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The Indian mystic and musician Hazrat Inayat Khan, born on July 5, 1882, was the first teacher to bring Sufism, Islamic mysticism, to the West. He put the accent on the inner life and the annihilation of the false self. In his teachings, Khan emphasized the importance of developing what he called "the art of personality," which includes the following character qualities: respect, consideration, hospitality, humility, graciousness, tenderness of feeling, sympathy, moderation of speech, and modesty. The yearning for God, he taught, produces a way of life that is courteous and loving and thoughtful of others.
He was born into one of the most musical families in the country. Inayat's grandfather, Maula Bakhsh, known as the 'Beethoven of India,' had become a master of the music of both North and South India, a feat hitherto considered impossible, and had then, at the invitation of the Maharaja Khanda Rao, settled in Baroda where he founded 'Gayanshala,' the first musical academy of its kind in India.
He was born into one of the most musical families in the country. Inayat's grandfather, Maula Bakhsh, known as the 'Beethoven of India,' had become a master of the music of both North and South India, a feat hitherto considered impossible, and had then, at the invitation of the Maharaja Khanda Rao, settled in Baroda where he founded 'Gayanshala,' the first musical academy of its kind in India.
During his spiritual searchings Inayat was drawn to the shrine of Khwaja Moineddin Chishti. Here despite the throng of devotees, Inayat felt great peace and calm. Inayat took this as a sign to travel the Sufi path and therefore he started to look hard for a teacher to guide him. Eventually in Hyderabad, he met Mohammed Abu Hashim Madani, a great Sufi murshid. Madani recognised Inayat to be a seeker of the highest order so initiated him into the Christi path of Sufism.
On September 13th, 1910, destiny brought Inayat to west, sailing from Bombay first to America, and travelling thence to Europe. In this he was fulfilling the last words of his Murshid, "Fare forth into the world, my child, and harmonize the East and West with the harmony of thy music. Spread the wisdom of Sufism abroad, for to this end art thou gifted by Allah, the most Merciful and Compassionate."
During the next sixteen years, Inayat founded the International Sufi Movement and travelled widely, inspiring many and teaching the Sufi Message from California to Moscow. In America, he met the woman destined to become his wife and companion, Ora Ray Baker. Their first child was born in Russia, and the remaining three in England, where they sheltered during the First World War.
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/ text credit
. the International Sufi Movement website
. Sufi Order International website
. Sufi Message of Inayat Khan
. Brief bio of Inayat Khan
. Birthday and Message
. Music and Life of Inayat Khan including singing in his own voice
. Poet Seer page
Hazrat Inayat Khan Birthday Celebration @ Boulder, CO
When: Thursday, July 5, 2007, 6:00 PM
Where: Eben Fine Park, 200 Arapahoe, Boulder , CO 80302
Description: Join to celebrate the birthday of Hazrat Inayat Khan with Dances of Universal Peace at 6 p.m. and a shared pot-luck meal at 7 p.m. (details)
When: Thursday, July 5, 2007, 6:00 PM
Where: Eben Fine Park, 200 Arapahoe, Boulder , CO 80302
Description: Join to celebrate the birthday of Hazrat Inayat Khan with Dances of Universal Peace at 6 p.m. and a shared pot-luck meal at 7 p.m. (details)
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“And those who leave their body in the way of God, don’t call them dead, they are alive but you don’t have understanding of their life.” The Quran: Al-Baqara, Verse: 154
on a personal note, i am immensely greateful to the teachings and philosophy of Inayat Khan. If there is a single Sufi Master i am to name who helped me in this path most, to help me develop an appreciation for the essence of truth of various world religions and including the rediscovering the beauty of Islam, it has to be Master Inayat Khan. It is through his inspirational writings that initiated me where i am. May peace, blessings and love of the Source be with him. May God sanctify his secrets and elevate him among the elects. May Master Inayat Khan continue to be source of inspirations to many and help open their hearts to highest truth.
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