Universal Sufism - Structure

Structure

• A Universal Sufi initiate has an association with a spiritual teacher, or guide, called a Murshid who prescribes individual spiritual practices for the initiate. From time to time, the Pir (head of the Order) may prescribe practices for the Mureeds (students) to do as well.
• There are Universal Sufi centers throughout America and other parts of the world, with Center Representatives who provide classes and group practices. These are often open to the public, not just initiates.
• The clergy are called Cherags, 'Cherag' means Light Bearer in Persian, and it is their function to help initiates to move towards enlightenment.
• A Seraj is appointed to oversee the training of and ordination of Cherags.
• The Universal Worship Service honours the world's spiritual traditions with readings from the holy books of different religions. Cherags take classes in learning about the different religions and the spiritual essence of these traditions as part of their training for ordination.
• Universal Sufis who have joined a movement are grouped into three different orders, some of whose leaders are the children or grandchildren of Hazrat Inayat Khan.
• The Federation of the Sufi Message, an association formed in 1997 is a non-hierarchical umbrella organization of Sufi Orders united in their devotion to the spiritual lineage of Hazrat Inayat Khan and the Sufi Message. It includes: The Sufi Order International, The International Sufi Movement, The Sufi Ruhaniat International, and smaller organizations such as Sufism Reoriented and the Sufi Way.
• There are also various groups who do not adhere to any particular order, but who are dedicated to the teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan, these often meet together but are not affiliated to any organised form of Universal Sufism. They do not have physical Pirs or Murshids and are called "Independent Universal Sufi Groups."
• Sufi Order teachers undergo a rigorous and lengthy training and mentoring before being authorized to teach by the Pir, and ongoing training and supervision is a mandatory part of the function of a teacher in this order.
• “Representatives and Guides” are authorized to initiate into the Order, give classes, and to give and guide the spiritual practices of initiates.
• “Coordinators” give classes and perform other honored and valued service in the activities of the Order. Coordinators are teachers-in-training but are not authorized to give spiritual practices or initiations.
• A “Retreat Guide” is someone specially-trained in guiding the process and practices of individual and/or group Sufi spiritual retreat.
• “Healing Conductors” are ordained and empowered to conduct a Healing Circle in which they offer prayers for those who have requested healing.
• In structured orders Sufi initiates and those as yet just exploring the path, are encouraged to connect with an authorized teacher to receive individualized guidance and instruction in the teachings and practices of the Order.
• There is a lay led independent Universal Sufi order that operates in several locations across the world.