About Us
The Shadhuli Sufi Center of Peace and Mercy is a pending non-profit organization. We are a group of individuals who have come together under the direct guidance of our guide and teacher, Sidi Shaykh Muhammad Said al-Jamal ash-Shadhuli. It's our intention to live by and carry on the teachings and traditions of Shadhuliyya Sufism as taught to us by Sidi.
The Shadhuliyya Way is a straight way for coming into direct experience and knowledge of God. As those following a sufi path, we strive to "see" the Reality of God's Existence within all creation. Our goal is not merely having the knowledge which one can gain from books. But truly living in this Reality moment-by-moment. We attempt this through prayer, supplication, our work, family and personal lives, even while sleeping.
Tasting is often a word we use to describe the beginning of this process of directly experiencing God's Reality. Think of an apple. There are many ways to go about gaining knowledge of an apple - its smell, its taste, its texture. You could read books, have conversations, even watch videos. But until you take your own bite from the apple, you've not had the experience of the apple. We feel that all knowledge without experience is incomplete. It's not wrong, just not complete. Knowledge can lead you to direct experience, but it is not experience itself. As it is said, "those who have tasted know, those who have not, do not know." The example of the apple illustrates the sufi's desire for direct relationship with God through tasting.
This is a small description of the Sufi Way as our guide has taught us. We invite you to join us for a taste of this way. Please come to any of our dhikr nights (dhikr is prayer and meditation done in a group) or attend an event that we may be putting on. All are welcome, no matter of race, color or religion. We are not in the business of converting people. Sufism is a path of attraction. Come and find whether you're attracted or not.
Salaams (peace)