The International Sufi Movement was founded in 1923 by Hazrat Inayat Khan to cherish and to spread the spiritual message that he brought to the West in 1910. This is a message of Spiritual Liberty, because it describes a method of spiritual development open to all people, not based on dogmas or fixed beliefs. Of course, the Sufi Message does not belong to any organization. The Message is universal, showing a path that can be followed by an individual whose soul longs to awaken to the divine reality that is always present in human experience. The Sufi Message springs from the inner unity of all religions, and promotes the cultivation of understanding and tolerance of people and religions different from ourselves. This idea of the unity of religious ideals is of particular significance in our world when cultures and societies are in such close contact with each other.
The Sufi Message groups offer classes, Universal Worship services, Zikar meditation, and individualized meditation instruction. One day and weekend retreats are offered in Portland, Oregon.
FEDERATION OF THE SUFI MESSAGE
During the hundred years since Hazrat Inayat Khan brought the Message to the West, many organizations have emerged, at different times, in different cultures, to express the Message in ways that are understood by different people. The Federation of the Sufi Message was originally formed by the International Sufi Movement and the Sufi Ruhaniat International out of a shared devotion to Hazrat Inayat Khan and the Sufi Message. Its purpose is to realize and express cooperation among all of the organizations that have been inspired by and are based on the teaching of Hazrat Inayat Khan.
Through dialogue and friendship across organizational lines, we are able to learn from each other and to engage in collaborative work, to realize our common humanity and to promote understanding in our world.
The Federation of the Message meets once each year, bringing together people as we sing and dance and pray in harmony. Sufi organizations which are members of the Federation now include the International Sufi Movement, Sufi Ruhaniat International, Sufi Order Inayati, Sufi Contact, Fraternity of Light, and Sufi Way.