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The time comes when the belief in God is replaced by the experience of God.

Hazrat Inayat Khan

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Experience of God

Topic: Belief & Faith

The time comes when the belief in God is replaced by the experience of God. When this happens, we no longer have to believe in God, because we know God directly.

Hazrat Inayat Khan

Hazrat Inayat Khan (1882-1927) was a Sufi master who was born in India and later lived in Europe and the United States. He is considered one of the most important figures in the revival of Sufism in the West. Khan's teacher's dying words were: "Fare forth into the world, my child, and harmonize the East and the West with the harmony of thy music. Spread the word of Sufism abroad, for to this end art thou gifted by Allah, the most Merciful and Compassionate."

In 1910, Khan traveled to the United States, where he founded the Sufi Order International. He also traveled extensively throughout Europe, giving lectures and teaching workshops. Khan's message of universal love and understanding resonated with people from all walks of life, and he quickly became a respected figure in the spiritual community. Although Sufism is traditionally part of the mystical heritage of Islam, Khan developed a pattern of worship and spiritual practice that draws upon the major religious traditions. His teachings emphasize the importance of love, understanding, and compassion. He believed that all people are connected, and that we can achieve a higher state of consciousness by transcending our differences.

Khan died in 1927 in New Delhi, India. His legacy lives on through the Sufi Order International, which continues to spread his message of peace and understanding. Khan's work has had a significant impact on the spiritual landscape of the West. He is credited with helping to introduce Sufism to a new audience, and his teachings continue to inspire people around the world.

(1882-1927) Islam
The Ecstasy Beyond Knowing

Khan, Hazrat Inayat. The Ecstasy Beyond Knowing: A Manual of Meditation. Pir Publications, 1977. Print. P. 70.

Hazrat Inayat Khan


Theme: Belief and Faith

Hazrat Inayat Khan’s Quote [short Commentary]

Hazrat Inayat Khan’s quote reflects a personal journey from belief to knowing. In simpler terms, it’s like moving from hearing stories about a distant relative to actually meeting and getting to know them personally. Belief, here, is like hearing about God; it’s indirect and based on other people’s experiences or teachings. On the other hand, experiencing God is like meeting this relative; it’s direct and personal.

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Hazrat Inayat Khan [Longer Commentary]

In his teachings, Khan talks about God as our Father and Mother, showing a deeply personal and intimate connection. He’s saying that, with time and spiritual growth, we can know God as closely as a child knows their parents—not just believe in God because of what we’ve been taught.

This transition from belief to knowing changes how we understand faith. Faith isn’t just about believing in something we can’t see. It’s about having our own experiences that make God as real and familiar to us as our own parents. So, in Khan’s view, faith is a journey from hearing about God to personally knowing God.