|  Introduction to Classical Sufism
Imam Bilal Hyde
Often considered the religion of the heart, Sufism is known to be the inner mystical teachings of Islam. The traditional training of the Sufi was systematic in its approach to awakening the heart to the Divine ideal. Through spiritual practice, the Sufi trains him- or herself to remember the Divine in all circumstances of pleasure or pain, leading to both ecstatic awareness and spiritual sobriety.
In this workshop, you will study a variety of classical texts from various Sufi luminaries, including Jelaluddin Rumi, Ibn Arabi, and Hafiz. Through practices in breath, silence, and zikr (remembrance through chanting), you will gain a greater understanding of yourself and the principles necessary for pursuing any spiritual path. And, in light of current world conflicts, knowledge of the mystical teachings of Sufism is useful in better understanding Islam in general.
| Imam Bilal Hyde has pursued traditional Sufism for 30 years, having studied in Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia. He was trained as an imam in Mecca and Medina, and now lives with his wife and daughters in Albany, California. Imam Bilal has served as the imam at San Quentin State Prison and at several Sufi orders, teaches classes on Qur’anic recitation and the inner meanings of the Qur’an, and leads retreats throughout the United States. |
|
|
