Midwest Sufi Gathering 2008 Program of Events

M i d w e s t S u f i G a t h e r i n g 2 010
CHICAGO SHADHULI SUFI CENTER
A Weekend with Sufi Master
a n d H o ly M a n ,
Sidi Muhammad al-Jamal
F r i d a y , JULY 9th
6 :0 0 p m — 9 : 0 0 p m
S a t u r d a y , JULY 10th
8:30am—5:00pm
S u n d a y , july 11th
8 : 3 0 a m —3:00 p m
M o n d a y , july 12th
1 0 :0 0 a m — 1 2 :0 0 p m
Hyatt Deerfield
1750 Lake Cook Road
Deerfield, IL 60015
847.945.3400
www.hyattdeerfield.com
2 010 M i d w e s t S u f i g a t h e r i n g
PROGRAM OF EVENTS
Our guide, Sidi, Shaykh Muhammad al-Jamal ar-Rifa’i as-Shadhuli instructs us to be the
son or daughter of the moment; meaning to be highly conscious in each moment, and to
respond accordingly. Therefore our published program lists approximate times and
plans. That being said, in’shallah, following is our “planned” schedule for the weekend’s
events.
Politeness is highly valued among Sufis. It is a sign of respect toward our guide and
teachers for us to be seated promptly, ready for the teachings.
Friday Evening Events
6:00 pm - 9:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
Friday Evening Teaching with Sidi, Shaykh Muhammad al-Jamal ar-Rifa’i as-Shadhuli
in the Le Claire Ballroom
Often after Sidi’s teachings, he spends time taking promises.
Fellowship directly following Sidi’s teaching. All are welcome.
Saturday Events
8:30 am - 5:00 p.m.
8:30 a.m.
Morning al-Wird in the LeClaire Ballroom
9:00 a.m.
Saturday Morning teaching with Sidi, Shaykh Muhammad al-Jamal ar-Rifa’i as-Shadhuli
LeClaire Ballroom
12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Lunch will be served in the Atrium
Prayer Time
Throughout the weekend, Prayers will be held in the York room.
2 010 M i d w e s t S u f i g a t h e r i n g
Saturday Events, Continued
8:30 am - 5:00 p.m.
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Afternoon Teaching with Ibrahim Jaffe in LeClaire Ballroom
4:00 p.m.
Saturday Afternoon Teaching with Sidi, Shaykh Muhammad al-Jamal ar-Rifa’i as-Shadhuli
in LeClaire Ballroom
5:00 p.m. - ??
Saturday Evening Events
Saturday evening events and times will be announced
Sunday Events
8:30 am - 3:00 p.m.
8:30 a.m.
Morning al-Wird in the LeClaire Ballroom
9:00 a.m.
Sunday Morning teaching with Sidi, Shaykh Muhammad al-Jamal ar-Rifa’i as-Shadhuli
in the LeClaire Ballroom
2 010 M i d w e s t S u f i g a t h e r i n g
Sunday Events, Continued
8:30 am - 3:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Lunch will be served in the Atrium
Prayer Time
Prayer will be held in the York room.
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon Teaching with Ibrahim Jaffe in the LeClaire Ballroom
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Rest Time set aside to prepare for the night’s Khalwah prayer retreat.
The Le Claire Ballroom will be set aside as a quite place for you to rest
7:00 p.m. - ??
The Sufi Practice of Khalwah: A time for us to offer our combined prayers for love, peace,
and healing. (During the Khalwah it is recommended not to eat; drinking is fine.)
Monday Events
10:00 am - 12:00 p.m.
Fajr Prayer
Will be held in the York room
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Monday Class - Integrating the Teachings of the Weekend and Q&A
Note: "Sidi" will not be teaching on monday
2 0 M i d w e s t S u f i G a t h e r i n g T e a c h e r B i o g r a p h i e s
Sidi , Shaykh Muhammad al-Jamal ar-Rifa'i as-Shadhuli
Sidi, is the Head of the higher Sufi Council in Jerusalem and the Holy Land, and a teacher at the holy
mosques at al-Aqsa (Dome of the Rock) in Jerusalem. Sidi’s life has been dedicated to world service
from the time of his youth, when his grandfather instructed him not only in the esoteric aspects of
Sufism, but also in the healing arts and use of plants as medicine. Sidi is a master herbologist and is
frequently consulted for medicinal compositions, as well as prayer formulas to heal physical,
emotional, and spiritual disease. Sidi is also schooled in law and served as a judge for many years.
Sidi teaches the message of peace, love, mercy, justice, and freedom. He devotes his life to the
spiritual well-being of all people, and to the deepening of their level of unity with God. He works to
help the poor, the suffering, and the sick. Shadhuli Sufi teachings, as with many esoteric traditions,
have been passed down orally and held very closely. Recently, as the consciousness of the world has
elevated, these guidelines have changed. Sidi believes it is now time for these teachings to reach the
greater population, especially those in the United States.
Ibrahim Jaffe, M.D.
Jim Salih Cotten, MBA, H CT
Dr. Jaffe is a licensed medical doctor, who for the last 25
years has pioneered advanced energetic and spiritual healing
in the United States. After studying many different spiritual
paths, Dr. Jaffe found Sufism to be a true path of the heart.
Sufis are known for their deep and ecstatic love, and one of
the most famous Sufis of all time is Rumi, the mystical Sufi
poet. Currently Dr. Jaffe is the President Emeritus and
Spiritual Director of the University of Spiritual Healing and
Sufism. Dr. Jaffe is known for the depth of love, mercy, and
compassion, which he brings to every situation. Dr. Jaffe has
dedicated his life to creating world peace through helping
people to find the love inside of themselves. Even though Dr.
Jaffe is a Sufi teacher, his love and teachings reach across all
faiths and beliefs. In fact, in May of 2009 he was awarded
the Man of Peace award at an interfaith international peace
conference.
Please come and allow Dr. Jaffe share his love and timeless
Salih completed a successful caree
er in international
ba nking to become a masterr healer and faculty
member at The University of Spiri-tual Healing
and Sufism. Salih is certified in ad-vanced energy
healing, hypnotherapy, cranio-sacral therapy,
zero balancing, reflexology, and breath work.
His kind heart and gentle nature give students a
uniquely safe environment to discover and embody
their essence.
wisdom with you.
Barbara Aisha Cotten, MA, H CT
Aisha has more than thirteen years of teaching, healing, and counseling experience. She
is certified in hypnotherapy, breath work,
specialized kinesiology, and advanced energy healing. Aisha is a faculty member at
The University of Spiritual Healing and Sufism. She facilitates healing of disease through
her ability to bring the healing light deep
within the physical body. “My greatest joy is
to nurture the truth and beauty in my students
and guide them to embody their essence
fully.”
Upcoming U.S. Shadhuli Sufi Events
Please visit www.suficenter.org for a full list of events
Chicago Shadhuli Sufi Center Events
Sunday Afternoons in Riverwoods
1:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Laila Saratore’s home in Riverwoods, IL
847-940-1047
Located near 294, North of Northbrook
and West of Deerfield. Call for directions.
Women's Support Group
1st & 3rd Tuesday of each Month
7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. CST
Call: 1-218-486-1600
Access Code: 876280
Join us first three Sundays of each month to study Sufi writings,
experience Sufi practices, and receive support in walking through
life. In life’s journey, Sufi’s strive toward balance while
remembering, recognizing, and connecting with the Divine.
There is no cost, but RSVPs are appreciated. Call Laila Saratore
at 847-940-1047 or email ka1teacher@aol.com for directions
or more information.
This is a special opportunity for women to take time for and care
of themselves. Our leader is a master in the art of Sufi healing;
healing for the body, the heart, and the soul.
We hold teleconferences on the first and the third Tuesday of
each month from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. CST. Our time is spent in
healing prayer.
Call: 1-218-486-1600 access code 876280.
M i d w e s t R e g i o n S u f i C o n ta c t s
CHICAGO SHADHULI SUFI CENTER
Laila Katherine Saratore, Riverwoods, IL
847-940-1047 or ka1teacher@aol.com
Salma Cherie Bianco, Mundelein, IL
cbianco2@sbcglobal.net
Sa’ida Ann Bruckelmeyer, Glen Ellyn, IL
healaheart@sbcglobal.net
Nuriddin Mathew Saratore, Mundelein, IL
mathew.saratore@att.net
ADDITIONAL MIDWEST SHADHULI SUFI CONTACTS
Abdullah Pat Aylward, Minneapolis, MN
pataylward@earthlink.net
Habib Kirk Laman, Ann Arbor, MI
klaman@drlaman.com
Yasmeen Pam Laman, Ann Arbor, MI
Ahmed Alan Kehoe, IA
pamlaman@yahoo.com
kehoealan@gmail.com
Want more information?
Chicago Shadhuli Sufi Center www.chicagosufi.org
Chicago Shadhuli Sufi Center Meet Up www.sufism.meetup.com/133/
Shadhiliyya Sufi Center (SSC) www.suficenter.org or 707-965-0700
University of Sufism and Spiritual Healing www.sufiuniversity.org
Sidi Muhammad Press www.sufimaster.org or 707-765-0904
Farm of Peace www.suficentereast.org
Sidi Nooruddeen and Noura Durkee www.greenmountainschool.org
**** You may sign up for more information about Chicago area sufi events by going to www.chicagosufi.org and clicking the
'JOIN OUR MAILING LIST' box.
2 010 M i d w e s t S u f i G a t h e r i n g
E v e n t
L o g i s t i c s
a n d
G e n e r a l
I n f o r m a t i o n
General Information
The front desk of the Hyatt has local maps, lists of restaurants, banks, stores, and other places-of-interest,
available upon request.
Transportation
Hyatt Hotel Shuttle
The Hyatt has a shuttle that will travel within a 5 mile radius of the hotel. Availability is on a firstcome, first-served basis. The shuttle can also be reserved; check with the front desk for schedules
or to make a reservation.
Taxi Services
American Taxi: 847-945-4425
303 Taxi: 847-405-0303
Restaurants and Grocery
Rhapsody Café
833 Deerfield Rd
Deerfield, IL
847-267-1700
Whole Foods
760 Waukegan Rd
Deerfield, IL
847-444-1900
A n
I n t r o d u c t i o n
t o
S h a d h u l i
S u f i s m
Whether you’ve had an interest in Sufism, have no idea what Sufism is, or simply
love the poetry of Rumi, we would like to welcome you to share in the Sufi
teachings of the Shadhuli Way.
What is Sufism?
Sufism is the name of a spiritual path whose goal is direct knowledge of God. The term Sufism
comes from the Arabic word, safa, which means purity. Another origin of the word suggests that the
term comes from the Arabic word, suf – wool, as this was the garment of pious people many centuries
ago. The aim of Sufism is to purify the self, the heart, and the soul to come to know God.
As with many spiritual traditions Sufism has a number of denominations. Our denomination is the
Shadhuli (Shad-hu-leah) branch that follows the teachings of Abu-l-Hasan ash-Shadhuli who was born
in Morocco in the 13th century. Sidi Abu-l-Hasan taught that spirituality and daily life should not be
separate. Instead, he saw the duties of daily life as part of his spiritual exercises, along with spiritual
retreat, prayer, and mediation. Sidi Abu-l-Hasan’s tradition is carried on today by our guide, Sidi
Muhammad al-Jamal ash-Shadhuli.
What is a guide?
The Shadhuli Sufis understanding is that a guide is like the one who knows the way to a distant land.
How can we travel on a long and difficult journey unless we follow someone who knows the way? Our
belief is that students learn best from a teacher who knows the way to God. A spiritual guide is
someone who is deeply committed to God and committed to helping us find our way. We are never
asked to follow the guide blindly, but to use all our faculties to reach God.
Who is our guide, Sidi?
Sidi, Shaykh Muhammad Sa’id al-Jamal ar-Rifa’i as-Shadhuli, is the Head of the Higher Sufi Council in
Jerusalem and the Holy Land, and a teacher at the holy mosques at al-Aqsa (Dome of the Rock) in
Jerusalem.
Sidi’s life has been dedicated to world service from the time of his youth, when his grandfather
instructed him not only in the esoteric aspects of Sufism, but also in the healing arts and use of plants
as medicine. Sidi is a master herbologist and is frequently consulted for medicinal compositions, as
well as prayer formulas to heal physical, emotional, and spiritual disease. Sidi is also schooled in law
and served as a judge for many years.
Sidi teaches the message of peace, love, mercy, justice, and freedom. He devotes his life to the
spiritual well-being of all people, and to the deepening of their level of unity with God. He works to
help the poor, the suffering, and the sick.
Shadhuli Sufi teachings, as with many esoteric traditions, have been passed down orally and held very
closely. Recently, as the consciousness of the world has elevated, these guidelines have changed. Sidi
believes it is now time for these teachings to reach the greater population, especially those in the
United States.
A n
I n t r o d u c t i o n
t o
S h a d h u l i
S u f i s m
P AGE 2
What are our beliefs?
The name Allah means “The One”. We believe, through our inner witnessing, that Allah is One, unique,
and that there is no reality worthy of worship but Allah. Our practices support us in increasing our
proximity to God and to know who we are. We believe that Allah speaks to humanity through all the
prophets, from Adam and Abraham to Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of
Allah be upon them all. This message contains the divine order to live in peace, love, mercy, justice,
freedom, and equality.
What is the connection with Islam?
Islam means true surrender to God and a Muslim is the one who surrenders in love. Sufism is the inner
secret of the religion of Muslims.
How can I reconcile this message with the violent image of Islam?
The modern age has seen many destructive and callous belief systems, from groups of socialists and
fascists, to suicide cults. Some Muslims have developed ideologies alien to traditional Islam, by means
of which they seek revenge and redress of wrongs. Islam law strictly forbids violence against
noncombatants, property, and the natural world. We seek to understand and live the religion of the
prophets; a way that transforms hearts, families and cultures, without taking on transient customs and
politics.
Why do you wear head coverings?
Covering the head and body is a means of remembering Allah. These clothes also protect us from
harmful looks and undesired attention. Our intention is to live in the heart. Modest clothing for both
men and women helps everyone focus on the heart and not on the body.
Do I have to be on the Sufi path to participate in your events?
Sufism is a path of attraction and personal experience or “tasting”. We are happy for any one, of any
background, to come and taste.
Where can I find more information about the Shadhuli Sufi path?
Please visit the following websites for more information about Shadhuli Sufism and our guide, Sidi:
Chicago Shadhuli Sufi Center www.chicagosufi.org
Chicago Shadhuli Sufi Center Meet Up www.sufism.meetup.com/133/
Shadhiliyya Sufi Center (SSC) www.suficenter.org or 707-965-0700
University of Sufism and Spiritual Healing www.sufiuniversity.org
Sidi Muhammad Press www.sufimaster.org or 707-765-0904
Farm of Peace www.suficentereast.org
Sidi Nooruddeen and Noura Durkee www.greenmountainschool.org
**** You may sign up for more information about Chicago area sufi events by going to www.chicagosufi.org and clicking the
'JOIN OUR MAILING LIST' box.
The Promise or Bay ’ah
What is the Promise or Bay’ah?
The Bay’ah starts when Sidi Muhammad offers to be our guide. When we wish to accept his offer to be
our guide, we “take his hand” and “make a promise” of our intention to walk on the path to God. The
goal of the Sufi is to increase his proximity to God. With this comes many other changes, but the goal
is proximity.
One important aspect of the ritual of the Bay’ah is the concept of sacrifice, and of making a sacrifice to
take the promise.
Sacrifice: In the Sufi tradition, in order to help yourself, you must first give to others. When
you take the promise, you make a sacrifice. Abraham was asked to sacrifice his beloved son,
but his son was spared death and a sheep was exchanged for him. So you, too, are asked to
offer a sacrifice for yourself. Traditionally people who make the promise give up to $500. If
you can give this amount, it is good. If you cannot, please give what you feel is the right
amount for you. Any sincere offering is accepted. This sacrifice is a sacred ritual that carries
very deep and holy meanings. It is symbolic of you sacrificing your self/ego to live completely
in God and to live for the people. The money is given for food to help the poor. Sacrifice to
give life to others. This is the way of the Sufi.
If you are thinking about taking the Bay’ah
It is important to know that this tradition has been handed down over the centuries in Sufism as a
means of creating a sacred relationship with a spiritual teacher. Although in this action a student is
taking the guide as a teacher, the promise is really to God, signifying a commitment to place God in the
center of his/her life.
By taking hand, the student and teacher acknowledge a deep and lasting bond. The student promises
to dedicate his life to God and the search for Truth, while the teacher promises to help him do this in
the highest way possible.
In his native language, Sidi is a poet. He has recently studied English. The following phrases are taken
from the language Sidi uses to give the promise (the information in parentheses is added simply to
clarify; to touch the surface of the deep and holy meaning behind each statement.)
As part of taking the Bay’ah, Sidi asks each of his students to promise to God:
- To be one from His children (not make separation between people)
- To follow His way (God’s laws for humanity such as not to hurt each other)
- The Sufi way (a way which includes both inner/personal work as well as an outer focus to
serve mankind and creation)
- To follow all the holy prophets and all the holy books (Sidi does not make separation
between religions)
- To be my father (take Sidi as a guide)
- To give everything for the Face of your Beloved God (giving up of the ego/self)
The Promise or Bay ’ah
P AGE 2
- To carry His message, the message of Peace and Love and Mercy and Justice and Freedom
- To walk His way, the Sufi way, the Shadhuli way
- To be honest, to be sincere, to listen for His voice
After taking the Bay’ah
A beautiful tradition of our way is the receiving of a new Sufi name. This name has major significance
to a person’s life. It reveals a deep quality of his/her soul. Sufis spend the remainder of their lives
learning how to truly embody the qualities of that name.
Prayer beads are also given at this time. These are to be used for the remembrance of God. Anytime
is appropriate for remembering God; dawn and dusk are believed to be especially holy.
In addition to the practice of Remembrance, there are many practices on this path to speed our
walking to God. Foundational to Sufism is that there is no compulsion in religion. There are many
choices, each one appropriate to its own time.
What is the Prayer for Protection?
Sufis will often ask for a special prayer of protection for themselves, or on behalf of family members.
In this, the petitioner prays for God’s protection and mercy. This is not a “routine” request for prayers
and support. It is very special and therefore requires the payment of a sacrifice on behalf of the person
for whom these special prayers are requested. Often this protection is asked for a parent who has
departed this world to assist them as they travel through the worlds of the spirits. Again, all money
sacrificed to receive the prayer for protection is used to help the poor.
Promises and Sacrifices
A Personal note from Laila Saratore, Leader of the Chicago Shadhuli Sufi Center
Often throughout the weekend Sidi gives a number of promises. There are a variety of types of
promises, each serving its own purpose. After the promise, a sacrifice is requested. Sidi uses the
money we sacrifice to aid the poor with basic needs. My understanding is this historically stems from
the example of the prophet, Ibrahim (Abraham).
My personal view is that we are placed on earth with physical needs, thereby establishing a situation of
helping each other. Sidi says, “Give to get”. The Sufi path has a number of practices to purify and
increase proximity to Allah. I think giving should be listed among them and indeed be among the
highest on the list. Once Sidi said very sternly to me, “Give to get!” He said it so forcefully that I
thought about it a great deal: What should I be giving that I am not? I can’t give what I don’t have, but
I can give when I don’t want too. The sacrifice of money was just a part. I should always be
remembering to give in each moment. Talk about a big sacrifice!!!!
Khalwah Prayer Retreat
Khalwah, in most Sufi traditions, means retreat or withdrawal from the world. For us this practice is an all-night
silent vigil under the guidance of either Sidi or one of his muqaddam. This sacred offering is a means of walking
deeply and letting go of old thought forms and patterns of the nafs.
The Sufis have always done many of their sacred traditions in the evening after sunset and in the darkest part of
the night, considered the time when the dunya, or the physical world, is most settled down. Thus, the unseen
world is more unveiled and accessible. We do most of our khalwahs traditionally after Salat al-Magrhib and
continue until the early morning hours.
The usual practice is a specific number of rounds of the daily al-Wird, the traditional Shadhuli practice using the
masbaha beads. The leader determines the number of rounds based on the preparedness of the group, and this
number usually varies between 500 and 2000 rounds of each of the three Arabic chants of our practice. Between
each chant, we do two rak‘ah of Salah. Usually we do a half to one hour of remembrance with the eyes open
looking at the written name of Allah, then a half to one hour of remembrance with the eyes closed. During the
khalwah, it is our tradition to fast from eating. Water or tea may be taken.
There is also a sacrifice (donation) involved, which has deep significance to an individual's soul. We believe that
charitable giving is one of the ways that individuals can purify themselves and this is especially important for the
khalwah. Each person is asked to give a sacrifice of $250, which is used to buy food to feed the poor people in the
Holy Land.
The sages have always taught that group spiritual practice heals not only those involved, but also the loved ones
and the local region where the practice is done. This is the motive behind so many groups traveling to war-torn
parts of the world to pray. In a similar sense, the entire tariqah, individuals, family members, and the local
community feel the power of the khalwah also where it is done.