while Fazal has been to Pakistan, he does not know (until he gets this letter) what the real Sufis, and of course, Dr. Alauddin Siddiqui think of him. And how he can dream of being a leader in “One single brotherhood in the Fatherhood of God” by even condoning condemnation of an accepted Sufi is so ludicrous. And flesh and blood most certainly do not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
Now Khawar has told me that Prof. Seyyed Hossein Nasr is at Harvard University and at the moment also I have some excellent contacts at both Harvard, and its immediate neighbor, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, one of the highest ranking institutions in the whole world. Prof. Nasr is accepted as the top intellectual instructor on Sufism but he has a certainly mystical insight as well as experience. The possibility of his coming here or the introduction to him of Pir Vilayat Khan will compel, sooner or later the placing of facts openly and the end of all spurious claims and claimants.
Tonight I expect to wear my Dervish (Khizr) robe as well as that of murshid. There will be the institution of two Khalifs who have had the mystical insight and development and show such prowess. They are also accepted. Now I am completing the 60-100 stage of disciples.
Last night the speaker well said that knowledge of the past is power, of the present wisdom and of the future peace. But there is such a difference between a speech and cosmic actualization. In all things one “sees” as well as intuits (Kashf), but there is no sense of trying to enforce this on nufsian claimants. They do not, cannot, and would not understand. There is nothing in my life that has not been fore-visioned and today there are so many young people who have pierced veils and are looking for a “guru.” I do not know how I can now handle all these persons and so actually welcome any kind of “Sufi” here and especially any Fazal that wishes to lead the old (and often wealthy) people.
Khawar saw and others are seeing Love and Harmony and Beauty and when we sing, Ishk Allah, Mahbood Lillah (against a background of “Allah”) it is marvelous. The hearts are opening. There is a new type of humanity here.
So in a few moments Vilayat arrives. And I glance further in “A Sufi Message of Spiritual Liberty”: “Sufism contains all branches of mysticism, such as psychology, occultism, spiritualism, clairvoyance, clairaudience, intuition, inspiration….” This was definitely attacked last night by Fazal and his co-speaker! Imagine! And Hazrat Inayat Khan taught a certain kind of Occultism, but the papers have been either hidden or destroyed! Which does not stop the keen and we are here going to teach Irfan, Malikat, Waliyyat, Mushahida, Mujahida and all applications of the afore-mentioned Zikr, Fikr, Kasab, Shagal and Amal. We are already giving out the Wazifas and Kalama at many levels and the Akhlak Allah. And we are restoring all mysteries, and having them in a single general movement, and no nonsense.
When the least of the disciples already see, how about the advanced ones? How do you think this person feels who has already gone through Miraj and “Cave”? All the predictions of Hazrat Inayat Khan concerning his person are coming true, alhamdulillah and this is a new age when Insight (Kashf) not words will avail and prevail. And when Khawar heard our songs in praise of Mohammed, it was just as at the Afghan Restaurant. More is coming and one is totally hopeful, at least.
The next rumor is about people visiting your land. This is coming, inshallah.
This letter is for anybody and everybody and we may even publish it, or something like it.
All love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
July 28, 1969
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum: I have just received yours of the 21st and am answering it immediately. If things have happened rapidly in my life they are happening still more rapidly now. However, praise to Allah, the fortunate far out-dominates the unfortunate. I must get ready to leave as soon as possible to visit the state of New Mexico. They want to learn about Sufism. I must also return as soon as possible to this vicinity because many young people wish to learn about Sufism—which is to say, they want to know more about Allah—Ya Hayy, Ya Hakk.
While this had been going on I have received another writing assignment for the Khankah. Saturday I completed my most profound work—a commentary on “Initiation and Discipleship.” Encouragement has come indirectly by some of our studies of the commentaries on Hadith by Baba Sahib which Khawar has been giving us. It will be wonderful if we could have more of this in English. It will once and for all the speculations of unbelievers about the relationship between Mohammed, on whom be Peace, and Tasawwuf, the science of the Being and Presence of Allah.
True, because of its universality, there have been found parallels with other faiths. Early in life I was taught that the most profound sciences were known to the Hebrew prophets. In recent studies it appears—and I am not too sure of it—that Prince Dara Shikoh wrote on the similarities and differences of some of these profound practices. I have read about them in books concerning Indian holy men; I have met them in men concerning Islamic-Sufi devotees. I do not agree that Allah has failed to send messengers to all people. I see Mohammed as the finality and seal over actual personages, not over concepts, not over theories. In my poem “Saladin” the inspiration came from Mohammed himself in a function as Sad-guru. I have yet to meet an Indian holy man who has denied me this knowledge, excepting the fakes of whom there are plenty.
My work with the young is increasing. Some of the ideas and methods are being copied. I have the assignment to have 50,000 American repeat Allah, and I shall not stop no matter what those calling themselves Muslims say. I cannot teach Shariah and I cannot stop saying Allah. Holy Qur’an tells us to say Allah. Besides this it words; believe me it works.
One has to take death with apparent unconcern. During the Pakistani dinner that we had last week, I had two close friends presumably dying, and yet the dinner had to be carried on as a most joyful occasion which otherwise it was. I have determined not to go to the convention of Muslims in this land. Their subject is Jihad. I am all for Jihad, but I cannot be concerned with the internal politics or even the external polities of land far away. I have to praise Allah, for both my physical and mental health and vigor are excellent for a man of any age, let alone one in his seventies.
I am glad to know about Saints who were illiterate. The conferences on so-called Asian philosophy held within the domain of the United States are confined only to the most literate and this has generally meant those of European or English University education. I have met so many Saints, real Saints, who did not seem concerned with reading and writing, or external knowledge.
There are many signs that we may be able to augment or restore the exoteric sciences. There are many other signs for I have been invited, after completing the assignments mentioned above, to visit certain places in the Eastern part of the United States. Sometimes I feel my career is only beginning and sometimes I feel just like that. I shall have more pictures made of me. Pir Sahib Salarwala was most pleased with the one sent him. If anything I have been careless about externals, but if anything for the first time in my life, I have been admired therefor.
This is a rushed letter. I feel I am going on more great adventures, inshallah. I feel that the purposes of my return to my country are being fulfilled, alhamdulillah. When I am permitted to return to Pakistan, I hope to bring messages of love and Joy and to convey Love and Joy without interfering with habits or customs.
All love and blessing,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
410 Precita Ave.
Sept. 8, 1969
S. Ahmed
c/o Co-Opera
The Mall
Lahore, Pakistan
Beloved One of Allah:
As-Salaam-Aleikhum! One reads with much satisfaction your letter of 3rd September. And this letter is being sent in duplicate to you to use extra copy as you will and also a copy is going to your embassy here. One is still discompassionate about politics. Americans do things.
Yesterday we performed Dervish Dances in public and not only our people but a lot in the audience were chanting Allah, Allah, Allah when we left the arena. I do not think a single missionary coming to this country under any auspices, has ever accomplished that. Not only that, we are scheduled to have a big program in this city tomorrow night for the Dervish Dances. This will be preceded by a Pakistani fashion show given by my beloved god-daughter Miss Saadia Khawar Khan. Regardless of all politicians, Tablighis, etc. etc. we shall continue teaching Kalama to the American public and differing from many who call themselves Muslims I definitely do not believe that there is any power or might in the cosmos save Allah, to whom be all praise. I also believe when so-called Muslims stop their self-praise and praise Allah that would have not so much to complain about. And we have now a whole choral group chanting, “Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allaho Akbar.”
It is also quite untrue that there is much criticism of Mohammed Rassoul-lillah, on whom be peace. I have yet to meet a single young person who has come to my meetings on any occasion to hesitate in chanting praise to Mohammed. What Americans object to is the lack of sincerity in religion of Muslims, so called, and failure to accept in actuality the wonderful moral teachings of Hadiths. To some extent this acceptance of Mohammed is due to the growing protest in this country against what passes for culture. When I read Hadiths, which are seldom read in the mosques here, there is almost universal acceptance; in addition to that Saadia Khawar has been giving special lessons on Hadiths both to the mureeds and the general public. And when Muslims start teaching Hadiths and accept that Allah loves his creation more than a mother loves her offspring, we shall see a different and a better world, inshallah. Naturally we have been interested in the wedding. Saadia Khawar will be leaving here this Thursday after I depart presumably for the Northwest. The whole outlook is different: responses to my meetings, putting into practice the teachings, and all those things which belong to a true spiritual life, are slowly but surely becoming elements in the culture of America.
Naturally I am sorry that your benefactor is passing away. But I am also taking it as a sign to study Afghani. I have been sympathetically inclined, but have not read him. I am also, inshallah, planning either to attend or send a representative to the next Conference of World Religions. There is a great deal of difference between the actual teachings of Hadiths and the assumptions that every type of behavior pattern by every type of so-called Muslim is automatically noble. The Prophet of God said “Oppose oppression, whether by a Muslim or by a non-Muslim.” He did not say, “We condone oppression by Muslims.” I believe this teaching, given to the world, will help fulfill many predictions.
Please send me the address of Haji Sarfraz. I have not heard from Major Sadiq who is supposed to be in Abbottabad. Saadia Khawar and I often discuss either another visit to Pakistan, inshallah, or sending one or more disciples. I which to show her especially the last part of your letter, dealing with the writings of Prof. Durrani at Peshawar. I have often asked for his books. Today, alhamdulillah! I am in a much more favorable financial position, and not only have a growing flock of mureeds but letters, inquiries, and visits, covering a larger territory.
A group of us here are most interested in a local professor who is giving classes in Islamic Art. It started as Arabic Art, but the superiors, despite a certain apathy in your land about this country, instructed her to change from Arabic Art to Islamic Art. This Autumn we shall be mostly concerned with Persian culture, but also its effects on the sub-continent. Again, it is not Muslims who show much interest, but some of us whether we are called Muslims or not, who have deep love for Khatimal Mursaleen are cooperating fully, socially, financially and otherwise in this undertaking. Indeed most of my intellectual efforts outside my personal work are in this direction. And I am ready to throw the Hadiths, the actual Hadiths, at both Muslim and non-Muslim who will dare to dissent publicly or privately from such a stand. This confused world is not going to gain while each of us places his private code above divine revelation, or what is next to it. Even now, we are considering a number of purchases from Ashraf. There are disciples here to whom I have never spoken a word about either Mohammed or Sifat-i-Allah who have had the most marvelous awakenings from studying Arnold’s Pearls of Faith. And when the religious people accept the teachings of nufs either as taught by Hujwiri (Data Sahib) or otherwise we are going to see a new world, inshallah.
With all love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
December 21, 1969
S. Ahmed The Mall
Lahore, Pakistan
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam-Aleikhum! Inshallah, this may be a most important letter. One hopes it is an encouraging one. There is such a gap today between surrender to Allah and what passes as “Islam” that it would seem impossible to bridge this gap. There is a conference of Islamic nations now going on in Morocco. One of the most important books to me, and I mean to me, is An Islamic Saint of the Twentieth Century concerning a great Pir-o-Murshid of the Alawi School which has its centers, influence and affluence in the Margreb. It was my good fortune to meet the successor of this great Pir-o-Murshid and the “Islam” and Baraka is quite out of line with everything going on today; in fact it transcends. His Islam has nothing to do with egocentricities and manmade or man-derived outlooks. But he left his Baraka here and his predictions which have come true.
Along the same line has been the course “The Influence of Arabic Civilization in the Mediterranean” just completed. There were practically no “Muslims” in these classes, excepting one other American at night. The “Muslims” of the day are concerned with politics and join the Christians in praying “Our will be done in heaven as it is in earth.” So long as this Iblis prayer continues we are going to have confusion on earth; we are going to have nothing but confusion.
I agree with the Messenger of Allah, on whom be peace, “The words of Allah can abrogate my words, but my words cannot abrogate the words of Allah.” This is of course not practiced in Islam. Anything can be abrogate that proper “Muslims” want done, and that is why instead of turning to Allah, the real Allah, they spend time in passing endless useless resolutions, and I don’t know to whom. For all these resolutions presume that there is some power other than Allah. And when man presumes there is some power other than Allah he is supporting Iblis no matter what he says. When the great World War was at its worst this person beseeched Allah to open his eyes. Everything happened as was seen, and this gave the direct experience into the prowess of Ghaus-i-Azam and the spiritual hierarchy which exists. Nor do I dare challenge that Allah always has his representative on earth. I am not one of those who pays lip service to Holy Scriptures and finds every reason or unreason to abrogate them when it so pleases him.
Therefore I personally accept all teachings of scriptures not contradicted by Holy Qur’an. I do not accept that Qur’an was the only sacred book. Holy Qur’an does not say it is the only sacred book. But bigots have made it “the only sacred book” and by so doing have taken away its value.
I have in mind here certain phrases of the Hebrew Bible which I use at Christmas such as, “Every Valley shall be exalted, and every mountain laid law, etc.” And, “Comfort ye may people.” These phrases from the Hebraic Isaiah etc., belong to umm khatib as much as do Holy Qur’an and much of the Hadiths. The Messenger himself said, although he has been contradicted by multitudes of Muslims, that he was not different from human kind, and that we must not judge prophets and messengers which has been done and is being done through the ages. But if we go deep, and a few do go deep, when we reach Mushahida we will know the truth ourselves. Multitudes seem verbally attached to Shahud without direct experience, and those who have direct experiences are constantly being challenged by the worthy and unworthy. This means in practice we accept other than Allah, and this other than Allah is mostly our own nufs.
It may shock a number of so-called “good-Muslims” to find that our choral master here is teaching Christian hymns against a backdrop of Kalama. Why a “good-Muslim” does not even have to say any Kalama; he just has to require that others do it. We accept Isa and Musa, not verbally but actually. We believe that the Prophet of Mecca come to complete their work. We find in practice that the people of the synagogue do not use the Name of God that Moses used, nor do the people of the Church use the name of God that Isa did. Therefore we consider it our first duty to get Americans to say Allah, and before Allah but not before the Islamic communities, the young Americans are saying Allah. Recently to my amazement as I was crossing a square in front of this house a group of young children came to me, surround me, and chanted Allah, Allah, Allah. Whence this inspiration? And we have little infants here whose first words are not the usual mama or papa but Allah. These just might be signs, inshallah, of “In that day, the sun will rise in the West, and all men seeing will believe.”
I have two world projects, and I mean world projects, in front of me at this moment. The first is a gathering of all faiths scheduled for Istanbul, Turkey next spring. I hope to bring, inshallah, a message of spirituality and universality based on direct experience and wisdom. At least it would appear that I must attend. My finances are in somewhat better shape today. I have also been assured of help if necessary from Saadia Khawar (I have just learned that Auntie Bibijan is now with her at Ithaca, NY). Also a letter has been received from Pir Vilayat Khan, the oldest son of the late Hazrat Inayat Khan, assuring me that his finances are in excellent shape. I have known for a long time from outer sources that this would be, but now I am glad to report they are.
Pir Vilayat has had a long, complicated and arduous history into which we need not go. Since he has documented his appointment by the Grand Pirs of the Chisti Order, there seems to be no reason whatsoever not to given full and absolute co-operation. Indeed, since our working together, we both seem to have made considerable progress. Evincing that the will of Allah is not only real but comes into manifestation. Nor do I believe it can be otherwise.
The other is writing of Rassoul Gita which inshallah may become an immortal poem, an Islamic parallel to the Indian Bhagavad Gita. This is a seemingly daring project. Previous poems, to each religion, have been rejected by that religion. This is also true of Saladin, written under the inspiration of fana-fi-Rassoul. This poem will someday stand. It is the religionists, the hypocrites, who are going to disappear, not the truths which come with every breath from the living god.
This poem has in essence two portions, the reaffirmations of Kalama and Shahud; and the denunciation of the Dajjals. India and California (but much more of the United States) seem to agree that problems are solved? By the manifestation of some egotistical superman who will solve all problems, especially if you give him everything. Even the greatest of Sages do not seem to have done much to clarify the perplexities of India. But Americans tend to go even further.
In a few days, inshallah, we may have a gathering at local San Francisco State college, a well-known institutions full of complexities and newsworthy happenings. However, there they do have a form of free speech, really free speech, which few can comprehend. Every point of view, and I mean every point of view, is given its opportunity. The young Americans, whatever be their faults, are very firm for democracy, tolerance, and free speech. Of course they do not control the media of exchange so you can never read about this; you will never read about it. But this does give one an insight into the conflicting Dajjals and the spreading confusion.
To me most of these Dajjals resemble Nietzsche’s “superman”. In Nietzsche mankind was supposed to be sacrificed for superman. Indeed, such characters as Hitler and Stalin seem to act that way, but they never claimed to be divine. The Dajjals claim to be divine. It is not so much that their claims are false, but their directions are totally bound up in nufs and not in Allah.
We have a book here The Shadowless Prophet of Islam. Not only from legends and traditions, but from my own experiences, both Isa and Mohammed seem to have operated as if they were Sun in human form, not Allah in human form but the Sun in human form. The Sun gives, the Sun blesses, the Sun does not depend on human kind, the Sun does not depend on earth, the Sun does not depend.
Above I mentioned our studies in Arabic civilization (ignored by so-called “Islamic communities”). In this course we had to study the art of Islamic Spain (Andalusia). Although I have not visited this land, I was just as much impressed, if not overwhelmed as in visiting Taj, or the great Mosques of Cairo. There is a vast difference between subjective ego satisfaction and a rejoicing in human accomplishments based on divine guidance and inspiration. So I have re-read the American Washington Irving and his writings.
I was much impressed by the history of Tarik (from whom we get the word Gibraltar). This man was not only eminently victorious, he treated with kindness and consideration all his fallen enemies—no rancor, no envy, no accumulations of wealth, but he followed in the footsteps of Mohammed and Omar. For this he was removed by his jealous superior Musa. In the end the Khalifs at Damascus removed Musa and rewarded Tarik. It is the grand drama ignored by the egocentrics.
Islam was victorious when it adhered to Allah, the Qur’an, and Hadiths—not to the words but to the practices. It would seem today that religion has no particular objection to rancor, envy, malice, self-accumulation, etc. That is why religions is failing; that is why jihads are useless; that is why it is going to require something more than empty words to bring peace and justice to this world.
At this writing I am awaiting a very strange character, a disciple of Sufism who became a citizen of Israel when the land was occupied by the invading Israelis. He is a friends of a disciple of Jewish birth who was expelled from Israel for befriending Arabs. I have always held, and will continue to hold, there is a brotherhood of heart Sahib-i-dil beyond all difference and distinctions. It becomes a time for demonstration and test. But is also becomes a time to resume the writing of Rassoul Gita, as above which inshallah, shall be my contribution to the world’s cultures, become it known soon or in the distant future. Therefore I bear no ill-will, no malice, and continue to operate in Kashf and shahud, and will do, so stand I alone, or stand I in the midst of, or stand I ahead of the rising generations of quite different types of Americans—leaderless at the moment but seeking the truth within and without.
My greetings to you, to your family, to Haji Safraz and his family and disciples; to Sufis Barkat Ali, to Dr. Alauddin Siddiqui, to Major Sadiq, to all our friends, and to all Muslims be they followers of Allah or of their own misguiding egos.
Love and Blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Feb. 22, 1970
Mr. S. Ahmed
c/o Co-Opera
The Mall
Lahore, Pakistan
Beloved One of Allah;
As-salaam-aleikhum! It is easy no doubt to have a greeting. It is also important to take that greeting and make it the basis of life. One is departing from many methods of the past in an age also when the telephone, the motor car, the aeroplane, and other mechanical devices are being substituted for human endeavor. In all this there is no change of man’s relation to Allah. Mohammed, on whom be peace, said that if a person recited Kalama he would surely not go to hell. In general, one finds oneself in a most peculiar relation with many Muslims who demand what the messenger of Allah did not demands and who have substituted a multitude of legalisms for the divine Rahmat.
Last week we were performing a dance based on the Bismillah and a man came and was enjoying it. I discovered he was an Arab from Jerusalem. There was also present a lady disciple who had lived in Jerusalem, but left that land because she also loved the Arabs. She loves the Arabs; she loves the Israelis; she loves what Allah loves and whom Allah loves, and she will not accept that Allah loves some and not others. We had a beautiful short conference. Inshallah, we way have more of such meetings. You will not read about them in the press. What is done to stir is published; what is done to pacify is not published. Now I am preparing to go to Geneva, not Istanbul where the leaders of the world’s religions will convene. One does not yet know what one will say or do, but one is prepared to serve Allah, to look into the hearts of human beings, and to do more.
The immediate problem here has been one of health, not illness on my part but on the part of several near and dear to me at this hour. My brother has been released from the hospital and is home but very weak. My oldest and best spiritual friends now are suffering from ailments which come naturally with age, and which also they realize come with age. Of course we are making a science of the Names of Allah, and using them. All sciences are not necessarily of the outer world.
I am most interested in Fazal Shah of Mian Mir. I have received to myself the greatest wisdom teachings at that Dirgah from almost anywhere. It is hard to explain and perhaps unnecessary. Next to the Divine Names, the practice of certain forms of tasawwuri have been most effective. It is hard; it is strange; it is new, that souls born in a distant land should be so behaving that the Hadith: “In that day the sun will rise in the West, and all men seeing will believe” may be manifesting in unpredictable manners, but manifesting because it is Allah’s will, not because it satisfies human beings. In addition to the sacred phrases there are certain forms of refined breathing which we use, most healthful.
I have an advantage here of receiving mail from many lauds. From India, it is usually Ajmir, but one also hears from Australia, and from many parts of the United States, all showing signs of spiritual upsurges.
When one returned to this country, his mission was to convince 50,000 Americans to repeat Allah. This did not satisfy many orthodox who expect much more, expect from others what they have not accomplished themselves. This still goes on, and it may always go on. But now there are two signs that this goal is within one’s grasp. The first is the mission originally for Istanbul, now for Geneva, Switzerland, where one will meet the ecclesiastical leaders of all faiths. What one succeeds in doing is in Allah’s hands.
The next is no doubt more exciting. Preliminary offers have been made to film the Dervish dancing. While the cure for the ills of the world everywhere seems to be, “O Allah, make the other people behave,” the Sufi begins with his self, with his small ego. Now it seems to please Allah that people recite His Name, and His praise. It may not always please others; but it seems to please Allah. At this writing the possibilities of filming Dervish dances and presenting the praise of Allah to the multitudes is indeed far more propitious and auspicious than one could surmise. Evidently Allah wishes what people who propose to speak in His name, do not always wish. So at this writing one not only has a most crowded schedule, also the opportunities are here.
I personally believe that if Mohammed had appeared to peoples other than the Arabs, the Qur’an might have been different. He himself said that to every people was a Book. He distinctly said that Holy Qur’an was given in Arabic so that the people in ignorance could understand. A book which does not open to divine consciousness, has to be examined with great care. The simple fact is that this writing, more and more young people are coming to this Murshid so to speak, requiring more and more attention, more and more time, more and more effort, more and more consideration. And despite one’s age the simple fact is that the Daroods offered by Sahib Salarwala work. They are operative. They manifest. They give life and rest and hope, and bring Divine guidance at every step of the way in every aspect of life. I am therefore sending also a copy of this to Pir Sahib and to Khawar.
With all love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
March 13, 1970
Mr. Shams-ed-din Ahmed
c/o Co-Opera
The Mall
Lahore, Pakistan
Beloved One of Allah:
As-Salaam-Aleikhum! One rejoices in your letter of 5th March. It is something which is going to be read to others. One has at this time a growing following. The hundred disciples vouchsafed only three years book by Allah Himself are a reality. Every individual is a reality. Every individual is repeating the word Allah. Every one of them is chanting Mohammedar Rassoul Lillah. One was told this would be, that this would be part of one’s life mission, and it is. For the soul of man belongs to Allah, and when rightly approached, every soul is drawn to Allah—not necessarily drawn in the way the mullahs and imams wish but in the way Allah would, and evidently He does so will.
One feels you are entirely right on every point. Now one has the opportunity to communicate this to the world; one has the duty to communicate it to the world; and if Allah so wills, one soon will be communicating it to the world. I am not talking in symbols or in fanciful terms, but in actualities.
A very strong letter has been written to the American Friends of the Middle East who engage in pious sentiments while political enemies are murdering each other, often in the name of religion. The Bible says, “The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof.” No doubt there are reasons for property occupation. No doubt there are reasons for a thousand and one things in this world. Centuries have not stopped man from disobeying “Thou Shalt Not Kill.”
I have a disciple named Hasan who wishes now to publish “Saladin” along with its Hebraic predecessor, “The Day of the Lord Cometh.” One has felt this Divine inspiration so many times—in poetry, prose, in the daily life, in human relations, and in all things. You are entirely correct, in my opinion, about this nation. Jesus has said, what matter if you gain the whole world and lose your own soul. Hatred, dissatisfaction, confusion everywhere. At this writing even this city is in turmoil. Last week a letter was received from a friend in India depicting conditions much worse than even a hostile Pakistani press has reported. On the other hand, vision is still vouchsafed, Kashf is still active. All the foreboding of a few years back have some to objective manifestation, almost without exception.
Now one’s brother appears to be dying. We were enemies for years; it was useless. But as our estate was under legal examination it seems that this very time Allah may be intervening, and if this proves so, it could mean, inshallah, that one becomes comparatively a wealthy can, and will be able to travel anywhere that Allah wills on the surface of the earth. But this can only be accomplished by careful attention to the matters at hand, with full trust and hope in Allah, and not in pious sentiments or empty wishes.
I shall make note here to the secretary that in case Nawab appears in this vicinity he shall be given every consideration. We usually have an empty room at the Khankah. In my absence there will probably be at least two empty rooms. And when I am in San Francisco, also I can make provision at this house. I may also drop a note to the Consulate here.
On my return here, inshallah, I shall make every effort to put Tarikat on a sound footing. The young Americans about whom you may be hearing very little, are a different breed from those of the past. For this very reason they are treated with utmost hostility by the press, and most public agencies. But they have within them a spirit of devotion absent among their predecessors, and it is most unfortunate that Islamic missionaries verbalizing that the name of Mohammed is excoriated and the principles of Islam loathed, are entirely wrong. Only I am not an Imam. I am not a teacher of Shariah. And my duty has been to get Americans to repeat Allah, and keep on repeating Allah, and then determine whether they would also say Mohammedar Rassoul-Lillah. This has been done, this is being done and there is every sign that this will be increasingly done; more and more and more. So one is not afraid of Iblis; one is not afraid of any and all the powers of evil. One is not afraid at all.
With Love and Thanks, and blessings to yourself your family and friends,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
May 23, 1970
Shems-ed-din Ahmed
c/o Co-Opera
70 the Mall
Lahore, Pakistan
Beloved One of Allah: As-salaam-aleikhum!
Thank you for your letter of the 15th of May. Please present my salaams to Haji Safraz. I wish him to be informed of an event which if it transpires may be of greatest interest and even importance.
When the psychedelic conference met in San Francisco a number of years back I stated that there were words in Sanskrit which covered most of their presumably unusual experiences. The panel consisted mostly of university professors who had turned against what are known here as the Establishment. Although they ridiculed me, one by one they went to India, and came back very enthusiastic for Indian philosophies. They came back enthusiastic, but now after a few years, they have not had the spiritual development they expected. The most active and important of them, one Richard Alpert, who has been going around as a sort of Guru, calling himself Baba Ram Dass, is now preparing to leave for South America. There is a report that a Naqshibandi Pir-o-Murshid is active in these parts. Richard Alpert has already left to me, from his point of view, the directing of American youth in spiritual affairs. He dial most ask me; he simply is withdrawing, and according to rumors expects to become a mureed in Sufism, Naqshibandi order. If this is so, it should draw us even closer together. Actually, I believe that all things are in the hands of Allah, although sometimes it would appear Allah does not operate the way certain personalities say. I am still convinced that we should surrender to Allah in times of adversity and praise Him in times of prosperity. But adversity or prosperity we should always be looking for His Guidance.
Alhamdu-Lillah! I have been successful in getting quite a few Americans to accept this point of view.
I have already written Sufi Sahib at Salarwala, and believe I have sent you a copy. I am writing more regularly to Prof. Nasr in Tehran. Strictly speaking, a Sufi is one who is aware of Divine Guidance, be it in the form of Noor, Kashf, Shahud, or otherwise. I must differ from certain types of people who call themselves Muslims who would restrict the Divine Grace. There can be no restrictions on Allah.
We are now preparing for two events which may greatly affect the youth of America. In a few days I shall be leaving to take over o spiritual directions of Lama Foundation in the northern part of New Mexico. Here a whole group, a spiritual colony, has asked me to present the Sufi teachings, and it is quite possible many of them, inshallah, will seek Bayat. Some of my own mureeds are joining me, and I must especially mention one Bill Mathieu. Without any instructions from me, he has presented out of his own inspirations the most marvelous kawwals. They are not only most inspiring to me, they have inspired many disciples, and songs of triumph issue from the hearts of the young. We started out with a few; we are now many.
Sunday we are having a farewell festival of sorts which is also the birthday of one of my Naqibs. From the attendance at the meetings there should be a large turnout. It is really marvelous how young people are accepting and responding to the Divine call. And I am quite indifferent today whether this is accepted or not by human kind. In any event more and more Americans, and also some in Europe, are beginning to respond to signs of Divine Guidance, both in the Murshid and in themselves.
While this has been going on, Pir Vilayat Khan, the eldest son of Hazrat Inayat Khan, has not only been promoting his own work, but there is certainly a quantitative response. He hopes to make this response qualitative also.
And while this has been going on, there are signs of at least interest on the part of television stations in this land. If this progresses further, I shall write to Ansar Nasri in Karachi. It would certainly interest him, and it could even result in Pakistanis paying further attention to my efforts. I am asking for nothing now, but one can see the signs both from heaven and from earth.
Yes, there is turmoil and confusion. Too many people expect too much from others, and are unwilling to make sacrifices themselves. This past week we were successful in getting a Rabbi to give us an interview. There has been some question with the Arabs and Israelis yelling at each other, and saying they would be willing to sit down and talk, that it is a bluff on both sides. We have not may been successful in at least having this Rabbi open the doors, but we are now awaiting the arrival of an Arab Muslim who is a Citizen of Israel to ascertain what he thinks might be done next. There is such a vast difference between operative surrender, and the attitude of closed minds and hearts.
I think I have told you the story of how we found a copy of Hadiths (Mishkat). I am turning this material over to Khalif Moineddin who may use it as be chooses during my absence.
I already have a new basis for the study of this work which may not be popular at first, but which I this will be effective:
Rassoul Mohammed (on whom be peace) said, “The words of Allah may abrogate my words, but my words can never abrogate the words, of Allah.” In practice too many Muslims do not accept any words of Allah excepting those in Holy Qur’an, and in this they have in effect made even Qur’an unholy. For instance the Christian Bible says, “We have the mind of Christ.” And it is with the mind of Christ, so to speak, I intend to study and evaluate the sacred Hadiths. This will take one beyond all analysis, all deductions, into a universe of holiness and integration. This will not negate a single Hadith, but will examine them from a supreme point of view. To me this would be a great adventure. It might even lead to a different consideration that could develop greater unity and understanding in the world. From your letter I take it you would approve of such practices.
All love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Box 444, San Cristobal
N.M. 87564
June 8, 1970
S. Ahmed
care Co-Opera
To: the Mall
Lahore Pakistan (West)
Beloved One of Allah:
Asalaam aleikhum! Some time ago when I began producing dervish dances a Syrian said to me, “Muslims will not approve of what you are doing;” I replied “It is not a question of whether Muslims will approve of what I am doing; it is a question of whether Allah approves of what I am doing.” It is certain that from that time there has been progress, successful progress, in every aspect of my life.
Imam Al-Ghazali has said, “Tasawwuf is based on experiences not on premises.” But there are so many books and I have met so many people that limit tasawwuf to certain premises, to certain outlooks, etc. In his time the mullahs permitted alcohol to Emperor Salim Jahangir, but a little person is supposed to adhere to very fine points based often on custom. I differed from the Pakistani press when they said, “Islam can solve all problems.” I say, “Allah can solve all problems,” and it is remarkable that at this time I am not only feeling internal peace but am experiencing external peace. Pir Sufi Sahib Salarwala gave me one Darood practice for peace and peacefulness. The directive received at the Dirgah Mian Mir was Peace Is Power. And I left Pakistan with a commission from Allah Himself to get 50,000 Americans to repeat the word “Allah.” And I can almost say in the name of Allah that this is what Allah wants, inshallah, and no Tablighi has accomplished anything like it.
No, I have not yet gotten 50,000 Americans to repeat “Allah.” But now I have many 100’s of them doing so and once this is done they also repeat Mohammedar Rassoul Lillah. I am not concerned with any critic whatsoever. If the critics are right, let them demonstrate it. Before Allah I am demonstrating and shall continue to do so.
I am using the Sifat-i-Allah to success in raising the consciousness of 100’s of young Americans. Once they come under this influence drugs and alcohol and filthy language are no longer a part of their behavior pattern. This is deed and it is even possible, inshallah, for such deeds to be on television. I am not sure at this writing but there are possibilities, inshallah. Therefore I have absolute trust in Allah despite the turmoil, the crass emotionalism, even the terror that is going on, will not prevail in the end.
At Geneva Dr. Nasr successfully opposed the Dajjals. Dajjalism is very popular in America as it is also in India. People believe they can be absolved from sins by bathing in rivers, climbing mountains, or devoting themselves entirely to some man who has a good staff of advertising agents. The spiritual and moral teachings of the great religions are laid aside for the phrase, “spiritual and moral betterment” which results in nothing.
Tomorrow, inshallah, I shall be introducing the name of Allah into two cities in this state of New Mexico. I remain here until the end of the month. Almost as Jesus Christ saw the people as sheep without a leader, I am now having the young beseech me to visit them. Yesterday there was an actual pilgrimage to me, the second in my life. The first took place in Lahore of some dervishes at Sufiabad coming to visit me. Kashf and Shahud are to me utter realities in function, beyond the scope of law and logic.
When I return to San Francisco I have the task of relating the moral teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan (Saluk) to the Mishkat. This may not only be a tremendous task but one which is going to be accepted, inshallah, by the young of the world today. At times it would seem, “In that day will the sun rise in the West and all men seeing believe.” So many of my own disciples have had visions either of Rassoul Lillah or Ghaus-i-Azam that it is difficult to realize that this has not happened in the Western world before and one does not know whether it happens often in the world of Islam.
The so-called Sufi Movement at Geneva was nothing but a corporation that has expelled Pir Vilayat Khan. It is all grossly legal and devoid not only of spirituality but of intellectual prowess. Pir Vilayat is to say the least a remarkably educated man. He is in California now while I am in New Mexico, but evidentially intends to go to either Pakistan or India for further Sufi training.
Yesterday there was a so-called Holy Man’s Jamboree in San Francisco. Pir Vilayat was to have introduced and represented Sufism. It is too early to have had a report on this, and if I do not write now to you I man not see my way clear for a long time.
One has to teach; to offer moral and psychological counsel, to present the spiritual dances, to work, to attend to his private affairs and a number of other things. Along with me is disciple Wm. Mathieu who has also been receiving from inspiration the most wonderful type of Qawwals which are greeted with joy by the members of his choral groups. They are a wonderful contribution to my spiritual dancing, but more Islamic and less universal than some of my work. I am being astounded today by the prowess of my disciples and also by the number of fine young spiritual Americans who are looking for a guru.
I realize the shortcomings of political groups, of so-called economists and sociologists. They are adepts at confusion and imbeciles at solutions. I still agree heartily with the words as they are translated from A Thousand and One Nights, “There is no power nor might save in Allah.” I not only find the term Allah most supreme, but I notice so many young people reaching the same conclusion, not only under my influence but even without it.
Love and Blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
July 7, 1970
410 Precita Ave,
San Francisco, Ca. 94110
Shams-ed-din Ahmed
c/o Co-Opera
70 The Wall
Lahore, Pakistan
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam-aleikhum! I have before me your letter of 26th June and have written to the consular section of the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington. Later on I hope to be in Washington, Inshallah.
The life is so full that without Divine help and guidance one can do practically nothing. I am not talking in symbols. I have returned from Now Mexico and there are at least 500 young people in that state chanting Allah. The reception here was quite good and the attendance at meetings continues to increase, alhamdulillah!
The other persons in this house have also just returned from the State of Arizona where they had established a camp, presided over by Pir Vilayat Khan, the oldest son and perhaps the real successor to Hazrat Inayat Khan, Everything is moving and at such a rate that a parson of my age could not possibly handle his affairs if it were not for Divine grace.
I have four tremendous undertakings at least: A. The harmonization of the moral teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan and the Hadiths. B. A deep philosophical explanation of the Christian First Epistle to the Corinthians in such a way that it will present both a reconciliation of the presumably different teachings of East and West, and at the same time clarify all the confusion presumably by participation in psychedelic “drugs.” C. The spiritual instruction for an ever-growing number of young Americas covering an ever-expanding latitude. D. The seeking of peace in Palestine on some basis that will provide practical means for surrender to the Will of Allah in everyday life.
Of course there is more. The difference between the Sufi and others is that others are always talking to God-Allah while the Sufi is listening. The very ability to listen and thus sometimes to receive gives one an extremely optimistic outlook in an age of almost universal pessimism.
At no time has my devotion to the holy teachings flagged. When Pir Vilayat visited this house in my absence he remarked “I feel in this house the overwhelming presence of my father; it is wonderful to see his work being carried out by his own mureeds.”
The association with Pir Vilayat and the need of the times makes it incumbent to give to the world, or at least to mureeds, a number of inner sciences for which many souls seem to be ready. Or, as last night I told some critics, the essential difference between a Sufi and others is that the Sufi practices Akhlak Allah which in a sense is the supreme of all devotional attitudes.
There was the review in the New York Times on Sufism, chiefly devoted to the writer Idries Shah, whom I distrust and whom the reviewer distrusted even more; and to a work dealing directly and indirectly with Ghaus-i-Azam and the Kadaria School. Sooner or later it is going to be necessary for the Western world, and especially America, to accepts few realities, and in this I see great hope.
My love and blessings to all, and excuse be for being so busy I cannot write more at this time.
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
7th July Afternoon
My dear Shamseddin:
As-salaam aleikhum. Although it seems just a few hours since having written you, on receiving your letter of the 1st I felt it proper to answer it at once. I am in a strange position—my health is firm, my finances are in excellent shape, more and more people are coming to meetings and in one direction things look beautiful. But excepting for one faithful secretary and another disciple, now a Naqib, there is far less help than ever. The chief Khalif is ill and where I thought some of the responsibilities could be released, one has to wait until an esoteric council can be summoned, i.e. a Jamiat.
A lot of time was “lost” today in a strange way. What is happening in Israel is horrible and wonderful. One has received stories before of the terror that has been established in an almost totally irreligious State but the stories told this morning show—and this was predicted in my poetry, that “Nazism” would be established in many places on earth after Hitler. The question is how far a benign and beneficent Allah will permit it.
Sunday one added the “Rose Dance” based on aspects of Zikr and dedicated to Ghaus-i-Azam. There are more such dances and rituals in the inside. And also one finds more books on Sufism appearing in the market, mostly from West Africa, i.e. the Maghreb. This is surely a sign. Then my faithful secretary here quoted from Hadith on “the sun rising in the West” and perhaps this is what is happening through this person.
I am awaiting a letter from Khawar who is having problems of her own. I do not know how long she will remain in this land. She is my Khalifa for Pakistan and has my full confidence. And tonight, which is presumably a free night, both a Jewish mystical teacher and a Korean Buddhist Master arrive and both have sent for this person!
Now there is little understanding of the spiritual hierarchy, of the work of the abdals and ansars and awliya, but this world has never gone without guidance, no matter now terrible it may seem. Before all the “awful” things there is the Rahmat of Allah. And if we go deeply into ourselves we shall find the true Islam.
The difficulty is that so long as there is ill-will we feed the enemy. Jesus (Isa) has said, “Love ye your enemies.” I find that the enemies compel you to remove what the Hindus call “samskaras,” impressions which clog the mind and keep the nufs in turmoil. But they also compel one to seek by every means possible one’s own purification. Hazrat Inayat Khan has written on this and his work has been published. When books are real qualitatively and intellectually, there is no spirit of devotion and then no wisdom arises.
Nufs-i-salima is a state of absolute peace within. One obtains it in a sense at the Dargah Mian Mir and I urge you to go there as often as possible for prayers and meditations. We have no places in this land but now it is part of my work to see that there are such places, centers for baraka and Selim.
It is very difficult to get letters. I have not heard from others in Pakistan and Leopold Asad also never replied to mail from me. But it is possible, Inshallah, that I may have to establish legally a branch of the Islamiya Ruhaniyat Society and this may also be taken up next week, inshallah. I am not worried, certainly not qualitatively, only quantitatively and this may be changed this week. The doors are opening and opening fast, and I urge you be of good courage. One sees help, help from both within and without.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
July 24, 1970
Mr. Shems-ed-din Ahmed
c/o The Mall, The Co-Opera
Lahore, West Pakistan
Beloved One of Allah:
As-Salaam-Aleikhum! All praise is due to Allah, but I have failed in convincing most Muslims of this. They prefer self-praise and arrogance, and difficulties. I have at the Khankah, Mishkat, which I am using in connection with commentaries on Hazrat Inayat Khan’s moral teachings. But I find the teachings, and evidently the practices of this work so far from the actual habits and customs of many Muslims as to make an almost unbridgeable gap. What Mohammed said about peace and blessings, is not the custom of Islam at all. I have no intention of trying to reform egocentrics. But I look upon the world, and agree with the Messenger of God, and not with most Muslims, that there is no power nor might save in Allah, and that if things go wrong we can actually look to Allah. I have no time to write a commentary on the Hadiths or Mishkat.
Where there is a plague of influenza in the world it is possible that a certain cure can be found and applied. When there is malnutrition, another cure may be found and applied. It is different with venereal disease, it is different with tuberculosis. It is different with every ailment.
I not only believe profoundly that Allah has sent Messengers into the world to cure people of various ailments, but I believe these Messengers differed because they had to face different ailments, and not because of differences among than. Mohammed said that every people had had their Messengers. If Allah is Rahm, this must be so. And if one looks at the history of humanity he will probably find it is so. The Messenger may have said: “Seek wisdom even unto China,” but try it, just try it!
Pakistan is entirely wrong in regarding the Near East conflict as a religious one. There are lots of synagogue Jews who do not accept the conflict. Indeed in this district there are Jews raising funds for the Palestinians, and it is certain that many so-called Muslims are doing nothing more than spreading emotionalisms which help nobody. Indeed we are having pictures taken of Israelis and former Palestinians together. Editorials are not going to stop devils. Actions might.
But even the most enthusiastic or interested or bigoted do not take into consideration that actions consume time and energy. You don’t overthrow devils by hatreds and editorials.
It is not so long since we put on the Rose Dance, dedicated to Abdul Kadiri Jilani, Ghaus-i-Azam. It is based on four derivatives from Zikr. It is put on as a dance pageant, which will shock a lot of Muslims. The fact that we are using Kalama and Zikr in our everyday life is helping to transform an ever larger number of Americans including a few of totally Jewish extraction, and quite a few of partially Jewish extraction.
Our next venture will be Lily Dances which has three petals. The phrases are all derived from Kalama or Wazifas. When I presented it last night to about 20 disciples, it had tremendous effect. I believe Allah is going to make it possible to have a number of dances and pageants derived from the sacred phrases of Islam, and I am not the least concerned with the reactions of any people, especially ignorant ones.
The meetings I have attended and those I have addressed, today are crowded. I have not had a single day off since my return from New Mexico. My chief Khalif has been incessantly ill. One of my secretaries has now a good paying job. It is quite a story. A wealthy publisher was looking for Sufis. One of my local disciples discovered him. He gave the land for Pir Vilayat’s successful summer camp. The outcome has been a very great increase in my local audiences in the number of mureeds under direct tutelage and the number of others seeking Bayat.
Within a few days Pir Vilayat Khan and Paul Reps, both disciples of Hazrat Inayat Khan, and well-known, left this country and declared the United States was under my spiritual tutelage, not theirs. At the very same time one well known Dr. Richard Alpert, who is being called Baba Ram Dass, told his numerous following that he was going back to India and they should look to me.
At the same time the pictures originally taken of my Dervish Dancing efforts have spread all over this huge country, and not only spread but have been successful in obtaining financial backing, quite independently of other efforts. These are only a few of present-day undertakings.
At last yesterday disciples expressed themselves and accepted the responsibility of helping Murshid, instead of relying upon him for everything. This change in direction and directives is tremendously encouraging. It is very difficult to explain to others that one has to administer to about 100 disciples today, that audiences are growing, and that calls for one’s services are increasing from many directions. In the single case of Mr. Walter Bowart, this request was substantiated by financial offers. In most instances, the requests come, and one is supposed to supply money, time, and effort. This is impossible. But this is much better than the earlier Cave career. With Allah’s help, we do. We just don’t talk, we do. And we believe, that with Allah’s help, we can do, and do a great deal.
I am sending a copy of your letter to Khawar, who is now planning, inshallah to return to Pakistan late in September. At this writing I do not know what I shall do, being so overwhelmed. My name is in the paper today, and I had to clear it. All sorts of Indian holy men come to this country often mixed up with psychedelics, called drugs, and the pursuit of fame in the name of God of course. Besides all this I have considerable number of personal problems and very little time for them. Our efforts in planting—the Garden of Allah, the Garden of Inayat, and this house—have proven to be very successful Alhamdulillah! So have many other things. The rest of your letter, especially concerning Mr. Engineer and Prof. Durrani, may be answered later.
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif. 94110
1st August, 1970
Shamseddin Ahmed
c/o Co-Opera
The Mall,
Lahore, West Pakistan
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. There is a very high state in tasawwuf wherein one develops nufs-i-Salima and is able to spread the blessings of peace and the peace of blessings (Baraka). This person has just had his second day off for the whole year. Everybody keeps saying one should rest and the same persons ask one to do something for themselves or others. In the teachings of Data Sahib (Kashf-al-Mahjub) it is distinctly said one should have utter reliance and faith in Allah. One does not expect others to follow this standard and ideal. One is doing just that. One practices Akhlak Allah, and praise to Allah is sometimes successful but the very last people who would admit that are the local “good-Muslims” who admit nothing but their own self-praise.
They are passing resolutions of hatred against Israel, utterly futile because they have neither prestige nor votes. We are working for Islamic cultures. We attended the concert on Nubian music. We are planning to join in with a vast Arabic archaeological expedition next year. And we have accomplished what it is doubtful any other group on earth has done—we have succeeded in getting former Israelis (and lots of them Jews and part-Jews) to repeat Kalama, and not only La Illaha El Il Allah but Mohammedar Rassoul Lillah. “Good-Muslims,” of whom we are not a number, praise themselves and pass resolutions of hatred and ignorance. We do, and before Allah we are sometimes successful.
Last week our choral group, some 18, went to the Afghan restaurant in the city of Oakland. They serve excellent meals, they have a wonderful decor, as it is called, and we sang and sang our praises of Allah, our praises of His Sifat and our praises of Mohammed (on whom be peace). The “good-Muslims” will have nothing to do with this or with us. Now they are hating the Jews, they are hating all Jews regardless. They quote from Mohammed on the Jews of Hedjaz but they ignore the policy of Omar at Jerusalem which, to me, ought to be the policy of the day. But since “good-Muslims” do not study Omar or literature or Salah-ud-din, or anything, we do our praises of Allah and our beautiful hymn, Alhamdu Lillah, is elevating, inspiring, and won the good-will of all the non-Muslims at the Khaibar Pass Restaurant. Besides many of the staff come from Sufi families, and it was one of the grandest nights of my life.
And now even Israeli are sending for me, to try to build up peace with understanding. It would appear I shall be helped most also by Arabs who are citizens of Israel, not by choice but by circumstances.
Now the news is out that a truce may be signed. But as the Jewish religion teaches that God made man in His Image, and as Mohammed taught that Allah loves His creation more than a mother loves her offspring, I shall work incessantly for Din, not a word without contents, but with full contents.
I have now a direct following of about a hundred, but from what I hear hundreds and hundreds of young Americans are now chanting “Alhamdu Lillah” and also the three Wazifas and little children are chanting “Allah” before saying the customary “mama” and “papa.” So we are not with the “good-Muslims,” we are following we believe the Will-of-Allah.
In studying Mishkat I find many differences between Mohammed and the customs which are deduced from various aspects of Shariah. Mohammed was not a very “good-Muslim.” He said that his words could never abrogate the words of Allah but that the words of Allah could abrogate his words. But a “good-Muslim” will not let any other “good-Muslim’s” words be abrogated at all. It is a question whether “good-Muslims” or Christians have gone the furthest in abrogating the Sermon on the Mount of Jesus (Isa). And the result can be seen in the political and social events. This person can see No Power Nor Might Save In Allah, absolutely and unqualifiedly.
The young Americans, called “Hippies” without distinction, are sowing a magnificent cosmic outlook. Above it was mentioned that even Israelis as well as other Jews have been attracted. Now there is a vast campaign going on for Indian teachings, all kinds of them. And one thing that is noticeable is the great differences between them. The groups called “Buddhist” have nothing to do with each other at all, they are not even on speaking terms. The groups influenced by Indian teachings are on bad terms with each other. We preserve the teachings of Christ that Allah is Love and we should love one another. We do not teach “incarnation.” But now more and more people believe that God incarnates and they are so divided with a different man, from Bahaullah through Meher Baba and on and on and substitute the belief in a “good-man” for moral law and human consideration.
Our work in music and dancing goes on. We received another notice from Ajmir. It is impossible to carry on duties and accept the invitations to travel, especially as one must use one’s own funds. Allah, to whom be all praise, has seen to it that Murad has a good income. Not only that, the incomes of many of the closest disciples have gone up. So we are going to organize legally. The instructions from Pir Dewwal Shereef and Pir Vilayat Khan are almost the same. And the movement has grown so much that on Thursday night there are four different classes in tasawwuf, different grades.
Hazrat Inayat Khan left the most marvelous and complete systems of Ryazat I have even encountered. It is most difficult to deal with them even literally. We have to teach Murakkabah before tasawwur, and then Mushahida and the deeper spiritual sciences. So many devout people oppose this. So man does not serve Allah. If man served Allah he could help restore the proper social, psychological, moral and material equilibrium. But we do do the Akhlak Allah, and this separates us from the “good-Muslims” who are concerned with their own nufs, not with Allah.
I feel so happy with the greetings of Haji Safraz and from Sian Fazal Shah. Mian Mir is, to me, even more than Ajmir and Nizam-ed-din Auliya, my spiritual home. But now I have no idea of my geographical future and am not looking ahead. Three classes today and interviews and errands between. One can only praise Allah that the physical and mental health is so good.
At last the San Francisco office is properly organized—with a wonderful secretary and wonderful assistants and associates. The Garden of Allah is also an excellent place for classes of all sorts and the Khankah is becoming a bee-hive of activity, praise to Allah.
My Message to Muslims is simple: There Is No Power Nor Might Save In Allah, and To Him All Praise (Alhamdu-lillah).
Love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Aug. 11, 1970
Mr. Shamseddin Ahmed
c/o Co-Opera, 70 the Mall
Lahore, West Pakistan
Beloved One Of Allah:
As-Salaam-Aleikhum!
At this writing I am in utter state of confusion but all for good reason, indeed sometime very good reasons. The films which we began with watching “Dances of Universal Peace” and especially the Dervish Dances, have taken on major aspects, But before I could grasp their growth, the news came that Pir Vilayat Khan intends visiting Ajmer, Teheran, to film more spiritual activities. If there is any success it means the spreading of the spiritual teachings of Tasawwuf and an and to legends, all kinds of legends.
When certain Muslims (Pakistanis, not Arabs) said that my dancing would offend Muslims, I said, it was not a question of pleasing Muslims but of pleasing Allah. Evidently Allah is satisfied. My own finances are in better shape. The Sufi Order is improving both in membership and moneys. The efforts to raise funds to go to Ajmir have been successful right after I wrote to the Khadims we could not both support them and obtain funds for travel.
The hardest thing in life is concerning many people who beg me to take it easy and themselves consume time and energy. Two of my chief secretaries now have good outside jobs. Both in connection with the endeavors to spread the Message of God, either because of Pir Vilayat of myself, or both. And while this is going on, one is becoming recognized by Universities etc. The day of Arburys and German super authorities on Asian cultures is drawing to a close, praise be to Allah.
All our efforts in the past weeks have been successful. Those dealing with food problems; trying to bring Israelis and Arabs together in prayer, love, and devotion; in lecturing on the mystical values of religions; and in getting Americans to say Allah and even to accept Mohammedar Rassoul Lillah. In fact the last thing we discussed last night was a visit to the Pakistani Consulate in connection with our various endeavors in music and dancing. We are now becoming so strong that we cannot be ignored. And we are very different from the Mosque worshippers because we study. In fact, as I write, it becomes very clear that we must visit Data Ganj Baksh. And I am begging you, and I know you will do it, to show this letter to Mr. Engineer, Haji Safraz, and others. Things are happening so fast that I am totally bewildered, but not a single one of them is unfavorable.
My next effort will be to raise funds to visit the Eastern states. It means a new secretary, a young woman who has a motor car in New York, and this should enable us, inshallah, to contact Miss Khawar Khan, although in this respect and in most others, all the burdens are on me personally. But maybe Allah wishes it so.
I now have more classes than ever. All those which have not fixed attendances are growing. Invitations are increasing. This house is now stabilized. But I cannot tell you nor do I wish to look, as to where this personality must be geographically. Almost every conclusion is followed by another door opening. I believe we are going to have new approaches to world peace, etc.
It is unfortunate that the press of the world all use derision. All young people with new outlooks in this land are called “hippies.” Some use psychedelic drugs. Many chant “Hare Krishna.” Many, although few actually, resort to sexual anarchy. I have not heard whether the new wealthy publisher mureed has returned but he will publish everything we are doing, and the Dervish Dances are spreading like wild-fire among the young which means they also will be called “hippies” and false inferences will be made and accepted.
It is too bad that Asian newspapers accept the criticisms made of American youth. The young are seekers. The psychedelic drugs open awareness to aspects of life which our culture has denied and derided. I do not expect fairness from the press, but with Allah’s help we are getting more and more people to repeat His praise, and I mean His praise and not inferred praises of egos. All the current religions are marked by inferred praise of devotees, and this is what is destroying tradition. We demand praise to Allah; we give our praise to Allah. We feel our praise to Allah. We demonstrate our praise to Allah, and this is winning youth, Allah be praised, and not us, and not inferences. Nor have we any doubt on this subject.
I must therefore take up with each individual here who is going abroad the need of contacting you, physically if possible, and also to visit both Dargah Data Ganj Baksh and other Holy places in your vicinity, etc. But this is not easy, because I have to work all the time now, without any break, and with far less assistance than is immediately available, due to the cause above that secretaries and mureeds are getting good paid outside jobs.
I shall hold this letter up a little while to contact my goddaughters’ husband. My goddaughter Nancy is also a very good friend of her sister Khawar.
Love and Blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Aug. 14, 1970
Shams-ed-din Ahmed
The Mall, Lahore,
West Pakistan
Beloved One of Allah:
As-Salaam-Aleikhum!
Many thanks for your letter of 10th August. It comes at a very happy time. In fact, blessings at this moment are so many I am dizzy. But events of the time are of such a nature that we must keep you informed. Letters have not been received from your countrymen. I wonder if they realize what is happening. No doubt on the surface there are affairs and events which seem far from perfect, but we find, we believe there is no power nor might save in Allah, and though there may be temporary setbacks in the end truth and justice always prevail.
When I was in Egypt the representative of the United Nations told me my plan was the best one he had ever heard. It was accepted by Israelis, Egyptians, and Saudi Arabians. It was rejected by practically all Christian groups and by all American official organizations. Now Gunnar has come into the headlines. He has come into the headlines when we have already brought Israelis and Muslims together. We are having Muslims chant the Shemah of the Jewish religion and all sorts of Jews accept the Kalama. And I tell you before Allah, that those Muslims are liars who say that the young people of the west are opposed to Rassoul-Lillah. In fact, I differ from the local Islamic community, at least the Pakistani part, for being anti-Jewish. We are anti-Israel, and we are anti-war, and we are anti-racial differentiations.
In my “Saladin,” and privately, I have regarded he policy which Khalif Omar established in the Holy Land as basic for all times. I am expecting with Allah’s help we may re-establish something along that line. In fact we have gone much further, about which I may let you know later.
Now disciples of Pir Vilayat and myself are preparing to attend URS in Ajmer. Some are going to Iran first, and then to New Delhi where all will meet together. My god-son also hopes to come to Pakistan after URS. I can give him a number of important introductions. We believe our spiritual dancing, and especially our Dervish Dancing, will in the end go far to establishing peace, love, and harmony on earth. Therefore I wish to keep you informed.
I am also hoping to get money to be able to visit the Eastern states and see Khawar, inshallah. All seems part of a tremendous program. This keeps me busy all the time. More and more young people are receiving Bayat. More and more young people are candidates for Bayat. More and more young people are recognizing Allah and His Messengers and especially Mecca Sharif.
Love and Blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Nov. 20, 1970
Mr. Shemseddin Ahmed
The Mall
Lahore, W. Pakistan
Beloved One of Allah:
As-Salaam-Aleikhum! Your very gracious letter of the 14th November arrived this morning. We have been considering what we might do for the sufferers in E. Pakistan. Financially, and in some other respects, we are better off than we have ever been, praise to Allah. We cannot demand respect for Kashf, but it seems our choral group has been doing excellent word and have been planning both to record on tapes and phonograph records their accomplishments. They have been most successful in building up Western types of music, both traditional and new age, based on Wazifas and Sifat-i-Allah. These have been most inspiring, and equally inspiring are the common inspirations and forms of insight between Ala-din the choral leader and our Murshid Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti. So we are going this morning to the consulate to discuss this.
We are also going to consider making longees. Mary of our women are most interested in sewing and in the handling of fabrics. It may be easy enough to send old American clothing, but if we can do this, we can also add the Baraka.
Next week is not only American Thanksgiving, but we expect to have back with us our Khalif, Moineddin Jablonski, who has been in the hospital a long time. His illness and absence have made our work extremely difficult. It is a curious thing that no matter how much we do so called “good” people expect more. So we are devoting all our attention to Allah and not trying to win the good will of anybody.
Last night we celebrated the birthday of one of our beautiful young women disciples whose name is Shirin. Instead of our usual classes Murshid read from Futuh Al-Ghaib of Hazrat Shaikh Muhyiddin Abdul Qadir Jilani. We have now the basic materials here from the founders of the great Sufi Orders. Contrary to what a great many bigoted people in Pakistan believe, there are Jewish publishers in this land who are both cooperating with Ashraf, and also restoring writings by great Sufi Saints which have gone out of print. When we read and study these works we feel ashamed that so far few people have risen in Islam to present these marvelous majestic works to the world. Then Hindu missionaries or American emotionalists are successful in gaining converts to various schools of Indian teaching. This angers both Muslims and Christians, but nobody is doing anything about it, i.e., excepting our young American people here, who are not exactly orthodox. Then they are blamed for their heterodoxy and nobody stops the emotionalists of Christianity and Hinduism.
Personally we think Futuh Al-Ghaib a most wonderful book and we are realizing that Abdul Qadir Jilani was the greatest of all members of the hierarchy, let alone the Saints.
Murshid dictated the above for me to you. One just wants to share with you the love and blessing which we feel penetrating our beings here and the world thru the Grace of Allah. All my love to Saadia and Ata and family whom Murshid has suggested should get a carbon of this.
Wali Ali
Dec. 7, 1970
Mr. Shemseddin Ahmed
c/o Co-Opera,
Lahore, West Pakistan
Beloved One of Allah:
As-Salaam-Aleikhum! and Eid Mubarak!
Thank you for your letter of 30th November. We have just some back from the office of Pakistan air lines. We already have bundles of longees, which our young women here have made. We had already scheduled a Dervish Bazaar for 20th December, and then added that funds would be used to help the sufferers of Bast Pakistan. We do not get much information here. My young cousin has gone to New York and I have asked him to call entry friend Mr. Chaudhuri at the Consulate. We are in a somewhat better financial condition than in the past, and are very hopeful that we might be helpful.
I understand the difficulties of your political complex. Mahatma Gandhi made such impressions on the rest of the world, and Pakistan has not had any international heroes. On the other hand, the more I read and study Al-Ghazzali and Abdul Qadir Jilani, the more I see what can be done if people would stop worshipping their own egos, and really sought refuge in Allah. But would-be leaders are so often self seekers.
The stories are here that the East Pakistanis now want their own country. I have found both the Bast Pakistanis and Kashmiris not particularly skilled in statecraft; sometimes not knowing what they wanted. I am not particularly concerned with politics, but I am concerned with human welfare on any and all levels. Perhaps this tragedy to Bengal may awaken some hearts; I certainly hope so. In any event we are fully committed to doing everything we can for Allah’s children. I am so busy. I had two theoretical nights off during the meek, and no days. One of these nights is now spent lecturing at the University of California on Sufism. The other will be given over to disciples of Hinduism that want to learn about Sufism. So the doors are wide open, and we intend to use all opportunities. But I had to tell my disciples very clearly that I was not in the entertainment business, that I am over-worked and that all the goodwill without help can be useless. I think they understand this and the forthcoming Bazaar will show, inshallah.
Friday also I will have a private meeting with my choral master. He has made great headway with his musical group, and this headway also includes a much better financial outlook. We have discussed having records made, which could be sold for the benefit of the sufferers of Bast Pakistan. In general, we have not reached the Islamic communities, but we certainly have reached the staffs at Pakistani House in New York and San Francisco.
The possibilities of increased teaching of Tasawwuf very great indeed, Alhamdulillah! But have had to write some very strong letters to Islamic publications. They are spending lots of money in this country in what they call the defense of Islam. This really means the defense of their egos. Last week I spoke —and this will annoy a lot of people—on Christ versus Christianity and Mohammed versus Islam. One cannot compel, and the refusal of Muslims to act as if in the Presence of Allah, as the Messenger taught, is one of the grievances of the day. Too much of religion, and this applies to all faiths, is nothing but ego-defending. I don’t know what is gained by this. Every ego defends itself; few submit to Allah. We hope we are submitting. And in this we see endless possibilities.
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
The Garden of Inayat
910 Railroad Ave.,
Novato, Calif. 94947
9th December, 1970
Shams-ed-din Ahmed
Co-Opera, the Mall,
Lahore, West Pakistan
Beloved in of Allah:
As-Salaam aleikhum. On has returned to the Khankah very tired and very eluted. The health is very good and age is not disturbing. But there is no spare time and not enough help. One theoretically has two free nights, but works seven days. Last night we went to the University of California and presented the Dervish Dances. The previous week one spoke on Sufism.
It is surprising and wonderful what has been happening. Two persons had been successful in keening this person off the university. They were deadly enemies of each other. One, pretending to be a Sufi, has been supporting the Dajjal, Meher Baba. The other has successful in helping reorganize the Mosque in San Francisco. They never would permit me to speak. They followed this non-Muslim until he failed them. But no repentance, no reconsideration and no culture.
One does not know who is responsible but here one finds a complete “Al- Hadis” in English, another copy of holy Qur’an by A. Yusuf Ali; both “Ali the Superman” and “Maxims of Ali”; more Khawaja Gharib Nawaz” and Al-Ghazzali, Jami, etc. We are not recognized by the official “Muslims” and do not care.
We have taken the suffering of the people of East Pakistan very seriously (the elections not so). Secretary Wali Ali has been much moved by the writings of Ghaus-i-Azam and we both agree that if Muslims were to spread his teachings and those of Al-Ghazzali it would modify the emotional influences both of Gandhi and the Indians here. We respect Gandhi but his non-violence is not enough. I personally have never accepted “God and non-violence” because I reject all “God and….”
The first rejection came from my studies and knowledge of pure logic. Infinites cannot have “And.” Both Muslims and Hindus falter in this. There is no “and” in infinity and spiritual awakening. One has been in “hal,” let us say much, but really fana, the ego being effaced and something very strong emanates from the personality.
Friday one has been sent for to present Dervish Dances to followers of a group influenced by Hindu esotericism. There is no question but the young want esotericism. The esoteric sciences can be revived and it is my work to do this. There has not been the slightest objection to Mohammed. But the substitution of the term “Muslim” to people whom he did not call “Muslims” and the by-passing of those whom he called “Muslims” brings up some very nice points which theologians avoid. Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus did not do certain Sunna or Sharia practices. I am not against Sharia but I am against saying that is the only way to ultimate spiritual development. All things are in Allah’s hands, not man’s. Surrender to God means in the end freedom. Methods may be used on the way but more than one method has been used in the past. It is this narrowness which turns man against man.
At the same time there is Rahmat which I personally hold as superior to anything else. I am glad to differ but one wonders what happens to those ignorant people who excuse themselves by saying others are not Muslims because they do not behave exactly as is written or traditioned. Allah is to me closer than the neck-vein and that means that and nothing but that. And it seems that this one has Guidance in everything, alhamdulillah!
It has been exceedingly difficult for a person who finds in the published Hadis teachings so totally different from those of so-called “Islamic Communities” that there is no reconciliation. The people of the Mosque in San Francisco—and some elsewhere—say that as this one was not born a “Muslim” he could possibly not know what they know (and Prime Ministers to the opposite not with—standing).
I now have three different short versions of Hadis and they all seem to agree and to differ from the common (?) nufs and Islamic outlooks (so-called). For example before me:
“It is better to teach knowledge one hour in the night, than to pray the whole night.”
But I shall not quote further. Finding fault does not introduce constructive measures.
The audiences in Sausalito which is just north of San Francisco, are gradually growing. And here is every sign of increase, inshallah. But today to my surprise there is a large item in the press, for the first time I can recollect, with pictures of two of my most faithfully disciples and also with this person teaching a group of young women. There are several mistakes but they do mention we are trying to raise funds for peace in the near East and for the East Pakistanis.
They do mention belly dancers and tarot which to my knowledge are not part of the program of the benefit and certainly not part of anything this person is trying to do. One did mention more of the spiritual hierarchy last night and also of the differences between the Sufi hierarchy and the today “popular” proclamations of this state. I say against both Muslims and non-Muslims alike that the most fundamental principal is Rahmat and Allah has compassion for his creation and keep on emphasizing that and demonstrating that. This is the primary teaching in the spiritual walks and dances.
I am now teaching a Universal Islam through walks and dances—not through theology. They help to demonstrate Mohammed as Khatimal Mursaleen. One can have the experience though in a rather simple way. It does not deny or exclude anybody or any faith; it shows that Mohammed was sent to the world to complete and perfect and every one can prove that by himself and it works, before Allah it works.
For diversion I have been reading Memories of Babar. This version came from “The book house,” Urdu Bazar, Box 734, Lahore. This work was originally published in 1909. I have always been a great lover of the Moghuls and cannot tell why; something very strong within the consciousness and I have always been life goes along fine with Al Ghazzali’s Counsel for Kings.
Now with the newspapers at long last mentioning our work—though the article is full of misprints—we can do something. We are not at war with the Indian influences here. We let them go ahead but we have moral teachings which they do not have and human consideration and beyond that the operations of Islam and Rahmat and no nonsense and this is being felt more and more and more.
One would appreciate it if you could investigate and let us know if this book house is still functioning. On the whole we are in a somewhat better financial position, but we will not bow to beggars. Today we need money to promote a real peace plan in the Near East and to send things to East Pakistan. We already have longees and P.I.A. has been more cooperative.
Last night I had the largest group of young Americans chanting “La Illaha Il Allahu” (Three times) Mohammedar Rassoul-Lillah (twice). This was done with strangers in the city of Berkeley the night before. I have no time for orthodoxy, I have nothing but time for Kalama and Zikr tonight go ahead with the “science” of Zikr which is both practical and effective, actually and no nonsense.
And gradually we introduce the Akhlak Allah and this is also effective and beneficial. In a word there is no bad sense but the good thing piling up beyond capacity. The Khalif is now getting better. If he cannot work I shall have him studying the Hadith and the esoteric sciences and inshallah we are going to give them to the world regardless of priests and Rabbis and Imams and all the Orthodox who divide humanity.
We have on our program the presentation of spiritual Islam to top Israelis. Many of them do not believe in their own religious traditions. Ben Gurion practices Yoga and is more or less Buddhist! and when I relate my anecdotes there is nothing but applause and appreciation and from more and more of the young.
This is, one hopes, an encouragement, an encouragement in most trying times. This land has not been gracious to Asians and in particular to Muslims but Muslims fail to see the points of view of others and resent and react, quite contrary to the great teachings. There is nothing more wonderful than the Chisti-Sabri-Kadri silsila and the Baraka of Khwaja Khizr. This may become known soon, inshallah, making one a most controversial person. But the question is, how effective.
Love and Blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
cc- Saadia Khawar Khan
cc- Alauddin A. Siddiqui
Dec. 14, 1970
Shamseddin Ahmed
Co-Opera
Lahore
Beloved One of Allah:
As-Salaam Aleikhum! Your very fine reports of the 9th and 10th of December have reached here at a time when I am exceedingly overworked, and the hardest hazard is not the work but the constant drumming in my ears that one should relax, without any help coming, which could make relaxation possible. Words are so easy, so easy. We are very happy to get the news about Saadia and Ata. We have even had some applications recently from persons once students at Cornell University where they are enrolled. In fact, one of the hazards at the moment is the growing number of applicants. Khalif Moineddin is slowly recovering and Khalif Akbar has been so effected by the recent classes which he has attended that he realizes he must help more to lighten extremely heavy load on his Murshid’s shoulders. Rather sarcastically, this person has been saying he is too much concerned with the tragedies of East Pakistan to have any time or qualification for humility and compassion, words so often uttered by hypocritical people. At the same times, there is every sign, inshallah, of greater growth in our efforts, and even rewards therefrom.
We are enclosing copy of a document which came from Ceylon. One finds oneself in an entire agreement with this teacher, and we hope to have it published in Sufis Speak. There is no doubt in my mind that some serious mistakes were made at the time of partition. I had such different outlooks, alike from the Gandhians and Muslim League, that it was impossible to find expression. People simply do not listen to the unimportant, no matter if it results in untold tragedies. We seem to prefer the tragedies and we are getting them. And as my outlook is so totally different, alike from the people of the East and the West, there is hardly any sense in expressing it. The world is going to suffer, especially because Muslims and Christians, who verbalize surrender, do not know to surrender, and they mislead themselves and others on this. I am always concerned with humanity and I am sure Allah loves His creation more than a parent loves the children. But although we pretend to have reverence for God’s Apostle and pretend to believe in his revelations, it is not always demonstrated. Every moment of the time is taken up. Sunday we have a Bazaar, originally planned to promote our peace efforts, but now also concerned with helping the suffering people of East Pakistan. Whatever the faults of Americans be as a nation, we are much more compassionate than some who verbalize compassion but do not demonstrate it. And as I have more disciples today, there is now a multitude of young people working day and night. Indeed this number has become so great, that we are now not always ignored by the press and channels of communication, and we are hearing that there will be more offers to take film of our work. All these reports are very favorable, but they also at this moment add to the quantity of work needed to carry an. We are therefore hoping if we cannot get financial support that we will have more workers so badly needed by us.
In addition to the enclosure from Ceylon, one mast report that we are advancing rapidly in what might be called the science of Zikr. One has been most successful in using methods proposed by Mohammed himself, for the benefit of humanity. True, in the course of time these methods have been obscured by all sorts of institutions and orthodoxies which have covered them from man’s sight.
We are so delighted with the reports on Saadia and Ata, and especially what you say of our very good friend Uncle Mustafa. But I have no time to write him. We are regarding you as our representative, and therefore leaving it in your hands what you may be telling to others.
I haven’t the slightest doubt that the world is moving very rapidly toward real spirituality; even as the Apostle said, “In that day will the Sun rise in the West, and all men seeing will believe.”
The program after the Bazaar will be divided between our Christ, not Christmas, celebration and several birthdays. I have been daring to lecture on “Christ versus Christianity and Mohammed versus Islam.” It is almost as easy—and I challenge all the pretending Tablighis—to get people to say “Mohammedar Rassoul Lillah” as it is to get them to say, “Allah.” We do not demand that they wash in a certain way, or sit in a certain way at meals, or eat in a certain way, or even separate the sexes. The so-called Five Pillars of Islam have become five hundred thousand, and Allah has been lost. Perhaps the greatest blessing in my life was that I never met an Imam until I was over 50.
It is noteworthy that without any suggestions f am me, or any influence, one disciple after another has been charmed by the writings which have come into our hands recently concerning the lives, teachings, and missions, of Abdul Kadiri Gilani, Moin-ed-din Chisti, and Shahabuddin Ibn Omar Sohrawardi; and of course Al-Ghazzali.
But these are only the outer circumstances. The spiritual practices, the Akhlak Allah attitude, and other deeper factors in life, are becoming inward and outwardly effective. This is now being understood at the Pakistan Houses in New York and here we see a different “Islamic state” from that devised by politicians. To us a spiritual revolution is needed, not necessarily a material one. But we also see a new age coming materially and effectively, and praise to Allah, to our benefit.
Love and Blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti