From Aziz, Siraj of the Universal Worship:
Dear friends and collaborators,
After a very long time of facilitating the Universal Worship service in the UK, the time has come to transfer this sacred task/responsibility to Shams.
There have been many wonderful opportunities for growth in this task, and it is always with a slight reluctance that one can let go of such privilege. Yet, the realisation that a new energy, new ideas and magnetism is necessary if we are to flourish in the future. I am very aware that, mostly subconsciously, one thinks that one’s experience is uniquely necessary for the fulfilment of the task, which, unfortunately, usually results in stalled growth and, ultimately perhaps points to a lack of faith…. So, it is with great joy and relief that Shams has accepted the role, as he is more that qualified and capable of fulfilling it.
Thank you all for supporting the Universal Worship and, having been inspired by its manifestations so far.
It goes without saying that I will continue to offer my services as a cherag (the person who officiates at a Universal Worship Service), however and whenever it is possible and required.
Offering my deepest appreciation to Murshid and the Prophets
In service
Aziz
From Shams:
Dear fellow-travellers on the Inayati path of the Universal Worship of Hazrat Pir O Murshid Inayat Khan.
Aziz has passed to me the task of being custodian of the Universal Worship Activity in the UK, after many years of lovingly and inspiringly holding this sacred activity for us.
Honoured by the trust expressed in me, I see the role I now assume as being both temporary and a work of collaboration. Temporary, reflecting the need for fresh energy and inspiration continuously to refresh each of our Inayatiyya Activities; collaboration honouring the spirit of our times, where hierarchy is giving way, as it properly should, to synarchy: many people working together in service of the One and Murshid’s Message of love, Harmony and Beauty, and the essential Oneness of all religions, faiths and paths. ‘The true religion, to the Sufi, is the sea of truth, and all different faiths are as its waves.’ [Hazrat Inayat Khan]
The ‘upcoming’ things we have in mind for the Universal Worship in the UK, as we move into this new phase, are as follows:
- An online (Zoom) Universal Worship on Monday 16 June at 7pm, honouring Pir Vilayat’s Urs the next day.
- A Saturday Gathering at the London Sufi Centre, devoted to the Universal Worship, on a date to be decided.
- A course of training for people interested in becoming cherags/as – either offered in a group, as in the past, or individually (like the IHUK trainings).
Looking forward to sharing the sacredness of the Universal Worship with you.
With love and in service
Shams