Austin Mystical Sufi Weekend – A Shadhiliyya Sufi Gathering 2015
The Yearly Shadhiliyya Sufi Gathering
Every year since 1997 the Sufi Center of Austin has been providing the opportunity to study with Sidi Shaykh Muhammad Sa’id al-Jamal, one of the world’s greatest Sufi Masters. Other notable Sufi masters come from around the country to teach as well.
This year we were honored to have the renowned Dr. ‘Abd al-Haqq Godlas, Associate Professor in the Department of Religion at the University of Georgia. He teaches classes in Islamic Studies, Sufism, Arabic, the world’s religions and emotional intelligence. Dr. Godlas has been on the Sufi path since 1973. His focus is on bridging the gap between the personal languages of experience, healing and love on the one hand and traditional Sufi-Islamic language on the other – on going from the ordinary to the extraordinary in everyday life. Dr. Godlas has lived in and taught throughout the Islamic world.
As a special treat, Aisha Cotten, taught on the healing qualities of the Fatiha, inshallah. She is a Master Healer who specializes in facilitating healing of disease through her ability to bring the healing light deep within the physical body. Aisha brings the deep love of God and gentle guidance to her teaching of Spiritual Ministry and Sufi Studies at the University of Spiritual Healing and Sufism and gives seminars nationally on divine surrender and sexuality in the holy way.
Amany Shalaby, Sidi’s translator, gave her own special guidance and love, which is beyond words to describe.
We gathered together and immersed ourselves in deep spiritual teachings, inspiring speakers, guided meditation and prayer.
There are wonderful benefits for everyone, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran or anywhere in between. We help beginners become acquainted with Sufism and its practices. Everyone else has the opportunity to deepen and to grow through the teachings and the practices with other beloveds. There are opportunities to ask questions of our Sufi teachers. We end the event with an all-night prayer retreat. Sidi may also be available for answering personal questions either during the prayer retreat or at special times during the weekend.
Tentative weekend schedule for our yearly gatherings:
Join us in experiencing the profound healing of Divine love through lectures, music, meditation, chanting, healing and other mystical Shadhiliyya Sufi practices Featuring Sufi Master & our beloved Guide, Sidi Shaykh Muhammad Sa’id al-Jamal & other holy Sufi teachers.
Here is your unique opportunity to receive the teachings and transmissions of a true Sufi Master. The Sufi Center of Austin is honored to be your host and we will do everything we can to make you feel welcome, comfortable and supported.
Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
Friday
| Greeting | 5:00- |
| & Potluck | 6:30pm |
| Sidi, Teaching w/Q&A | 7:00pm |
All are welcome
Sidi teaches the message of equality to people of all backgrounds, faiths and cultures. He makes no difference between black or white, men or women or between Muslim, Jew or Christian or any religion. Sidi gives his universal message to all people without judgment and without coercion to convert from your beliefs. Sidi is a living example of the message of Unity, whereby all human beings are treated as if they carry the face of God.
What about the kids?
Children are always welcome at our Sufi Mystical Weekend. We are encourage the parents of children under 13 to cooperate between themselves in supervising the children and we encourage everyone, including the children, to be in our guide’s presence when he is addressing us.
Space is made available for parents of infants and young children to care for their babies.
Saturday
| Registration Open | 8:00am |
| Sufi Chanting / Al Wird | 8:30-9:00am |
| Teaching | 9:00-11:00am |
| Lunch | 11:00-12:20 |
| Sidi, Teaching | 12:30-1:30pm |
| Dhuhr Prayer | 1:30pm |
| Sidi, Private Questions | 1:30-2:00pm |
| Teaching | 2:00-3:30pm |
| Sidi, Group and Private Q&A | 5:00-6:30pm |
| Musical Dhikr | 6:30-7:00pm |
Invite a Friend
The first day is free for guests who have never met with Sidi before; payment for any subsequent days is deeply appreciated. Please help us defray our expenses in bringing these wonderful holy teachers to Austin. If you know in advance you are coming, we ask that you pre-register on-line. And we want to know you are coming; your RSVP is important to us. (Who is a Guest?)
About wearing fragrances
In consideration of all participants, please do not wear scented personal care products (including ‘natural’ products). We have a number of chemically sensitive/allergic participants who are affected by these scents and cannot attend if others are wearing them.
Sunday
| Registration Open | 8:00am |
| Sufi Chanting / Al Wird | 8:30-9:00am |
| Teaching | 9:00-11:00am |
| Lunch | 11:00-12:15 |
| Sidi, Teaching | 12:30-1:00pm |
| Sidi, Personal Q&A | 1:00-1:30pm |
| Dhuhr Prayer | 1:30pm |
| Teaching | 2:00-3:30pm |
| Teaching | 3:30-4:30pm |
| Rest & Dinner | 4:30-6:30pm |
| Khalwa Registration | 6:30pm |
| Sidi Opens Khalwa | 7:00pm |
| Sidi, Private Q&A, Promises | 7:30pm |
Suggested Clothing
Sidi travels to the States every year from Jerusalem to guide those who yearn for a taste of the Love which can be found in the ageless teachings of the Prophets. In order to be in the deepest politeness, please dress in a manner in which you see as appropriate for being with a holy man. For example: women should wear modest and loose fitting clothes that cover their arms, legs and chest and should bring a large scarf to cover their hair during prayer. Men should wear long pants. Shoes should be easy to remove when going in and out of the meeting rooms.
Our 2015 Mystical Sufi Weekend
Our 2015 Mystical Sufi Weekend was truly special. There were wonderful teachings by Abd-al Haqq Godlas, Aisha Cotten and Amany Shalaby. Best of all, thanks to video conferencing technology, we were able to spend quality time with our beloved guide, Sidi Muhammad al Jamal.
“When you look into the face of your guide, what do you see? You see yourself. If you come to the ocean with a cup, you drink by the cupful. If you come with a teaspoon, your spoon will be filled.” – Sidi
“Sipping A Drop Of Gratitude,” Parts 1-4
Abd-al Haqq Alan Godlas, PhD
Testimonials:
“The presentations were deep and a real blessing.”
“Drank deeply, felt wonderful to have community together…”
“It felt like a lot of light and healing came in for my heart”
“I received a considerable amount of Grace, Love and Light and felt very good when I left Sunday afternoon.”
“Loved it….truly inspiring”
“Very positive and uplifting”
“I experienced all of the teachings in a deep way”
It was great to welcome new beloveds and reconnect with beloveds from our area, other parts of Texas and across the country.
We are truly blessed and grateful for having had this opportunity to be in spiritual retreat together. And we are so grateful to all of the beloveds who gave so much of their time and energy to make our event a wonderful success. Subhanahu wa ta ala!