9th June, 1968
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. All Peace and Love and Grace to you while we are here supposedly celebrating the birthday of Allah’s Messenger.
There is no question but that more and more Americans are coming to repeat the name: Allah, a term which seems to be discussed everywhere but in Mosques and by missionaries. What they are concerned with is “Islam” and nobody seems to know what “Islam” means excepting that some say it is anything that a “Muslim” believes in or does. What the authority for this is I do not know.
We went to the Mosque chanting Zikr, which is not chanted in the mosque. We gave them a number of copies of Sohrawardi’s Hadith, the only one fully available. People can buy this and give their Mosque the money. The mosque is far more concerned with funds than with Allah. This person has full trust in Allah and Allah has looked after him without any prayer, just complete trust. This means that one is not a “good Muslim” for today a “good Muslim” has to trust in something vague called “Islam” and does not even have to mention the word “Allah.”
We left the Mosque which seems to have been more concerned with the late Senator Kennedy than with the last Messenger of Allah and went to a poetry meeting. A local poet of more fame than renown or skill, read a long poem based on Kalama, or rather La Illaha El Il Allah. He kept on repeating these words which you seldom here in the Mosques or read in the magazines devoted to something called “Islam,” the nature of which is not clear to me.
One has written before to sundry people that soon the sound: Allah will be heard in this land. One also met at the gathering Allen Ginsberg the poet, who once wrote to this person just these same words: La Illaha El Il Allah.
Most of the poetry was based on complaints. Of course the complaints are justified. Older people use and overuse and misuse the words, the empty, nasty words: “love,” “compassion,” “brotherhood,” and others. They did not show any love, compassion or brotherhood, just use the words. But I am glad to say some of my mureeds found a lot of love and brotherhood at the Mosque—not in the leaders who are so full of “humility” they have no room for love and compassion add brotherhood. They did not even have time to celebrate the Prophet’s birthday, and the number of Hadith they desecrated was awful. They did almost everything contrary to what is in the actual Hadith.
So the young complain. But this person does not complain. This person knows that Allah is closer than the neck-vein and certainly much closer than the late Senator Kennedy or anybody. “Let the dead bury their dead” said Isa, but “good devotees” who say, say, say, they believe in Isa, do nothing of the kind. They say Allaho Akbar and immediately give prestige to the worldly great. Not for you Murshid. He sees only Allah is great and praises Allah to hear an American read the poetry that only Allah is great and say it over and over and over again. You do not hear such things in the Mosque nor read that in “Islamic” magazines. There is no room for Allah there. There is only room for Allah here.
All love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
October 1, 1968
410 Precita Ave,
San Francisco, Calif. 94110
Abbas M. Behbehani,
University of Kansas,
Kansas City, Kansas
Dear Professor Behbehani,
I have read with more than considerable interest your letter which has just been published in “The Asian Student.” I am one of the few Americans who has been initiated and ordained as a “Sufi” and a “Murshid.” Until recently the whole culture refused to accept this but now, alhamdu lillah, things are happening very rapidly, changing from blind subjectivity to open objectivity. And it is open objectivity which you are requesting.
Do you know Prof. Aresteh at Bethesda University in Maryland? Some time back he told me he was writing a thesis on Maulana Roum, perhaps to be made into a book for publication. Although he sent me some published brochures I have not heard from him since.
The other day I sent two mureeds who are en route to Darjeeling, India, where there will be a conference (perhaps for the first time in history) of the religious and spiritual leaders of all faiths, all meaning all. This is under the auspices of “The Temple of Understanding” being constructed near Washington, D. C.
I have asked these mureeds to contact Prof. Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr who is in various capacities both a colleague and a principal.
You may be interest to know in pursuing a theme, “Joy Without Drugs” I have begun instituting Dervish Dancing. This is a synthesis of the actual methods of at least four schools of Dervishes plus some items from ritual. It is amazing how the young people like it and I have more Americans chanting Azan and Zikr than missionaries can possibly imagine.
I should be glad to hear from you further about Jelal-ed-din Rumi or any subject along this line. I am acquainted with the works of Browne, Nicholson, Arberry, etc. However my real colleagues are those Englishmen and Europeans who work with Dr. Nasr as above.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
410 Precita Ave.
San Francisco, Calif.
November 2, 1968
Henry Wisniewski,
P.O. Box 27116
San Francisco, Calif. 94127
My dear Henry:
As-salaam aleikhum. I have received a form letter from Shafi A. Balbale, Internal Secretary of The Muslim Students Assn. and am sending him the sum of Ten ($10) Dollars under separate heading. I am not filling out the form as one should nor shall I.
There are certain sins, Henry for which “Muslims” never forgive you. Believe me, they don’t: The first is that there was a manifestation of the Last Messenger of Allah to me before I ever read Holy Qur’an. I knew nothing about Qur’an when this happened and the fact that Mohammed (on whom be peace) has manifested to me many times since that has excluded one, not included one, from many of the Islamic groups (so-called) in this land. But of course, my money is always welcome, very much so.
The second sin for which there has not only not been forgiveness but downright enmity came when Mohammed Ali Bogra, retiring from his position as Prime Minister of Pakistan, visited Pakistani House here. In the course of the ceremonies he had everybody come to Sufi Ahmed Murad for baraka (which no “good Muslim” has to accept). There were certain persons in the audience, very important before man, then and now and they have seen to it that this person is never permitted to speak at the Mosque. This is “Brotherhood,” oh brother! You know the mail culprit very well. The is very good-Muslim.
Twice money was offered for the Mosque. Once an important, very important Englishman, friend of the Sultan of Morocco denounced Ahmed Murad and he was joined by the “good-Muslims.” The Sultan sent no money and the man for whom I was acting as agent, Dr. Sharabi, himself the agent of Prime Minister Nasser, withdrew the offer. This is “Islamics!”
Despairing of ever getting the “good people” who practice “surrender” (???) to receive any kind of report, let alone suggestion, some of my disciples and I decided to appeal to Allah direct when we needed a home for a Khankah. We did not even have to meet again, Allah granted the request and now we have a Khankah in the city of Novato some miles to the north.
We opened the Khankah with a dance—to which Muslims will object, repeating “Allah! Allah!” all the time and ended with Mohammedar Rassoul-lillah to which non-Muslims will object. So we have the objections of Muslims and non-Muslims, but we do not seem to have any objection from Allah!
We are doing a lot of things to which Muslims will object, and non-Muslims even more, beginning with Dervish Dancing. Having observed many Dervishes, having been welcomed by some, having been admitted into Dervish Orders and lived with disciples, one is now getting Americans to repeat Kalama and Zikr and the Sifat-i-Allah in ways which are not found in our particular programs (which exclude Allah, of course). And this will go on and on until, inshallah, millions will repeat “Allah!” and thousands at least say Mohammedar Rassoul-Lillah. Why I have even gotten Allen Ginsberg to do that!
My god-daughter from Pakistan is now at Cornell and I want her to join the Muslim Students Assn. But I am definitely tired of one-way strengths. My money is always welcome and as all, apparently “good-’Muslims, have each one made himself Maliki Yaum-ed-din, I do not consent to this innovation, practiced by those who claim to be against innovations. And this constant criticism of others without giving them a hearing is the worst objection and obstacle and the obstacle and the young people of today, replied by the traditional religions, will want a faith in which Allah is worshipped and not the ego or institutions or particular folk-lore of some peoples far away.
Almost equal in my “sins” is the fact I never met an Imam until I was over 50 end he was the “wrong kind.”
My god-daughter is a Haji and may have her films with her. She also won an international prize in philosophy with a paper written by her teacher (this person who has never been permitted to speak locally and does not care a bit). As Holy Qur’an says: “Say Allah and leave them to their devices.” If the ignorant control the religion, too bad but despite Hadith that is exactly what happens and Allah help the one who “seek wisdom even to China.” He is rejected—by man, of course.
One of my hang-outs is the Khyber Pass Restaurant in Oakland. One often meets the brothers of heart there and my latest contact means that I hope to throw my meetings open to a man skilled in the Persian poetry and the wisdom underlying it. There are many learned men in the Islamics which is outside politics.
Yet today one is receiving news, important news which could greatly change part of the surface of the earth. Muslim do not actually accept the Sifat-i-Allah as realities. They accept them devotionally. All Power Is In Allah and Is Allah! And when we realize that, all the events on the surface of the earth have some approval of Allah though man objects. And when man turns to the Divine Wisdom he can bring the overthrowing of the unfortunate people who even more than Muslims, place their selfish politics above Allah.
Do you know that with Allah’s help I am now converting even former Zionists! Wrong person, of course! But Allah loves all His creation.
Mohammed taught against hatred, envy, malice, temper which we permit to “good-Muslims.” The Sifat-i-Allah are for man to be the morals by which he can become perfect. We do not find them anywhere else. I shall continue to teach the Kalama, the Zikr, the Sifat-i-Allah through lectures, through dances and by example. Let the “good-Muslims” accept my money but not my knowledge, experience or wisdom. And let them see a new form of Islam come which begins with the practice of the nearness of Divinity (Allah is closer than the neck-vein) and His ever abiding Presence—Akhlak Allah.
That may be enough for one man. But those who never accomplish anything will not be satisfied with this. As a great Saint (Hujwiri) taught: Riza should be with Allah and not with self. Today Riza is with each ego-self and so long as that continues we shall not see the true Islam on earth. Real Islam consists of surrender to the Living God, every moment and in every thing. I apply this to none else but practice it myself.
Love and Blessings,
Sam
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
December 20, 1968
Henry Wisnieski, W. C. Rep.
The MSA of U.S. & Canada
P. O. Box 27116
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. It is always a joy to receive your letters. One finds oneself in total agreement, only this person is often daring to do that which may not always be most politic or diplomatic. For instance there is the Taj which is in India. The Muslim community here and elsewhere has by-passed the glorious history of Muslims on the sub-continent because certain places are now not under the political control of an “Islamic” nation. And the Indians, in their turn also by-pass not only the realities of Architecture, Art and Literature, but even the history. India was never united under an “Indian” (Hindu) until recent times although the culture has existed for untold centuries.
Muslims and non-Muslims alike would not hear my personal experiences in lands far away, although for quite different reasons. The Hadith are explicit or implicit about the need for knowledge, and for wisdom.
There is too much to do in the positive phase to worry about the shortcomings of Muslims and non-Muslims alike. There was a conference to all the faiths of the world, great and not so great, recently in Calcutta in India and the session was dominated by my Sufi Brother, Pir Vilayat I. Khan. Religion has to go modern in the sense that it must accept a Deity (or a spiritual world) above all else.
Here the young have given up religion but I think personally I have already converted about a hundred to accept Allah and at least half of them to “Mohammed Rassoul-lillah. “ I have presented Dervish dances in Golden Gate Park and Muslims seeing say, “Muslims don’t accept that.” I say: “Oh course, Muslims don’t accept that but since when did Allah condemn people for repeating Allah! and sacred phases? The question is not whether Muslims accept but does Allah accept La Illaha El Il Allah.”
Now I am teaching the Names of God by dancing and chanting and this is an accomplishment. If others wish to teach Qur’an, Hadith, etc. that is their “thing.” This one says: “Allah” and his mission to get countless people to say “Allah.” also. If anything can demonstrate a better way, fine, but demonstrate. Allah is closer than the neck-vein and His Throne (Arsh) is to be found in the human heart.
On the social side. Many of us have been going to the Khyber Pass Restaurant in Oakland and most of my “Christmas” shopping has been either there or at the Persian Caravan in Berkeley. Not only do I love their things and meals, but nearly all my disciples are enchanted and charmed thereby.
Evidently Allah approves for one finds that certain repetitions of the Divine Attributes bring the assimilation of these attributes in the human personality and though they do not immediately make man god-like, they do begin to raise him above the generality and of course far above the animality.
It evidently will be part of destiny to contact Muslims in many lands, both those already visited and others to be visited, inshallah.
Eid Mubarak
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
San Francisco, Calif. 94110
February 16, 1969
The Muslims Students Assn.
1341 W. Ardmore #3A,
Chicago, Ill, 60626
Beloved Ones of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. One must commend much in your News Letter, Vol 3, No. 3. One is particularly interested with the quotations. At the same time one is concerned with the whole subject of quotations. What are they for? They are excellent, even perfect, but what are they for?
If we really accept the quotation from Qur’an published, then we would be seeing to it that the great words of the great holy Prophet (on whom be peace) would become parts of our lives and character. It is the wont of devotees of all faiths to quote from their holy writings as a defense of their actions and as a presumed criticism of others who do not behave accordingly. The devotees of every faith are concerned that the followers of other faiths do not come up to the words of their own Messengers.
So long as we do not apply the great virtues to ourselves, where are we? In the Kashf-al-Mahjub it is said that riza should be with Allah, and not with our elves. But most devotees have a satisfaction from quoting, never from doing or being.
There can be no better teachings (in my mind) than those offered on “Anger and Pride” on page 10. But where are they in the life today? Look at Iraq? Look at Israel? Each justifies itself to break these teachings. Yes the Jewish religion and traditions have similar or even the same teachings but never in Israel. And so the “Muslims” are out proving themselves equal or superior in deriding their Holy Prophet by acting otherwise.
I am not suggesting any change, just reflection. Even now it is possible that this house and this person will be attacked. Last week a group of Jewish Sunday school student came—not at invitation but they are studying the faiths of the world—actually they are not, their leaders are only concerned with Near East politics and their religion is a cover up. I predated that there would be some interest in Sufi but I doubted whether I could convince them of the validity of their own prayers. Prayer has become God-bribing. What use the Sifat-i-Allah if we do not become our own prayers. Here I teach young Americans how to ingest in their lives and personalities the Sifat-i-Allah which seems to be very “unislamic” according to present day standards but before Allah I shall not change.
Now the Jewish community has additional “reasons” to be hostile for Playboy, March 1969, has made some very doubtful remarks about this person. I am not so concerned with the remarks but of the total ignorance of Americans and the great ignorance of Muslims that disciples in Sufism, Suleiman and Akbar extended asylum to Jews unheard of before that time. Nobody mentions Suleiman anymore and instead any excuse is used to lose the temper. I must recommend the words of the Holy Prophet and will not excuse myself for doing otherwise.
Akbar called a parliament of religions at Fatehpur Sikri and even invited Jews to attend (Vide “Dabistan”). Now today the University of Hawaii has called an East-West conference this Summer. Twelve leaders of religions form the executive committee. No Muslims. Five Jews! Five out of twelve and this is the present day gathering of the leaders of “all religions,” and it has been—I do not know how—government sponsored!
If this continues I can assure you there will be more and more young Americans turning not to “Islam” but to the Bismillah, the Sifat-i-Allah end the Joy in repeating the Divine Names. This is being done. Not talked but done.
I am hoping and praying that Muslims will try to ingest in their lives and beings the words that they are printing and quoting. The adaptation of these words in our lives may be the salvation of the world.
Faithfully,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
P.S. My God-daughter., Miss Khawar Khan, is now attending Cornell University (215 Fall Creek Drive, Ithaca, N. Y. 14850). She hopes later to tour the country and visit Stillwater where there is a group of M.S.A. members and to which she had originally planned to go. She is a Haji among others and has a deeper and profound knowledge of religion in theory and practice.
San Francisco, Calif.
March 28 1979
Henry Wisnieski,
P.O. Box 27116,
San Francisco, Calif. 94127
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. Your kind invitation to attend a meeting on Saturday night was opened too late. Besides this person has committed a sin for which there is no forgiveness, none. And you can’t argue the point:
A number of years ago the Hon. Mohammed Ali Bogra, quondam Prime Minister of Pakistan visited this city. There were a number of us who attended the function greeting him including your perennial officials of the San Francisco Mosque. Before Allah they were there and before Allah they cannot deny it.
When this person reached His Excellency and whispered something in his ears, the proceedings were stopped; the lines were reformed and every person present including your perennial officials had to get in that line and receive the blessings (baraka) from this person. Never again was I welcomed by them.
We differ radically on the point, that “Act as if in the presence of Allah and remember if you do not see Him, verily he sees you.”
I have lived both in Pakistan and UAR. Even now I have been invited to go East to address both the Muslim Students and the Pakistani students—elsewhere, of course.
I am also writing a paper on Pakistan. This paper was conceived before the present outbreaks. I have only lived in Rawalpindi and among my associates have been the elder son of His Excellency Ayub Khan and that worthy’s spiritual teacher about whom it is not necessary to speak before those who are not interested. There is no compulsion in the “Islam” of Allah; there is plenty in the “Islam” of politicians.
I am also writing my memories, meetings with holy men, particularly in Pakistan. There is no compulsion in the “Islam” of Allah, only in the “Islam”??? of politicians so I shall not bother you. In time these memories may become famous, inshallah.
I am also getting many, many real Americans (not thought-forms in the minds of popular speakers) to reap “Allah” and now also “Mohammedar Rassoul-lillah.” I have no time nor intention to impress others with this. The Islam of Mohammed (on whom be peace) was surrender to the Living God (Al-Hayy). Now it means a lot of other things but not to
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
San Francisco, Calif. 94110
April 21, 1969
The Muslim Students Assn.
P. O. Box 421,
Minneapolis, Minn. 55440
Beloved Ones of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. One is today in a quandary. There has just been a seminar on mystical experiment here, and recently we have had many public discussions on “Is God Dead?” The point is that there were open discussions and there was little ransom and no losing of temper because somebody else had sometimes a goal argument or sound facts.
I am in the middle of an area where there are vast changes in religious beliefs with no particular direction to them and in general all the followers of all the religions of the past look askance upon the confused humanity because they are seeking new directions (or perhaps have no directions). In general it is agreed that the religions do not establish the validity of “God,” and that they are all based on assumptions from which assumptions they get either into interminable arguments or else run out when the real problem of the real world are placed before them.
One reason—and I find most Muslims” are not amenable to reason at all—is the absence of clear reasoning. The Messenger (on whom be apace) said that all children are born “Muslims.” I cannot see how this can be. I have never met a little child yet who could understand the complicated systems of Shariat which, commendable though it be, is for adult, not for infants. And I fail to see where self-styled “Muslims” fit into the statement (which I accept) that every soul is born a Muslim. (I leave out the diacritical marks here.)
It was my experience to have had mystical experience in which among others, the Messenger of Allah appeared and directed me to study Qur’an. I did not begin with Qur’an. I began with Allah! Allah! Allah! and still mole Allah. And during the devotions on Allah I had experiences common to Sufis, but I never met a single Imam until years later nor did I find a single Mosque till years later. So I find an Allah-worshiper is often far from the people known as “Muslims” who have had the advantage or disadvantage of traditions and legal codes.
Or following the Messenger, “My words can never abrogate the words of Allah but the words of Allah can abrogate my words,” I find few cases where is has ever been permitted. I do not believe that Allah began His work with Mohammed or even with the Bible but that He has had His vice-gerents one earth at all times, whether one accepts them or net.
Studying the arts and sciences I fail tease a single great discovery which was not vouchsafed by Allah Whose Grace seems to have extended to all sorts of people under all sorts of conditions. The use of Maize and Potato in America; of Wheat in the Near East, and no doubt of Rice seems to have come by the intervention of a divine selectee for the good of humanity. These brought revolutions in their time and “civilization” in that this lead to the establishment of the “civitas,” the city-state.
Far from being derided, I have been in one class after another here where the professors, usually from San Francisco Sate or California universities have extolled the person and even the Message of Mohammed. And more recently when I placed before young Americans (not a “Muslim” in the audience) my own form of chants based on the sacred phrases of Islam, not a single person withdrew, not a single person failed to join in not only the praise of Allah but the commemoration of Mohammed both as Rassoul-lillah and as Abdullah (the humblest of the humble).
I am finding more and more Americans accepting Allah and if they accept Allah without consideration of Shariat, where do they belong? Are they consigned to Naar because they do not accept Shariat?
I expected to find opposition when I proclaimed Mohammedar Rassoul-lillah and I have been amazed to find not only young people but even sober serious mature Americans accepting this. But facts do not affect the religious people of any faiths and so long as we accede to politicians, any politicians, we are giving Allah partners though we verbally deny and decry.
It has been necessary recently t o write some very strong letters on the theme La Illaha El Il Allah. But here one no doubt shod Muslims because one is teaching Dervish dancing and having people repeat Zikr and Kalama and Wazifas in ways that are either no longer done or perhaps have never been done before.
So while I am enclosing five dollars I leave it to you. This week the lesson is on the Khalifs Al-Rashidun and I expect to hear and read more about how these men are derided. If we really followed Siddiq and Omar and Ali, if we really tried to imitate these and accepted their teachings it would be a much better—it was when they were alive. Now we value power and wealth and governments and politics which belong to this world.
I am not unhappy over it. All Power is of Allah. There is nothing that can happen without His permission if not His Will. At least this is my belief, call it Islam or anything else. La Ellaha El Il Allah.
Love and Blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
San Francisco, Calif.
May 6, 1969
The M. S. A
University of California,
P. O. Box 886,
Davis, Calif. 95616
Beloved Ones of Allah:
As-Salaam aleikhum. It is with delight that one hears one is having a Conference on “Islam In The World Today. The need for peace.” There is nothing more needed than this today but we can’t have peace. Beloved Ones of Allah, we simply cannot have peace! I wish we could but we have words, words, words and we are so stuck with words, we can’t have peace. We won’t give up our words.
This person was actually sent on a real peace feeler from Pakistan to India. He might have succeeded but the Foreign Office of the United States excoriated him for even trying and the local Muslims, before Allah, have refused ever to let him report! As this is Islam (??) how can we have peace. The Muslims of Pakistan were willing to try to have peace with India and the Muslims, and not only Muslims but the associates of the late Prime Minister Nehru and of President (then) Radhakrishnan were ready. I can tell you lots, offhand but the local Muslims, like out Foreign Office, will have none of it. They have never let me tell them anything of our adventures and I cannot waste any more time.
Yes, Beloved ones of Allah, Allah has seen fit now to me that one has a sufficient income for anything and anybody but when one is not trusted one will not share his material wealth and I do not believe the Din of Mecca Shereef (on whom be peace) was that we should trust the pocket-books of others and not their hearts and minds. I do not believe that Holy Qur’an was given to the world that we select only those we wish to listen to.
As I can only send you my blessings and not share my experiences, I am unable to unlatch my purse strings. When real Muslims will listen to an elder brother, that elder brother will be glad to support them, but they must accepted his outer knowledge first and I am sending copy of this to the M.S.A. in San Francisco whose brotherhood of my purse they accept but never, never my actual experiences in this world, not to say the worlds unseen.
I believe absolutely that there is no Power not Might save in Allah. I do not believe anything is possible without Allah’s consent, anything, anything, anything!
I am today teaching American Dervish Dancing and they are not only repeating Zikr but Kalama. And I have been teaching them my own choral which goes:
Ya Mohammed Abdullah, Mohammed Rassoul-Lillah
And it is wonderful to find many young Americans repeating this phrase which the local Mosque has refused to accept from me. So be it, if Allah does not wish me to be in the Mosque and if Allah does not wish Muslims (?) to hear about my ventures and knowledge, so be it.
I am also taking a course at the University of “Arabic Art” and have just purchased The World of Islam by Ernst J. Grube, and I can and inshallah will lecture on this—to non-Muslims, of course. And inasmuch as one can share knowledge with non-Muslims and “Muslims” will have none of it one wonders what has happened to Hadith; and when Hadith are of no Accord, how can we have the Peace!
I shall quote neither Holy Qur’an nor Hadith but the phrase, “Back to Qur’an and Hadith” is empty unless we accept the contents. I wish you well, I should like to be with you, I should like to share, but no knowledge from me, then no money from me. May Allah bless you and lead you on the Right Path.
Faithfully,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chistis
(Samuel L. Lewis)
San Francisco, Calif.
May 26, 1969
Muslim Students Assn.
San Francisco Mosque,
300 Crescent Ave.,
San Francisco. 94110
Beloved Ones of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. I profoundly believe we shall have peace and God-will when Allah is placed first and foremost above and beyond everything. It was the original intent of the Messenger of Allah (to whom be peace) to select those persons who surrendered to this Allah who could be called “Muslims.” The word has since lost that meaning. Whatever else be true of modern Islam, the “Muslims” are not like the children who are born Muslims. The born Muslims have pure hearts and divine Grace.
While so many people are going around with self-praise then are some of us who are assiduously studying Arabic culture and I understand next year it will become general Islamic culture. One understands that this will result in a sort of pilgrimage, but only of cultured people who have already studied Islamic culture. We are learning piece by piece the actual contributions of actual Muslims in the actual world, and not subjectivities or opinions of whomsoever.
Here we are teaching Dervish Dances and also chanting, and about a hundred young people—maybe more, maybe less are now chanting to variations of Kalama and Zikr and inshallah, this number will be increased. We have time to say Al-Hamdu-Lillah, we have no time for inferred self-praise.
One cannot demand that others study the real Islamic Cultures. Without knowledge of languages this person has, and now all kinds of doors are being opened to him by the open-minded young Americans of the day and by many professors who realize that Islamics has not been given a proper place in our culture.
Soon my God-daughter who is a Haji will be in this state. She was the youngest full professor in all Asia, and despite the questionable history of womankind in Islam, she achieved the proper goal. There are no doubt others like her.
I am working hand in glove with Europeans who have been “converted” to the spiritual Islam and who are among the most cultured men of the day.
Faithfully,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
410 Precita Ave.
San Francisco, Calif. 94110
May 26, 1969
Muslim Students Assn.
P.O. Box 484, Downtown Station,
Ann Arbor, Mich. 48107
Beloved Ones of Allah: As-salaam aleikhum.
It is with sadness that one reads the terrible article called “A Paradox: Science and/or Religion” which is written by one Chere Turner and appears in the March issue. Anyone who has even a superficial knowledge of Hadith and of the life and teachings of the Last Messenger of Allah would know that he stood firmly for knowledge and its acquisition, and would differ today with a tremendous number of ignorant people who call themselves Muslims but definitely dissent from “Seek knowledge even as far as China.” And it would be well for knowledge if such people who do not and will not seek such knowledge if they admitted it. For the struggle is not between Science and Religion but between ignorance and both.
One calls to your attention Biography D-6 on page 136, Ibn Khaldun, His Life & Works by M. A. Enam. Will somebody tell me if this man represented “science” or “religion,” or as I content wisdom itself.
“A Paradox” left me cold and I intended to let it stand until I found Science and Civilization in Islam by Prof. Seyyed Hossein Nasr of the University of Tehran who has visited this land and many other lands and given us profound teachings which I accept thoroughly. But believing (and many so-called “Muslims” dissent) that there is no compulsion in the divine Islam I do not impose this work or any other work on anybody. I choose to follow wisdom which includes both Science and Religion and much else.
Chere Turner imposes the almost forgotten Ibn Rushd and his interpretations which are not binding. He imposes them on the world of this day, a totally different world. And to support the contentions of “A Paradox” a number of non-Muslims have been quoted. And when non-Muslims are quoted to repudiate learned men who are both scientists and Muslims we are indeed in the midst of confusion.
The statement “Islam has been sleeping for several centuries” is nothing but egotistical nonsense. Islam has not been sleeping: persons have been sleeping and persons will continue to sleep.
In 1960 while living in Cairo I had resort to the National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo and there checked on the contributions of all nations to all sciences in the year 1959. The source materials were not themselves “Islamic” but international.
While it is not possible to distinguish some Arab and non-Arab persons from their names, I should say that the “Sunnis”—i.e. mostly Arabs and Pakistanis and Indian Muslims—during 1959 continued far more to the growths of the general sciences than have the Russians and their immediate communist allies in many of the peaceful sciences! No, not in physics or Nuclear Physics or Space sciences, etc. Not there. But as a whole in the biological sciences and medicine, etc. Not there. But as whole in the biological sciences and medicine, etc. etc. And it would be far better to know something of the contributions of these Muslims to the sciences then to deplore anything. But then we have “Islam” today without Allah! This is a new departure, of course. But we have it! And no man has added anything to human knowledge without the Grace of Allah to Whom be all Praise.
I personally have been in many scientific a laboratories and must say, particularly in UAR we find the same dedicated persons, the same devotion, the same skills as are found among scientists all over. And I found some of the most devout and saintly-like men in this research work.
I shall refer to only on here—the sweet potato research going on in 1960 at the Vegetable Research Station in Dokki, Cairo. The techniques of these dedicated men, if made public, would and once and for all end the heralded disputes between Mendel and Lysenko and this is only one of many instances.
On page 25 Turner says—without offering any support to the blanket statement: “As has been pointed out above, scientific progress in the Islamic world was reduced…. However the paradox has not been resolved!”
Any ignorant man without any evidence can make such a statement and any blind bigot can accepted it. But some day we are going to study the actual Islamic culture and find that Allah, to whom be All praise, has always lead the world aright but nufs, the human ego, will not accept. And I feel sure in writing this, that it is the spirit of quite a few books, especially those on “Islam & Culture” which you are advertising. And why not? That is knowledge.
In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful, I challenge the impudence of any single person to acclaim against a whole trend of thought and effort on the part of millions of human beings.
I once wrote—and it was rejected of course—we have to reject, to a certain very famous man who said that the sage and the saint and the scientist were different. I replied that if one went to the University of Peshawar and asked for the greatest sage and the greatest saint and the greatest scientist there he would be shown one man who was all three and who, praise to Allah, is known to Prof. Nasr. Ignorance is nothing but the result of nufs, the ego. And the sooner we practice Sajda in our daily life, the sooner we shall be freed from it.
Allah bless you,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
June 30, 1969
Islamic Center
400 Crescent Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif. 94110
Beloved Ones of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. It is with much interest that one has read, rather belatedly, a report of a meeting of May 10. One is also pleased that some attention was given to the late Dr. Zakir Hussein. His backgrounds and views on many subjects were rather similar to the writer’s.
There is such a thing as a moral law and it has been variously stated, that for whatsoever we sow, in accordance we reap. The Islamic Center has so far sown in accordance with the wishes of a very few, and so reap accordingly. Like all religions of the day some people are more important than others. I do not wish to change that, only as certain persons are accepted as important, they should prove their importance.
The word “Allah” does not appear in your report. One is making no attempt to correct that. Only here we are very much concerned with “Allah.” We are repeating “Allah” often and many Americans are now repeating “Allah” and many Americans are also repeating “Mohammedar Rassoul-lillah.” We shall continue to do this.
We differ from many many Muslims and we accept some of the actual Hadith such as:
“Whose honoreth the learned, honoreth me.”
“Do you know what sappeth the foundation of Islam, and ruienth it? The errors of the learned destroy it, and the disputations of the hypocrite and the orders of kings who have least the road.”
“One learned man is harder on the devil than a thousand ignorant worshippers.”
I do not propose to argue over these points and you may depart from them and the actual Hadith as much as you pleased, and it has pleased, and the fact that a king is called a “Muslim” means that a lot of other people who call themselves “Muslims” honor such kings. I shall not argue the point. That is the path that has been taken which is not the Path of Allah. You should accept your own paths and your own doings.
I shall not go over the past. Suggestions from this person have always been ignored. Money from this person has always been accepted. Gifts from this person too, but never once an acknowledgement.
And we also differ because this person believes, “Praise Allah in time of prosperity and resign to Him in time of adversity.”
My God-daughter who is a professor at Punjab University in Lahore was here the other day and gave a glimpse of a fashion show. We think we can arrange a real one at either the Pakistani Consulate or with Asia Foundation, and we shall have it publicized. Of course, some day, inshallah, it may be different.
One of the top professors of Tehran University may come here soon as my guest. Also elsewhere arrangements will be made for him.
This person spoke to over 100,000 people in Pakistan as a lecturer, and often at the Punjab University. He is now too busy getting Americans to accept Allah and to recite “Mohammedar Rassoul-lillah” and will continue to do so. You are welcome to visit this home on Monday nights, or by appointment to see our Dervish dances, etc.
You could have had a much finer Mosque, free from encumbrances. You should not complain. Allah receives prayers and answers them, and if you had gone to Allah you could have had a much finer Mosque free from encumbrances.
May Allah bless you and awaken your inner vision.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
July 1, 1969
Islamic Center
400 Crescent Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
Beloved Ones of Allah:
Rather belatedly one has read over you report of May 10. One feels today there is not enough trust in Allah and too much concern with a word “Islam” which seems to mean whatever one wishes it to mean.
When some us felt it was time to build or buy a Khankah, we gave full trust in Allah and only in Allah. We are to meet again in ten days but before the ten days we had all the money we needed and we also gave thanks to Allah. We accept: “Praise Allah in times of prosperity and reign to him in times of adversity.”
It is regrettable that with all verbal claims and all phrases people do not listen. This person was once the intermediary between President Nasser and the San Francisco Islamic community but the Mosque refused to accept it. President Nasser sent a considerable sum but when this prison tried to talk, he was shouted down, thus illustrating “Islamic Brotherhood.”
All religions today seem to be based on self-approval. We repeat: “Al Hamdu Lillah.” We also chant it. We also dance it. We never forget it. We have become prosperous, praise to Allah.
We believe in some of the Hadith, especially on the importance of learning. If you wish the Mosque to be the home of entertainment instead of pursuing the path of the Hadith so be it. But we are now getting ready to put on a Pakistani Fashion show, inshallah. Too bad the Mosque has never acknowledged even the gifts and financial contributions of this person. And you may continue to language while one is getting more and more Americans to chant: La Illaha El Il Allah and Mohammedar Rassoul-Lillah.
We are also studying Islamic Art at the University and presenting Islamic poetry to the Hippies. They like it. So we tell our brethren over-seas that it is the kaffir-feringhis who enjoy learning, much more than so-called Muslims. One wishes you paid more attention to Allah and less to other matters.
Faithfully,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
July 4, 1969
Mr. F. Mawlawi
Arab Information Bureau,
Ferry Building,
San Francisco, Calif. 94111
My dear friend:
As-Salaam aleikhum. It is quite possible that more and more of the young people in Africa will accepted that God is and that, as Al-Ghazzali taught, “Sufism is based on experiences and not on premises.” The passing generations are filled with people who prefer some dogmas or dialectics to the experiences or man, and they are divided because they either want to lead or be in some corporative group.
My own Toward Spiritual Brotherhood is being published. It is being published by “Kaffir Feringhis” who chant praise of Allah and also sing to the glory of Mecca Shereef as you may not hear in any Mosque or meetings of so-called “Muslims” who know neither the meaning of “surrender” nor human brotherhood, preferring their own group and rejecting “Allah loves his creatures more than a mother loves her offspring.”
I have no time either to argue over or “teach” the Hadith, only to put them into practice. And one doubts at the moment over the whole earth that there is anywhere anybody else getting people who have some Jewish blood in them, or even Israelis who will accept that Mohammed was and is Rassoul-lillah and Khatimal Mursaleen. I have no intention of crying to make so-called “Muslims” accept this or anybody that believes they are superior to anybody else because of blood and ancestry. This peculiar Jewish (and now Israeli) teaching has gotten into the psyches of many so-called “Muslims” who accept the Jewish and not Mohammed’s teaching but merely set themselves up as a different ᾀ?chosen peoples of God,” contrary to all spiritual teachings.
And whenever one tries to retreat before certain Israelis they only come on stronger and are willing to accept Mohammed (on whom be peace) really and not as a variant of “self-praise because….”
My God-daughter is in this country. She graduated from the American University of Beirut. She enrolled there because she wanted to become a Haji and so Allah Er-Rahman, Er-Rahim saw that it came about. But I cannot bring her to the Mosque here because the Mosque has never permitted me to speak, thus demonstrating the same sort of “Universal brotherhood” that one meets everywhere! I am sorry about it but while they are troubled because they do not draw larger audiences, it has pleased Allah Er-Rahman Er-Rahim to increase my following and my income and also to have dances and chants based on Rahmat, and we shall continue and the latest news is that these dances and chants, inshallah, are going to spread all over the world.
Last year the course on “Islamic Art” drew much attention. It stated as “Arabic Art” and I must repeat, at this time that the Arabs have given the world so much that “A Nations of Lions” hardly touches it. But the course is being changed from Arabic Art to Universal Islamic Art, and it is marvelous how many “Kaffir-Feringhis” attend—and there will be more this next semester, inshallah, and how little attention is paid to such efforts by so-called “Muslims.”
I have always believed that studies in the arts—to which I personally am adding chanting and dancing—can help bring better understanding and lead toward world peace. I am no longer concerned whether important people and organizations (who accomplish so little) will recognize it.
We performed for God-daughter, chants and dances:
Subhan Allah-Alhamdulillah-Allaho Akbar; Ya Mohammed Abdullah….; the Rahmat in several forms, etc. etc. I believe she will bring them to Pakistan. I believe that if man really depends on Allah the world becomes different. But now I am touched that Israelis of all people want my work because as is written in “Saladin” they could not build a temple to God but they could establish banks and counting houses!
One hardly has any free time and one is becoming more and more and counselor and spiritual teacher to the young. And at least one professor of Jewish antecedents and some of Christian antecedents are accepting my Sufi poetry. Besides this one is presenting Jelal-ed-Rumi and Shams-i-Tabriz to the Hippies. The “Mosques” have no time for much serious studies but the offbeat “Kaffir-Feringhis” have. This is a new world, and there is no power nor might save in Allah.
Blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Samuel L. Lewis
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
July 7, 1969
Marghoob A. Quraishi
Islamic Center of San Francisco,
400 Crescent Ave.,
San Francisco, 94110
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. It is very interesting that you come to me (among others) for help. When I use the salaam it is never to ask others for help at that time. My knowledge must be very limited because when I wish peace to others then I do not ask anything from them. And when I ask from them I know very well that this may be taking them away from peace.
If I were to write, “It is vital that you join the Center,” I should write, “It is vital that you join the Center; inshallah.” And, inshallah, I would join your Center or any other Center that asked this, inshallah, but you have not asked inshallah, you have asked: “Let me express my thoughts on this subject.” You send a greeting of “peace” (?) and then add, “Let me express my thoughts on this subject.” I am not the least bit interested in any form of “Islam” based on “Let me express my thoughts,” and I am always interested in that “Islam” based on Allah and Inshallah.
And if there are any people who self-call-themselves “Muslims” and do not do this In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate, then I am not surprised that they find all sorts of things wrong with Allah’s world. They want to influence others with ears closed. And since you wish to keep your ears closed I must tell others that they must keep their ears closed, for the “good Muslims” keep’s their ears closed and want to “express my thoughts,” and not listen to others. And since we are asked to listen to man’s thoughts, that is a form of “Islam” which I do not accept until and unless those so operating also listen to others.
Well, I have never received any receipts or thanks of any kind for any contribution made by this one to the Islamic center. Books were given, even copies of Hadith for sale, but as you are interested in “my thoughts” and not in the thoughts of Mecca Shereef (on whom be peace) I see no reason for any kind of financial cooperation.
When some of us needed funds we prayed to Allah, and Allah, the Compassion, the Merciful, saw that we got the funds and we now own our Khankah where we get people to chant the praise of Allah and recognize Mohammed both as Rassoul-lillah and Abdallah.
All over the world this person has worshipped with Muslims who put Allah first and foremost, and been called by them to speak, and has associated with them at very many levels. But not here, so it is natural one gives funds when he has them to those who practice the Spiritual Brotherhood.
Now one teaches the Dervish Dances and we sing our praise of Allah and Rassoul-lillah, one form of which is below:
Ya Mohammed Abdullah, Ya Mohammed Abdullah
Mohammedar Rassoul-lillah, Ya Mohammed Abdullah.
But we expect no praise from you, and we surrender all praise to Allah. At the same time to be ignored excepting when funds and help is needed and never to be thankful for any help is a rather modern form of “Islam” to which I am not in the least reconciled.
Why, we even heard Israelis chanting Kalama last week. We even have Israelis accepting Mohammed as the Divine Messenger. We are not very good Muslims. We do not praise ourselves and we are thankful to those who extend kindness and we do not asked to be thanked for what we do. We sing our thankfulness to Allah…. Alhamdu lillah.
We hope you will do that and then Allah, not man, will reward you. Allah Mubarak.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
Ahmed Murad Chisti
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
July 18, 1969
Hussein Al-Shalristani,
P. O. Box 727 station 4.
Toronto 5. Ontario
Beloved one of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. This morning on arriving at this address I found your notice of a convention to be held in Alma, Michigan. Now ordinarily I cannot make such a trip as one’s time is fully occupied. But praise to Allah, for he wishes one to take a venation. Already plans have been made to leave here for Cleveland on September 1st, but it is possible to leave a little earlier, and I should be flying either to Detroit first or the nearest air-field.
It happens that my God-daughter, Miss Saadia Khawar Khan of Punjab University, Lahore is now with me. We have talked the matter over and think it will be a good idea if we each attend although I should be flying and she may be traveling by some other route.
For your information I am a “Sheikh” (however you interpret that) and in a sense represent the University of Islamabad, while she will be representing Punjab U. where I also have very good friends.
Miss Khan has with her some wonderful Pakistani dresses and should have, inshallah, her pictures taken on Hajj some years ago.
We are therefore eagerly waiting further information and will be glad to cooperate in every way possible.
Blessings from
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
cc MSA
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
July 28, 1969
The Muslim Students Assn.
P. O. Box 484, Downtown Station,
Ann Arbor, Mich. 48107
Beloved Ones of Allah
As-salaam aleikhum. I have your brochures concerning the M.S.A. convention and have decided against coming. However my God-daughter, Miss S. Khawar Khan, who will be here shortly may be going and in this indirect sense will represent me. If I do not go I shall send a contribution either directly or indirectly.
I sincerely feel that if you are going to face problems and want to face problems more time would be spent—in facing problems. When I lived in UAR and conventions were held, the prayers were sandwiched in with the regarding programs and there was no waste of time at all.
I do not believe that Jihad will succeed if it is mixed up with other matters and this would mean that we should have sharp differences of opinions. I am most interested in the Tenth Session with its four aspects of Jihad. I am not interested in the other matters coming up at a convention purported to be concerned with Jihad.
Out here we chant Allah-Mansur and we mean that and we have no time to express our ego-opinions knowing that the ego is not Allah. And with our chanting and faith we have been able to overcome a number of problems. We also chant Allaho Akbar alone or with Subhan Allah and Alhamdu Lillah. And we are getting numbers of Americans not only to chant “Allah” but to sing praises of Mohammed. But we do not indulge in any politics at all. In fact sometimes we meet at a Christian seminary.
I should be much more interested in the political situations if they were separated. I myself was sent on a peace-feeler mission between Pakistan and India. It failed largely to the opposition of Americans—so they called in Kosygin. I now agree with the Prophet (on whom be peace): Say “Allah and Leave Them To Their Devices.
Faithfully,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
August 2nd, 1969
Ghayyu- Zaidi,
4858 N. Kenneth Ave.,
Chicago, Ill, 60630
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. I wish you had not said, “This issue of the Newsletter is very humbly dedicated….” for this is the very crux of the difficulty expressed in the editorial. The Suras of Holy Qur’an begin with the Bismillah and the Suras of our lives do not, and so long as we quote one way and live another way we are going to be dissatisfied.
The Messenger (on whom be peace) said: “Praise Allah in times of prosperity and surrender to Him in times of adversity.” I do not think I can convert many so-called “Muslims” to this so shall not try. When it is said, “We are badly in need of a prophet again” it shows much ignorance of the real world of real Islam, that a rejection that Allah has His representatives on earth and has given us the Guidance and Protection. We have it; we have always had it.
I refuse to quote holy script against my brothers. But there are enough passages both in Qur’an and Hadith to show us that there are values from heaven which are not integral parts of practicing “Islam.’
I am very glad to find that the article on page five begins “Allah says….” This is the most wonderful and to me, the right path. But as soon as we substitute any word, any thought, any anything instead of Allah, we must accept the consequences.
Allaho Akbar, God Alone is all power, and there is no other power, but we only repeat the phrase after we find some enemy outside ourselves. Allah always guides, always protects, and I believe that he who listens will lead.
Today I am moving on a journey to another state to teach young Americans to say Allah. That is almost all I shall teach them until they learn to say “Allah,” say like Bullah Shad. This is not going to satisfy a lot of people but I believe Allah will be satisfied and many believers will not be satisfied. After they recite “Allah,” I shall teach them the Bismillah, then the full Kalama and then the Sifat-i-Allah and that is all. If someone else wishes to follow, let him. This is my work, and I shall continue and it has been most successful, alhamdu lillah, and it will go on and on, inshallah.
Faithfully,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
410 Precita Ave
San Francisco
Aug. 25, 1969
The Muslim Students Association
7th Annual Convention
Alma, Michigan
Attention: Hussain Al-Shahristani and others
Beloved Ones of Allah:
As Salaam Aleikhum! One is in a terrible quandary to choose between the Allah of Islam and the Islam of Allah on the one hand, and the variable interpretations and misinterpretations of the word “Islam.” The Arabic word “Islam” may or may not have a magic connotation and if magic is right—and it may well be right—then all those who use that word should be able to attain whatsoever they want on heaven or on earth. But if the word “Islam” is not magical and does not enable us to attain whatsoever we want, we need, we aspire to, or most selfishly seek, then we may be able or not able to seek elsewhere for that which will enable us to attain everything we seek, selfishly or unselfishly.
There is no compulsion in the Islam of Mohammed (on who and from whom be peace). But there is plenty of compulsion in the various applications and misapplications and interpretations and misinterpretations of Shariat as if all persons who did not conform to Shariat were in some degree sinners and all persons who used to word Shariat as if it were magical would attain. But if the word Shariat or word Islam enable us to attain whatever we desired of whatever Allah wills then there would be no need for a convention at all. The sun gives light and the sun causes shadows. If we want the light we shall have the light, but I believe and I stand forth willingly to face all consequences on all levels, that the word Allah and only the word Allah, and nothing but the word Allah has all power in the heavens and on the earth, in all that is conceived and unconcealed by mankind or any other creatures in this cosmo-verse, seen or unseen. La Illaha El Il Allah.
I am confused. The word “Islam” means peace; the word “Jihad” means war. Are they the same or different? I refuse before all creation, saint or sinner, believer or unbeliever, to accept other than Rab Al-Alamin. I also refuse to reject any Hadith unless, as the Prophet himself said, and I mean the Prophet, “My words cannot abrogate the words of Allah, but the words of Allah can abrogate my words.” And I’ll be damned if I will accepted as brother Muslims Whisky-drinking, fornicating politicians as devotees on the “Straight Path” under any assumption that all so-called Muslims are necessarily good and all non-Muslims necessarily evil. And if the Jihad is to fight on behalf of whiskey-drinking, fornicating despots against non-Muslims of any kind, I dissent, and I glory in my dissent.
I see four kinds of Islam at four levels:
1. The Islam of Allah
2. The Islam of Mecca-Shereef who to me is Khatimal Mursaleen, whom I shall quote below.
3. The Islam of the average man
4. The Islam of self-seeking, conniving personalities, who use religion as a refuge.
I am concerned with the practices of Rassoul Mohammed, on whom be peace. From which I wish to quote, this being solely my idea; but I not only wish to quote, I am refusing to compromise unless Allah shows me otherwise as above, only the words or Amr of Allah can abrogate the words of the last Messenger:
“The Messenger of God Said to me (Anas), “Son, if you are able to keep you heart from morning till night and from night till morning, free from malice towards anyone.” Then he said, “Oh! My son, this is one of my laws, and he who loveth my laws verily loveth me.”
“I asked Lord Mohammed of the most excellent Imam, and he said, “To love him who loveth Allah, and hate him who hateth Allah, and to keep your tongue employed in repeating the name of Allah.” What else? He said, “To do unto all man as you would wish them to have done unto you.”
“A true Mu’min is thankful to God in prosperity, and be resigned to His Will in adversity.”
“The exercise of religious duties will not stone for the fault of an abusive tongue. A man cannot be a Muslims till his heart and tongue are so.”
“The best Jihad is of him who speaks a just word before a tyrannical authority.”
“Adore Allah as thou wouldst if thou sawest Him; for, if thou seest Him not, He sees thee.”
“Verily Allah is more compassionate on His creatures, than a woman on her own child.”
“It is better to teach knowledge one hour in the night, than to pray the whole night.”
“The ink of the scholar is more holy than the blood of the martyr.”
“All Allah’s creatures are his family; and he is the most beloved on God who tries to do most good to Allah’s creatures.”
We must apologies here. Neither my god-daughter-Khalifa Miss Saadia Khawar Khan nor I will be able to attend the Convention. We are both reaching on ever-increasing number of Americans—this person with the word Allah and Miss Khan with instructions in Hadiths which American are accepting. My blood-brethren and fellow Americans kaffir-feringhis, are repeating the word Allah in ever greater numbers, and surprisingly one runs into practically no difficulties, even from what you would consider stubborn University Professors. They are accepting what I quote from Sir Richard Burton in “The Thousand Nights and one Night”: “There Is No Power Nor Might Save In Allah.” Why, even engineers doing research on solar furnaces are accepting “There Is No Power Nor Might Save In Allah.” This stands in marked contradiction to what may be on you program, to appeal to the United Nations or human organizations instead of Allah in what you are calling or miscalling Jihad. I believe that the real Jihad comes when we refuse to accept any power other the Allah and not only refuse but apply this in life—Ya-Hayu Ya-Khayyum.
I am not appealing to anybody for anything except to stop repeating the same mistakes, the same mistakes, the same mistakes, which have brought no fruit. I can assure you, Beloved ones of Allah, that when you appeal to Allah and not to organizations of men, you just may succeed, but how can you appeal to organizations of men, when you consider non-Muslims inferior to Muslims. If non-Muslims are inferior to Muslims why appeal to them at all, why expect merits from them?
Unable to attend, I am enclosing a small modicum, a very small modicum. I am using the allotments which Allah has graced me with for this cause, getting Americans to accept Allah, and both indirectly and directly getting them to see and accept the virtues of Rassoul Mohammed as Insaan-i-Kemal. It is interesting that no Mosque in this country has ever invited me to speak on this subject and that more and more of the Kaffir feringhis are.
There is a science and art, a supreme science and art which may be called Mujihadiya (or spelt variously) wherein are conjoined man’s self-purification and world purification. The first evidence of this in history came when the heart of the Messenger was purified. He proclaimed—and I guess occasionally some Muslim will accept it—that he was not different from human kind. In the science and art of Mujihadiya it is most necessary to have one’s heart purified, but as there is no compulsion in Islam. I neither ask for nor demand from anyone also but accept the possibility and potentiality of heart-purification and the ridding of oneself of malice, and anger, and lust, against which Mecca Shereef constantly warned as the best means of carrying on either internal or external Jihad.
I am not asking any acceptance of anything written above here. Our duty and surrender are to man. But if you are going to consider conniving kings and potentates; and whiskey drinking, fornicating diplomats called Muslims, I beg you to at least consider me their equal for their possibilities that Allah and Allah Ho Akbar do control the affairs and Nasut, Malakut, and Djabrut, and all worlds seen and unseen, and all creatures seen and unseen. And in Him all the Sifat-i-Allah are united and blended as if one, so the perfection of any Sifat leads to the perfection of all.
Although this letter is full of warnings, it is full of warnings because the subject Jihad has been chosen by you. Certainly Jihad. But why give Allah partners, in appealing to them, and you are appealing to them, and you are appealing to them to correct the affairs on the surface of the earth. Holy Qur’an teaches, I believe, that Allah has his representatives on earth. It is very curious that instead of appealing to Allah’s representatives we are too often appealing to humankind and institutions of humankind. And if all non-Muslim are inferior to all Muslims what does this get? Mary Pickford, who was once a celebrated actress, once wrote a book “Why Not Try God?” Universities are discussing “God is dead.” So I write, in all love and sincerity, Why Not Try Allah?
Will all love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
910 Railroad Ave.,
Novato, Calif. 94947
October 15, 1969
P. Mawlawi
Arab Information Bureau,
Ferry Building
San Francisco 94111
My dear friend, Asalaam aleikhum!
It has been a tragedy in my life, that with all erudition and with all spiritual development, the so-called academies of Asian culture in this region, and also in other parts of California especially have adamantly and absolutely refused to recognize any of my backgrounds, welcomes in actual Asia, etc. etc. There are certain classes of professors who seem utterly unable to accept actualities or moral laws. This is a pity. Many of them have intellectual and linguistic prowess, which should be integrated into a real academy of real Asian studies. But unable to accept the prowess of others, they are themselves losing out on every hand.
I have been asked by at least 5 of my students about taking up the study of Arabic. They have all accepted my decision that they should study either with you or your assigned. I should have preferred that they do this through one of these established academies, but this was impossible, for these rival academies accept neither my intellectual or spiritual accumulations nor the existence of Sufism in this living world as well as in the past.
The question remains simply, whether you wish to arrange a public or private class in the study of Arabic, or to try to have this done under the University of California Extension, or otherwise.
The classes on Arabic Art and Culture under Mme. Becker Colona both in the university extension and San Francisco State College are quite large, the students serious and accomplished. Mme. Becker Colona is also being assisted by an enrollee from Mecca. She is planning a joint meeting of all these groups sometime in the Fall, inshallah, to which my disciples—both those in her classes and otherwise—have been invited to perform dervish dances.
These dances have already been presented to The Family Dog at Ocean Beach. It was marvelous to have 2 to 300 young Americans joining in them. It was still more marvelous to have 100’s upon 100’s of Americans chanting Allah along with us. I do not think this has ever happened before in a Western country. And there is now every sign that this movement will continue, because the heart of man yearns and leans toward divine attainment.
You may be interested to learn that Mme. Becker Colona has accepted my cosmic epic “Saladin” for a term paper. This is, of course, based upon the miraj of Prophet Mohammed, plus at least the negative influence of Dante. This naturally pleases an Italian Seniora. But parts of this poem have already been read in public by some of my disciples and the doors are being opened elsewhere in this city and otherwise. It seems that everywhere outside the so-called academies of Asian Studies, my person and work are being accepted.
There is also a class on poetry writing at the University Extension, and last night I was asked to explain how I started to begin to write poetry. I told them the story of Hafiz-i-Shirazi, and that psychically and mystically I had similar, if not the same, experience. Gradually, the younger generation will accept what the older ones adamantly and absolutely refused even to consider. The doors are wide open here, and I am very sorry that in my own native city new-comers have refused to consider the backgrounds of a native son.
There was another native son born in this region, I believe shortly before my coming—i.e. the late Harold Lambe. This great writer was in his last years at least recognized by AFME. But he died unnoticed in this part of the world. I have been writing both to AFME and to the Temple of Understanding my intention to programize the great Suleiman the Magnificent. Among his other achievements was to open up the doors to refugee Jews and start a program of tolerance and toleration unheard of in his time. The day is over when confused intellectuals can close their doors on the accomplishments of history. I intend, inshallah, to elevate the roles of those 2 great Sufi monarchs, Suleiman of Turkey and Akbar of India, to the highest. Today I am succeeding because not only the young but even the American-born professors are opening their doors and their hearts.
On Friday afternoons I am acting as a consultant on Asian philosophies and mysticism at the San Francisco State College. I think the day is over when any so-called expert can keep from public attention the accomplishments of the great Sufi poets and to a lesser extent the prowess of Arabic civilizations. In fact, I think that even Arab writers themselves have underscored their own accomplishments through the ages.
Having had the dual advantage of mathematical disciplines and mystical attainment, it is simple and easy to present to the public and to the world actual integrational processes, with a sound honesty of integration common to both mathematical functioning and spiritual attainment.
At the moment, all our efforts are pointing toward the forthcoming Parliament of Religions to be held in Istanbul next spring. The events of last week when with Allah’s help I was able to move the hearts of definitely over 1000 young Americans may be used, inshallah, to touch the hearts of better known personalities. And I also will lean very strongly on Hadiths in presenting a universal peace program based on the actualities of spiritual attainment—far beyond the words, the emotionalisms, the prowess, and the dialectics of those known as leaders.
In this I am most fortunate in having as friends the actual leaders of both the Theravadin and Mahayana Buddhists; of many Hindus in the highest capacities; the best known Jewish mystic; and others. La Illaha El Il Allah.
With all blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti Samuel L. Lewis
cc American Academy of Asian Studies
cc California Academy of Asian Studies
410 Precita Ave
San Francisco
November 25, 1969
F. Mawlawi
Arab Information Center,
Ferry Building,
San Francisco, Calif. 94111
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. This confirms a telephone call of a few days back. There will be a joint meeting of students of San Francisco State College and the University of California Extension next week, Thursday night, December 4. The subject will be: “The Significances of Mecca in the Contemporary Scene.”
There are quite a few students in the class of Mrs. Becker Colonna. This year we are in the advanced class of “Arabic Art” and today finished Spain. Sicily and North culture follow, and then we shall return to the eastern side of Arabic culture, geographically.
These classes are planning a Mediterranean-North Africa tour some time in 1971, perhaps ending in Jordan if the political scene warrants.
I find as much beauty or more in places unknown to me as I have in the Mosques visited or in the Taj.
The instructor has given me permission to invite any of my fends to the meeting on Mecca.
Faithfully,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Samuel L. Lewis
410 Precita Ave
San Francisco
November 25, 1969
Henry Wisniewski,
P. O. Box 27116,
San Francisco, Calif. 94127
Beloved One of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum.
We usually have Zikr on Mondays, these meetings beginning at about 7:30. We have a Sufi prayer, then the Bismillah both as chant dance and then we go into the Zikr in various forms.
These are open meetings. The public is invited, welcomed. We usually ask a dollar donation but for you and members of the Mosque, or for Muslims that you may bring, this will not be necessary.
Love and blessings,
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Jan. 30, 1970
Beloved One of Allah:
There is a practice in the courts of justice, that when a subject is opened by one party to a dispute, the other persons who originally did not introduce it into the controversy, has the right to answer. Of course I cannot compel, indeed I will not compel anyone else to accept my version of justice or anything else. I do not believe that the Islam based on Allah has ever repudiated the scriptures given to the world before the appearance of Holy Qur’an. There are so many points on which so-called Muslims differ from Rassoul Mohammed, on Whom be Peace, that a whole lifetime would not suffice. Mohammed said, “My words can never abrogate the words of Allah, but the words of Allah can abrogate my words.” And before Allah, I see absolutely no reason on any grounds for displacing any words of any scripture unless they are outrightly and definitely condemned by, and therefore replaced by Holy Qur’an itself.
There are many words of Jesus which I think still stand, and among them, “Judge not.” I have been taught that one should see from the standpoint of another person as well as from himself, and in recent years have been unfortunately successful in dispute because of the loneliness of the other party.
I do not claim to be above judgment or justice, but I see other things to do than running around fault-finding. I have no intention of trying to convince either Muslims or non-Muslims that Holy Qur’an is right when it says, “Allah is Master of the Day of Judgment.” And if there is one thing I have prayed to Allah for it has been that I shall never be called upon to judge others too much in the herenow or the hereafter. I have said to at least one spiritual teacher who has quite different viewpoints on many subjects, I welcome you because I have reached my abilities’ limit to teach more to others. This of course was my own conclusion; it may not have been Allah’s conclusion. I have met many real Saints of the living worlds and in a few cases they have tome to see me from afar. The first job is to get Americans to say Allah. I do not think that Allah has entirely resented efforts to get Americans to say Allah. From both within and without it has been shown me to get 100,000 Americans to say Allah.
Abroad, but not in this country, it is accepted that I never met an Imam until I was over 50 years of age. Qur’an teachers, but very few Muslims accepts that the Light of Allah is neither of the East or the West. The next thing I teach, and I will teach it, is that the light of Allah includes all the merits which we have ascribed to Allah.
I am not above failures. I have told my god-daughter, who is a Pakistani, that I do not pray for forgiveness of sins. Instead I have asked Allah for justice because of my wrong-doing, that I trust him absolutely and unconditionally, that he will give justices and even, perhaps, Mercy, but I am not asking anything. Sufism is the religion of the heart. One result is that one is no longer lonely. One feels the Divine Light within and without.
If you feel you are a teacher, I should welcome this rather than otherwise. I have too many people coming to me now, too many doors opening far and wide, and even the possibility, inshallah, of having a surplus of funds. I have been admitted into no less than 8 Dervish Orders, and I am not interested whether others accept this or not.
As to Tauba…. There are two aspects to it. I have accepted those aspects which appear in some of the writings of the Sufis, especially Al-Hujwiri, and not of those who lean on Christian traditions for their interpretations of inner or outer sacred processes.
If any of my disciples have inner experiences and have not communicated them to me, there is no way to open up the doors to higher stages of unfoldment. Allah is the only Teacher, one opens to Him. No doors are closed. I am not permitted to close doors. But I am yet feeble enough, not to do more than I can within a period of 24 hours. With letters now coming to me from all parts of the world, with more and more demands on my resources and intelligence, and with the difficulty of trying to convince people of what was the subject of a recent lecture, “Allah is not your jailer, He is your Lover.” Shah Latif of Sind.
Most Faithfully and Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
July 7, 1970
Iffat B. Quraishi,
P.O. Box 391,
Palo Alto, Calif. 94302
Beloved one of Allah:
As-Salaam Aleikhum. Having just returned to san Francisco after a second long absence within a short time one did not find your brochure for Islamic Summer Madrasah until now. And being American born I have no pride whatsoever in any heritage but believe that Allah is Rab-Alamin and not just Rab-Mussalmim.
On the perversions trip, after meeting with the heads of all religions in Geneva I went to London and met the Chief Iman of the Sunni Mosque and learned all about the persecution going on to the Pakistanis. They have “Pride in heritage” and this very pride has caused a persecution, a persecution which is kept out of the papers most of the time. So it is my intention to work with this Iman and to send my Zakat to innocent sufferers, although it might also be sent to other innocent sufferers of whom the world is full.
I also had a fine interview with the Cultural Attaché of Pakistan in which also there was pride, not in heritage, but in the Islamic cultures-architecture, poetry, moral teachings, etc., etc. And as the faith of Islam should be surrender to Allah and not pride in ego, it was most rewarding to find oneself a little later in a bookstore and find “Mishkat” which I now have and upon which I intend, inshallah, to do research.
Self-pride has not been very successful in turning back the Israelis and others, and when we turn to dependence upon Allah and upon nobody and nothing else, I believe we shall have a better world.
In any event I have been successful, al-hamdu lillah, in getting many, many hundreds of Americans to chant “Allah” and quite a few hundred to repeat “Mohammedar Rassoul lillah.” This is the work before me and I shall continue, but with no pride of self, nor any riza excepting in Allah to whom be all praise.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
P.O. Box 391
Palo Alto, California 94302
July 15, 1970
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti 410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco, California
Dear Br. Lewis/Chisti:
Assalamu alaikum. Iffat is very busy in running the Madrasah, so I am taking this opportunity to acknowledge your letter.
The news about your trip was interesting. I hope the work you intend to pursue as a result of this trip will be rewarding and fruitful.
Perhaps we understand “Pride in heritage” differently. To elaborate my concept will take detailed presentation. I suppose we can leave this for a more convenient time and place. I do take pride in my heritage. If you are really interested in knowing more about it, we may get together some time.
Sincerely in Islam,
Marghoub A. Quraishi
July 15, 1970
Dr. F. Mawlawi
Arab Information Bureau
Terry Building San Francisco
Beloved One of Allah:
As-Salaam-Aleikhum! Recently I wrote a very strong letter to the American Friends of the Middle East. All they seem to be interested in is collecting dues and self-praise. They are totally out of touch with what is going on. They accept no suggestions and no information.
Now it is pleased Allah to see that I am getting a much larger income, have an ever-growing number of followers, practically all young. And it would appear, inshallah, that a very wealthy publisher will accept everything from me when he returns from a trip abroad.
I am enclosing a copy of a letter to a disciple in Pakistan. They are seeing the Near East conflict as one between Judaism and Islam. But if you came out to my district, which is the forefront of the New Age, you would see pictures all over supporting the Palestinian fronts and more and more young people I know of Jewish or par-Jewish ancestry are becoming more and more anti-Israel:
1. There are of course the Lilienthal type who wish to adhere to religion without politics, and especially without imperialistic politics.
2. There are some people who have been convinced that all imperialism is wrong.
3. There are a number of forward looking types who are totally opposed to every form of Fascism and genocide.
4. There is an ever-growing number of young people attracted to the missions of myself and colleagues, and who more readily repeat Kalama then the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
5. There is an almost miraculous phenomena—I have found many instances of it and more and more and more—of infants repeating Allah before saying mama and papa.
There is such terrorism going on in Israel. As my poetry suggests, Hitlerism would spread far and wide after Hitler was gone. Naturally you can read articles in the papers about terrible prisons in Vietnam or in the southern states. But I have not heard anything more insidious than what has been reported to me out of Israel, and in the end, in the name of justice and humanity, something will surely happen as it has happened before, that a Hebraic state will not be able to persist unless it is based on justice and humanity.
Love and Blessings,
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
410 Precita Ave,
San Francisco,
July 17, 1970
Dr. M.T. Mahdi
ACTION
135 East 44th St.
New York, NY 10037
Beloved One of Allah,
As-salaam aleikhum, and check for $20.00 (Twenty dollars enclosed).
Last year my colleague, Pir Vilayat khan, began to present some episodes from handle’s “Messiah” from which I quote:
“Every valley shall be exalted and every hill laid low; the crooked places made straight,” a theme on which nearly all our “establishment” groups from the so-called “left” through the so-called “right” are united in opposing. Personally I believe Allaho Akbar and whether you accept Allah or not, it is certain that hundreds of young Americans (not “Muslims”) are joining, and even accepting Mohammedar Rassoul lillah in ways which scandalize “Muslims,” and of course, we are ignored by all the “big” people, and it does not matter one wit.
If you come to this district you would see Palestinian Liberation signs and if you went further they would be in stores owned by people of Hebraic ancestry, while ignored “Muslims” like those of Pakistan indulge in anti-Jewish campaigns. And on the other hand the American “East-West” gatherings keep out Muslims and raise funds to bring the Orient and Occident together, with a lot of nonsense.
this nonsense appears in the May 1970 University of Chicago issue of “History of Religions” where there is an article, “Semantics of the Qur’an” seriously dealing with three books written by a Japanese scholar. Well, when I lived in the UAR I used to say that books on Arabic culture by a Finn would be welcomed but books on Finnish culture by an Arab would be censored or even prohibited. And now we have books by a Japanese.
I don’t know much about early Arabic culture but got an “A”B for my paper on the Nabateans, and some of us are planning to go on an Arabic archeology exhibition next year, inshallah. Money is not an object; Allah has seen to that, Alhamdulillah. And at the other extreme my secretary Mansur and I had a wonderful welcome at the Royal Asiatic Society in England, an event absolutely impossible in this land of “freedom and tolerance.” And I have also been a guest in … but that day of rejection is over, inshallah.
I still believe your “Nation of Lions” is a vast underestimation and you may agree.
I have always said that this land would permit the lamb and the lion to lie down together but never let a little child lead them. I am [?] at the Geneva conference of The Temple of Understanding where the [?] ideas were offered by the youngest delegate, and now she has been [?] world tour. There is hope.
Well, after years of persecution I threatened a law-suit, and won, and since then my affairs have been getting better and better. So I went to Geneva with secretary Mansur and he and I were the only persons who could converse with representatives of all faiths, and no nonsense. And while I told them semi-humorously that I was the incarnation of “Nathan the Wise” nobody was laughing in the end. They don’t have the “only in America freedom and tolerance” and all views were heard. Only the Sufi does not have views, he has, inshallah, insight, intelligence, and even wisdom (tasawwuf).
Further improvements in private affairs compelled me to choose between working for Peace (not the damnable sham noise p-e-a-c-e which is the property of the respectable). My brother and I could not find heirs who would accept my backgrounds but finally the Department of Near East Languages on the Berkeley campus did and I am hoping to put up a thousand dollars for a Peace Scholarship, either for a semester or year. When I made this pledge I did not realize the obstacle might be, not in raising the money, but in raising more than I had intended! Perhaps Allah also accepts Allah!
Anyhow all kinds of favorable things are happening.
I was selected as spiritual teacher for a Summer school and presented Dervish dancing. I have gone through the grades of Alim, Sufi and Murshid and the future generations will wonder how this culture could accept shams and reject realities. But are the young coming to me!
On return from the school I had emergency letters from Master Seo of Korea and Rev Schlomo from Jerusalem. Both wanted to see me at once! A man may be without honor in his own bailiwick but this is making me a hero among the young. So I jumped into Peace for Palestine.
In my poetry—my things have always been rejected—it states, that Hitlerism would spread after Hitler was gone and this is exactly what is happening and most of all you know where. The reported atrocities are puerile. Jesus said, “Fear those who would torment body and soul with hell-fire” and this is exactly what is happening in Israel as you may suggest, guess or know. But now even a number of honest people of Jewish ancestry are aroused, and no nonsense. The only way to save Israel is for the people to accept realities.
Around here the young of Jewish ancestry are becoming pro-Palestinian. We want Peace. We are bringing Arab, Palestinian, pro-Israeli and anti-Israeli Jew, and Christians together. Others talk. Others raise funds. And mass-murder, goes on and on.
Love and Blessings from,
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
August 1, 1970
Sheik Mohammad Abdulla
69 Nordhoff St.
San Francisco, Ca. 94131
Beloved One of Allah: As-Salaam-Aleikhum:
This is not a letter of protest, this is a letter of news. Early this year my secretary Mansur and I went to Geneva to a conference of the real religions of the real world. There one received profound apologies from top Protestant and Jewish divines. The Rabbis concerned were both American and Israeli. That a person without credentials should receive apologies from such men did touch the heart of others. A “good-Muslim” would have not had anything to do with the Israelis. But I have had the audacity to receive apologies from Israeli Rabbis then and since.
“Good-Muslims” were given more time at the conference of religions than any other groups. This puts the lie on the statement of ignorant people that they are not given a chance to speak. But they spent most of their time attacking the orthodoxy of each other, and this gave the Rabbis plenty of opportunity to help spread division and confusion. The chief Imam of Paris then spoke, trying to bring a settlement, but as he spoke in French, which the majority did not understand, he was not very successful.
I am enclosing a copy of a letter just written to a friend in Pakistan. It tells what some of us are doing, doing for Allah and Din. We do not need any recognition from mankind, and we are not very enthusiastic about sending congratulations to liquor-drinking monarchs in the name of Islam. We certainly do not believe that the mighty may do what they please, while small men are expected to obey every little detail.
We have just received wonderful news about the people of Egypt. I have lived in that country. This was of no interest either to “good-Muslims” or to European “experts,” whatever that means. I am no longer concerned with egocentric individuals, learned or unlearned, devout or undevout. We are concerned with Allah, to whom we offer our praise; we never praise ourselves.
Believing absolutely in Allah, and that there is no power or might save in Allah, and that he has no partners—least of all our selves—we are now taking some big steps forward to promote both Islamic culture in this land, and peace in the Holy Land. Sooner or later, inshallah, my epic poem Saladin will be published. I am not going to quote Hadiths to you or anybody; I am trying to fill the Hadiths myself. It is a New Age. We are getting hundreds and hundreds of Americans—soon it will be thousands—to say Allah, etc.
We do not believe the Israelis will be stopped by our hatred, by our ignorance, by our mis-quotation. We believe they will be stopped by the moral laws of the Universe, to which all of us, and I mean all of us, are subject. But I also believe most of all, and differ from you entirely on, there is no compulsion in Islam.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Aug. 3, 1970
Mr. F. Mawlawi
Arab Information Bureau
Ferry Building
San Francisco, Ca.
Beloved One of Allah: As-Salaam-Aleikhum!
Perhaps I am almost a fanatic in interpreting the word Islam as meaning peace. I have not much sympathy with the popular use or misuse of this word, and even less consideration of the horrible politics which has made it almost impossible to produce the types of peace mentioned in various Holy Scriptures.
A few years back, under what I thought was divine inspiration, I began Dervish Dancing. When certain Muslims remonstrated and said, “Muslims do not approve of this,” I replied, “It is not a question of whether Muslims approve of it, it is a question does Allah approve of it.” There is every outer sign of this approval. Why, we have even Jews, Israelis, whom I will not call Jews, and young people of mixed Judeo-Christian, and mixed Arabic-Jewish ancestry, joining in. And it is no longer a matter of hundreds, but now of thousands repeating Allah. And here Allah seems to be quite at odds with a lot of so-called Muslims, for these Feringhis joyfully chant “Mohammedar Rassoul Lillah” to the disgruntlement of certain so-called “orthodox.”
The success has even prompted certain people to propose a joint Hassid-Sufi program. All the facilities are there, and perhaps all the money. But regardless of politics, I feel two things must be accomplished:
1. The recognition of Mohammed as a great historical character, if not as a Divine Prophet.
2. Honest, sound American-Arabic cultural exchange.
One of my disciples has received such a beautiful letter from Cairo it made me cry. But I am not too unbiased for, taking the whole world under consideration, I consider President Nasser one of the greatest men of the age, and perhaps of all ages.
The demands made on me by the young support any feeling I have of divine directives. I have never told you what my complete plan entails, but it does entail all sorts of help to hajjis. In fact, my hajji program even won the good will of all the Saudians whom I met while in the Near East.
As you know, I have personally studied several aspects of Arabia culture which do not seem to interest so-called Muslims, and we are planning, inshallah, to have an Arabic cultural mission sent from these parts late next year, inshallah. This also seems to have won the approval of Allah, for both personally and collectively the financial affairs of this one and his disciples have improved very greatly in the past few months. It is only a question of what must be the best use of such monies.
The ignorant people who control the affairs of the world do not know that there have been several Jewish empires in the course of history, therefore do not know why they have failed. I believe in the end justice and truth always win out. Sometimes, however, I feel I am too much under the influence of the Divine Messenger who said, “Say Allah, and leave them to their devices.” Maybe we are doing it. Maybe we are doing it too much.
Love and Blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
August 11, 1970
Dr. M. T. Mahdi
ACTION Committee
441 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Beloved One of Allah:
As Salaam Aleikhum: I am writing now because it would appear, inshallah, that my new secretary and I may be flying to New York City sometime this fall. We have already started action of our own to get young people to mingle freely with us. I am reporting what we have been doing, and you have a perfect right to criticize us if our actions have gotten beyond any program or formulae. We have exceeded in getting persons of Jewish extraction, even Israelis, to repeat the Kalama, and even getting some Muslims to repeat the Shema.
This morning, for different reasons, no doubt, one visited the consulates in San Francisco of Iran and Pakistan. Our efforts to introduce dervish dancing here have been entirely successful, Alhamdulillah. Indeed we have far outstripped the local mosques in getting Americans, Jewish, Christians, atheistic, to accept Mohammed as a or even the Messenger of God. But the local mosque will not accept my efforts.
Besides this they are looking upon the strife in the Near East as being a religious war. They have emphasized the expulsion of Jews from the Hedjas by the Prophet.
Now my own ideas for the Holy Land begin with the historicity of Kalif Omar, who has been one of my great ideals. Indeed, psychologically and morally I am a Jelali very much like him. I have been trying for years to have Arabian-American cultural exchange. I had to watch the mobs storming the American embassy in UAR while I was living there. This mobbing was absolutely justified. I know this from personal history.
A number of us have been doing more than working for Arabic cultural exchange. A number of us have been studying Arabic archeology, and I don’t think you will mind when I consider your “A nation of Lions” full of understatements, not of over statements. We are working for peace, not the damnable excuse called “Peace with justice.” In the previous generation, I was blackballed by a number of universities, first due to the efforts of one Rom Landau and still, by men of Jewish extraction, at the Universities of California in Los Angeles and Hawaii. But at this writing, I have been invited to the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Southern California to speak on Sufism.
We teach that Sufism sprang from Allah. We consider Mohammed as the greatest of the Sufis. We reject the idea that it was a Persian or Aryan reaction. The very sounds have psychic and metaphysical values. We are getting young people to join with each other.
So many of the sages of Pakistan blessed me and said it was my duty in life to get Americans to repeat “Allah.” This is now being done, Alhamdulillah! We have not only been successful in promoting dervish dances, we have been even more successful in producing a new type of song based on the Sifat-i-Allah. We intend to present these publicity.
We are also sending a team to Iran, Pakistan, and India to film contemporary Sufis.
After years of struggle, my financial situation has greatly improved, praise to Allah. I am hoping to establish a scholarship for the Department of Near East Languages on the Berkeley campus. What is actually holding up are the prospects at this writing of successful efforts toward getting more money, inshallah, for peace and understanding in the Near East and real cultural exchange with the Arab world.
Far from wasting time criticizing the Jewish religion, there may even be a joint crusade of myself as a Sufi Murshid with certain persons who still adhere to the synagogue.
Recently a very wealthy man became a disciple in Tasawwuf. He is considering publishing my three epic poems on the Near East which respectively present the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic paints of view. I think I told you, but anyhow you should know, that when I attended the Conference of the World’s Religions earlier in the year at Geneva, the first sessions began with a series of apologies from Rabbis and Protestant clergyman. If these poems are published, they are going to compel a lot of people, either to retract or come out in the open.
I see no reason, however, to attack any religion. To me it is regrettable that the majority of devotees seem to indulge in self praise more than in divine worship. Personally I see no power nor might save in Allah. Personally I am fanatic about “Rahmat.” But more than this, I hope to help establish, not “peace with justice,” but peace with understanding.
Sincerely,
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Aug. 11, 1970
Arab Information Bureau
Ferry Building
San Francisco
Dear Friends:
We have before us an article in the August 3 number of Action. It is written by our good Friend Dr. Hugh D. Baker. I do not find Dr. Baker’s address in the San Francisco telephone book and am wondering whether you can forward the carbon of this letter to him. So we are writing in duplicate.
Yesterday we wrote a letter to Rabbi Alvin Fine. I used to attend many meetings at which Rabbi Fine spoke. He has been offered and has accepted peace awards and other honorariums, but he has not answered a single letter from this person since the beginning of 1967. We have therefore labeled the title of our communication: “The Judeo-Christian Ethic and Peace in Palestine.” We have informed Rabbi Fine that if he does not answer us we will have the letter printed. There is a certain class of citizens and non-citizens who have been very powerful in determining conclusion, of a large sector of our people as to what should be done in Asia. The simplest justice would mean the establishment of Arabic-American cultural exchange. From a moral point of view, and even the late Dr. Zarkin would have accepted that, there should be cultural relations with all non-communist lands. You can understand now why I am very monastic about “peace with justice.” To me it is just noise.
I hope Dr. Baker will come to realize that my influence has always been strong in actual Asia and is growing rapidly in this country among the young. During the last month I have received two invitations to go to Los Angeles to lecture on Sufism One of these came from the University of Southern California.
I have just returned from a visit to the Iranian and Pakistani Consulates. Some of our disciples are going to those countries soon to take films of spiritual activities and then go on to tombs of Sufi saints in India. Our so-called Academies of Asian Studies have absolutely refused to permit valid presentations on Sufism either contemporary or ancient. We don’t care about these peoples any more. We have been very successful in raising funds for the filming of Dervish activities. All our work is expanding, Alhamdulillah.
We have also been successful in our first efforts to getting young people together. To respect each other. To respect each other’s cultures and religions. We have not run into any obstacle—from the young. Of course this type of thing is absolutely verboten in certain American institutions like the University of Hawaii, with its phony East-West center totally dominated by men of Jewish ancestry but not Jewish religion, and not Dr. Zarkins. We believe that age is going to pass, and very soon.
There is another group of young people trying to arrange for this person to speak on the air. “Peace with justice” assumes that all persons should be heard. It is remarkable how many tongues, to use this phrase, do not permit all sides to be heard.
Not only are our dance classes expending, but our choral group has gone far ahead in utilizing the sacred phrases of Islam in modern musical settings, sometimes along with English language hymns, sometimes confined to Arabic sacred phrases alone. All my disciples, who are growing in number, really believe in Allah, er-Rahman, er-Rahim, etc. Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
c/o Lonnie Less
27 West 71 Street
New York, New York 10023
November 1, 1970
Islamic Center of New York
1 Riverside Drive
New York, New York
Beloved Ones of Allah:
As-salaam aleikhum. On page 5 of The New York Times, Saturday, October 31, 1970, there is a big headline, “Collapse of Woman’s Hoax Embarrasses Indonesia.” I do not know if the report is true or not. I do not believe it embarrassed Indonesia any more than this letter will embarrass the United States.
My principal, Pir Dewwal Shereef, of Islamabad, Pakistan, among other things, asked me to contact The Psychic Research Societies of the United States. He told me he had funds allocated for further studies in psychic and super-psychic research. Not a single institution following the prevailing efforts answered my letters. You name the famous ones. They did not even have the courtesy to reply, and this included some begging for funds. I am, however, sending a copy of this to the New York Psychic Research Society, and if they have any courtesy will join them. But, alhamdulillah, this is not necessary for my efforts because there is now an editor who would delight in the contents of this correspondence with you to show how far this land is, in some respects, from honesty and objectivity.
The day before I left San Francisco, I led a thousand young people chanting Allah in Golden Gate Park. At that time it was passed by, but the news of our efforts to draw East and West together, not symbolically but actually, has at long last won the attention of a considerable portion of the press and news media. And may even convince some editor, inshallah, of some realities largely barred in this culture.
It has been astonishing to me that every child of every one of my mureeds has repeated Allah before the customary Mama or Papa. As the apostle of God said, “Every child is born a Muslim,” which means every child is born a devotee of Allah, but this is very far from the common involvements in politics which to me falsely pass for Islam, although I do not wish to get into that.
What was more astounding, that children born to non-Muslim parents in houses where the word Allah was repeated, also said Allah before anything else!
The first of the infants, son of Mansur and Jemila Johnson of Novato, California, came to my home in San Francisco and began the operations of sajda and nimaz before he could even speak. This sort of thing is very upsetting to so-called psychic researchers, but substantiates the teachings of the apostle, on and from whom be peace.
I shall follow this up myself and am sending carbons of this to representatives of Islamic governments.
Faithfully,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Nov. 16, 1970
Mr. Marghoob A. Quraishi
Al-Manar Press
Box 391
Palo Alto, Calif. 94302
Beloved Ones of God:
It is very interesting to receive some material from you requesting largesse from this person. This is of course Islam in America. The Islam of Allah is based on tauhid, Saum, Salat, hajj, and zakat—that is the Islam of Allah. The Islam in America is based on requests for largesse.
I wish to thank you for your reminder. I intend in the name of Allah the Merciful and Compassionate and not in the name of schnorrers, to donate zakat, and possibly more than zakat either to the mosque of Landon or to the sufferers from the recent tragedy in East Pakistan. I may even go further and donate the proceeds of published works, which the “good” Muslims of America have rejected, God bless them, to suffering Muslims elsewhere.
A number of years ago I found myself surrounded by ulema in Pakistan and they unanimously decided I was an alim. Furthermore, once the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the late Mohammed Ali Bogra, came to this city and made everyone receive baraka from this person. The good Muslims in that gathering never forgave me. It was his Excellency that requested it, but they never forgave me. This is Islam in America. I visited many mosques and shrines and been closeted with many holy men in many lands. This was accepted by the Imam of the London Mosque, and the London Mosque has an Imam. So I have decided out of my own ego to contribute my zakat as above.
Among other things, we contributed a stack of Hadiths to the local mosque so they could sell them and earn money. We never even got a recognition. This is Islam in America. What it has to do with the teachings of the glorious Prophet I do not know. But one thing is sure, I can never become virtuous, because my grandfather wasn’t a Muslim. There is nothing one can do about it. Indeed, there is nothing even Allah can do about it; but we are serving Allah, not our grandparents.
In addition to that we have purchased a number of fine books, at least we feel they are fine, from Ashraf in Lahore, and from Samuel Weiser in New York City. But we find that the Islamic League of American, and other Muslim in America have self-privileged themselves to reject the Hadiths on culture. In this we wish to follow Mohammed, and we also differ, not having the right ancestors, to offer all our praise to Allah, and to nobody else.
If we are wrong in this we supremely bow our heads in reverence and repentance.
May Allah bless and enlighten you,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Dec. 4, 1970
Dawud Assad
99 Woodview Dr.
Old Bridge, New Jersey 08857
As-Salaam-Aleikhum!
I have been very much interested in finding in Yaqeen International notices concerning your efforts to “refute ignorance or bias on Islam.” Well, my friends, Islam has a bias, and you, before Allah, may have some difficulty in answering it. It is this, that when a Muslim receives a criticism or hears one, he immediately goes contrary to The Seal of the Prophets by losing his temper, and don’t tell me this isn’t so. And people have a right to criticize a religion which self-exempts its followers from doing what he says in sacred Scripture. Indeed, all religions seem to agree that their devotees should be excused for not following their own teachings, and others are to be blamed for not knowing their particular teaching. And until Muslims themselves follow the teachings, they cannot expect others to show respect.
The other night I spoke at a University in praise of Jesus Christ and in contempt of Christianity. I was challenged. I said, “The Christian Bible does not mention that the Children of Israel crossed the Red Sea, which you believe; or in the Christmas tree, in which you believe. It teaches the existence of three bodies, in which you do not believe. How do you expect me to respect from you a Scripture in which you do not believe.”
Then I went on in defense of Mohammed (from whom be peace). And I have never had any trouble in this land in talking about Mohammed. Never. But magazine after magazine says that people hold Mohammed in contempt. Indeed, about two months ago I led a thousand young people chanting “Allah.” It was filmed and televised. Before this happened, I met Muslims who said that they did not approve of my methods. I said, “That is correct.” I said, “I am not trying to please Muslims, I am trying to please Allah, and the question is, “Does Allah approve?”
There is now a Naqshibandi teacher in South America who is drawing thousands of Christians. He does not use sunnah. He does not use Hadiths. Instead he quotes from the Thousand and One Nights, “There is no power or might save in Allah.” He is attracting all kinds of people. But one can read Islamic publication after Islamic publication and hardly see Allah mentioned. So I am getting hundreds and hundreds of young Americans to say, “Allah,” while so-called Muslims object. And I am speaking very often on Mohammed and notice that no objection arises from anybody, which is quite contrary to what Islamic publications (so-called) are telling the world.
I also tell them that the Prophecy in the Bible that the conqueror would come in on an ass, and I mean conqueror, was fulfilled with Khalif Omar, actually fulfilled. So-called Muslims don’t bother about that. They ignore history the same as all other orthodox people of other faiths ignore history. The Messenger said, “Act as if in the presence of Allah, and remember if you do not see Him, verily He sees you.” You don’t have to be a good Muslim to believe that, and you can be a good Muslim without believing that.
So we are going out to present Allah to the public and history to the public and Kalama to the public, and we are fanatic enough to accept what Mohammed said: “He who dies reciting Kalama shall certainly not go to hell.” So we are reciting Kalama and Wazifas and running into no trouble from anybody.
A Pakistani acquaintance kept on writing me, “Allah is on the side of the Muslims, and the Muslims are on the side of Allah.” So I asked Allah for guidance. The so-called six-day war soon followed. This brings up the question of whether there is another power than Allah, or whether there is no power or might save in Allah, or whether Allah necessarily prefers the Muslims (on this point we are entirely opposed with the Muslims and entirely in agreement with Mohammed who taught, “Allah loves His creation more than a mother loves her offspring.” His creation). Rab Alamin not Rub Musalmin.
We have no trouble in getting people to admire Mohammed (from whom be peace). We are not going to defend politicians, any kind of politicians. Our efforts now are toward bringing peace in the Near East, and in getting help for the unfortunate victim of East-Pakistan. We don’t care about ourselves. We don’t demand zakat from others. We don’t demand anything from others. And certainly we don’t get respect from religious people who say “Praise to Allah” but really praise themselves.
Therefore we are successful before Allah in getting Americans, all kinds of Americans, to respect Allah, to respect Mohammed, and to respect Holy Qur’an. And we are succeeding in every one of our undertakings, and have no excuse for anything, because there is no power or night save in Allah.
There is no power or might save in Allah. May he enlighten you.
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
P.S. Grand-Sheikh Shabuddin Ibn Omar Sohrawardi said, “Consideration consists of showing consideration to others, and never asking for consideration from others.”
Dec. 8, 1970
Dawud Assad
99 Woodview Dr.
Old Bridge, New Jersey 08857
Beloved Ones of Allah: As-Salaam-Aleikhum:
I am writing at this time because it seems that Allah, to Whom be all praise, is approving of the methods we are using here to get Americans both to believe in Allah and say “Allah.” The last Messenger of God taught so many things with which so many so-called Muslims differ, that it is very difficult to communicate at all. It is for that reason I am quite willing to call myself, or have others call me, a Mohammedan, and I mean Mohammedan, and I do not mean Muslim; I definitely do not mean Muslim.
Philologically, a Muslim should be a man of peace. Philologically, a man by becoming a Muslim either surrenders, or gives up the right to criticize the beloved ones of Allah. I have not given up the right to criticize others, and I will not call myself a Muslim until I give up the right.
Orthodox Islam verbalizes that Allah has no partners. That is the end of it. Sunnaists are liars. I say before Allah they are liars. They give Allah plenty of partners. For example, Mohammed, Sunna, and Shariat. They make these the partners of God. They differ from Mohammed who said that Abraham and Moses and Jesus were Muslims. Abraham and Moses and Jesus did not believe in Sunna or Shariat. They believed in Allah. They did not give Allah any partners. They said one could worship Allah and they meant just that. The Sunna-ists say you cannot worship Allah unless you wash your hands first, and not only wash your hands, but wash them in a certain way. So they place wuzu ahead of Allah, and a lot of things.
Sunna-ists have assumed the right to criticize non-Muslims. They are like all other religionists who are marvelous at criticizing. Mohammed was not a very good Sunna-ist. He said, “My words can never abrogate the words of Allah, but the words of Allah can abrogate my words.” Ha. No good, Sunna-ist can possibly accept that. The words of Mohamed can abrogate the words of Allah; the words and deeds of so-called “good” Muslims can abrogate the words of Mohammed. You will argue, and you will argue exactly like all egocentric people argue, trying to hide scriptural words and the facts of life.
In one sense, Buddha was a great soul. I am not referring to the religion supposedly derived from him. He sought the cause of suffering and the end of pain and suffering. I agree with that. Sunna-ists say that Allah loves Muslims more than He loves others, and that Muslims love Him more than others do. I do not find this in Holy Qur’an. I do not find this in Hadiths. But I do find that today millions of apparently innocent Muslims are suffering. How come? Where is Allah? Where is rahmat? You cannot answer. So we are writing you because you cannot answer.
Yaqeen writes beautiful articles on beautiful teachings of the past. We believe Allah is here and now. We actually believe, and no nonsense, that he is closer than the neck-vein. No nonsense; actually closer. We are doing nothing to spread Sunna and Shariat. We are raising funds to try and bring peace in the Near East. We are extending our efforts to bring every kind of help to the victims of East Pakistan. We feel very sure than when Muslims stop giving Allah partners, and stop self-praise, they will be protecting other Muslims. It is not easy to convince them to give up self-praise and extend all praise to Allah.
In every one of our efforts recently we have been successful. We trust in Allah. We believe in Kashf and see it as functional. We have no time to be criticizing other people. We find all critics are alike: they criticize others and will accept no criticism to themselves. They will not correct themselves. They are closed to correction. And we are almost irritated when we see Muslims acting just like Christians and Buddhists and Hindus … criticizing others and never accepting any criticism of themselves, as if they were perfect already. How come then the tragedies are visited upon them?
We believe absolutely that Allah is the Mighty, the Compassionate, and the Wise. We are accepting the tragedy of East Pakistan as fact, and we are doing what we can to help. But we believe Mohammed—and contrary to the majority of so-called Muslims—that every teaching of the Prophets and Messengers before Mohammed is to be accepted, unless contradicted by Holy Qur’an. Thus we believe in nearly all The Sermon on the Mount of Jesus, but we differ from Jesus and agree with Mohammed on divorce, etc. And no nonsense, no pretense, no just words.
We have quoted from Holy Qur’an and we can quote from Hadiths. Pretense is a shame and a sham. We believe always in acting as if in the Presence of Allah, and we do not use the word “Islam” or “Muslim” to support any kind of politics whatsoever; any kind.
We also agree with Abdul Kadiri Jilani who followed with great vehemence the actual Hadith teaching: “Praise Allah in times of prosperity and surrender to Him in times of adversity.” Self-defense is useless and foolish, unless in that self-defense one exhibits wisdom, compassion, and humanity. Apologists of all faiths are alike: they see the faults of others and only of others; they see no evil in themselves.
We differ. We really believe that Allah loves His creation more than a parent loves his offspring. And standing on this solid premise we are going more and more forward, more followers, and getting more and more young people to say Allah.
The word “Allah” was not invented by Mohammed. It is a very ancient Name for God. It has tremendous efficacy. It has no equal. And it works, it is functionally perfect.
In the Qur’an it is said, “Say Allah and leave them to their devices.” We agree. We have no time to be lambasting our critics. We have time to try to help the suffering Arabs and the suffering people of East Pakistan. Despite this criticism we send you love and blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
January 12, 1971
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Samuel L. Lewis
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco, Calif. 94110
Dear Mr. Chisti:
Assalamu alaikum. Thank you very much for your letter of November 16. I regret the delay in my reply as I was out of the country and have just returned.
Your letter was thought provoking indeed. I am not too good at words so I will defer from conveying my thoughts till we have a chance to get together, inshallah soon.
The purpose of our last letter was just to remind Muslims that they should pay Zakat. Before they can pay, they must calculate it properly. Our “Zakat Calculation Booklet” is simply to assist people to calculate their obligation more accurately, and to remind them of the categories they must spend their Zakat on as prescribed in holy Qur’an. The actual recipient can be determined by the payer himself.
As for Hadith, the only thing I can say is that only an ignorant Muslim will deny his role and importance as part of the Muslim belief. May Allah help those who strive in HIS way and guide us all so that we can strengthen our faith and depress our ego.
Yours in Islam,
M.A. Quraishi