1. Sufis:Love of God& His Creation Ahmed Mirza M.D. Naqshbandiya Foundation for Islamic Education

2. Divine Love The essence of God is love and The Sufi Path is path of love. Love is to see what is good and beautiful in everything. It is to learn from everything, to see the gifts of God and the generosity of God in everything. It is to be thankful for all all God's bounties. This is the first step on the road to the love of God. This is just a seed of love. In time, the seed will grow and become a tree and bear fruit. Then, whoever tastes of that fruit will know what real love is. It will be differently for those who have tasted to tell of it to those who have not. Muzaffer Ashki al-Halveti al-Jerrahi (1916-1985)

3. Premordial Covent “And when your Lord brought forth from the children of Adam, from their backs, their descendants, and made them bear witness against their own souls: Am I not your Lord? They said: Yes! we bear witness. Lest you should say on the day of resurrection: Surely we were heedless of this”. Quran 7:172,Shakir

4. Hadith Qudsi “I was a Hidden Treasure,and loved to be known intimately,so I created the Heavens and the Earth,so that they may come to intimately know me.”

5. Sufis:Love ofGod&His Creation All people are the children of God on earth “ Oh God! I bear witness that all Thy creatures are brothers”Hadith “ Why this meaningless talk about the believer, the kafir, the obedient, the sinner, the rightly guided, the misdirected, the Muslim, the pious, the infidel, the fire worshipper? All are like beads in a rosary.” Abdul Quddus of Gangoh

6. Sufis:Love of God&Creation Adopt the ways of God To reflect in one’s own thought and activity the attributes of God. “ Higher spiritual life is nothing but service of humanity, It is not (chanting) the rosary, (remaining on the) prayer carpet or (wearing) coarse garments.”Nizamuddin To identy service of God with the service of man

7. Sufis:Love of God&Creation Unity of Divine Revelation. “Say: We make no difference between them (prophets of God)” Quran:3:78 “All these religions and faiths are branches of the same tree,They have sprouted from one and the same root.”Shah Niaz Ahmad “Learn from the eyes the way to develop,unity and oneness.The two eyes appear different but their vision is one.”

8. Rabi'a al-'Adawiyya ( 717 - 801 AD) O Lord, Whatever share of this world You could give to me, Give it to Your enemies; Whatever share of the next world You want to give to me, Give it to Your friends. You are enough for me. O Lord, If I worship You From fear of Hell, burn me in Hell. O Lord, If I worship You From hope of Paradise, bar me from its gates. But if I worship You for Yourself alone Then grace me forever the splendor of Your Face

9. Rabi'a al-'Adawiyya Rabia a Sufi saint woman, was asked, "Do you love God?" She answered, "Yes." "Do you hate the devils?" She answered, "No, my love of God leaves me no time to hate the devil.“ “You talk about loving God while you disobey Him; I swear by my life that this is something very strange. If you were truthful in your love, you would obey Him, For a lover obeys whom he loves.”

10. Sheikh Ansari Jabir ibn 'Abdullah al-Ansari (1006-1089) 'Where Are You?' O God, You are the aim of the call of the sincere, You enlighten the souls of the friends, (and) You are the comfort of the hearts of the travellers--- because You are present in the very soul. I call out, from emotion: "Where are you?" You are the life of the soul, You are the rule (ayin) of speech, (and) You are Your own interpreter (tarjaman). For the sake of Your obligation to Yourself, do not enter us into the shade of deception, (but) make us reach union (wisal) with You.

11. Al-Ghazali Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (450-505 AH/1058-1111 AD) [aka: Algazel ] is one of the great jurists, theologians and mystics of the 12th Century. He wrote on a wide range of topics including jurisprudence, theology, mysticism and philosophy Ghazali.org InfluencedFakhruddin Razi, Maimonides Thomas Aquinas, Raymund Martin, Nicholas of Autrecourt, Shah Waliullah Abdul- Qader BedilFakhruddin RaziMaimonides Thomas Aquinas Raymund Martin Nicholas of Autrecourt Shah WaliullahAbdul- Qader Bedil

12. Sanai (1118-1152) Don't speak of your suffering -- He is speaking. Don't look for Him everywhere -- He's looking for you. An ant's foot touches a leaf, He senses it; A pebble shifts in a streambed, He knows it. If there's a worm hidden deep in a rock, He'll know its body, tinier than an atom, The sound of its praise, its secret ecstasy -- All this He knows by divine knowing. He has given the tiniest worm its food; He has opened to you the Way of the Holy Ones.

13. Attar (1119 - 1230) From each, Love demands a mystic silence. What do all seek so earnestly? Tis Love. Love is the subject of their inmost thoughts, In Love no longer "Thou" and "I" exist, For self has passed away in the Beloved. Now will I draw aside the veil from Love, And in the temple of mine inmost soul Behold the Friend, Incomparable Love. He who would know the secret of both worlds Will find that the secret of them both is Love

14. Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi Mystic, philosopher, poet, sage, world's great spiritual teachers.Muhyiddin (Revivifier of Religion)Shaykh al- Akbar (Greatest Master), born 1165 AD in Spain, the centre of an extraordinary flourishing and cross- fertilization of Jewish, Christian and Islamic thought, through which the major scientific and philosophical works of antiquity were transmitted to Northern Europe. Ibn 'Arabi's spiritual attainments were evident from an early age, and he was renowned for his great visionary capacity as well as being a superlative teacher. He travelled extensively in the Islamic world and died in Damascus in 1240 AD. (The Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi Society)

15. Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi 350 works Fusûs al-Hikam, an exposition of the inner meaning of the wisdom of the prophets in the Judaic/ Christian/ Islamic line, Futûhât al-Makkiyya, encyclopaedia of spiritual knowledge which unites and distinguishes the three strands of tradition, reason and mystical insight. Diwân and Tarjumân al-Ashwâq poetry in the Arabic language. These extensive writings provide a beautiful exposition of the Unity of Being, the single and indivisible Reality which simultaneously transcends and is manifested in all the images of the world. Ibn 'Arabi shows how Man, in perfection, is the complete image of this Reality and how those who truly know their essential self, know God. (The Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi Society)

16. Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi “It is He who is revealed in every face, sought in every sign, gazed upon by every eye, worshipped in every object of worship, and pursued in the unseen and the visible. Not a single one of His creatures can fail to find Him in its primordial and original nature The movement which is the existence of the universe is the movement of love”.

17. 1207-1273 Oh! Supreme Lover! Let me leave aside my worries. The flowers are blooming with the exultation of your Spirit. By Allah! I long to escape the prison of my ego and lose myself in the mountains and the desert. These sad and lonely people tire me. I long to revel in the drunken frenzy of your love and feel the strength of Rustam in my hands. I'm sick of mortal kings. I long to see your light. With lamps in hand the sheikhs and mullahs roam the dark alleys of these towns not finding what they seek. You are the Essence of the Essence, The intoxication of Love. I long to sing your praises but stand mute with the agony of wishing in my heart.

18. Rumi,The Poet of Love Gamble everything for love, if you’re a true human being. If not, leave this gathering. Half-heartedness doesn’t reach into majesty. You set out to find God, but then you keep stopping for long periods at mean-spirited roadhouses.

19. Saadi Shirazi (1215-1292) How could I ever thank my Friend? No thanks could ever begin to be worthy. Every hair of my body is a gift from Him; How could I thank Him for each hair? Praise that lavish Lord forever Who from nothing conjures all living beings! Who could ever describe His goodness? His infinite glory lays all praise waste. Look, He has graced you a robe of splendor >From childhood's first cries to old age! He made you pure in His own image; stay pure. It is horrible to die blackened by sin. Never let dust settle on your mirror's shining; Let it once grow dull and it will never polish. When you work in the world to earn your living Do not, for one moment, rely on your own strength. Self-worshiper, don't you understand anything yet? It is God alone that gives your arms their power. If, by your striving, you achieve something good, Don't claim the credit all for yourself; It is fate that decides who wins and who loses And all success streams only from the grace of God. In this world you never stand by your own strength; It is the Invisible that sustains you every moment.

20. Hafiz of Shiraz (1230-91) We are the guardians of His Beauty We are the protectors Of the Sun. There is only one reason We have followed God into this world: To encourage laughter, freedom, dance And love. Let a noble cry inside of you speak to me Saying, "Hafiz, Don't just sit there on the moon tonight Doing nothing - Help unfurl my heart into the Friend's Mind, Help, Old Man, to heal my wounded wings!" We are the companions of His Beauty We are the guardians Of Truth. Every man, plant and creature in Existence, Every woman, child, vein and note Is a servant of our Beloved - A harbinger of joy, The harbinger of Light.

21. Yunus Emre 1240-1320 We entered the house of realization, we witnessed the body. The whirling skies, the many-layered earth, the seventy-thousand veils, we found in the body. The night and the day, the planets, the words inscribed on the Holy Tablets, the hill that Moses climbed, the Temple, and Israfil's trumpet, we observed in the body. Torah, Psalms, Gospel, Quran- what these books have to say, we found in the body. Everybody says these words of Yunus are true. Truth is wherever you want it. We found it all within the body.

22. Sa'd al-din Mahmud Shabistari(1250 - 1320) 'One Light' What are "I" and "You"? Just lattices In the niches of a lamp Through which the One Light radiates. "I" and "You" are the veil Between heaven and earth; Lift this veil and you will see How all sects and religions are one. Lift this veil and you will ask--- When "I" and "You" do not exist What is mosque? What is synagogue? What is fire temple?

23. AMIR KHUSRO: (Parrot of Hind) (1253 A.D. to 1325 A.D.) Amir Khusro was a great Sufi, a wealthy merchant who once exchanged all his wealth for a pair of Nizamuddin’s shoes,Liguist,artist,prolific author,musician,inventor( sitar),composer and a true devoted disciple.He was "All-in-One" mixture of Divine gifts.

24. Amir Khusro&Love of Prophet I wonder what was the place where I was last night, All around me were half- slaughtered victims of love, tossing about in agony. There was a nymph-like beloved with cypress-like form and tulip-like face, Ruthlessly playing havoc with the hearts of the lovers. God himself was the master of ceremonies in that heavenly court, oh Khusro, where (the face of) the Prophet too was shedding light like a candle.

25. Amir Khusro-Bargain A poor man came to Nizamuddin Aulia asking for alms at a time when there was nothing left in the khaneqah to be given. The saint expressed his helplessness, but pointed to a torn and tattered pair of sandals that belonged to him, saying if those could be of any help to the poor man, he could take them. The faqir, having no choice, decided to take them any way, and left. When he was on his way to some other city, he met Amir Khusrau who was returning from his royal journey with camels and horses loaded with wealth. Khusrau sensed something odd as he met this man, and told him "Bu-e Shaikh mi aayad, Bu-e Shaikh mi aayad". (I smell my master, I smell my master). This man dejectedly told him the story about how he could only get these sandals from Nizamuddin Aulia. It is said that Khusrau after seeing his pir's belongings decided to trade his entire entourage of wealth for this pair of sandals, placed them on his head and came rushing to see Nizamuddin Aulia. His pir saw the sandals and asked Khusrau how he found them. When Khusrau told him about the price he has paid for them, Nizamuddin Aulia said, "Arzaan khareedi". (Well, you 've got them quite cheap).

26. Amir Khusro-Risking Faith Sultan Jalaluddin Khilji once expressed to Khusro his desire to meet Nizamuddin Aulia but asked him not to disclose his plan to the saint. Khusro was perplexed in the beginning, but finally couldn’t keep his promise and told Nizamuddin Aulia about Sultan’s desire. His pir who did not wish to meet the king left the Khanqah for a far away place on the fixed day. When the Sultan came to know about this, he asked Khusro why he betrayed him. Khusro replied that in betraying the king he risked only his life in this world, but in betraying his spiritual king he would be risking his Iman (faith), and his afterlife. The Sultan was left speechless.

27. Jami (1414-92) Whether your destiny is glory or disgrace, Purify yourself of hatred and love of self. Polish your mirror; and that sublime Beauty From the regions of mystery Will flame out in your heart As it did for the saints and prophets. Then, with your heart on fire with that Splendor, The secret of the Beloved will no longer be hidden.

28. Jami If Love manifests itself within you, it has its origins in beauty. You are nothing but a mirror in which beauty is reflected. Because beauty and its reflection are both from that One Source, it is both treasure and treasure-house. Jami

29. Kabir&Sufism Kabir(1440-1518) a medieval mystic poet and religious synthesist, Kabir was the link between Hindu Bhakti and Islamic Sufism (mysticism), which had gained a large following among Indian Muslims. Sufis (mystics) also believed in singing hymns and in meditation under guidance of a leader. They welcomed non-Muslims in their hospices. Sikhism drew inspiration from both Bhaktas and Sufis. “O SERVANT, where dost thou seek Me? Lo! I am beside thee. I am neither in temple nor in mosque: I am neither in Kaaba nor in Kailash: Neither am I in rites and ceremonies, nor in Yoga and renunciation. If thou art a true seeker, thou shalt at once see Me: thou shalt meet Me in a moment of time. Kabîr says, "O Sadhu! God is the breath of all breath. “

30. Sufi Princess-Jahanara Jahanara ( 1614-1681) daughter of the Emperor Shahjahan, wrote a biography of her Sufi mentor Mulla Shah, biographical account of the famous Sufi of Ajmer, Moin al- Din Chishty (d. 1236). In “ The Confidant of Spirits” the Princess uses the word faqira—Sufi woman. “Praise be to God as I attained the happiness of pilgrimage to the illuminated and perfumed tomb of the revered saving master. I went to the holy sanctuary and rubbed my pale face on the dust of the threshold. From the door-way to the blessed tomb I went barefoot, kissing the ground. Having entered the dome, I went around the light-filled tomb of my master seven times, sweeping it with my eyelashes, and making the sweet-smelling dust of that place the mascara of my eyes.”

31. Sufi Prince-Dara Shikoh Dara Shikoh(1615-1659), eldest son of the Shah Jahan.He became disciple of Mian Mir(d.1635),a Qadiriya Sufi of Lahore who laid foundation stone of Golden Temple,holiest shrine of sikhs. Dara called Qadri Sufi Order”the best path of reaching Divinity”He established bridges of understanding between Islam&Hinduism. Books:Sirr ul Akbar(the great secret)Persian Translation of Upanishad, Sakinat ul-Aulia,Safinat ul-Aulia Risala-i Haq Numa, the Tariqat ul-Haqiqat, the Hasanat ul-'Arifin, Iksir-i 'Azam. Majma ul-Bahrain,Mukalama-i Baba Lal Das wa Dara Shikoh, the Sirr-i Akbar and his Persian translations of the Yoga Vashishta and the Gita. “I was enamoured of studying books on the ways of the men of the Path and had in my mind nothing save the understanding of the Unity of God; and before this, in a state of ecstasy and enthusiasm, I had uttered some words pertaining to sublime knowledge, because of which certain bigoted and narrow- minded people accused me of heresy and apostasy. It was then that I realised the importance of compiling the aphorisms of great believers in the Unity of God and the sayings of saints who have, hitherto, acquired knowledge of Reality, so that these may serve as an argument against those who are really imposters “

32. KHWAJA NIZAMUDDIN AULIA RA (d.725 /1323) “Sultan-ul-Mashaikh” (Leader of Sufi Sanits)“Mehboob-e-Elahi” (Beloved of Allah).most distinguished scholar imparting lessons in Humanity, Truth,Love,Charityand Piety.His Khanqahis revered by all faiths,Hindus,Sikhs&Muslims. “Three essential elements for the Sufi dervish: Love, Wisdom, and Gnosis”Nizam Baba Farid, said to him : "Be like a big tree, so that Allah's creation, the human beings in their vast multitudes, may find rest and solace under your shadow."

33. Hasan Kaimi-Bosnian Mystic (d.1691) O seeker of truth, it is your heart's eye you must open. Know the Divine Unity today, through the path of love for Him. If you object: 'I am waiting for my mind to grasp His nature', Know the Divine Unity today, through the path of love for Him. Should you wish to behold the visage of God, Surrender to Him, and invoke His names, When your soul is clear a light of true joy shall shine. Know the Divine Unity today, through the path of love for Him.

34. Bulleh Shah Baba Bulleh Shah (1680-1758) was the great humanist, philosopher, rebel, internationalist, teacher and Sufi poet of all times,was the disciple of Enayat Shah Lahori, who himself was a great Sufi of his time

35. Bulleh Shah- Tere Ishq Nachaya O Physician, come back! my life is ebbing away. Compelled by love, I dance, I dance. This love has set up camp inside me. It is I, who filled the cup with this poison and drank it. Come back right away, else, I will surely die. Compelled by love, I dance, I dance. The sun has set, its glow remains. Grant me a sight of you again! I would die for it! What a mistake I made, not going with you. Compelled by love I dance, I dance. Mother do not bar me from this love. Whoever turns back unloaded boats that have left? How foolish I was, not going with the boatman. Compelled by love I dance, I dance. Peacocks sing in the groves of love. My beautiful beloved is my Ka’ba, my Qibla. He injured me, then turned away. Compelled by love I dance, I dance. Bullhe Shah, I sit at Inayat’s door, He clothed me in robes of green and red. When I stamped my heel, I found him. Compelled by love I dance, I dance.