Untitled

Rose Cresent
Thursday, March 05, 2009

USA wants Russia to Help in Afghanistan!
In a bizarre twist, the USA is now seeking Russian aid in the war in Afghanistan
(apparently since Britain, France and Germany all are backing away from the
insanity). What could be more Orwellian than Russian and American troops fighting
side by side against Afghanis (insurgents, mujahideen, Taliban, village boys and
old men)?
Before we forget, let's recall the horrors of the Soviet War:
1 million Afghans dead

5 million displaced as refugees
2 million displaced within the country
1.2 million disabled
Mass environmental damage
Mass carpet bombing of cities such as Kandahar
10-15 million landmines left as a "gift" for Afghanis
High child mortality (30%)
67% of surving children malnurished
So, now Obama/Clinton are seeking Russian participation. Certainly, this isn't to
woo the hearts and minds of Afghanis. Many of the young men the proposed coalition
army will engage were no doubt young children during the Soviet occupation (or at
least born in the horrific aftermath).
The Rose Crescent House of Peace asks that countries engage the peoples of
Afghanistan in such a way that suffering to humans, animals and the environment is
minimized and general happiness for the Afghan people is maximized.
It should be understood that the Taliban, however repugnant, is not al-Qaeda. This
is the mistake that the Bush administration made and that the Obama administration
is beginning to make.
Afghanistan is not the major security threat facing the West or America. The real
threats are: global inequality, poverty, environmental damage and collapse, water
shortages, global food prices, species extinction, human traffiking, organized
crime, proliferation of small arms, oppression of women, corporate greed, etc.
Is terrorism a danger? Of course it is - as is piracy. But it pales in comparison

to the real issues facing the world. The War against Afghanistan is a distraction
from what the real issues are.
We pray that the world's leaders realize this.
So mote it be!
If you are a member of the Rose Crescent, here is the latest recommendation of
what you can do:
1. Enter the celestial temple

2. Hold an image of a world leader in your mind
3. Place that person in Afghanistan
4. Send him/her thoughts of peace
5. Send her/him an image of the scale of balance
Labels: Afghanistan
posted by rose-crescent at 11:57 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Rethink Afghanistan
The Rose Crescent House of Peace endorses much of the new film by Brave New films
on Afghanistan. The recent position paper circulated by the House of Peace calls
on the USA to immediately cease all unmanned drone attacks inside of Pakistan.
Moreover, the Rose Crescent position on Afghanistan is that further military

escalation will push thousands more into the Taleban camp.
We put forward that the Taleban theology is un-Islamic. However, its defeat must
take place within the realm of theology and not bullets.
We categorically assert that the USA is in danger of starting down a road of

genocide against the Pashtun people. As more Pashtuns take up arms in defense of
their villages, the war will continue to escalate.
We do not call on the USA to cease operations because, as some believe, the war
cannot be won by the Americans. Whether or not the USA can defeat the Taleban is
irrelevant. Our call is based on the cost of human life, the destruction of what
is left in Afghanistan, and the destruction of the environment that will result
from operations that will quickly move from fighting the Taleban to fighting
Pashtuns.
If the Obama administration moves forward with its operations, we predict that the
"surge" will continue upwards to 100,000 USA troops; we predict that over a
million Pashtuns will be killed or severely injured; that alternatives to the
Taleban will be completely destroyed; and that the environment will be further
degraded (through uranium munitions, aerial spraying of opium crops, etc), further
eroding life in Afghanistan - and thus fueling extremist groups such as the
Taleban.
Interview with Ambassador Zia:
Question: You say that the Taliban cannot be defeated.
Zia: That is not what I said. Of course, anyone can be defeated. Drop enough bombs
and they are dead. No. That is not the point at all. That is what those people who
are caught up in machoism, on both sides, want to say.
Question: Why?
Zia: Why? They want to romantize the Taleban and the Afghan people as warriors for
their own ends. They will portray them as "Indians" who were then beaten by an
even more fierce people, the Americans, something the Soviets couldn't do. So, in
the end, the Pashtuns are used by everyone for chest pounding purposes.
Question: What about the House of Peace's recent call for America to cease the
military expansion.
Zia: Yes. That was the right call, I believe. Inschallah, it will be heeded.
Question: Do you think more people will go over to the Taliban if the war
escalates?
Zia: Of course. Who are the Taliban? If you are Pashtun, they are your cousins.
You speak the same language. You grew up with them. Look, when the warlords were
all killing each other after the Russians left, everyone was happy the Taleban
came in. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/144382.stm
Question: So what should people do? Just give up and embrace them?
Zia: No. No one is saying that. But no one in the West is listening to us either.
That is why I came to this meeting of the Rose Crescent here in London. So that I
could tell you what we are thinking.
Question: Thank you Mr. Zia. And may the blessings of Allah be upon you and your
family.
Zia: And upon you.

Labels: Afghanistan
Sunday, March 01, 2009

Comet Lulin and the New Teacher
There has been much recent excitement regarding the new teacher that has been born
and the omen of her/his appearance by the comet.
We need to clarify that the new teacher is not a new prophet, but will serve as an
exalted world Imam or mufti. S/he is an apostle of the Prophet.
Born this month, s/he will make her/his debut on the world stage around the year
2038 at the age of 30.
S/he will provide the right medicine needed for the world at that time.
Thursday, February 26, 2009

USA Drone Attacks Inside Pakistan
The Rose Crescent's international House of Peace has completed its draft position
paper on the American attacks inside Pakistan. The paper is currently availbe to
all khaniqah members, and should not be distributed to the public at large until
it has been approved at the district levels.
For those new to the Rose Crescent, the process is as follows:
1. The House of Peace receives testimony from eye witnesses, scholars, and others.
2. The members of the HP deliberate on the testimony.
3. A draft position paper is developed.
4. The paper is distributed to the international assembly of khanaqahs.
5. Comments are solicited.
6. The districts vote on it.
7. If it is approved at the district level, a motion is sent to the House of
Peace.
8. It is further reviewed by the ulama present at the House of Peace.
9. A recommendation is made to issue one of the following: (a) a formal position;
or (b) a fatwa is issued.
In short, though, the House of Peace has privately called on the U.S. to halt all
attacks. Civilian life must be safeguarded.
Labels: Afghanistan, Pakistan
Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Comet Lulin
The appearance of a new comet usually signifies both a paradigm shift and the
coming of a new Teacher.
In 100 years from now earth's survivors may very well look back and mark Lulin's
coming as marking the start of the New Paradigm of Spirit.
Lulin arrises out of water. The New Age is one of mystery. The comet comes in
backwards, powerfully undoing all of the previous paradigms. Now begins the Age of
Spirit. During this time a child has been born. In time S/he will manifest to lead
the world. The color green is significant because of its connection to both the
Prophet Mohamad and to the heart chakra.
posted by rose-crescent at 6:15 PM 0 comments
Monday, February 23, 2009

New York
The New York khanaqah will be hosting a special lecture tonight at midnight,
following prayers. Those in the area are invited to join. Our special guest
brother from the valley of Swat will explain the situation in Pakistan and the
work of the Rose Sufi Crescent there. This meeting will precede a discussion of
the House of Peace's proposal on Pakistan. Join us for a lively question and
answer session following the presentation.
Questions we will consider:
What should the Rose Crescent's position be with regards to USA actions?
What is the best way to curtail the growing influence of the Taliban?
Is Pakistan on the brink of collapse (again)?
Saturday, January 24, 2009

How You Can Help Gaza
What can I do to assist the residents of Gaza?
Let us follow the 3 principles of helping others. Real help must take place in the
three planes: the divine, the mainfest and the hidden.
First - the divine realm: Pray that Allah intervenes and creates the conditions
for peace and justice. Ask the archangels to block the work of all malicious
creatures, both human and jinn.
Second - the manifest: 1. donate money. Good places include
DEC at http://www.dec.org.uk/item/317
International Red Crescent: http://www.ifrc.org/index.asp?navid=01
2. Disinvest - encourage everyone you know to boycott products associated with the
occupation. Share this link: http://www.whoprofits.org/
3. Read and spread the word to your local papers and representatives.
Oxfam call: Open the borders -

http://www.oxfam.org/en/pressroom/pressrelease/2009-01-21/eu-ministers-should-
tell-israels-livni-open-gaza-borders
Amnesty International: http://www.amnesty.org/en/region/israel-and-occupied-

territories
Human Rights Watch: http://www.hrw.org/en/middle-eastn-africa/israel-and-occupied-

territories
Common Ground News Service: http://www.commongroundnews.org/index.php
The Electronic Intifada

http://electronicintifada.net/
MIFTAH - Palestinian Initiative for Democracy: http://www.miftah.org/
Applied Research Institute - Jerusalem: http://www.poica.org/index.php
The Hidden Realm:
Perform spirit-work in Palestine.
* Begin by using water to purify yourself, splashing it onto your face, neck and
feet
* Place yourself in a relaxed meditative condition
* Ask the Light for protection
* Use google earth to zoom in on Occupied Palestine
* Close your eyes
* Breathe
* See yourself leaving your body, with your house growing ever smaller
* See Palestine before you
* Enter
* Move at ground level
* See the living and the dead
* Minister to the living - providing comfort
* Use your "magic mirror" to shine the Divine Light about
* Provide "magic water" to those who are suffering
* Use your "magic sword" - as did Al Khadr, may all Peace and Blessings be Upon
Him, to cut the ties of evil, pain, resentment and revenge
* Plant "magic roses" in the ground, calling on the fragrances of our thousand
year order to fill the land
* Call on your astral horse, camel or donkey for aid
* Assist the dead to mount onto your spirit animal who will take them to the light
* Count from 10 to 1
* Return to your body
* Say salat and drink water
Labels: Palestine
Friday, January 16, 2009

Amnesty International on Gaza
Tell Congress to help humanitarian workers get into Gaza and to suspend all
transfers of weapons to Israel
Labels: Palestine
Gaza Emergency
Since the start of the invasion, the Rose Crescent House of Peace is currently
working in emergency strategy on the situation in Gaza. Members should check the
following links or contact your local House.
Stop the Genocide in Gaza!

Dear Friends,
We call on people of all faiths, especially the children of Abraham, to demand a

stop to the atrocities in Gaza. We call on the world media to hear their cries,
and to release news of Jewish voices for peace.
We ask that you watch these videos and distribute them further.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlfhoU66s4Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALbzwAkfdUg&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ONitH-Ffdg
Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Qur'an Surah 2:115 God is Everywhere
To Allah belongs the East and the West
Wherever you turn
You find the Presence of Spirit
For Being is -
omnipresent
and
omniscient
Labels: Quran studies
Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Meditation with Qur'an Surah 2:74
Take a deep breath. close your eyes. repeat Bismallah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim with each
breath. Count from 13 to 1.
Now:
See yourself in the divine realms.

See the throne before you.
Feel how light you are.
Move freely about in the celestial atmosphere.
Enjoy the Throne of God.
See angels ascending and descending.
Experience the light that is everywhere.
See the Light that is in your breast.
Feel the warmth and glow.
Your are light.
Descend downwards towards the world of matter.

Feel the density around you.
Feel yourself become heavier.
Feel how you can barely move.
Feel how slow you are.
You are becoming denser.
You can barely breath.
You just lie there, immobile.
Heavy - inert matter.
A bolt of light strikes you.
You crack open.
Within you is holy water. You didn't even realize that it was there.
It rushes forth.
Feel love and compassion streaming towards All.
Again - be aware that You are as dense as a rock.

Holy water bubbles up.
Feel the joy.
Become aware of All being around you.
Listen.
All is sentient. All is alive.
Joy overwhelms you.
Again - be aware that You are in the realm of matter.

You feel heavy.
You are inert.
There is an ocean before you.
You sink into it.
Downward you sink.
All is quiet.
You are in the Depths.
You are still.
You sense something.
You feel fear before the enormity of the Depth.
You are very still.
Then
Before you...
You are struck by
The Beauty and the Terror if Existence.
Count upwards from 1 to 13

Open your eyes.
Say: Bimallah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim - In the name of All Compassion All Mercy
Say: There is no existence but Spirit
Now read the verse (scroll down to previous blog entry)
So Mote it Be!
Labels: Quran studies
Thursday, November 13, 2008

Quran Surah 2:74 The Opening of the Rocks
Surah 2: 74
"Thenceforth were your hearts Hardened: they became even harder than a rock. From
among these hearts of stone there are some from which rivers gush forth; others
which when split asunder bubble forth water; and still others that sink into the
depths for fear and awe of the Depth. And the Spirit is not Unmindful of what you
do."
The revelation of Surah 2:74 should cause pause and reflection in us. It is a
revelation of our existential reality. These are 3 possible reactions when the
Spirit splits us asunder - the 3 ways of being on the path.
The first manner is the way of the river. This refers to our action in the world.
Our engagement. Here our focus is on addressing social injustice, promoting peace,
overcoming poverty.
The second manner is the way of bubbling forth. This refers to dialogue and
discourse. Here we engage in the world of ideas, we listen to each other, we
consider each other's opinions, we state and evaluate our own views. Individuals
who follow this path often engage in conversations, conferences, write papers,
etc.
The third manner is the way of the deep. This refers to meditation, contemplation,
deep prayer. Here we often meet both Love and find ourselves adrift in a "dark
night of the soul." This is the way of the mystic. The mystical moment is often
one of apprehending beauty - it is the moment of "awe". Moreover, to stand before
the abyss of the divine is to stand in fear and trembling.
Different individuals have proclivities towards different paths, but each of us

finds ourselves at different times on one of these manners.
The verse ends by assuring us that God does not favor any one way over the other,
but is mindful of our "jihad" or struggle as we each traverse "the path."
Question: You mention that there are three paths.
Watchman: There is actually only one path, but different ways of navigating that
path.
Question: Could you say a few words about how this relates to interfaith dialogue?
As you know, King Abdullah has recently initiated a conference on this theme.
Watchman: We would like to congratulate his Highness on this first step. However,
we need to also be aware that the Qur'an clearly moves deeper than just thinking
about interfaith within the Abrahamic Faith. This verse is an excellent example of
that depth. Although all three manners are found within the People of the Book, so
too in Buddhism, Hinduism or various forms of polytheism. We must remember that
God has sent a Messenger to All Peoples, tribes and nations.
Question: You spoke of the metaphor of water in the verse...
Watchman: Yes, water is one of the key elemental substances (along with fire, air
and earth). It is often associated with spiritual significance...
Question: Christian baptism, for example.
Watchman: Exactly.
Question: What of the first verse: "Thenceforth were your hearts Hardened: they
became even harder than a rock"?
Watchman: In the Rose Sufi Crescent tradition, we understand this verse as
referring to the moment of hardening - the moments are spirits reenter the world
of matter. In our pre-existence we are spirit but when we re-incarnate we become
dense matter.
Question: Are there any other possible interpretations?
Watchman: The Glorious Qur'an is the revealed Word, delivered unto the 18,000
dimensions of reality. Wherever one is in this cosmos (both physically, mentally
or spiritually) one will interpret it differently. It has a very different
interpretation depending on if the "reader" perceives him or herself to be within
or outside of Grace. Our RSC interpretation is for those who understand that they
are within Grace.
Question: And others?
Watchman: Well, a legalist would naturally interpret "hardening" as turning away

from Spirit. That is unfortunate, though. They would also probably "misread" the
ending as something such as "God is watching you and will punish you."
We can also interpret the verse as speaking directly to the prophets and angels as
follows:
Prophets:
Rushing water = call the world to a new paradigm of Love, Peace and Compassion
Bubbling water = dispensing new ethical teachings of Truth
Sinking into deep water = providing instructions on contemplation and union with
Beauty
Angels:
Rushing water = serving to intervene in earthly affairs to promote love, peace and
compassion
Bubbling water = providing comfort to the afflicted
Sinking into deep water = singing praises before Beauty
Thursday, November 06, 2008

Sufis and Rosicrucians Congratulate Barack Obama
The Rose Sufi Crescent, an international Muslim-Sufi-Rosicrucian organization,
extends its heartfelt congratulations to President-elect Obama. We believe that
his nomination was by Divine Guidance and an answer to many hours spent in prayer.
Muslims all over the world celebrate his nomination as the Sword of Allah, the Cup
of Grace, the Wand of Spirit and the Coins of the Tao move upon our globe.
True Muslims, Sufis and Rosicrucians rejoice in this paradigm shifting event. May
this planet earth come to realize the Kingdom on Earth. May we all unite in
working towards peace, unity, justice, tolerance, appreciation of each other. May
people of all faiths as well as atheists join together to lift the poor out of
poverty, to reverse global warming and to protect the environment, safeguard
animals, plants and humans.
May we become stewards of earth in this most beautiful day.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Happenings in the Rose Sufi Crescent order
Dear Friends of the Rose Crescent,
As many of you know, for over one year the Rose Crescent has been silent. Our
fraters we're secluded in contemplation, praying for an end to the war in Iraq, a
peaceful resolution to the troubles in Palestine, an end to the tragedy in Darfur,
a transformation of humanity's relation to the earth, etc.
Yet, the world continues to worsen. How long shall it continue so?
Moreover, as some of our brothers fell to the sword while on pilgrimage to the
Holy Land of Ali we have been much grieved and using other means to remain in
communication.
May Allah bless all of you now and forever.
Yours faithfully
Monday, February 19, 2007

Islam, Sufism and Reincarnation
Many Muslims mistakenly believe that after death the soul resides at the place
where the body has been buried, awaiting the resurrection. What does the Qur'an
teach?
The Archangel Gabriel in Surah 2: 28 revealed:
"How can you reject faith in God? Do you not recall that you were once without
life, and Allah gave you life; then God will cause you to die, and will again
bring you to life; and finally to Allah will you return."
The above passage speaks clearly to the reality of reincarnation. Life and death
are given to us as gifts from Allah. The cycle is continual. We are born, we die
and then we are born again. Eventually we return to the Source.
According to the Rose Crescent the following outlines our cosmic journey:
(1) We (our higher self - Ruh/Spirit) were originally with the Light (Allah, the
Divine Source) in the Throne of Allah;
(2) We descended from the Throne into the Cosmos (with the first station being
Bakka);
(3) We incarnated into the world of matter (with our spirits- Ruh - being joined
by the soul - nafs);
(4) Our dual selves (Spirit and Soul) now take on a body;
(5) Our bodies die. The soul and spirit now divide. The sould re-enters the astral
planes, living with other spirits (wherein we learn, progress, heal, etc); The
spirit returns to Bakka;
(6) The soul now descends again into the worlds of matter, reincarnating (numerous
times);
(7) Eventually our soul(s) ascend to ever higher (or lower) states of vibration
(heavens, paradise, hells);
(8) At the End of Time we will finally be drawn back to the Source (the Throne)
and reunited/commingled with the Light.
One of the things we should note here is that the final act at the End of Time of
reuniting with the Source is an act of grace. No one can earn reunification. It is
a gift of Allah. However, our stations both in the worlds of matter and on the
astral planes depend on our own efforts. The cosmos operates like music. We go to
that which we resonate with.
Quran Suran 18: 45 is another passage that hints at reincarnation:

"Set forth to them the similitude of the life of this world: It is like the rain
which we send down from the skies: the earth's vegetation absorbs it, but soon it
becomes dry stuble, which the winds do scatter: It is Allah Who prevails over all
things.
The image here is powerful. The "rain" symbolizes the descent of our higher self
(Ruh - sparks of light) to the earth. We are absorb here in the world of matter.
Like the vegetation, where some are roses, others lillies, others trees, we all
reach up towards the heavens, the sun, the moon and the stars. We blossom. We give
off fragrances (manifesting good/ill deeds and accumulating Karma). Each has
his/her place in the eco-system (the divine plan and cosmic structure). Then we
die. The wind (the Spirit) scatters our souls (referring to both the scattering of
our karma into the world and the reincarnation of our lower souls - nafs - into
other bodies). And the process begins again, with the rain (Ruh) descending to the
earth. Eventually the Source (Allah) "prevails" over the cycle of reincarnation by
drawing all things back to Itself.
Labels: life after death, Quran studies, reincarnation
Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Jesus and the Imam Mahdi
The other day we received reports that an individual claiming to be the Imam Mahdi
had plans to attack the ulama in Najaf.
Yes. This was very unfortunate and sad. There were even women and children amongst
those who were killed.
It was a real tragedy. The House of Peace issued a fatwa that all people claiming
to be the Imam Mahdi are impostors.
Yes. We are expecting the return of Jesus Christ. When he returns he will be
universally recognized as the Messiah, Christ and Imam Mahdi by Jews, Christians
and Muslims. He will bring the entire Abrahamic Faith together, and then reach out
in peace and love to Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, atheists, agnostics, pagans and
others, uniting the entire world.
Will he accomplish this through violence?
The Bible says that “he will lead the nations with an iron rod,” implying an
element of violence. However, our own Rose Crescent tradition states that he will
overcome through non-violence and peace (much as Gandhi and Badsha Khan overcame
the British).
Weren't these two great men foreshadowings of the Imam Mahdi?
One could say that.
Many Shiite ulama claim that the Imam Mahdi will be accompanied by Jesus, but is
in actuality the 12th Imam.
We disagree. According to our understanding the Mahdi and Jesus (who is, in fact,
Michael the Archangel) is the same being. In reality, it is the Archangel Michael
that will descend.
You mentioned that we are currently living under the spiritual direction of
Fatimah Um Abi Ha, the manifestation of the Spirit of Wisdom.
The Spirit of Wisdom (and everyone should read Proverbs 8 to get a little better
insight into her) has always been with humanity in various incarnations.
Generally, we divide her manifestations into pre-Mohammedan and post- Mohammedan.
Could you give us some examples?
Pre-Mohammedan manifestations included Eve, Isis, Sheba, Kuan Yin, Miriam (the
mother of Moses), Mary (the mother of Jesus), Mary (the lover of Jesus) and
Khadija (the wife of the Prophet).
And post- Mohammedan?
Our present period has included Fatimah (who assumed the function as Queen of
Heaven, standing at the gates of paradise), Aisha (who currently sits as the right
hand of the Prophet), Rabia (who walks the earth as a spiritual ambassador of
Fatimah, helping those (human, animal or jinn who call upon the Spirit of Wisdom
for assistance, care and guidance), Zaynab bint 'Ali (who prays and cares for
those who suffer injustice, malice and torture), Hildegard von Bingen, Teresa of
Avila, Tahirih Qurratu'l-'Ayn and most recently Peace Pilgrim.
Monday, January 29, 2007

Iraqi cult leader killed in Najaf battle
Fatwa:
The Rose Crescent House of Peace denounces all individuals claiming to be the Imam
Mahdi as impostors. Muslims and Sufis (along with Christians and Jews) joyously
await the triumphant return of Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Spirit of God, who
was taken into heaven from Golgotha. Imam Jesus, who is currently in occultation
in Bakka, will declare himself to be the Mahdi in Damascus (not Najaf).
Anyone claiming to be the Mahdi is either deluded or has evil intentions.
According to the Rose Crescent tradition Imam Mahdi (aka Jesus) will not carry the
sword, or slay the ulama, but instead will return with the palm branch, overcoming
through non-violence and pacifism. Through the power of Love and Peace he will
quicken the hearts and lead all peoples (Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus,
Buddhists, atheists, pagans, polytheists) to recognize the Kingdom on earth.
So mote it be!
For those unfamiliar with Islam, Muslims recognize that we are currently living in
the time between the Manifestation of the Logos-Rasul in the person of the Prophet
Muhammad and the return of Jesus Christ as Imam Mahdi. According to the Rose
Crescent tradition, this period is under the spiritual direction of Queen of
Heaven, Fatimah Um Abi Ha, physical daughter and Spiritual Mother of the Prophet
(PBUH).
Manifestations of the Spirit of Wisdom (read Proverbs 8) are divided into their
pre and post Muhammad incarnations (including but not limited to):
Prior to Muhammad (PBUH): Eve, Isis, Kuan Yin, Queen Sheba, Miriam (mother of
Moses), Mary (mother of Jesus), Mary (lover of Jesus) and Khadija (wife and lover
of Muhammad).
After Muhammad (PBUH): Fatimah, Aisha, Rabia Al-Adiwiyya, Hildegard von Bingen,
Teresa of Avila and Tahirih Qurratu'l-'Ayn.
Quran Surah 2:26 - Sufism and Shapeshifting

In Surah 2:26 the Archangel Gabriel revealed that:
"The Light disdains not to use the similitude of things Lowest as well as things
Highest."
The passage reveals the fact that God (the Light, Source, Depth, Being) appears in
ALL things, be they the "lowest" (an insect) or the "highest" (the sun, moon,
earth, stars, wind, mountain, etc). The Light manifests in all things, as
Baha'u'llah further tells us: "there is not even an atom in which God is not."
Sufis understand this. When we encounter the world (e.g. a flower, insect or
behold the magnificience of the sunrise) we know, and tremble with awe and
respect, before those things - for they are the manifestation of Allah.
The ultimate shapeshifter is Allah, appearing in all things. But the Sufi too,
like the shaman, may master the technique of shapeshifting, discovering the
essence of a thing (plant, animal, element, star, planet, etc) and then, shedding
her or his body, take on that similitude.
The historical accounts reveal that many Sufis could turn into animals, birds or
the wind at will.
How is this accomplished?
Say "Bismallah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim"

Perform ablutions
Light a candle on your alter
Cover your eyes
Breathe deeply and count backwards
When you are ready
1. Know that all things are connected.

2. Know that at the ultimate level there is only the Source.
3. Form a clear mental image of the thing you intend to shapeshift into (e.g. a
bird, tiger, water)
4. Focus on the One - the unity and Source of All things
5. Imagine the blue sky or the blackness of space
6. Feel yourself rising out of your body and moving into that space
7. Allow yourself to "shed" all your images of yourself and the things you believe
yourself to be
8. Go deeper into that void
9. Suddenly recall the image of the thing you intend to become
10. Feel yourself shifting into that shape
11. Now you are that!
Sunday, January 21, 2007

Aisha and the Karkadann
From the Secret Sayings:
1. “And it came to pass in those days that the mighty Karkadann roamed through the
hills and deserts of Arabia.”
The Karkadann is a magickal beast with the body and horn of a rhinoceros and the
tail and mouth of a lion. It is known to live several thousand years. The
Karkadann has a variety of magickal powers, including an ability to fly, to
swiftly leap leagues within the blink of an eye, to appear or disappear at will
and to savagely defeat any foe – physical or astral.
With its crescent shaped horn it is able to destroy evil wizards and pernicious
monsters of the infernal regions.
Yet the Karkadann is no natural friend to man. Enraged to anger by human

inclination towards the destruction of the environment and abuse of animals, the
Karkadann seeks vengeance by destroying crops, villages and wayward wanders.
2. “So it came to pass that one day an enraged Karkadann, angered by the people’s
insolence and reckless killing of wild camel herds, ferociously wandered the land,
trampling wanderers and destroying villages.”
3. “And the people cried out in fear. Bedouin turned to their old sorcerers for
spells that might ward off the Karkadann. The followers of Moses called upon those
who had been trained in the secret arts for help. The followers of Jesus prayed
for his protection. And the ummah circled about Muhammad, fearing to leave the
vicinity of the House, lest the Karkadann catch them."
4. "And Abu Bakr placed strong armed guards around the village, ordering the women
not go out – not even to tend the crops. Nor were the boys allowed to tend the
herds."
5. "And the People of the Book, along with those who worshipped the Old Ones, fell
into a deep despair."
6. "And during the night the angry wild bellows of the Karkadann could be heard."
7. "And the People gathered in their houses of worship, fearful, calling upon the
Almighty for aid. But no one could turn the Karkadann away."
8. "One morning, as the sun had risen, and with the morning prayers completed, the
young Aisha, on her 10th birthday, took her flute in hand and stole out of the
village, wandering away from the Prophet and her father, who were locked in
disputation."
9. "And she passed by the guards unseen."
10. "Running into the hills, she sat upon a cliff. And lo, an old man, a wizened
man, with long beard and flowing gowns, holding a staff in his hand, appeared
behind her."
“Fear not,” he said.
“Who are you?”
“I am Al Khidr. Come girl. Over that hill is a pool of water. Go to it and drink
deeply,” he ordered, and then vanished.
11. "Having heard tales of jinn and angels, Aisha was thrilled by her vision and
quickly climbed to the top of the hill, making her way through the large boulders
until she saw the pool of water below."
12. "Having climbed down, Aisha drank from the cool waters of the pool. Wild
rabbits soon joined her, allowing her to pet their smooth coats. A young camel and
its mother wandered close to the pool. Aisha tip toed to the baby and gently
stroked its head."
13. "And then she heard the terrifying call. It cracked the heavens in half. Birds
leapt in fright from their perches. Rabbits scuttled away. A serpent slithered
past her. The young camel and its mother rushed off. The sky darkened."
14. "At the top of the hill the Karkadann appeared, bellowing, smoke rising from
its nostrils, its hooves pounding the ground, its fierce teeth snapping at the
air."
15. "The Prophet was the first to sense the Karkadann’s appearance. Suddenly a cry
went up in the village. No one had seen Aisha. Panic swept the people. The Prophet
looked deeply within and saw where Aisha had gone, and saw the Karkadann charging
down the path towards her, its crescent shaped horn menacing."
16. "Abu Bakr looked deeply into the Prophet’s eyes and saw the vision of danger.
Grabbing their swords, they ran out of the house, but knew that there was no time
to save her."
17. "Suddenly Aisha heard the old one’s whisper in the wind, telling her to take
her flute and play."
18. "And Aisha began to play as the Karkadann charged towards her."
19. "Hearing the music, the magickal beast stopped in front of her. And Aisha had
no fear."
20. "And the young girl began to dance before him, enchanting him. And the beast
lay down before her."
21. "And after some time the young girl mounted the beast, and the Karkadann lept
into the air and flew off to distant realms, where those of fire, air, water and
earth do reside."
22. "And when the Prophet, Abu Bakr and the other companions, armed and ready for
battle arrived at the pool there was neither a sign of Aisha nor of the
Karkadann."
23. "That evening Aisha returned to the house of the Prophet. She was aglow with
new powers. She told him what had happened, and that the Karkadann had been
befriended."
24. "And the Prophet marveled at the young Aisha, and her new powers."
25. "Later, when the Prophet and the men went off to battle, leaving the women and
elderly alone in the camps, Aisha had only to pick up her flute and play and the
Karkadann would appear, ready to defend her against all raiders and enemies."
26. "And thereafter many a night Aisha, for the rest of her life, when the moon is
full, Aisha would walk to the pool, play her flute, and then mount the Karkadann,
riding off into distant nether lands, where she would commune with angels, jinn
and spirits."
Today Aisha can be seen with spiritual eyes, dancing before the throne, riding the
Karkadann and playing the flute. Those of innocent heart who would invoke her and
the Karkadann for protection may do so by focusing on them and calling them into
their circle.
1. Begin by lighting a candle on your alter

2. Say "Bismallah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim" in the seven directions: North, East, South,
West, Bakka, World Above, World Below
3. Perform your ablutions
4. Close (cover) your eyes, breath slowly and count backwards
5. Imagine a dark screen before you
6. See a pool of water in a valley - projected onto the screen
7. Enter the screen and stand next to the pool
8. See Aisha riding the Karkadann
9. See Them ride up before you
10. Greet Aisha and the Karkadann
11. Ask them for assistance, guidance and protection
12. Listen, observe and feel their message to you
13. Thank them for their help
14. Count up to 10
15. Open you eyes
16. Perform a prayer of thanksgiving - turning to the seven directions
17. Snuff out the candle
18. In the following hours feel Aisha and Karkadann's presence about you

Rose Crescent and Traditional Sufism
How is the Rose Crescent different from Traditional Sufism?
There are a number of ways that we differ. First, and most importantly,
traditional Sufism places a heavy emphasis on reliance and adoration of the
Shaykh. We disagree. All of us have a Spark of the Light within us. Our goal is to
clean the dross from our mirrors so that we realize that Spark, e.g. our Higher
Selves. The best guide is the Shaykh (or Teacher). But this is not a human (as
misunderstood by most Sufi groups). Every individual has a Shaykh that exists as a
Spirit Guide in the Higher Realms. Our goal is to meet that person, commune with
him/her and gain guidance.
In addition to our personal spirit Shaykh, we also teach that each of us must
enter into a personal relationship with one of the great Prophets and
Manifestations of the Spirit of Wisdom (especially Fatimah). Moreover, those
wishing to deepen their understanding of Sufism as it arose from ancient Egypt are
encouraged to directly work with the Great Teacher Al Khidr.
Second, we reject the patrilineal elements of most Sufi groups. We do not agree
with the way in which most sufi groups pass on spiritual leadership from one
generation to the next.
Third, we reject the paternalistic elements, the often male dominated leadership
of most groups.
Fourth, we trace our own heritage (and in fact the entire world's hidden spiritual
evolution) through the Three Swans of Heaven, the Heavenly Mothers, Khadija, Aisha
and Fatima back to the Prophet and then even further back to Al Khidr - and beyond
him to Osiris and Isis.
Fifth, unlike some neo-Sufi groups, we draw inspiration and value the spiritual
authority of the Glorious Quran (along with all of the world's sacred and revealed
scriptures).
Finally, we do recognize that the Spirit of Wisdom is at work in the cosmos today,
having most recently Manifested herself (in varying degrees) in a variety of male
and female persons, including: Tahirih Qurratu'l-'Ayn, Baha'u'llah, Annie Besant,
Rudolf Steiner, Hazrat Inayat Khan, Khail Gibran, Abdul Ghaffar Khan,
Krishnamurti, Peace Pilgrim, and many others.
Friday, January 12, 2007

Bahai Persecution in Egypt
Because of the overwhelming importantce of this appeal for tolerance of the Baha'i
community in Egypt, we have mirrored the Following article, a translation. The
author, Mr. Is'haq El-Sheikh, who is a regular columnist in AlAyam daily (a
newspaper published in Bahrain), elucidates both the true spirit of Islam (which
is rapidly under attack by fundamentalists and extremists of both Sunni and Shiite
persuasion) as well as the true spirit of the Baha'i Faith.
It should be noted that this journalist is not a Baha'i.
"The sublimity of this divine Bahá [glory] was reacting with and reflected by the
spirit and conscience of people as a joyfulness based on the principle of the
unity of humanity, aimed at creating eternal happiness in their lives and
consecrating them towards establishing a just peace on the face of the globe. From
light, bursts forth Al-Bahá [the glory] in an exalted illumination, ennobling the
souls [of people], calling to truth in beauty, loveliness and splendour.
From the dawn of history the heavenly [Divine] and non-heavenly religions have
called for love and peace for the sake of salvation and good deeds among the
people...and if the three heavenly religions call for love, Al-Baha’iyyah [Baha'i
Faith], as a new religion, considers that it summarises and develops the
achievement [essence] of these religious ideologies and elevates them to the
spirit of the age and its feature of rapidly shrinking distances between nations
and peoples, placing them in a home in one small village.
Not once--since its inception--has the Bahá’í religion taken one stand against the
three heavenly religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam, or any other religion.
Rather, it started to spread its splendour in Bahá’u’lláh and the justice of His
light, calling, reiterating and blessing--uncovering [throwing light on] the Bahá
of glory of God in the heavens and on earth, through peace, love and the spreading
of good-will among people.... It is as if he is repeating the Christian “Glory to
God on high, peace on earth and love for all,” or the Judaic call: “Love one
another, be in fellowship...thus will God love you,” or the Muhammadan call: “The
doctrine of God lieth in loving people” [all paraphrased by translator]. This is
what Al-Baha’iyyah means by: “This is that which hath descended from the realm of
glory, uttered by the tongue of power and might, and revealed unto the Prophets of
old. We have taken the inner essence thereof and clothed it in the garment of
brevity, as a token of grace unto the righteous, that they may stand faithful unto
the Covenant of God, may fulfill in their lives His trust, and in the realm of
spirit obtain the gem of Divine virtue.”
Al-Bahaiyyah did not litter our paths with ugliness [indecency]; it did not
declare hatred and enmity against our religion nor did it refute its spirit of
true forbearance and tolerance; rather it has enshrined its luminous station, and
cast the splendour of its enlightenment on the face of the earth in justice, love,
peace and human solidarity and unity.
It was the International Declaration of Human Rights, perfected through earthly

volition, promising all countries, including the Arab nations--with their
customary apprehensive mistrust [sentence not completed]--that called for freedom
of religion and the right of all nations to embrace a religion and a belief or not
to have a belief. This, we see, is in harmony with the Muhammadan religion’s call
for the right of religious freedom, and which the Holy Qur’an affirms: “You have
your religion and I have mine” [paraphrased].
The purport of all of the above is to explain what has caused the indignation of
all human rights proponents on the face of the earth when the sad and distressing
news were reported about an oppressive and inhumane persecution of the [Egyptian]
Bahá’í minority as it was deprived of the most basic of citizenship rights,
following their natural right to belong to the Bahá’í religion--a right that is
affirmed by all countries that are signatory to the Human Rights Convention. This
has resulted in a big disappointment in the fairness of the Egyptian judiciary
which has deprived them of citizenship rights. The justification for the court
ruling was that the Egyptian constitution does not recognise any [religion] except
the three heavenly religions: Islam, Christianity and Judaism; as though laws and
constitutions, that have been superseded by life and worn out by the passage of
time, are holy and irrevocable scriptures that cannot be changed for the better.
It is known that the Egyptian Bahá’í minority did not ask for the Bahá’í Faith to
be recognized, even though it is one of the rights of citizenship.... Its wish was
simply to be free to carry out the requirement of the civil law that they must
obtain identification cards without lying about their religious beliefs.
Possessing such a card is a common right to which every native born Egyptian is
entitled. It is indeed very strange that the custodians of the law would
themselves enforce the violation of a government policy that all citizens without
exception are expected to observe.... This has been pointed out by the Bahá’í
Universal House of Justice in referring to the ordeal of the Egyptian Bahá’í
minority; and the Universal House of Justice rightly poses this question in this
regard, saying: “But to what purpose were these three religions invoked? Was it to
justify the exclusion of certain citizens from exercising their civil rights?
Would this not amount to a misuse of the authority of these faiths to perpetrate
an injustice that offends the high standard of justice to which they hold their
adherents?” [a direct quote from the Arabic translation]. The Universal House of
Justice further affirms that the ruling issued against the Egyptian Bahá’í
minority in not granting the personal ID was “unreasonable not only because it is
contrary to prescriptions set forth in the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights, to which Egypt is a signatory, but more especially because the
sacred scriptures of Islam extol tolerance as a precept of social stability.”
All the democratic, enlightened and forward-thinking forces that care about the
application of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights raise
their voices, in solidarity and support of all religious minorities alike--those
within the Judaic, Christian and Muslim religions and those without--calling for
the lifting of oppression from these minorities and the integration of their
citizenship in the political, social, cultural and religious life of society, the
same as all citizens whose rights are upheld by the observed laws and
constitutions.
The Bahá’í order is a religious, world-wide, humane, peaceful and tolerant order
in its principles, rites and daily observances as well as its attitude to other
religions. To wage war against it and harass it is an unethical act that
contradicts the spirit of Islam and its lofty ideals of treating other religions
with tolerance and humane Islamic virtues, encapsulated in the spirit of [this
verse]: “Wherefore have you enslaved people when their mothers have birthed them
free?” The age of slavery has gone for ever; let the hands and minds and
consciences of all the religions on earth be raised up in dialogue, love and
brotherly solidarity for the sake of human justice and against tyranny,
persecution and enslaving other rights and religions."
The Rose Crescent House of Peace calls on the government of Egypt and the Muslim
peoples of Egypt to defend the rights of the minority Baha'i community.
Labels: Bahai Faith

Fatimah (Toward the Eternal One)
Oh Fatimah Um Abi Ha
Turn us towards the One

- The Eternal One
- The Source
- The Depth
- The Being
- The Light
- The maker of all worlds, visible and invisible
Guide us, Oh Fatimah, daughter and mother of the Prophet, open our hearts to the
Light
- You who are Queen of Paradise
- You who care for the weak, poor and suffering
- You who shelter animals
- You who tend to flowers, meadows and streams
Guide us on the Straight Path

- The Path of Peace
- The Path of Compassion
- The Path of Love
The Only Path leading to the One
So mote it be!
Sunday, January 07, 2007

Idd-e Gadir Mubarak!
The Rose Crescent joins the Ismaili worldwide community in celebrating the
appointment of Ali bin Abu Talib (PBUH) by the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
Ali, born in the Kaaba (cir. 600 A.D.), was virtually raised by the Prophet. Ali
recalls that:
"The Prophet brought me up in his own arms and fed me with his own morsel. I
followed him, wherever he went, like a baby-camel which follows its mother. Each
day a new aspect of his character would beam out of his noble person and I would
accept it and follow it as commanded."
Following his wife Khadija (PBUH), Ali was the second person to profess faith in
Mohammad as Prophet. In his early twenties Ali took Muhammad's place in bed,
risking assasination, and allowing the Prophet to escape to what is now called
Medina.
Ali is remembered and praised by us for his loyalty and friendship to the Prophet,
for having married Fatima Um Abi Ha, the Manifestation of the Spirit of Wisdom,
for his great warrior attributes and for his spiritual insights. the only mistake
Ali made during his career on earth is that he failed to recognize that the
administrative torch had been passed to Aisha, which unfortunately (but
mashallah), led to the tragic "Battle of the Elephant."
Those who make the spiritual journey to Bakka will find that today Ali sits at the
right hand of the Prophet (PBUH), fellowships with the various Manifestations of
the Logos-Rasul (e.g. Adam, Ibrahim, Moses, Zoroaster, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus,
Muhammad), dines at the head of the Saints, and remains eternally married to the
Queen of Paradise, Fatima Um Abi Ha.
Together, Ali and Fatima are the eternally blessed divine couple. May all people
everywhere recognize them, pay homage to them and call upon them for assistance in
their own marriages - that love, peace and harmony may begin at home and extend in
ever wider circles outward until the entire planet is redeemed, Inschallah.
So mote it be!
Thursday, January 04, 2007

Baha'u'llah
Table of Contents
Rose Crescent tradition on Baha'u'llah
1. Relation to Islam
2. Baha'u'llah's writing as way to better understand the Message of the Quran
3. Relation to the Daughter of the Prophet's Book and the Hidden Words
4. More information on the relationship of the Hidden Words to Um Abi Ha
Labels: Baha'u'llah
The Book of Fatimah

Fatima Um Abi Ha*, the daughter of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)* and Saint Khadija
at Tahira*, communicated on an almost daily basis with angels, spirits and jinn.
As she walked about angels hovered around her. The Prophet himself recognized her
position and respectfully called her “Um Abi Ha.”
Unlike Moses, Fatima* is not a law or code giver. She speaks to us through the
heart. She appears to us when we have are most broken, and thus most receptive to
the Spirit. She stands at the gates of paradise, welcoming sinner and saint alike.
She is not one to hurl dispersions and judgments. Instead, with the gentle stroke
of her hand, felt as a breeze over the heart, and the tingling upon the skin, she
whispers compassion, love, peace, forgiveness and mercy.
As has been stated previously, Fatima was given a book by the angels. This was
widely recognized by the Shiite, but falsely feared by the Sunnis. The book was
eventually placed in occultation, and only sections of it have been slowly
released over time. Those few pure saints who have connected with the Spirit of
Wisdom, and opened their hearts to Fatima, have allowed her to speak through them.
A partial list of sections of the book that has been revealed as a blessing unto
all mankind includes (but is not limited to):
1. “Kitab Sirr al-Asar” orally transmitted from Fatima to her companions
2. “Sayings” transmitted through Rabia
3. “Perfect Harmony” transmitted through Ibn Arabi

4. Poetry of Tahirih Qurratu'l-'Ayn
5. “The Hidden Words” transmitted through Baha’u’llah
6. "How to Know Higher Worlds" transmitted through Rudolf Steiner
7. “The Prophet” transmitted through Khalil Gibran
8. Aphorisms of Hazrat Inayat Khan
8. “The Way of Peace” transmitted through Morihei Ueshiba
9. “Steps towards Inner Peace” transmitted through Peace Pilgrim
By reading and meditating on these seven works, the disciple on the straight path
of Fatimah, the true and pure path of Islam and Sufism, will find a continuity of
thought and purpose, thus gaining an understanding of the message of Fatima. By
reflecting deeply on each passage of each of these works the follower of Fatima
will draw closer to her.
Before you read these works, light a candle, take the passage in your hand, call
on Fatima to come to you, feel her loving presence, hold an image of her in your
inner eye, see her, feel her presence next to you, thank her, read the passage
slowly and deeply. Know that Fatima is with you.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Baha'u'llah, Fatimah and the Hidden Words
"This is that which hath descended from the realm of glory, uttered by the tongue
of power and might, and revealed unto the Prophets of old. We have taken the inner
essence thereof and clothed it in the garment of brevity, as a token of grace unto
righteousness, that they may stand faithful unto the Covenant of God,* may fulfill
in their lives his Trust, and in the realm of spirit obtain the gem of Divine
virtue."
Baha'u'llah had originally entitled his short book of meditations "The Book of
Fatimah." He later decided to retitle it the "Hidden Words." Baha'u'llah
recognized that if he had called it "The Book of Fatimah" people might think it
was the complete sayings of Fatima. He knew that he was transmitting only a
portion, and the Book of Fatimah, in its entirety, would be deciminated through
many trusted and chosen servants.
According to the Rose Crescent tradition, Baha'u'llah received the Spirit of

Wisdom and became a Manifestation thereof (but not of the Logos-Rasul). The spirit
that came to possess Baha'u'llah was essentially feminine - or "yin" - (whereas
the Rasul-Logos is masculine - or "yang").
As a manifestation of the Spirit of Wisdom Baha'u'llah shared a unique and special

relationship with Fatimah ('alayhi 's-salam), the daughter of the Prophet Mohammed
(PBUH), allowing him to recieve much of the "Book of Fatimah," which is the hidden
book of the Prophet's daughter. Baha'u'llah retitled it the "Hidden Words" so that
those who are initiated into the mysteries of Fatimah would recognize it as being
hers, while those of the blind orthodox would remain alienated from its splendour.
*Covenant of God refers to the covenant that each of us made with Allah prior to
our incarnation.
Book of Fatima, the Kitab Sirr al-Asar and Baha'u'llah
According to Sufi esoteric knowledge, Fatima Um Abi Ha spoke with angels and
received divine revelations from the Archangel Gabriel. The Archangel Gabriel
began revealing the "Book of Fatimah" to the blessed daughter of Muhammad and
Khadijah when she was just a child. Of the two main branches of Islam, only the
Shiite have historically recognized the "Book of Fatimah" as valid.
Much of the "Book of Fatimah" has been kept hidden from the world and will be
revealed slowly throughout Time as the world becomes ready for it. The "Book of
Fatimah" is said to be three times as large as the Qur'an.
According to the Rose Crescent tradition several releases of sections from the
"Book of Fatimah" include the "Kitab Sirr al-Asar" and the "Hidden Words":
The Kitab Sirr al-Asar, also known as the "Emerald Tablet of Hermes," is a
divinely inspired treatise, and forms the first section of the "Book of Fatima."
The Kitab Sirr al-Asar was secretly passed from Fatima Um Abi HA to her closest
friends and allies until it became widely dispersed by the end of the Muhammadan
Dispensation of Light.* Our understanding is that the Kitab Sirr al-Asar was
revealed to Fatima prior to her marriage to Ali.
A more recent release of sections of the "Book of Fatimah" came from Baha'u'llah
where, under divine guidance, he reiterated sections of the book in what is now
called "The Hidden Words."
Through our own records and spiritual research the Rose Crescent has validated
that the above two works are authentic releases from the "Book of Fatimah."
*Approximately 180 years following the purification** of the Prophet Mohammad

(PBUH) **The purification took place when the Prophet's (PBUH) heart was removed
by angels and washed.
Sunday, December 31, 2006

Quran Surah 2:23 (Rumi, Ibn Arabi and Baha'ullah)
"And if you are in doubt as what we have occasionally revealed to our Servant,
then produce a Surah like it. Call your witnesses and gods besides the Spirit. But
if you cannot - and certainly you cannot - then fear the Fire, whose fuel is men
and stones, prepared for those who reject faith."
The Glorious Qur’an dramatically broke upon the Arab world. The Arab people were
proficient at poetry and ballads. There were poetry competitions, and poets from
warring tribes often composed in honor of their own tribes and against the enemy.
For a clan to have great poets was a mark of honor. But these poetical people(s)
were unprepared for the power of the Qur’an. Even today crowds become almost
hypnotized when it is recited. No translation, including ours, can do it justice.
Muhammad was already in his 40s when he received the revelation. He was known for
being a just, honest and discerning man. But he was unknown as a poet. In fact, he
was often poked fun at because of the fact that he couldn’t rhyme. When the Qur’an
passed his lips people knew that something extraordinary had happened.
The passage speaks to the Arabs of Muhammad’s day. In all the land, with its many
poets, it challenges anyone anywhere to approximate it. And no one could. As
Jesus’ (pbuh) proof of being the Messiah was in his miracles (for his book has
been lost), Muhammad’s proof as the Seal of the Prophets is in the miracle of the
Recital.
But what of today? Has another Surah been found?
We say no! But what we would like to suggest is that three post-Qur’anic divine
inspirations have taken portions of the Message and clarified them. Perhaps one
can compare this to homeopathy, where the original substance becomes more powerful
each time it is whirled. So too with the divine message of the Qur’an. If one were
to read only these two works alone, one would gain a clearer understanding of the
Truth than if one were to read only the Qur’an, even though these works are
“commentaries” on the Qur’an.
How many sincere people read the Qur’an every day, completing it several times
each year, but do not grasp its light? How many scholars and mullahs stand blind
before it?
What are these works?
The first is the Mathnawi, by the Sufi Saint Rumi, in its entirety. The second
includes the writings of Ibn Arabi. And the third is the entire corpus of writings
of Baha’ullah. Taken together these works take us deep into the ocean of the
Qur’anic Light – where we ourselves, unguided, could not hope to journey. After
having read the above one can then return to the Qur’an, eyes opened, and behold
its magnificence.
For more Rose Crescent commentary on the Glorious Qur'an click here.
Saturday, December 30, 2006

Quran Surah 3:96 (Bakka - First House of Worship)
Surah 3:96 states:
“The first House appointed for humans was at Bakka. It is a place full of
blessings and guidance for all beings.”
What is Bakka?
Bakka is a place where all beings (angels, jinn, humans, animal spirits and
spirits of every sort) from time immemorial have gathered. It is a place of grand
mosques, gardens, fountains, cathedrals, temples and synagogues. Each great
incarnation of the Rasul-Logos has later built a house of worship there. All of
the Manifestations of the Spirit of Wisdom have houses and gardens there.
Where is Bakka located?
Bakka is located at both the center of the universe and at what is today called
Mecca. In reality, Bakka is located on each of the various levels of the universe.
To understand this one should contemplate on the significance of the Pythagorean
tetractys. Each dot represents an emanation from the Source (the One – hence
Allah). The first dot at the top represents the Source. The next row has two dots
(The Throne and Bakka), which face each other. As one moves away from the Source
one eventually arrives at this earthly plane (where we find Mecca).
How can one travel to Bakka?
Yesterday we explained that to make the Hajj one must do it out of body. To enter
Bakka one should follow the same directions, calling upon ones Shaykh and Rabia
(‘alayhi ‘s-salam) for assistance. You must realize, though, that which Bakka you
go to will depend entirely on your own spiritual station. The techniques of astral
travel can be learned by anyone. However, a righteous person will ascend upwards
towards a heavenly Bakka. An evil person will descend towards a hellish Bakka.
Since the universe is infinite, the levels of Bakka are also infinite.
What can I do in Bakka?
One can spend an eternity in Bakka conversing with all of the Saints and Prophets.
The founders of all of the world’s religions are often there. You may also meet
spirits and angels.
Is there any danger to this type of out of body travel?
As long as you are with your Shaykh (and/or a Saint such as Rabia) your journey is
safe. Once in Bakka the only danger is that there is so much to do and learn you
may not want to return. Thus, we suggest you use a drumming tape with a built in
call back to ensure that you do not stay there.
For more information on Islamic/Sufi gnosticism click here.

Friday, December 29, 2006

Rabia, Sufism and the Hajj
How does Sufism view the yearly pilgrimage (the Hajj) to Mecca?
According to the Rose Crescent Sufi tradition, Sufis follow the guidance of Rabia
Al-Adiwiyya (pbuh). Before proceeding, though, let us highlight her authority.
It is reliably reported that Allah spoke to her and revealed that:
"On the Day of Resurrection your rank will be above even the closest companions of
Allah."
According to the Rose Crescent tradition, Rabia ('alayi 's-salam) was a

manifestation of the Spirit of Wisdom (like Kuan Yin, Mary and Fatima before her).
With regards to the Hajj:
Rabia never physically made it to Mecca. Instead, the House of the Spirit, the
Kaaba, traveled to her. Chastising Ibn Adhan, who following a 14 year journey to
Mecca found the Kaaba had magically been transported to meet Rabia, said: "You
were crazy enough to take 14 years to get to the Kaaba with your ritual prayer,
wile I, with my inner prayer, am already here."
Although most Muslims (and many Sufis) desire to physically travel to Mecca, Rose
Crescent Sufis follow her admonition and mystically and shamanically journey to
the Kaaba.
Rabia taught us the following ritual:
1. Say: "Bismallah ar-rahman ar-rahim"

2. Perform ablutions
3. Enter into a deep state of meditation (bring your body just to the edge of
sleep but do not fall asleep)
4. Move your soul out of your body*
5. Travel to your personal shaykh (spirit teacher)
6. Perform prayers at the upper world mosque that your Shaykh is associated with
7. Call upon Rabia Al-Adiwiyya (pbuh) to join you and your Shaykh
8. Take the hands of both your Shaykh and Rabia and let them bring you to Bakka
9. Once in you are in Bakka perform the rituals as directed by your Shaykh and
Rabia Al-Adiwiyya
10. Return to your body
*Out of body travel can be easily mastered. There are many techniques available to
learn this. Simply learn to see with your eyes closed. In spirit, walk around
geographic locations that are familiar to you. Then choose a place that is
unfamiliar. Feel your soul lifting out of your body.
Thursday, December 21, 2006

Quran Surah 41:53 (Yes to Matter and Spirit)
"We demonstrate our signs in both the universe and within their own souls. And it
should be apparent to all that this is the Truth. Is it not enough that the Spirit
is manifested in all things?"
In this passage the Archangel Gabriel reveals both the exoteric and esoteric
nature of the revelation.
41:53 of the Glorious Qur'an, as interpreted by the Rose Crescent, begins by

pointing us towards the world of matter. Correcting the previous gnostic faiths,
which had denigrated the world of matter as opposed to the realm of spirit, the
Qur'an teaches that God is manifest within matter. All things are permeated with
the Spirit.
Like the alchemists (which descend from Islam) we are asked to explore the world
of matter in order to apprehend the Light. And like the Buddha and Yogis, we are
asked to explore the inner world of ourselves to discover the Source of All Being.
Thus, True Islam/Sufism attempts to achieve a direct connection to the Spirit

without denying the physical world. True Islam/Sufism embraces both life and the
world of the Spirit.
Reconciling Nietzsche and Plato, we say both "Yes to Life" and "Yes to Death"!
Quran Surah 39:53 (Sufism and Grace)

"Say: Oh my servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not about
the Grace of Allah for Allah forgives All sins. The Spirit is Forgiving and All
Merciful."
How does Sufism approach the question of forgiveness, grace and legalism?
Let's begin by stating that Grace cannot be earned. It is a free gift from God to
undeserving humans. The Abrahamic Faiths notoriously miss the mark when they posit
either a necessary intermediary who serves as redeemer (such as Jesus) or a strict
legalism (such as following the law as in popular Islam and Judaism). 39:53
clearly confirms what Sufis have been teaching for centuries, namely that
forgiveness is for all humans/Jinn/spirits for any and ALL sins.
Just the very realization of the ultimate love of the Spirit should be enough to
draw all beings back to the Source.
One of the strategies of Satan is drive people from the Light. Satan attempts to
accomplish this by turning individuals against themselves. Guilt and shame acts,
then, as a vehicle by which humans flee the Light. It is guilt and shame that
become the prisons of our eternal hell.
If we embrace the Light and the Love of the Ultimate Source, realizing that grace
is free to all, we will find ourselves drawn ever closer to Being.
So mote it be!
For more Rose Crescent commentary on the Noble Qur'an click here.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Quran Surah 16:44 Mysticism and Magic in the Quran
"We sent Messengers before you with Signs of Light, and we sent Books of Shadows.
And unto you, Oh Mohammed, we have also sent the Message that you may explain
clearly to humans what we have sent to them previously, and that they may
recollect."
In 16:44 we discover two means by which the Spirit has revealed itself unto
humans. The first, "Signs of Light," points towards those many esoteric Gnostic
books delivered by mystics and prophets. The second points towards secret "books
of shadows" developed by sorcerers. The first is designed to guide the disciples
towards the inner world; the latter towards the outer world. The first reveals the
means by which one may overcome the lower self (nafs) and move towards union with
the Light. The latter presents the means by which one may produce magical spells
to affect change in the world of matter for the furtherance of the Kingdom.
The Glorious Qur’an has both functions. Many passages guide one towards union with
Light (as taught by the Prophets Jesus, Buddha, Krishna, Lao Tsu, etc). Other
passages are designed to be used as spells to thwart evil and encourage good (as
taught by Al Khidr).
By studying the Qur’an and mastering both mysticism and magic the Sufi recollects
his/her True nature.
Quran Surah 2:22 The Earth and the Caliph

In Surah 2: ayah 22 of the Holy Recital the Archangel Gabriel revealed:
"Allah has made the earth your couch and the heavens your canopy, and Allah sends
down rain from the heavens; And brings fruits from out of the earth for your
sustenance. Then set not up rivals unto Allah after you have achieved gnosis."
This passage seems simple enough, but actually creates a number of difficulties.
First, does the passage imply that humans are the center of the universe? Has God
really created all things for mankind? Who are "the rivals" that we are warned not
to set up?
Let us begin by recalling that all humans are the Kalifat Allah, or the
representatives of Allah on earth. The title we bear upon our crowns gives us the
sacred trust (33:72), the duty, to care for the earth and all of its inhabitants.
We are the guardians of what belongs to Allah. It is our highest duty while on
earth to protect the environment, the animals and other humans (especially the
poor and the orphans).
Yet, 2:22 seems to privilege humans over the earth, placing us at the center.
Throuhout the centuries Ahriman has attempted to convince us that we are, in fact,
the Lords of the earth and that everything belongs to us. Ahriman’s ultimate goal
is to destroy the earth. Judging from the state of the environment, global
warming, pollution, over population, and the loss of species it becomes obvious
that most people have fallen for Ahriman’s perspective.
So does the Qur’an support Ahriman’s worldview? On the contrary!
The key to interpreting the passage is God’s declaration that we not set up
rivals? Who are the rivals? They are, in fact, ourselves!
Not only do humans have the power to affect changes on the earth, but our very
thoughts can create forms that later manifest. By thinking positive or negative
thoughts we can create harmony or disharmony. By giving someone the “evil eye” we
can create illness. By wishing them peace we can benefit others. The passage
reveals the powerful position of humans, both in the physical plane and in the
astral world. However, it reminds us that, despite our position as “caliph,” we
are not God. We are called to act as the representative of Spirit for the good of
all and the furtherance of peace (the Kingdom), but to refrain from the error of
privileging ourselves over others (e.g. the environment, animals and humans).
Perhaps this is an opportune time to comment on the difference between

Islam/Sufism and certain New Age philosophies (particularly the Course in
Miracles). Many New Age thinkers (and Hindu thought) would erroneously have us
believe that all things are a manifestation of our own minds, and that you are
God. Islam/Sufism takes issue with this. As stated above, we believe in the
plurality of beings, that the Light is within all things, and that, as caliphs, we
have a sacred duty towards the Other and the power to affect our surroundings.
However, we reject the solipsism of the Course in Miracles. There are many
factors, powers and influences in the universe beyond yourself and your ability to
manifest events, including angels, demons, humans, jinn. Yes, we have magickal
powers. But so do others. There is, in fact, a reality outside of yourself.
Ultimately, nothing happens without the permission of Allah. Thus, it is not you
but the Spirit that is All.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Islam: Rightful Succession to the Prophet
One of the perenial questions facing Islam is who is the rightful successor to the
Prophet (pbuh). The great divide split Islam into several camps. Most Sunnis
believe that there was no successor, but that Abu Bakr rightfully took over the
administrative management. The Shia, however, believe that Ali ibn Abi Talib was
The successor. Shia view Ali as the gate and the Prophet as the city. In order to
come to the Prophet one must pass through the gate.
The Rose Crescent position differs from both Sunni and Shia. We believe that the
Prophet's wife Aisha (pbuh) was chosen as the rightful earthly administrator of
the Prophet (rather than Abu Bakr) and that the Prophet's daughter Fatima Umm Abi
Ha (pbuh) is the gate by which one comes to the Prophet. As the Prophet was the
incarnation of the Logos-Rasul (as was Jesus before him) so Fatima is the
incarnation of the Spirit of Wisdom (as was Mary before her).
The Prophet himself is reliably reported to have said: "Take your religion from
the words of Aisah." A further proof is that the Prophet removed himself from the
others and died alone with Aisha, his head upon her lap. Moreover, Fatima ascended
into the heavens where she sits upon a throne at the gate of paradise. One should
carefully consider that the Prophet died just six months after Fatima (ppuh),
allowing Fatima to prepare paradise before his ascension.
Whoever today recognizes Aisha and Fatima is among the rightly guided Muslims.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Quran Surah 2: 21 (Islam, Pantheism and Spiritism)
Oh People! Worship, revere and praise Allah, Who created you, and adore those who
came before you that you may be counted among the Al-Muttaqun.
Islam is traditionally misunderstood as being a strict monotheistic religion. This

misinterpretation occurred when Islam came into contact with the Hellenic-
Christian civilization and had to make apologetic adjustments in its public image.
The truth is that Islam (like early Judaism and esoteric "gnostic" Christianity)
has been far more accomodating of a spiritual hierarchy of beings. Surah 2: 21
creates an equality of reverance of both Allah and "those who came before." This
is because the doctrine of unity has us understand that ultimately we can only
know Allah through creation, which is imprinted with the Spirit of Allah. In other
words, rather than reject worship of the golden calf as opposed to worship of
YHWH, Islam asks us to see Allah in the calf. Thus, we worship and revere Allah by
adoring nature, viewing creation as sacred.
Theologically, Islam and Sufism maintain that Allah is both transcendent (and thus
beyond comprehension) and eminent (knowable through creation - both physical and
metaphysical).
Who are ‘those who came before’? They are the entire hierarchy of beings,
including Elohim, Rasul-Logos, Spirit of Wisdom, Archangels, angels, spirits,
elementals, ancestors, good Jinn, power animals and spirits of nature.
If we come to understand that the entire universe is impregnated with Allah, then
we avoid setting up rivals to Allah. However, if we believe that Allah is strictly
separate from creation (as many “fundamentalists” believe) than we make the
mistake of setting up rivals. This is dangerous and leads to shirk. For example,
every time a fundamentalist beholds an aesthetic moment (e.g. a sunset), s/he is
in danger of creating a rival (e.g. the beautiful sunset) to Allah’s beauty.
However, if we come to behold the sunset as imbued with Allah, providing us with a
glimpse of the eternal Source, than there is no rivalry. There is only unity –
that which Islam and Sufism strive to reveal.
The "fundamentalist" (viz. the Wahhabi), though, like Iblis (who refused to
understand this and bow down before Adam), foolishly rebukes Allah for asking
humans to adore “those who came before.”
The Rose Crescent advocates that in order for the individual human to move closer
towards God one must establish a relationship with "those who came before" (i.e.
angels, spirits and spirits of nature).
To learn more about Rose Crescent commentary on the Qur'an click here.
To learn more about Islamic Gnosticism click here.
Saturday, December 09, 2006

Quran Surah 2:20 (To banish Satan and Tyrants)
Surah 2:20 is historically used by Sufi masters to bind both Satan and Tyrants of
all types. It is a powerful verse and should only be invoked by one pure of heart
and skilled in the Sufi-Islamic magickal-martial arts. Aya 20 completes the entire
passage dealing with mischiefmakers (human, jinn and demonic).
Begin by lighting a candle on your alter.

Perform your ablutions.
Clear your mind.
Say: Bismallah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim
Imagine the Throne of Allah.

In your mind, go before it (shamanically journey to it).
Prostrate before the Throne.
Ask that Al Kadir stand beside you.
See the mighty Archangels as they surround the Throne.
See the wings of Gabriel stretching.
Say: “Allah, may you protect me. I call upon the Light to surround me and keep me
safe as I call upon YOUR POWER to vanquish the enemy. May only good result. May
this be done in the service of the Kingdom of Light. May the enemy repent and be
brought back to the Kingdom.”
When you are ready, take your sword in hand and banish the enemy by repeating
Surah 2 verse 20 as follows and then strike at the image of the enemy:
We call upon the Power of the Lightning to snatch away your sight
And when the Light appears, may you turn and walk therein
[But if you fail to turn]
Then we call upon the Powers of the darkness to grow around you
Stand still!
For if Allah wills, Allah could take away your faculty of hearing and seeing
[forever]
For Allah has power over all things!
So mote it be!
For more Rose Crescent uses and commentary on the Glorious Qur'an click here.
Friday, November 24, 2006

Quran Surah 2:19 (As used by Al-Khidr)
The Prophet Al-Khidr (pbuh) instructed his Sufi disciples (particularly those
members associated in what we today call the Rose Crescent) on how to use Surah
2:19 to defeat mischiefmakers and other enemies. Now, before we reveal this, let
us warn that this is extremely dangerous for anyone to try who is not proficient
in the Islamic martial-magical arts (or the "Lesser Jihad" as it was taught by the
Prophet - bhup - to be practiced). Unless it is performed properly, and most
importantly, with the right intention (namely, to further the path of peace), the
thought form that is released into the ether could boomerang back onto the
invoker.
The following ceremony and invocation may be used to defeat the actions of the
mischiefmaker, destroying them in the ethereal realm before they manifest on
earth.
Step One - Preparation
First, begin by lighting a candle on your alter.

Second, carefully perform ablutions
Third, hold an image of the person(s) in your mind
- know that they were once an innocent child
- know that Allah longs for them to return to the light
- know that it is not the individual, but the act, that must be stopped
- know that you too commit trespasses against the Kingdom of Light
Step Two - Reflection
Consider if there isn’t some other non-violent means to dissuade the individual
from committing his/her actions.
Reflect on the bigger picture. Could it be that the Spirit is using this person’s
actions, however evil it may seem, for some greater good? Consider the
consequences your invocation will have on the earthly plane.
Step Three – The Invocation
(1) As you kneel in front of the alter, gazing upon the candle, imagine a strong
white light encircling you.
(2) Call upon Al-Khdir to join you in spirit as you bind and dissolve the evil
actions
(3) Stand and take up your sword
(4) Draw a circle around yourself with your sword
(5) Call upon the archangels Gabriel and Michael to aid you as you approach the
Throne
(6) Imagine the Throne of Allah
(7) Allow the Light to fill you
(8) Call upon Allah
(9) Hold an image of the individual(s) and the evil actions in your mind (seeing
them from the perspective of the heavens – a “bird’s eyes view”)
(10) Recite Surah 2:19 in its invocative form as taught by Al-Khidr
Bismallah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim
“I draw upon the Spirit of the rain-laden cloud

I draw upon the power of the darkness within
Thunder and lightning issues from it towards you
Pressing your fingers in your ears
NOW you feel the stunning thunder clap
NOW you feel the terror of death!
Bismallah - your power is broken!

Bismallah - your evil is undone!
Know – God is ever encompassing, ever forgiving, ever merciful
So mote it be if, and only if, it serve the purposes of the Light!
Then, take your “magical” sword in hand and strike at the mental image of shafts
of darkness that issue from the individual(s).
To learn more about the Quran as interpreted by the Rose Crescent, click here.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Quran Surah 2:17
Quran Surah 2: 17:
"Their similitude is that of a man,

Who kindled a fire.
When it illuminated all around him,
God took away their light
And left them in utter darkness
So they could not see."
In this passage (Surah 2:17) the Holy Recital continues the discussion of the
Mischiefmakers. The point is that those who may have had an understanding of the
Light are in danger of losing it if they follow the path of "mischief," leaving
themselves in utter alienation from God.
Quran 2:18
"Deaf, dumb and blind,

They will not return to the path of Light, Love and Peace."
This should be a strong warning to all Muslims and Sufis, Jews and Christians, and
anyone else on the path. If we stray from the Path and engage in mischief we will
be cut off from the Kingdom.
Thus, those Muslims who engage in terrorism under the banner of Holy Jihad, or
those Christians and Jews who practice colonialism and imperialism, or those
mischiefmakers who engage in global exploitation and environmental degradation
under any banner (e.g. capitalism) are warned.
Protests Force Israel to Halt Airstrikes

Q: We’ve recently received reports that individual civilians have surrounded
several buildings, and have defiantly taken up positions on several rooftops, in
Gaza to prevent Israeli air strikes – ("protests force Israel to halt
airstrikes")...
A: …what we, of course, view as State sponsored terrorism.
Q: What is the Rose Crescent’s position on Palestinians acting as human shields to

protect homes?
A: First, let me say that our hearts go out to our Muslim brothers and sisters in
the Gaza Strip. As you know, we do have a number of Rose Crescent members in
Palestine who are working amongst the people to promote non-violence resistance.
We hope that this coming together as human shields will be the first act towards
an awakening of consciousness in the Palestinian people towards the power of what
Gandhi called Satyagraha.
Q: Do you think the strategy of humans shielding homes will work?
A: Work to dissuade the Israelis, you mean? Only if this kernel follows Gandhi’s
path and the Palestinian people take the moral high road. But to do so they’ll
have to give up decades of the ingrained “Kalashnikov mentality.”
Q: That won’t be easy.

A: No, it won’t.
Q: Some of them have even taken their AKs up onto the rooftop with them.
A: What the Palestinian people need to realize, and both the entire Arab world and
the Israelis for that matter, is that they won’t be safe until the Israelis feel
safe.
Muslims need to realize that we are dealing with a people who have been so deeply
scarred by the Holocaust that they react to Arabs as if they are fighting Nazis.
For many of them, they are still in the Warsaw Ghetto. To fight the Palestinians
is to do battle with the Gestapo.
We need to transform the Israeli psychology. But if all the Palestinians do is

shield militants, who then carry out more bombings, than the entire human shield
will be as pathetic as the Second Infitadah has become.
Q: So what do you propose?
A: What we propose is that peace in the Middle East must begin by healing the
trauma of the “Shoa.” As Muslims and Sufis, it is our obligation to assist our
Jewish brothers and sisters towards that goal. By pursuing non-violence we can
rescue them from reality – which is that they are in grave danger of becoming the
very monster they have been flailing against.
Q: How is that connected to our understanding of the “divine plan”?
A: We are all awaiting the return of the same Messiah. We know that. This is not a
Messiah for one religion, race, and nation only. When the Messiah (the Mahdi)
comes, he or she will be for the entire earth, uniting all peoples, tribes and
religions in peace.
Our failing, as Muslims, is simple, and for that Palestinians are paying the
consequences.
Q: What do you mean?
A: When the Holocaust happened, it was our duty to open our hearts to the Jewish
people and welcome them into the abode of peace. We did this after the
Inquisition. And Jews and Muslims lived, for the most part, in a dynamic
symbiosis. We can all benefit from each other in terms of learning, trade,
medicine, etc.
Q: Do you think that God is punishing us for not having welcomed the Jews?
A: Of course, it is impossible to say. Our understanding, though, is that Allah is

love.
Let's go back to history, Muslims at the time were dealing with their own
problems, namely, centuries of European colonialism. Jewish immigration, coupled
with the Zionist agenda, prevented more than just a handful of us from seeing what
our duty was. This has been our failing. This has been our tragedy.
Q: So, by taking the path of Satyagraha, you think the Palestinian people will
benefit?
A: Both in this life and in the life to come.

Q: But what if the Israelis don't respond?
A: How can they not? If they wanted to destroy every Palestinian in Gaza they
could easily do it. They have the weapons. They could drop chemical, or even
nuclear, weapons and kill every man, woman and child in less than 48 hours. There
are only three things preventing that from happening: First, the will of Allah;
second, the Jewish people's beliefs about themselves (their calling as the chosen
people); and third, international outcry. The Nazis would have had no problems
exterminating the Palestinians.
Q: So what your saying is that, essentially, Palestinian resistance, the lone

bomber and the few militants with a rifle, depends on Israeli mercy.
A: The Palestinian armed resistance is both pathetic and useless. The only way to
"win" is for everyone to win. The only way to be safe is for everyone to be safe.
The Jews can't do this. They're too stuck in the past. This really depends on the
Palestinian people.
Q: Let's pray they gain the insight and wisdom.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Wife beating in Islam
Q: In a recent talk you stated that Surah 4:34 doesn’t support the beating, even
if lightly, of women.
A: That’s right.
Q: Unfortunately, wife beating is wide spread in the Islamic world, and 4:34 is
often used to justify it.
A: Yes. This is a matter that brings shame on the entire ummah. Our viewpoint is
that the Recital from Allah speaks to us at the level we are at. Those who are in
spiritual hell will mistakenly believe that the Qur’an justifies spousal abuse and
other sorts of violence.
Q: I’ve always found it interesting that the Taliban, and other Wahhabis, are so
concerned to follow the Prophet (PBUH) in the way they cut their beards, fast,
pray, reject alcohol, but mistreat women –
A: Something the Prophet never did. In order to unpack the entire aggression
against women in Islam we have to locate it in its proper historical-cultural
unfolding, namely: (a) the lingering pre-Islamic violation of women; (b) an
attempt to insert a mental image of a male patriarchal god onto Islam (an act of
shirk) – instead of accepting the new revelation of God as Light; and (c)
misunderstood struggle against polytheism, where the most prominent gods were
female; and finally, (d) the struggle for power and control of the new religion
between the male companions and family of the Prophet (PBUH) and the female
companions and family (particularly Fatima and Aisha), wherein the males won the
battle. All of that is complicated, but we do plan on working through those issues
for our readers.
Q: Let’s go back to Surah 4:34.
A: I think what is often missed is that the verse begins by stating that men are
the protectors of women. For someone in hell this is read as power over, as
control. But the verse was actually intended to speak to the hearts of Arab men
who had no problems beating, controlling, trading and even killing women. The
verse reaches down into hell and tells men to rethink their role with women.
Instead of privileging men as owners, it obligates men to protect women against
other predatory men. To protect means to risk one’s own life, welfare, wealth,
etc.
Q: But are men and women really equal?
A: Notice that later on in the passage, when divorce is looming, an equal number
of arbiters from both sides are called in. I seriously doubt that would be the
case if men were privileged over women.
Q: What else can you tell us about the passage?
A: Only that the reader of the Qur’an must always do two things: place it in its
historical context; and attempt to view it from various spiritual stations.
For more information on the Rose Crescent, click here.

Friday, October 27, 2006

Quran Surah 4:34
Surah 4-34: A Sufi Interpretation.
"As to those women on whose part you fear disloyalty and ill-conduct: First,
admonish them; second, refuse to share their beds, and finally, beat them
lightly."
Does the Qur’an encourage wife beating? Do men have the right to inflict physical
violence upon their wives?
We put forward that Surah 4:34 does not condone wife beating. On the contrary!
Unfortunately, this verse has been used by men for centuries to validate domestic
violence.
According to the Rose Crescent tradition, Surah 4:34 has various meanings,
depending on the station of the soul the reader is on (or from what particular
chakra it is being refracted through).
Let us recall that the Qur’an has at least 18,000 interpretations, and is
interpreted differently in different worlds, at different stations, and
differently when read by angels, jinn, wali (saints), sinners, demons and devils.
In the Glorious Qur'an Allah speaks to all beings, reaching them at their levels,
attempting to provide them with the means to advance to higher stations. Thus, the
Qur'an is like a ladder, extending from the highest heavens to the deepest pits of
hell.
The Station of Hell
If a man is in hell, and his life is consumed with power, violence, anger and
hate, and the devil has his soul in his clutches, then he will no doubt read this
verse and believe that it has given him permission to beat his wife. If you are
reading this right now, and you belong to those who think you have the right to
beat your wife, then, dear friend, you should wake-up and realize that you are
spiritually in hell. And if you wish to crawl out of that position and towards the
light, then reflect on the following:
First – Surah 4:128 gives the wife who fears ill-treatment from her husband the
right to divorce him. Why would Allah grant the man the right to beat his wife and
then grant the wife the right to divorce him?
Second – if you follow the Sunnah, even to the point of how you clip your beard,
then why haven’t you realized that the Prophet (PBUH) never beat or mistreated his
wives?
Oh, you Taliban man! Do you not recall how the Prophet (PBUH) acted when He
suspected Aisha’s (may all of the angels of heaven sing her praises) betrayal? How
dare you who scourge your wife/wives claim to follow the sunnah, you despicable
fool! You, oh Taliban man, you who are more concerned with the length of your
beard and the times of your prayer than the manner in which you treat your
wife/wives, you should know that even now the serpents of hell have wound
themselves around your ankles and are drawing you deeper into the abyss of which
you are blind to. Those who persist in beating their wife/wives are the true
hypocrites, and should take Surah 4:145 to heart. But even in hell there is hope,
oh man. Reach out and grasp the ladder that the Light has provided, move to the
next station.
The Station of Egotism (Maqam an-Nafs):
At this station the verse actually sets boundaries and a process of

reconciliation. Let us recall that it was delivered in a culture in which killing
your wife for adultery (which is what is implied here) would have been quite
common. In such an environment, the Qur’an encourages men to first speak with
their wives and then withhold sexual favors. The final rule is to withdraw for a
period of time from your wife. This is supported by verse 35 in which the break is
on the verge of being permanent, and arbiters must be called in before the
divorce. Thus, at the Station of Egotism, the passage reads:
“As to those women on whose part you fear disloyalty and ill-conduct: First,
admonish them; second, refuse to share their beds, and finally, retreat from them
for a time. (35) But if you fear a permanent break, appoint arbiters, one from his
family and the other from hers. If they wish for peace, God will cause their
reconciliation. For God has full knowledge of all things.”
(Note also the gender equality as the arbiters are called from each family). Of
course, one could argue that there are problems here. The text seems to position
men above women. Let us review the opening to the passage:
"Men are the protectors and maintainers of women..."
For the man in hell, the text is understood to mean his superiority. He reads it
as positioning his power over women. However, when he moves to the Station of Ego
he finds that the verse calls for him to use his strength, not to beat but to
protect. Let us recall that the Recital was introduced in a culture where women
were routinely beaten, killed, and traded like cattle. The Qur'an, at the Station
of Ego, thus attempts to have men see themselves as protectors (both physically
and economically) of women. In that society and in that era, this thought, coupled
with the process of reconcilliation outlined above, was truly revolutionary for
the common man!
But what of the person who is spiritually advancing?
The Station of the Heart (Maqam ar-Ruh):
At this Station the passage encourages the man to overcome his own self, his hurt,
anger, resentment and, leaving himself, to fly to his beloved wife, abandoning his
egotistical self in the process:
"As to those women on whose part you fear disloyalty and ill-conduct: First,
admonish them; second, refuse to share their beds, and finally, (fly from yourself
and) beat a path back to her. But if you still fear that a permanent break is
inevitable (after you have forgiven and loved), then call arbiters…"
The Station of the Pure Spirit (Maqam-ar-Ruh):
At this station the passage is no longer about marital problems, but is about the
relationship between the Spirit (Ruh) [– the higher self] and the Soul (naf) [–
and lower terrestrial self]. Here the text reads:
"The Spirit (Ruh) is the protector and maintainer of the Soul (Naf)...As to the
Soul which is prone to disobedience and ill-conduct: First, apply reason (logos)
to yourself [in other words, be mentally grounded in the law, ethics, etc.];
second, follow the path of abstinence (including fasting); and finally scourge
yourself with ordeals [in order to gain mastery over your flesh]. But if you fear
that your soul and spirit are irreconcilable, then call counselors to assist you,
individuals of wisdom drawn from both those versed in the law and those of the
emotions (e.g. poetry, art, music, etc)."
Because the Holy Qur’an has 18,000 known interpretations, each spiraling deeper
and deeper towards the Divine Center we could continue. For those who would like,
we suggest that you take this verse and do a shamanic journey (Surah 6:35) to your
personal Sufi master in the higher spiritual realms to uncover deeper
interpretations.
So mote it be!
For more Rose Crescent commentary on the Qur’an, click here.

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Qur'an Surah 2:11-15 The Mischiefmakers (A Sufi Interpretation)
Surah 2:11 profoundly reveals that:
11.When it is said to them: Make not mischief on the earth" They reply: "Why, we
want to make peace." 12. Surely, they are the ones who make mischief, but they do
not realize it.
Who are those who make mischief on the earth? What has been there role in the
unfolding drama on this planet?
According to the Rose Crescent, Surah 2:11 should be interpreted on a number of

levels. First, it speaks directly to a deep truth regarding the world of the
spirit. Secondly, it provides us with insight into the history of humanity.
Thirdly, it beckons us to examine contemporary affairs. And finally, it calls for
us to examine ourselves. Let’s take a look at these four levels of interpretation:
(1) This verse alludes to one of the greatest mischief makers in the universe –
the evil spirit Ahriman.
For more information on him, click here and here.
(2) Not long after the fall from the Garden of Eden, humans began a quest of
domination of the earth and others. Deep in the heart of civilization is the seed
planted by the fruit of dominion. Under the guidance of Ahriman, “civilization”
has attempted to capture the resources of others, take the land of others, to war
against others, to subjugate and enslave others. One of the earliest great kings
of Ahriman was none other than Nimrod, “The Mighty Hunter” (Genesis 10:9). For the
past 8,000 years “Ahrimanic civilization” has had one singular goal: the will to
dominion.
Ahrimanic civilization is characterized by its emphasis on competition (rather

than cooperation), domination and control of resources, and the conquest and
control of the environment. It is based on a paradigm that in order for there to
be “winners” there must be “losers.” It views the earth as a hostile enemy that
must be controlled.
What we find, however, is that the house that Nimrod built is quickly collapsing
from the fallacies of its own paradigm. Wars, global warming, pandemics will bring
Nimrod down.
(3) With regards to contemporary affairs, it is not difficult to spot the mischief
makers. They are all those politicians and “actors” (regardless of their religious
or political affiliation/persuasion) who promote war(s), pollution, the
destruction of the environment, etc.
Who are the mischief makers? They are the global corporations that pollute, that
promote exploitation, poverty, that traffic in weapons, etc. They are the global
politicians, soldiers and spectators who bask in war and war rhetoric. They are
the corporations and their heads that actively oppose biodiversity.
What most people don’t realize is that in almost all situations the combatants on
both sides are under the spell of Ahriman.
This, of course, leads us to the present conflicts in the Middle East,

particularly the land of Iraq. There are many innocent people - innocent victims.
Sadly, non-combatants are being killed every day. But the fact is that ALL of the
combatants in Iraq (Sunni "insurgents", Shite militias, foreign jihadist fighters,
Iraq democratic government, Mujahideen, Americans and allies) are acting as
mischief makers. The same should be said about Lebanon as well, where clearly both
Israelies and Hezbollah acted as mischief makers.
(4) According to the Rose Crescent, in order to be a Muslim (one who surrenders)
one must follow the path of peace. Here is a short list:
To avoid being a mischief maker “thou shalt not”:
Kill...Hate...Willfully injure...Commit atrocities...Pollute...Torture...Seek thy

profit at other's expense...Exploit others and the environment.
To be a peacemaker “thou shalt”:
Love thy enemies

Cultivate compassion
Promote peace
Protect the environment
Protect all species (human, animal and plant)
Encourage the well being of others
14. When it is said to them: "Believe as the others [i.e. the peacemakers]
believe," they say: "We believe." But when they are by themselves with the evil
ones [i.e. Ahriman, Shytan, the enemies], they say: "We're really with you. We
were only joking."
Verse 14 points to the extreme duplicitous nature of the mischief makers.
Peacemakers must be on guard and be not fooled. Today w find that the mischief
makers have taken over the entire Abrahamic Faith and rule with little opposition
within the religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
15. But the Spirit will boomerang their mockery on them, and give them rope in
their tresspasses. Thus, they will continue to wander like blind ones (to and
fro).
Verse 15 explains the patience of Allah in dealing with the mockery of the
mischief makers as they pretend to love the Light, but in fact destroy the earth.
Thus, they will continue to wander like blind ones (to and fro).
The latter part of verse 15 points to the penalty that the mischief makers are
under. The wandering to and fro is in fact the penalty of reincarnation. The more
they destroy the earth in their self-interests, the more they are returned to it.
They cannot escape it. The short-term profits that the use of fossil fuels brings
over renewable energies will eventually catch-up to them personally. There is no
where to hide. They will return to the very earth they destroyed until they either
transform into peacemakers or become extinct as a civilization.
However, since we are all here (we have incarnated in this dimension), verse 15
convicts us all (unless we are of the Muttaqun - what the Buddhists call
Bodhisattva - and have come incarnated to assist all sentient beings and promote
the path of peace). We are, in fact, the mischief makers. We are the children of
Nimrod. We have been destroying the earth. We are wandering to and fro, sentenced
to the penalty of transmigration, with a seal placed upon our hearts.
What can I do?
The first and fastest thing you can do is to become a vegetarian. By not killing
you immediately rebuke Nimrod, the mighty hunter. Then, choose to purchase organic
fair trade produce whenever possible. Help animals and humans whenever possible.
Plant trees, if possible. Clean trash. If you drive, buy an economy car. Reuse,
recycle and buy recycled products. Support peace movements. Learn everything you
can about non-violence.
For more Rose Crescent commentary on the Qur'an please click here.
For more information on the enemies click here.
Sunday, September 24, 2006

Ramadan Mubarak!
Dear Friends, Sufis and Watchers:
The Rose Crescent House of Peace wishes everyone a blessed Ramadan Mubarak!
Those of you who are open to the Spirit no doubt felt the quiet that fell upon the
world in anticipation of the sighting of the crescent. These last few days have
been special times of retreat, contemplation and anticipation of the crescent.
We celebrate Ramadan in honor of the revealing of the Glorious Qur'an to the

Prophet through the agency of the Archangel Gabriel. As is commonly known, during
Ramadan Muslims who are able traditionally refrain during the daylight from food,
drink, intercourse and negative thoughts. It is the last point that we wish to
address. How can someone claim they are keeping Ramadan but they engage in
warfare, killing, anger and hate? By Allah, this is impossible! In fact, it is
ridiculous. Those who commit acts of violence should refrain from calling
themselves a Muslim (one who surrenders to the path of peace).
So mote it be!
Why do we fast?
We fast for two reasons: (1) in solidarity with those whose economic situation is
such that they are living without food or water. For example, we fast in
solidarity with those in Darfur. (And a shame on anyone who calls him/herself a
Muslim and then injures the innocent farmers of Darfur!); (2) We fast to cleanse
the body of toxins that have accumulated throughout the year.
Let's look at the second point more closely. The Rose Crescent takes issue with
the glutony that takes place in the evening. Why fast throughout the day and then
eat all night? That defeats the purpose of the second reason for fasting.
Because Rose Crescent Watchers are outside of the Shari'a, as Al-Khidr was not
under the Mosaic law, the Rose Crescent has modified the terms of fasting. Rose
Crescent members rise before sunrise, pray, and then juice and water fast
throughout the day. This is followed by a light meal of fresh vegetables in the
evening. Evenings are typically spent in prayer, meditation and contemplation.
Thursday, September 07, 2006

Fatima & The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
The following is a Rose Crescent meditation to bring the Practitioner of Sufism in
alignment with Fatima Umm Abi Ha, Queen of Heaven, (and beloved daughter of the
Prophet - pbuh):

Say, "Bismallah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim"
Close your eyes and count from 13 to 1, focusing on your breathing.
Envision the following:
You are in an open field.

Off in the distance you see the four fearsome horsemen of the Apocalypse, dressed
in flowing garments of white and red, riding four terrible horses.
You know that they are after you.
You begin to run, stumbling.
A beautiful horse, a comrade, a trusted friend and ally appears, inviting you to
spring on his/her back.
The two of you gallop towards a tree line.
You hear the four horsemen behind you.
They are relentless in their pursuit.
Your trusted equine friend brings you into the woods.
You know that you are safe – for now.
You dismount.
Other animals appear.
You have gifts for them. You feed them.
Beyond the animals there is a being in the forest.
She, Fatima Umm Abi Ha, the Spirit of Wisdom, is waiting for you.
Go to her.
Listen to her.
Be with her.
Finish by saying, "Allahu Akbar"
Sufism: human purpose on earth

According to Sufism, what is the purpose of humans on earth?
Human beings are closely akin to plants. On the physical plane we inhale "air"
(which has been purified by plants) and exhale "pollution." Likewise, we eat
living plant matter and extrude waste.
From infancy on we spiritually "inhale" the atmosphere around us and "exhale" our
transformed air, which others than breathe in. If we were in paradise, we would
"inhale" pure light and "exhale" pure love. However, on this earthly plane we are
forced to "inhale" all sorts of spiritual pollution from the environment (e.g.
anger, hate, fear, etc.). The higher our spiritual development the more our
ability to transform this pollution into compassion, love, joy and peace. If our
spiritual state is very low we will find ourselves immediately "exhaling" the
pollution (e.g. anger). Thus, a highly evolved individual will often have a
wonderful effect on others (calming them, bringing peace and harmony). An
individual operating at a low level will often immediately exhale the surrounding
atmosphere. Thus, if someone is very angry in a room there will be others who will
become angry as well.
According to the Rose Crescent, Sufism teaches that our goal as Sufis is to simply
transform (on a spiritual level) whatever environment we find ourselves in at any
given moment, just as a plant quietly and silently does its work of purefying the
air.
There is one great challenge to this, though. The spiritual environment we inhabit
is also populated by demonic creatures. These beings "eat" the negative energy
that humans exhale. Thus, their strategy is to prompt humans towards producing
negative thoughts (i.e. anger, hate, etc.). This is why Sufis often find
themselves working against demonic elements in order to promote harmony.
The only way to transform human evolution is to have more and more individuals
transforming the spiritual atmosphere until either the demonic beings themselves
transform (because they are forced to change their "dietary" intake) or they
depart this planet in search of other food sources.
Thus, our purpose on earth (as Sufis) is to promote healthy energetic

environments, tranforming polluted spaces into harmonic zones of love, joy, peace
and compassion. It is in this way that the Kingdom will grow from a small mustard
seed.
Sunday, September 03, 2006

Al-Khidr: The Spider
From the Secret Sayings (Book III. 5. v.
(1) And Al-Khidr gained the power of remote viewing. Without ever leaving his cave
he could envision any place or person on the earth, beholding its past, its
present and its future.
(2) And as he sat in his cave, deep in contemplation, a large black spider crept
slowly towards him. And it drew closer and closer until it crawled onto his arm
and made its way to his throat, where it stung him terribly.
(3) And the spider venom entered Al-Khidr’s veins and raced through his body.
(4) And he fell into a deep numbness spreading through his body.
(5) And fever, convulsions and paralysis quickly overtook him. And Al-Khidr,
believing he would die, said Shahada and prepared to depart this earth.
(6) And then suddenly he found himself standing in the back of the cave, watching
his petrified body, and the black spider that sat atop him.
(7) And slowly he began to grow legs. And his body transformed. And he found
himself climbing up the wall and onto the ceiling. And he made his way to the
mouth of the cave.
(8) And Al-Khidr learned the secrets of the spider. He learned its insights, ways,
secrets and powers. He learned how to spin webs, how to catch good energy or how
to trap evil. He learned how to draw illnesses out of others. And he learned the
song of the spider, the worship offered to the Great Spirit (Allah).
(9) Then he crawled back towards his now lifeless body and stung himself again.
(10) When he awoke he saw the world anew, having gained a powerful new ally and
learned the secret of spider medicine.
For more information on the legendary Al-Khidr click here.
Interested in the Rose Crescent? Click here.

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

The Moth and the Fire
From afar I see the light
The light through the woods
I am the moth
Although all is dark

She draws me towards her
I do not resist
She is the flame
I circle about her

She crackles
Sparks fly
Her warmth --
Ah, her fiery warmth!
She reaches upwards
Leaping
Dancing
My wings are scorched

Her beauty
Her peace
Her tranquility and repose
Sparks shoot off

Shall I dodge them?
Circling…circling…circling
I hesitate for a moment
The outer circle
Darkness
Strange beings
Shadows leap
I focus on the flame

Circling…circling…circling
Now there is no hesitation
I feel the love of her being
I surrender to us
Let me fly into that Love

No more circling
Let me dive into her flames
Let only our Love remain
Saturday, August 26, 2006

Sunflower Queen and Consort Bumble Bee
I dance with my friends about the barn
Darting in and out
Playing in the first summer light
I am the mighty Bumble Bee
Mid-summer light emerges

I notice a beautiful green plant rising from the earth
She reaches up towards heaven
Stretching everyday with amazing speed
I soar about her, wondering
Could it be?
I have heard legends of her
Tales told by those now gone
She reaches up
Higher and higher
Her leaves broaden
I watch her unfold – morning, noon and twilight
Her gorgeous head begins to open
Beautiful giant yellow petals
She turns towards the sun
She is the Queen of the summer garden
She is the faerie of the Sunflower
I dance about her

Her fragrance intoxicates me
Her yellow leaves enchant me
At night I must return to my hive, waiting
Waiting for the morning sun
Knowing that she shall be there next to the old barn
Smiling
Bewitching me
I dare not be without her – even for a moment
I tell her tales

I sample her nectar
She delights me
I rest upon her crown, guarding her
This morning I see no sun

Spirits of the Thunderbeings beat their drums
Flashes of lightning
Dark sky
In such weather even mighty Bumble Bees dare not fly
There she stands

Regal
Gorgeous
The storm begins

The first rain
The wind begins to beat against her

Oh my Queen
What happened to the mighty Bumble Bee?
What’s that?
Trumpet vine has taken hold of her
The wind continues to whip

Rain
Dark clouds
Where is she now?

Who has taken my lady of the garden?
I buzz about
Does anyone hear my shout?
Our cry
Our pain
I fly to her – holding on to her crown
The wind and rain whips us
The wind stops

There she is
Still
Head bent
Cocoon like
Ants march upon her

Where did they come from?
Friend or foe?
I do not know
It seems the storm has passed

Or has it?
My Lady, Queen, Sunflower

Ever beautiful
The sun shines again
But what of the summer
Legends tell that the summer must one day come to an end
Winter’s coming
But when?
The world appears anew

I dance about her
-whirling -- whirling -- whirling
Hold her crown
Breathe her fragrance
Intoxicated even more than before
But what of the winter?
Legends say…The old ones now gone

We shall one day walk their way
- Together
- Near or far
- Who's to say?
But now the sun doth shine

And she
Oh she
My Lady
She is mine
Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Qur'an Surah 2: 1-7
It has often been said that the first six verses of Surah II serve as a
“confessional statement” of sorts in the Glorious Qur’an. How does the Rose
Crescent interpret these verses?
According to the Rose Crescent tradition, Surah II: 1-7 presents the core basic
teachings of Islam. Islam has only one confessional statement - the Shahada. Let’s
go through them together:
1. A.L.M (Click here)
2. "This is the Book. It is a reliable guidance for those who are initiated into
the Love of Allah."
The passage begins by telling us that The Qur'an is a reliable reflection of the
Umm al-Kitab. It is, however, closed to those outside of the initiates, the
mystics, gnostics and Sufi Masters, the so-called "Al-Muttaqun."
3. "They (the Muttaqun) are the ones who know the reality of the Unseen worlds,
who enter into direct connection with the Spirit through salat and give of what we
have provided for them."
There are several keys here: First, the Muttaqun are ones who know that the other
worlds exist through salat, which, for us, includes prayer, meditation,
contemplation, Sufi dancing, chanting (e.g. zhikr), mystical singing and art,
recollection and shamanic journeying. Second, all of our bounties, the material
and spiritual gifts we enjoy, originate with the Spirit (Allah). The Muttaqun use
these heavenly gifts for the service of others. Service to others varies on the
individual Muttaqun, his/her spiritual gifts, the specific needs placed before
him/her by the Spirit. Examples may include, but are not limited to, the
following: healing an ill person (without pay or exchange); giving of one's wealth
to the poor; advocating on behalf of those who are experiencing injustice; caring
for animals; counseling; planting trees; cleaning the earth of toxins (etc.).
4. "And they are the ones who trust in the Revelation given unto Muhammad as well
as to those before his time, and in their hearts they have the assurance of the
Hereafter."
The revelation given to Muhammad through the Archangel Gabriel is laid upon the
earlier foundations. As such, Islam is a universal religion and to follow the
revelation given unto Muhammad is to believe in all preceding revelations (e.g.
Torah, Gospels, Tao Te Ching, Buddhist scriptures, Vedas, etc.). Through these
revelations, and through direct knowledge of the other worlds, the Muttaqun know
that the Hereafter is a reality, that this earthly plane is only one universe
amongst many, and that death is only the outer shedding of the skin and does not
affect the soul. This certain knowledge leads to union with divinity.
5. "They are on the right path, and blessings will be heaped upon them."
Along with their service to humanity, and their respect and study of all of the
world’s faith, they will enter the Light as the citizens of the Kingdom.
6. "As for those who reject the Light, it is the same to them whether the Prophet
warns them or not. They will not believe. 7. Allah has set a seal on their hearts
and on their hearing. And on their eyes is a veil. Great is the penalty they will
receive."
Who are those that reject the Faith? At first glance we might suppose the Recital
is casting judgment upon the Other. However, according to our Sufi interpretation,
we must look within our own hearts. Verses 6 and 7 convict all of us. We are the
enemies. We are the ones who have rejected the Light. Unless we are free of anger,
hate, judgement, egotism, etc. it is we who have the seal upon our hearts. We
cannot hear or see the divine that surrounds. We are cut off from the Spirit, the
Source, the Light. How sad is our state.
And what is "the penalty"?
According to the Rose Crescent, the "penalty" is the penalty of transmigration. If

we have the seal on our hearts and the veil over our eyes then we have been cut
off from the Source. The result is that we are continually reborn in this world of
illusion (maya - Surah 6:32). Unless we have come here as a Muttaqun
(Bodhisattvas) to help others, then we are under "the penalty." The great secret
is that this world is not the place we are led to believe that it is. Being born
here again and again is the penalty we have all reaped a thousand times because of
our rejection.
Let us endeavor to all enter the Light, to achieve liberation, and become citizens
of the Kingdom. So mote it be!
In summary, the six core teachings of Islam as presented in the first seven verses
of Surah II include: (a) a contemplative appraoch to the Spirit and the other
realms; (b) the recognition of the universality of God's revelation (both the
Qur'an and the preceeding revelations); (c) an active engagement with the earth
(the middle realm) to promote justice and alleviate suffering; (d) a recognition
that all blessings originate with Allah; (e) a recognition of the enemies of Allah
(both internal and demonic); and (f) a recognition of the "penalty" (i.e.
transmigration of the soul).
For more Rose Crescent commentary on the Qur'an please click here.
Monday, August 21, 2006

Sacred Datura & the Sphinx Moth
I, Sacred Datura, rise out of the soil

Deep dark green
Few know me
Fewer still dare to approach me
Those with sense fear me
My fruit is sharp and prickly
I stretch forth my arms, giving shade, waiting for the sun to set
I call to the night

I extend my long white flowers towards the night sky
Sweet and fragrant am I
I open my flowers to the moon
Who shines within me, gently
I take Luna’s song within me

Those who would approach – who would dare to sample
I walk in the glow with them
Madness, dreams and death doth await
I await my Queen – for without her I could not be
From out of the land of Egypt

From the bosom of Osiris she doth fly
Tiger striped body has she
She is the Queen of the Sacred Datura
The striped moth of the Sphinx
There is a moment – a second - when the twilight will be no more

I race from the mouth of the Sphinx
And dance among the five petal flowers of my beloved – the Sacred One
Death hath no fear
Nor madness
I have learned the dance of the hummingbird
But have shorn the flight with the sun
I choose the moon and its secrets
Under the nocturnal rule of the owl
The stone path of the underworld
Guarded by my friend the bat
The glowing purple flame
Where the last ray doth shine
Where Luna in her silver dress plays and dances
I am the moth that circles the flowered white pentagram

I am the lover
Sacred Datura my beloved
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Bibi Fatima - The Rose Garden
Tradition tells us that Fatima had a rose garden in Medina. According to the Rose
Crescent, the following tale describes the origin of Bibi Fatima's first rose
garden.
And when Fatima, beloved daughter of the Prophet (pbuh), was just a young girl she
was walking outside upon a sandy rocky field. And her heart ached that the ground
was dry and parched. And the Spirit of Wisdom looked with mercy upon her. And the
wind began to blow. And suddenly four seeds appeared in her hand. And her heart
was filled with joy.
And the young Bibi Fatima carefully placed the four seeds in the ground, digging a
small hole with her fingers. And bending close, she watered them with her saliva.
And the spirits of the dew smiled upon her and visited the seeds each morning.
And slowly the seeds began to sprout.
And the ummah gathered about, amazed that four thorn bushes had sprung from that
parched earth.
And when the moon was full, and the spirits of the dew had worked their magic, the
four bushes bloomed four roses – white, red, blue and gold.
And the young Bibi Fatima sat amongst the flowers.
And the Spirit of Wisdom joined her and said.
“Beloved child:
“The white rose holds the power and secret of intuition, gently spirituality, and
the feminine powers. Use this rose to heal those who are injured and in want.”
“The red rose holds the gift of creativity and spontaneity. Use the red rose to
temper the patriarchy that you will encounter, where brother shall raise sword
upon brother, and men will create dogmas to oppress others.”
“The blue rose holds the secret of discernment. Use the blue rose to teach the
people of the earth to guide their intentions in the world – in the service of
helping all and harming none.”
“The gold rose holds the force of regeneration. Use the gold rose to restore
balance, bringing male and female, enemy and friend, lover and beloved, master and
slave, powerful and powerless, human and animal, rich and poor, oppressor and
oppressed together as one – united in the common purpose of peace, love and
prosperity.”
To learn more about Fatima, click here.

Al Khidr: Remote Viewing

From the Secret Sayings (Book III. 4. v. 11 – 19)
11. Having drunk the Heavenly Elixir offered to him by Isis, manifestation of the
Spirit of Wisdom, Al Khidr returned to his cave. Slowly he felt a powerful
sensation in the middle of his forehead. The world as image began to appear to
him. First, all appeared in a fog. And then it slowly cleared, appearing black and
white. And then the world appeared in various colors and hues.
12. And when he turned his mind upon an object or place he could behold that
place, viewing from afar.
13. And the places appeared first in sketch form. And then slowly in detail. And
then in color. And finally he could view the energetic streams, the intentions,
the history and the future of any distant place he set his mind upon.
14. And Al khidr sat in the cave for what appeared to be years, viewing the world
and its spirit.
15. And his mind took in other worlds, worlds parallel to each other. And he saw
the worlds of potential and the world’s that had been actualized. And he saw that
which was in the mind of Allah and that which was in the will of Allah.
16. And looking out into the universe he came upon a world of records – a giant
library of sorts (that some call the Akhasic record). And he entered the library,
and there he could browse all that had been, could be or world be.
17. And his spirit was filled with fear at all these things. And the Archangel
Gabriel stood by his side, steadying him.
18. And as he gazed out he beheld three spirits, beautiful and powerful were they
to behold, descending towards the earth.
“Who art they?” He asked the Angel Gabriel in wonder.
“These three are three powerful manifestations of the Rasul-Logos. The first will
teach the people the Law of Being. The second shall teach the Way of Love. And the
third shall teach the Path of Peace.
“And how shall they be called?”
“The first shall be called Buddha. The second shall be known as the Christ. And
the third shall be revered as The Prophet.”
19. And when he gazed again he saw three more spirits descending towards the
earth, as beautiful and powerful as the first three.
“And who art they, and how shall they be called?” He asked in wonder.
“They are just a few of the manifestations of the Spirit of Wisdom. The first
shall be called Kuan Yin; the second shall be known as the Virgin Mary; and the
third shall be known as Fatima Um Abi Ha. They shall walk the earth with joy and
sorrow, ministering to all who are in need, regardless of creed, dogma or belief.”
For more information on the Founder of the Rose Crescent, visit our site on the
legendary Al Khidr by clicking here.
Thursday, August 17, 2006

Sufism, the Qur’an and Exegesis
How should one read the Qur’an? Is there a special method of exegesis when
searching for an interpretation of the Qur’an?
According to the Rose Crescent, Qur’anic exegesis may be carried out in a number
of ways. Before proceeding, though, let us say that in Islam/Sufism it is the
responsibility of each individual to read and interpret the Qur’an for
him/herself. Relying on what a scholar, Imam, mullah or ayatollah has said will
not help you. You must determine what the Quran has said. Now -
The first rule is that you should be aware of what and how other sincere readers
and scholars have said. (This doesn’t mean, though, that your own interpretation
should be stopped). We recommend Yusuf Ali’s commentary as a starting point.
Second, all interpretations of the Qur’an should be measured by those spiritual

saints upon whose shoulder’s we stand, namely: Rumi and Ibn Arabi. These two men
of God are the keys that will assist you to unlock the Qur’an.
Third, when reading the Qur’an you must keep in mind the following:
Does the passage have temporal or spatial limitations? In other words, was it
intended just for the people of that day (e.g. the Arabs whom Muhammad – pbuh –
was dealing with)? Was it just for the specific situation in which Muhammad (pbuh)
found himself?
Or, is the passage pointing towards deeper universal spiritual truths?
Fourth, which chakra and/or station is the passage speaking to or from?
Fifth, how does the passage relate to various Hadith and/or other surahs?
And finally, having worked through the above five points, you should take the
passage to your individual Shaykh.
Here is the method:
Begin by lighting a candle on your alter

Say, “Bismallah ar-rahman ar-rahim”
Read the passage aloud
Ask Allah (the Light, Source and Depth) for guidance
Ask that your interpretation be for the Good, helping all and hurming none
Then
Lie down
Count from 20 to 1
Do the meditation with the rose crescent
Listen to a drumming CD
Seek your ladder to the heavens (Surah 6:35)
Enter the Celestial Mosque
Your Shaykh* will be waiting for you
Ask your Shaykh to help you interpret the passage
Ask your Shaykh how this passage can be used in your life
Thank your Shaykh
Return down the ladder
Open your eyes
Conclude by saying, “Allahu Akbar”
*If you don't have a Shaykh, when you get to the celestial mosque and you meet a
person ask him/her: "Are you my Shaykh?" If yes, go with them. If not, ask
him/her: "Can you lead me to my Shaykh?"
For more commentary on the Qur'an click here
For more spiritual exercises click here


The Future World Religion
What will the future world religion look like?
Many people have asked us what the next world's religion will look like? How will
it be structured? Who will be its founder(s)?
The Rose Crescent puts forward that the world's future religion is currently
evolving from universal Islam under the spiritual direction of Fatima Um Abi Ha,
beloved daughter of the Prophet and now ascended Queen of Heaven.
First, the future religion will value the sacred books and prophets of all
religions.
Second, it will seek harmony, healing, love and peace over power and dogma.
Third, although ALL past books will be read and honored, the Spirit will continue
to unfold in the community. Once every 10 years people of all faith traditions
will open to the Spirit, who will descend upon the community. The event will
culminate during the month of Ramadan.
Beginning at the local spiritual assemblies, mosques, temples, synagogues,

churches, etc. people will receive revelations, recite poetry, write essays,
fiction, dramas, perform new musical pieces, have visions, paint, etc. These works
will be collected and published (both print and electronically). They will
comprise the New Book for the Age. For the next nine years people will study this
collected community revelation, and gain personal proficiency in one or more arts
as part of the preparation for the descent of the Spirit. Again, in the 10th year
the cycle will begin anew with the opening to the Spirit and the descent of the
Holy Spirit into the community.
During the month of Ramadan every 10 years the world community will come together
for a month long celebration where the New Book will be revealed.
In addition, a giant library will be constructed every 10 years (in a different

country) to house these works from around the world.
Is the new religion already beginning to unfold?
Yes. We have seen manifestations of it. However, it is still in its inception. Two
manifestations include:
Universal Awakening
Tikkun Community
So mote it be!
Baha'u'llah and Islam

Mirza Husayn Ali (1817-1892) was born in Tehran. Later he and his followers came
to call him Baha’u’llah, meaning the Glory of God.
In short, Baha’u’llah was a prolific writer, an extraordinary visionary, a saintly
man who should easily be viewed as one of the great Sufis masters of Islam. He
spent much of his life in exile and prison, where he eventually died. Unlike most
other Sufis, he is extremely controversial in Islam because of claims that he was
a new prophet.
According to the Rose Crescent, Muhammad (PBUH) was the last prophet. However, as
stated in a previous post, we do view Baha’u’llah as an Apostle of Muhammad, and
as an Elder of the Rose Crescent.
As a Sufi Master, we believe that Baha’u’llah emptied himself of his own ego.
Thus, when he claims equality with the Prophets before him, it is tantamount to
Hallaj’s claim that he is God. Moreover, we believe that Baha’u’llah stands in
relation to Muhammad as St. Paul’s stood to Jesus Christ. In Galations 2:20 Paul
wrote:
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in
me.”
Paul did not replace Jesus Christ. Nor was Paul a Messenger (Rasul) of God.
Instead, Paul was a reflection, or a manifestation, of Jesus on earth. His
writings do not replace the Gospel. But through his writings we often catch a
glimpse of Jesus – and the Spirit - through Paul’s eyes. In the same way, we
understand Baha’u’llah’s claims of himself as reflecting the high station he
achieved of oneness with the Spirit.
Baha’ullah’s teachings and writings pick up on points in the Glorious Qur’an,

clarifying them and empathizing issues that have been overlooked, or down played,
by the ulamah. Baha’u’llah’s books can be divided into four categories:
apologetics (Kitab-i-Iqan); mystical Sufi writings; social teachings; and
Sharia/law (The Kitab-i-Aqdas).
Our view is that Baha’u’llah was inspired by the Light (Allah) and thus we view
him as an important spiritual Elder of our global village (along with saints such
as Hazrat Inayat Khan, Badshah Khan, Gandhi, Rudolf Steiner, etc). We believe that
in each period Allah sends Elders (both male and female) into the world. These
guides serve as physicians for our ailing civilizations and planet.
According to the Rose Crescent, Baha’u’llah’s teachings confirm the message of the
Quran (and we will explain this in a follow-up post), and we see him as one of the
great leaders of the ummah. Baha’u’llah’s writings provide a great insight into
understanding the Spirit, and should thus be read by all sincere Muslims and
Sufis.
Our hope is that the day is coming when there will be a reconciliation between
Islam, the ummah and Baha’u’llah. So mote it be!

Threat of Force versus Use of Force
Or – why the United States and Israel should bark loudly rather than attempt to
bite.
March 19, 2003 U.S. bombs begin to reign down on Baghdad. U.S. Secretary of
Defense tells the world that the military force to be brought to bear against Iraq
is unprecedented in the annals of history. The world watches in horror, protest
and fascination as the world’s only superpower, with a military budget that rivals
that of the rest of the world combined, moves against the country of Iraq.
Not far from Baghdad, and looking forward to having the United States as a
neighbor, Israel sits securely on the banks of the Mediterranean. Although
numerically outnumbered, Israeli firepower is regionally unmatched. Ever since the
Six Day War, Israeli military prowess appears invincible.
Fast forward to August 14, 2006. After a month of brutal combat in Lebanon the
Israelis were forced by events on the ground to withdraw their objectives (i.e.
the disarming of Hizbollah) and accept an immediate cease fire. Likewise, after
three years of brutal combat the United States is incapable of securing the six
mile stretch of highway from the airport to the “Green Zone.” In fact, the entire
country appears to be rapidly sliding towards civil war with local Sunni
insurgents, Shiite death squads (who may or may not be part of the Salvadoran
Option), local neighborhood street patrols, disaffected youth, foreign Jihadists,
and criminal elements all taking aim at each other.
The facts on the ground are simple: Overwhelming military force (i.e. United
States and Israel) does not equal military victory. In fact, as recent events in
the Middle East have demonstrated, the use of military force in an “asymmetrical
environment,” where a military force must oppose the will (or chaos) of a
significant percentage of a people, weighs in favor of the local people. Nor is
this the first time that overwhelming force sas proven incapable of opposing the
local will. The outcome of the Vietnam conflict and the long festering guerrilla
wars in Central America have shown the impotence of overwhelming fire power.
Applied military aggression (such as Israel’s invasion of Lebanon or the U.S.

occupation of Iraq) may result in the following six post war "blow back"
consequences:
(a) Slippery Slope syndrome: An erosion of fear of the military power of either
the United States or Israel
(b) The Day After Game Plan: The study of the superpower's failed military tactics
by potential enemies (as Hezbollah studied the Vietnam War) and others are
studying Hezbollah’s battle with Israel
(c) Bobby Fisher, Kasparov and Big Blue: The maneuvering of potential enemies to
checkmate the bogged down power (as North Korea and Iran have sped up their
nuclear and ballistic ambitions following the American invasion of Iraq)
(d) The Mouse that Roars: The possible encouragement of a military encounter with
the United States by second and third tier leaders in order to decapitate the
leadership of their country - through U.S. force - and maneuver themselves into
postwar power
(e) David versus Goliath Syndrome: The growing popularity of the opposing group
who “stands up” to the "power" by simply surviving the conflict (today Hezbollah
is far more popular in both Lebanon and the Muslim world than it was prior to the
war), declaring victory after the encounter
(f) The Afghanistan-Somalia *Vacation* Destination: The invaded country becomes a

failed state, thus allowing criminal and terrorist elements to use it as a
training and staging ground
Given the aforementioned consequences of military action, the best current course
of action for regional and super powers to follow is to threaten force rather than
pursue force.
True and lasting peace will result, not through force of arms of one nation, but
through dialogue and alliance.
The Rose Crescent House of Peace concurs with One of the Apostles of Muhammad
(PBUH) for our day, Baha’u’llah, an honorary Elder of the Rose Crescent, who
pointed to the next step in our future by revealing that:
“The time must come when the imperative necessity for the holding of a vast, an
all-embracing assemblage of men will be universally realized…Such a peace
demandeth that the Great Powers should resolve, for the sake of the tranquility of
the peoples of the earth, to be fully reconciled among themselves. Should any king
take up arms against another, all should unitedly arise and prevent him. If this
be done, the nations of the world will no longer require any armaments, except for
the purpose of preserving the security of their realms and of maintaining internal
order within their territories. This will ensure the peace and composure of every
people, government and nation.” (Gleanings, p. 249)
The Rose Crescent promotes a non-violent position towards conflict resolution.


Fellowship with the Rose Crescent
Is it possible to join the Rose Crescent? How do I contact members of the Rose
Crescent?
The Rose Crescent is an international Sufi affiliation stretching back millennia.

There is no official membership. There are Rose Crescent Sufis in all of the
world’s major religions. And there are Rose Crescent Sufis who practice outside of
any spiritual community. It all depends on your interests and personality.
Rose Crescent Sufis meet regularly, joining together to work towards peace and
healing on behalf of the planet and its many creatures. Our meetings take place in
the astral realm, where we communicate, assist each other and purposefully join
together, working towards God's Kingdom.
Here is how you can join the fellowship:
Sit comfortably in a chair or lie down in a quiet area

If possible, listen to a steady drum beat or rattle (purchase here)
If you don’t have a drum CD count slowly backwards from 20 to 1
Say “Bismallah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim”
Imagine yourself standing across the room, looking back at your resting body
Go to your tree
Seek a ladder going up to heaven (Quran Surah 6:35)
As you climb the ladder look down and see your house, the street you live on, and
the city you live in slowly recede
Enter the first level of heaven, which is a beautiful city
You will see a large beautiful mosque
Enter the mosque
In the celestial mosque you will find Rose Crescent Sufis
You will be greeted by a guide who will join you as you explore the mosque and its
many rooms, chambers, courtyards and gardens (feel free to wander about and see
what is going on).
A few examples of ongoing activities include:
*Many of the Sufis will be gathered around a giant ball of energy – there they
will be building the “fire” in order to send positive healing and peace back to
earth
*In some rooms Sufis will be whirling, and in other rooms they will be sitting in
meditation
*Healing rooms for those who are ill
*You will also most likely encounter “power animals” as they wander around,
assisting the Sufis
*There are also angelic beings and Jinn allies there who are part of the spiritual
assembly
When the drumming stops or when you are ready return down the ladder to the base
of the tree and then open your eyes
Say, “Allahu Akbar”
Note: Once you begin to journey regularly to the celestial mosque you will begin
to receive communications from the Rose Crescent, entering into fellowship with us
as we work towards manifesting peace, health, healing and happiness on earth in
the furtherance of God’s Kingdom.
For other spiritual exercises click here.

Sunday, August 06, 2006

Meditation with the Rose Crescent
How can one use the symbols of the crescent and the rose to meditate?
The Rose Crescent meditation is among the most transformative and powerful
meditations revealed to mankind by Al-Khidr, the Green Man of Islam.
Before explaining the rose crescent meditation let us reflect on the significance
of the two symbols: the moon and the rose.
The moon reflects the light of the sun as creation reflects and reveals the light
of the creator.
The moon passes through various powerful and influential cycles on its journey:
new moon (when it is in occultation); crescent moon; first quarter waxing moon;
full moon; waning moon; and third quarter waning moon. In each of these cycles the
moon reflects a different cosmic energy. The crescent has long been a symbol of
Islam. Whereas the Prophet Muhammad is the seal of the prophets, the crescent moon
points beyond itself, full of hope to a new beginning that is still unrealized and
just beginning to dawn.
The rose is the symbol of the soul. Like the development of our own souls in this
world, roses bloom amidst thorns. The rose fragrance is the ethereal connection
with our Higher Selves. Many Sufis of the Rose Crescent tradition choose to anoint
themselves with rose oil prior to performing their daily prayers, dabbing a bit of
oil behind the ears, on the back of the hands and in the middle of the forehead.
The Prophet Muhammad himself (PBUH) along with his wives and his daughter Fatima
loved roses and used them as part of their daily spiritual practices.
The meditation:
Begin by saying “Bismallah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim”

Slowly breathe in deeply and take in the energy of the cosmos
In your minds eye picture a dark sky before you
See the crescent as it emerges
Feel the joy and exhilaration of the crescent
Take its energy in
Watch it slowly wax into a full moon
Hold your breath
Draw the energy of the full moon into your mind
Watch as the full moon transforms into a beautiful rose
In your mind’s eye, zoom slowly in on the rose
Watch as the rose begins to spin, turning back into the full moon
Slowly release your breath and release any negative energy stored in your body
Observe how the full moon wanes
For more spiritual exercises click here
Saturday, August 05, 2006

Quran Surah 6:35 - Islamic Shamanism
“If their persecution of you is hard on your mind, and if you are able – then seek
a tunnel in the ground or a ladder to the skies and bring them a Sign.”
What is Islamic shamanism and should Muslims and/or Sufis practice it?
The practice of shamanism, a technique, is one of the earliest revelations of

Allah (the Source) to the peoples of the earth.
The shaman is one who journeys, either in the physical body or in the astral/soul
body, into other realms (the hereafter) in order to gain answers to questions,
seek guidance or gain power to heal and help (the “sign”).
According to the indigenous worldview, and supported by the Glorious Qur’an, there
are many worlds. The existence we physically inhabit, the earthly plane, is
traditionally called the “Middle World.” Surah 6:32 tells challenges us:
“What is the life of this [Middle] World but play and amusement?"
The Middle World, because of its design, is easily confused as the only world. The
revelation given unto the Prophet Plato explains that we are trapped within a
cave, lost, forlorn, imagining that the information received by our senses tells
us where we are. Yet we are deluded. Surah 6:32 modifies Plato’s vision of our
existence by telling us that we exist in a world of “amusement and play.” Hazrat
Inayat Khan accurately explains this as being in a state of stupor and
drunkenness. We are drunk on the senses, and have thus forgotten our true Home.
Surah 6:32 continues:
“But best is the home in the other worlds for those who are al-Muttaqun?”
Who are the Muttaqun?
They are the ones whose Home, whose source of identity and power, is in the
Hereafter, the other worlds. They are the ones who have remembered their origin in
the Light. Throughout the ages, and depending on the culture, the Muttaqun have
included shamans, prophets, Gnostics, mystics, saints, Sufis and watchers.
How does one become a Muttaqun?
To become a Muttaqun one should, according to the Rose Crescent, begin by learning
to move within the realms of the other worlds. By spending ever more time in the
other worlds an individual becomes sober, breaking the spell and delusions
associated with the play and amusement of the Middle World.
How do these other worlds appear?

One must experience them first hand to understand. Both the “lower world” and the
“upper world” are paradises, but they are of different energies and different
beings inhabit them. The Lower World is a place of denser vibratory energy,
whereas the upper is of finer vibratory energy. Both worlds are inhabited by
beings that appear either in human, animal, imaginative or angelic form. These
beings, having permission from Allah to help, serve as friends and allies to the
Muttaqun. The Muttaqun is one who, by traveling into both worlds, balances the
energy and thus assists the Middle World to evolve towards paradise.
How can one enter the other worlds?
Here we need to return to Surah 6:35:
“Seek a tunnel in the ground or a ladder to the skies and bring them a Sign.”
The following techniques may be of assistance for the Lower World:
Place a candle on your alter

Lie down with your eyes covered
Listen to the rhythmic beat of a drum
Imagine yourself in the countryside
Feel the wind on your skin, notice the trees around you
Seek a tunnel (it will usually be located under a giant tree)
Enter the tunnel
Let yourself slide down into the other world
Look for an animal who wants to approach you and be friends with you and guide you
Allow the animal to assist you to explore the surroundings
When you hear the callback from the drum return up the tunnel to your favorite
location in front of the tree
Open your eyes
The following techniques may be of assistance for the Upper World:
Place a candle on your alter

Lie down with your eyes covered
Listen to the rhythmic beat of a drum
Imagine yourself in the countryside
Feel the wind on your skin, notice the trees around you
Seek a ladder (it will usually be located under a giant tree) into the sky
Climb up the ladder into the next world
You will probably come out in a beautiful city
Look around for a mosque
Enter the mosque
Within the mosque you will meet a humanlike person who will be your Shaykh
Get to know your Shaykh
Ask him or her any questions you may have
When you hear the callback from the drum return up the tunnel to your favorite
location in front of the tree
Open your eyes
Where do I get a drum?

You can purchase drumming CDs from the Foundation for Shamanic Studies.
What other resources can I read or study
We recommend beginning with three books:
*The Way of the Shaman* by Michael Harner
*Magic of the Ordinary: Recovering the Shamanic in Judaism* by Gershon Winkler

*Animal-Speak: The Spiritual and Magical Powers of Creatures Great and Small* Ted
Andrews
Other resources (books, music and CDs) are available from
The Foundation for Shamanic Studies
Walking Stick Foundation
For more Rose Crescent commentary on the Qur’an click here.
For Rose Crescent spiritual exercises click here.

Sufism: Transform fear
How can one transform fear?
Stories (hadith) of Fatima Um Abi Ha tell us that while on earth She often walked
the countryside and village streets, ministering and caring for those who were
ill, sick, poor or distraught.
Following her ascent into heaven she continues to care for the distraught.
Once there was a young girl and her lover who had been severely wounded. Neither
was married. Having incurred the wrath of the “righteous” – the so-called learned
- they had been brutally stoned. As they lay wounded, with an uncertain future
before them, the heavens opened, angelic birds descended, carrying heavenly fruits
and a rainbow appeared before them. Then Queen Fatima - she who sparkles with a
myriad divine colors, with a crown of brilliance about her head, whose countenance
is that of the Spirit of Wisdom - took the lovers in her arms and whispered into
their hearts:
“Fear transforms into Love”
According to the Rose Crescent tradition fear can only be transformed by opening
our heart charkas to the suffering of the entire cosmos. As fear turns into
compassion, love surrounds and engulfs us. Through our own suffering we learn to
identify with the sufferings of others (jinn, human, animal and earth).
How can you do this?
Begin by lighting a candle on your alter

Say, "Bismallah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim"
Get into a mediation posture (we suggest lay down with your eyes covered)
Imagine the sky
Feel your heart chackra open
Imagine a beautiful green-gold light ascending into heaven
Feel how this light ascends higher and higher
See bird spirits descending, bringing gifts
See Queen Fatima before you
Let her talk to your heart
Ask her a question
Thank her
End by saying, "Allahu Akbar"
Monday, July 24, 2006

Save Lebanon
“Who takes vengeance or bears a grudge acts like one who, having cut one hand
while handling a knife, avenges himself by stabbing the other hand.” Jerusalem
Talmud, Nedarim 9:4
As is well known, the Israeli war against the people of South Lebanon was
apparently begun in retaliation of Hezbollah’s crossing of the "blue line" in an
attack on Israeli troops. Hezbollah’s actions, apparently, were committed both in
solidarity with the people of Gaza (who were under Israeli military attack) and
the holding of Lebanese in prison in perpetuity (thus, Hezbollah demanded a
prisoner exchange).
So, from the start of hostilities Israel has digressed to the following report:
“At least 381 people have been killed in Lebanon, including 20 soldiers and 11
Hezbollah fighters, according to security officials. At least 600,000 Lebanese
have fled their homes, according to the World Health Organization. Lebanon's
finance minister put the number at 750,000, nearly 20 percent of the
population...Israel's death toll stands at 36, with 17 people killed by Hezbollah
rockets and 19 soldiers killed in the fighting, which began when the guerrillas
snatched two Israeli soldiers and killed eight others in a brazen cross-border
raid July 12.” Click here for the full story.
Meanwhile, the Israeli disregard for civilian life has increased. "They have been
hitting civilian cars all over the place," said Peter Bouckart of Human Rights
Watch, who had just returned to Beirut from Tyre. "I have been in many war zones,
but this is one of the most dangerous places I have seen." Click here for the full
story.
The Rose Crescent House of Peace appeals to all Israelis to immediately and
unilaterally cease-fire.
Many analysts claim that Israel, who underestimated Hezbollah’s fighting ability,
has been following a strategy designed to inflict maximum punishment against the
people of Lebanon to turn them against Hezbollah. We believe the policy is both
misguided and a violation of human rights.
If Hezbollah were to be utterly destroyed through a long bloody and costly war,
the result would be new groups of men bent on avenging the bloodshed (and near
genocide) that such a protracted war would inflict. These new groups would
probably carryout terrorist operations beyond the immediate zone of conflict. A
second, and serious consequence of a protracted “scorched earth” war, we believe,
is the collapse of a central Lebanese authority, and the creation of a Lebanese
failed state (a “black hole”) of extreme circumstances, suffering and extremist
politics.
The best strategy to save Lebanon, we believe, is for Muslim countries, Israel,
the USA and the EU to pursue is as follows:
(1) Assist the Lebanese central authority to continue to grow;

(2) Assist the economy of Lebanon to grow
(3) Guarantee the security and integrity of the Lebanese borders
(4) Recognize Hezbollah as it currently is (a state within a state)
(5) Dialogue with Hezbollah (and encourage them to join a broader Lebanese
democratic framework) while encouraging it to become a charitable organization
only
In addition, we encourage prisoner exchanges and non-partisan international troops

along the border (as well as in Gaza and the West Bank).
The logic is simple: if there is no perceived threat to southern Lebanon, than

there will be no justification for Hezbollah’s militia. Hezbollah would then
slowly disarm within the framework of a democratic Lebanon, and become solely a
charitable organization. (In fact, prior to the outbreak of hostitilities
Lebanon's parliament was in the process of discussing the disarming of Hezbollah).
In summary, we believe the current war against Hezbollah will probably: (a)
strengthen extremists in south Lebanon; (b) undermine the central authority of
Lebanon; (c) wreak economic havoc on Lebanon for decades to come; and (d) create
far more dangerous terrorist splinter groups, who will break away from Hezbollah.
The Rose Crescent calls on the international community to save Lebanon and to
follow a path of sanity. In addition, we call on Hezbollah to follow a path of
non-violence. We also endorse the Brussels-headquartered International Crisis
Group call for an immediate cease-fire (click here).
What can you do? First, send a letter to your government representative; second,
donate to a humanitarian organization of your choice (such as the International
Red Crescent), working to assist the people of Lebanon.
(For an ongoing report on the situation visit Juan Cole's blog).
Related news: Lebanon Timeline
The following is updated regularly. Please check in for links.
"Watching Lebanon" by Seymour M. Hersch (click here)
India has condemned Israeli actions (click here )
Qatar warns against UN Mideast Draft (click here)
U.S. Media bias in the Lebanon War (click here)
Israel responded to an unprovoked attack by Hizbullah, right? Wrong Commentary by

George Monbiot claiming Israel's attack was premeditated and offering a proposal
for Israel to secure peace in the Middle East. (click here for complete
commentary)
"Three of Israel's most successful authors and intellectuals — Amos Oz, David
Grossman and A.B. Yehoshua — on Thursday urged Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to focus
on diplomatic rather than military initiatives." (Click here for full story)
Hezbollah "The Best Guerrilla Force in the World" (Click here)

Many Israeli Soldiers are Angry and Critical (click here)
Ex-CIA Senior Official: "...new landscape...Hezbollah clear winner" (click here)
U.N. Official Condemns Israeli use of Cluster Bombs (many of which were dropped in
the last 72 hours - with peace on the horizon) on civilian areas (which are now
killing innocent children). (click here)
Sunday, July 23, 2006

Lebanon - UN Horrified - What you can do to help
"Mr Egeland, the UN's emergency relief chief, described the destruction as
"horrific" as he toured the city...He said the "disproportionate response" by
Israel was a 'violation of international humanitarian law'. " Click here for the
full story.
What can I do to help?
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is launching
a preliminary appeal for 1.3 million Swiss francs (€ 846,000/1 million US$) to
support the assistance programmes set up by National Red Crescent Societies for
people fleeing hostilities in Lebanon. Click here to learn more about how you can
help.
Oxfam has an excellent site, which includes petitions, real time blogs of events
on the ground, and work in progress. Assist Oxfam to help the people of Lebanon by
clicking here.
Friday, July 21, 2006

Appeal to Israelis
"I demand MERCY, not sacrifice." Hosea 6:6
Saturday, July 15, 2006

Middle East War: Israel, Lebanon and Gaza
At this moment the crises in the Middle East is intensifying as Israeli tanks and
troops occupy Gaza, Israeli planes bomb Lebanon and Hezbollah forces rocket attack
Israel. Innocent civilians are dying and being wounded.
The Rose Crescent House of Peace calls on all sides to cease hostilities. We
propose the following plan:
1. 48 hour immediate cease fire.

2. The release of all hostages ceased by either Hezbollah or Palestinian militia
groups within 12 hours.
3. The withdrawal of Israel from Gaza and Lebanon within 72 hours.
4. The handover of Palestinian and Hezbollah prisoners to a United Nations court
(within fourteen days) where they will be tried and: (a) if guilty sentenced; or
(b) if innocent released.
5. A formation of a mediation assembly, including Israelis, Palestinians and
Lebanese (including Hezbollah) - with representation of women - to listen to the
concerns of the others and express their needs and grievances .
6. The establishment of economic ties to foster stronger links, grow the economies
of the region and promote peace.
So mote it be!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Fatwa Alert: Train Bombings in India
The Rose Crescent House of Peace unanimously condemns the train bombings in India
that killed close to 150 people and wounded several hundred more (regardless of
who committed this heinous act). We call on all Muslims and Sufis to pray for
peace in the region, to pray for the souls of those killed, the health and healing
of those injured, and that the perpetrators be brought to justice. Islam is a
religion of peace, and – according to the Qur’an - if warfare should be engaged
in, innocent lives, animals, crops and economies must be safeguarded. We call on
all nations, peoples, non-governmental organizations and individuals to refrain
from violence and protect the innocent.
So mote it be!
Islamic Fundamentalism
The Rose Crescent House of Peace states that (so-called fundamentalist) groups
that use a literal exegesis of the Qur'an (and other divinely revealed Holy
Scriptures), and have made the "Lesser Jihad" the central tenet of Islam (and/or
control of land, resources and peoples a central tenet of Judaism or Christianity)
are in grave error.
Below we share an article by Karen Armstrong:
===========================
Violent Islamic radicals know they are heretical. Extremists are proud of their
deviance, and moderate Muslims can't be held responsible
by Karen Armstrong Saturday July 8, 2000 The Guardian
"A few years ago at a conference in the US, a Christian fundamentalist erupted
into the hall and launched a vitriolic attack on me and my fellow panellists. His
words were tumbling over one another incoherently, but the note of pain was clear.
We had obviously assaulted him at some profound level. For three days my
colleagues and I had discussed complex and radical issues in theology, not once at
a loss for words; but stunned by the impact of this attack, we could find nothing
to say. Dumbfounded, we gazed bleakly at our assailant across an abyss of
incomprehension, until he was hustled out.
This type of incident is now common. Increasingly, people find it difficult to

communicate with their co-religionists. The divide is as great as that between
religious and secular people. Many of the faithful feel threatened by those who
interpret their tradition differently; it seems their sacred values are in
jeopardy. An apparently impassable gulf yawns between liberal and fundamentalist
Christians, reform and orthodox Jews, traditional and extremist Muslims. Because
of our preoccupation with the so-called clash of civilisations, this internal
tension is often overlooked.
It is a year since the London bombings, an act committed in the name of Islam by a
viciously disaffected minority, but which violated the essential principles of any
religion. Doubtless with this anniversary in mind, the prime minister has
complained that British Muslims are not doing enough to deal with the extremists.
The "moderate" Muslims, he said testily, must confront the Islamists; they cannot
condemn their methods while tacitly condoning their anger. The extremists' anti-
western views are wrong, and mainstream Muslims must tell them that violent jihad
"is not the religion of Islam".
This regrettable step will put yet more pressure on a community already under
strain. It ignores the fact that the chief problem for most Muslims is not "the
west" per se, but the suffering of Muslims in Guantánamo, Abu Ghraib, Iraq and
Palestine. Many Britons share this dismay, but the strong emphasis placed by Islam
upon justice and community solidarity makes this a religious issue for Muslims.
When they see their brothers and sisters systematically oppressed and humiliated,
some feel as wounded as a Christian who sees the Bible spat upon or the
eucharistic host violated.
It is disingenuous of Tony Blair to separate the rising tide of "Islamism" from

his unpopular foreign policy, particularly when Palestinians are being subjected
to new dangers in Gaza. He is also mistaken to imagine that law-abiding Muslims
could bring the extremists to heel in the same way that he disciplines
recalcitrant members of his cabinet. This is just not how religious groups
operate.
During the 20th century, a militant piety erupted in almost every major world
faith: in Buddhism, Sikhism, Hinduism and Confucianism, as well as in Judaism,
Christianity and Islam. It is often called "fundamentalism". Its aim is to bring
God and/or religion from the sidelines back to centre stage, though very few
fundamentalists commit acts of violence. Coined by American Protestants who wanted
a return to Christian "fundamentals", the term is unsatisfactory, not least
because it suggests a conservative and backward-looking religiosity. In fact,
fundamentalists are rebels who have separated themselves irrevocably and on
principle from the main body of the faithful. Fundamentalist movements are nearly
always the result of an internal dispute with traditional or liberal co-
religionists; fundamentalists regard them as traitors who have made too many
concessions to modernity. They withdraw from mainstream religious life to create
separatist churches, colleges, study groups, madrasas, yeshivas and training
camps. Only later, if at all, do fundamentalists turn their wrath against a
foreign foe.
Thus Sayyid Qutb (1906-66), whose ideology is followed by most Sunni

fundamentalists, had no love for the west, but his jihad was primarily directed
against such Muslim rulers as Jamal Abdul Nasser. In order to replace secularist
Fatah, Hamas began by attacking the PLO, and was initially funded by Israel in
order to undermine Arafat. Osama bin Laden began by campaigning against the Saudi
royal family and secularist rulers such as Saddam Hussein; later, when he
discovered the extent of their support for these regimes, he declared war against
the US. Even when fundamentalists are engaged in a struggle with an external
enemy, this internal hostility remains a potent force.
It is unrealistic to hope that radical Islamists will be chastened by a rebuke

from "moderate" imams; they have nothing but contempt for traditional Muslims, who
they see as part of the problem. Nor are extremists likely to be dismayed when
told that terrorism violates the religion of Islam. We often use the word
"fundamentalist" wrongly, as a synonym for "orthodox". In fact, fundamentalists
are unorthodox - even anti-orthodox. They may invoke the past, but these are
innovative movements that promote entirely new doctrines.
Fundamentalist Christians who claim that every word of the Bible is literally true
are reading in an essentially modern way; before the advent of our scientifically
oriented culture, Jews, Christians and Muslims all relished highly allegorical
interpretations of their holy texts. Religious Zionists who regard Israel as
sacred also fly in the face of tradition. A hundred years ago, most orthodox
rabbis condemned the idea of a Jewish secular state in the Holy Land. In making
the assertion that a cleric should be head of state, Ayatollah Khomeini flouted
centuries of Shia orthodoxy, which separated religion and politics as a matter of
sacred principle.
The same is true of the new emphasis on violent jihad. Until recently, no Muslim
thinker had ever claimed it was the central tenet of Islam. The first to make this
controversial, even heretical, claim was the Pakistani ideologue Abu Ala Mawdudi
in 1939. Like Qutb, he was well aware that this innovation could only be justified
by the godless cruelty of modernity. Informed extremists today do not need to be
told that their holy war is unorthodox; they already know.
The extremists believe that mainstream Muslims have failed to respond to the
current crisis and are proud of their own deviance. Attempting to shift the blame
to the already beleaguered Muslim community could further alienate the
disaffected. It will certainly not prevent another London bombing."
· Karen Armstrong is the author of The Battle for God, A History of Fundamentalism
Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Qur'an Surah 33:72 - Sufis, the Earth and the Trust
“We did indeed offer The Trust to the Heavens, the Earth and the Mountains. But
they refused to undertake it, being afraid of the responsibility thereof. But
humans undertook it. They were indeed unjust and foolish.”
How is it that the Qur’an claims that the heavens, earth and mountains can make
choices? What is the Trust?
The modern Ahrimanic world view puts forward that all “things” around us (e.g.
plants, rivers, land, mountains, rocks, caves) are essentially soulless. They
neither think nor feel. They can be exploited by man for whatever purpose man
dictates. This paradigm, introduced to the world by the demon Ahriman, would even
state that animals have neither cognition nor feelings, and can thus be hunted,
tortured and experimented on. There are those, under the influence of Ahriman, who
would even take this view to the next logical step, namely: humans are nothing
more than biological machines, complex computers, without souls.
Another paradigm puts forward that the Earth is alive. It is our “mother.” All of
its “children,” (e.g. animals, plants, insects, rivers, mountains, etc.) both have
a soul and are animated by spirit. In fact, like humans, each plant, tree, river,
mountain, cave, etc. has a higher spirit that is aware and has cognition. The
spirits behind and within everything are seen as agents in the spirit realm and
are capable of healing, helping, etc.
What does the Glorious Quran reveal to us?
Surah 33:72 reveals that all “things” of the world are alive, aware, capable of
reason, of making choices, have power and have direct contact with Allah.
Depending on the station, the Sufi (very much like the Native American Shaman), is
one who exercises the Trust positively. What is the Trust? According to the Rose
Crescent tradition, The Trust is the Spiritual Power to purposefully affect change
on the physical and spiritual planes for the purpose of achieving balance, harmony
and beauty. The Sufi carries out the Trust by:
* Knowing that all things are alive and have spirit;

* Communicating with the spirits of all things (e.g. mountains, rivers, animals,
plants, etc.);
* Working with the spirits of all things to affect change (e.g. healing) on the
physical plane;
* Participating in a spiritual assembly with all spirits (e.g. mountains, rivers,
animals, plants, etc.);
* Praying for the well being of all spirits; and
* Asking the spirits to intercede on her/his or others behalf with Allah.
Surah 33:72 also implies a warning: The Trust is dangerous. The unjust and the
foolish easily fall prey to demonic enemy forces and use the Trust for one’s own
egotistical and destructive ends (hence “black sorcery”), as Ahriman would have us
do by destroying the earth and enslaving humanity.
To learn more about the Recital given by the Archangel Gabriel to the Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH), visit our site on the Quran.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Qur'an Surah 15:21 - Islam and Archetypes
“And there is not a thing, but with Us are its archetypes. And We send it not down
except in due measure.”
Surah 15:21 confirms the Prophet Plato (PBUH) and his revelation of the “Forms” as
well as the inspired wisdom of Saint Ibn-Arabi and the insights of the 20th
century psychologist C.G. Jung’s concepts of archetypes.
As revealed to humanity in the Glorious Qur'an, every being “down” in this world
(e.g. humans, animals, plants, insects, etc.) as well as qualities (e.g. love,
goodness, justice, etc.) are built on ascending archetypes. We all have Higher
Selves that dwell in the super-sensible realm. And those Higher Selves are derived
from still higher heavenly archetypes that are part of the Umm al-Kitab (the
archetypal Mother Book – located on the First Aeon).
According to the Rose Crescent, we can know our archetypal Higher Selves and the
universal archetypes through meditation, recollection and study.
To learn more about the recital, visit our site on the Qur'an.
Sunday, July 02, 2006

The Sacred Earth
Table of Contents
Surah 6:38 - Animal Rights in the Qur'an

R.C. House of Peace supports Spain's Recognition of Rights of Apes
Surah 33:71 - Heavens, Earth, Mountains and the Trust
Sunflower Queen and Consort Bumble Bee (click here)
Sacred Datura and the Sphinx Moth (click here)
Bibi Fatima - The Rose Garden (click here)
External Links:
Sekem (click here and here)

Earth Policy Institute (click here)
Biodynamic Gardening (click here and here)
Findhorn Foundation (click here)
The Spirit of Wisdom

Table of Contents
1. The Spirit of Wisdom in Islam and Sufism.

2. Bibi Fatima: Manifestation of the Spirit of Wisdom (Sophia)
The Spirit of Wisdom in Islam and Sufism

What is the Spirit of Wisdom and how is the Spirit of Wisdom revealed in Islam and
Sufism?
According to the Rose Crescent tradition, the Spirit of Wisdom is a created being
of the first Aeon. “She” is the partner of the Logos-Rasul.
What is the difference between the Logos-Rasul and the Spirit of Wisdom?
The difference is in their cosmic function. The Logos-Rasul has the task to warn
beings. The Logos-Rasul usually brings a revelation with “him.” “He” is usually
interested in the establishment of civilization (based on a reflection of divine
law), the promotion of justice and the providing of a text (book) which reflects
the Mother Book. Moreover, the Messenger (aka: Warner) often battles with one or
more enemies. The Spirit of Wisdom, on the other hand, is a Comforter of all
beings, aiding them in their afflictions and providing wisdom and guidance. In
addition, "Her" role is often to temper the harsher - justice oriented -
revelation of the Messenger (Logos-Rasul). However, there have been Messengers
that did not come with a book, and Comforters who did.
What other revelations speak of the two Divine Spirit beings?
The Greeks called them Logos and Sophia. The Indian/Tibetan cultures call them
Buddha and the Bodhisattva (Kuan Yin being the most famous). The ancient Egyptians
spoke of Osiris and Isis. The Jewish Holy Scriptures speaks of the Messiah and
Wisdom (See: Proverbs 8)
What is the relation between the individual human and the Spirit of Wisdom or the
Logos-Rasul?
The two Divine Spirits usually possess the individual. Thus we find that Christian
imagery of the “dove” (the Logos-Rasul) descending upon Jesus at his baptism [give
scripture]. Once the human body dies that individual ascends into the spirit realm
and continues his/her ministry as a manifestation of one of the Divine Spirits.
Are all manifestations of the Logos-Rasul men and all manifestations of the Spirit
of Wisdom women?
No. There have been male and female Messengers (Logos-Rasul) and male and female
comforters (Spirit of Wisdom). However, in point of fact most Messengers have been
males and most comforters have been females. This has to do with the openness of
the individual human (their predilection) than any ontological necessity. Islam
clearly, and rightly, teaches that at the soul level there is no difference
between human males and females.
Who were the first manifestations?

Adam was the first Messenger. Eve was the first comforter.
What about Jesus?
Jesus was truly unique. He was a Manifestation of the Logos-Rasul, but (as
revealed in the Glorious Qur'an) he was strengthened by the Spirit of Wisdom.
Are there any manifestations today?
Muhammad was the last Messenger, ending the incarnation of the Logos-Rasul.
However, the Spirit of Wisdom continues to possess humans on earth.
For more information on Islamic-Sufi Gnosticism visit our site.
For more information on the Spirit of Wisdom visit our site.
***
For a non-Rose Crescent perspectives on the Divine Feminine in Islam click here.
For an informative and interesting non-Rose Crescent book see: "Women of Sufism: A
Hidden Treasure" by Camille Adams Helminski.
Saturday, July 01, 2006

Qur'an Surah 6:38 - Animal rights in the Qur'an
Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim
How does the Qur'an present the relation between animals and humans? Should
animals have rights? Do animals have a soul? Do animals have eternal life? Surah
6:38 provides the answer.
This is a foundational verse in the Holy Qur’an. The verse, along with the one
preceding it and the one following it, provides a key to understanding the
ontological essence of animals and their relation to humans and God.
Let’s look at the first part of the revelation:
"There is not an animal that exists on the earth, nor a being that flies on its
wings, but that they form communities like you."
Here the Spirit clearly reveals the equality between humans and other creatures.
The Quranic revelation completes the Abrahamic tradition by revealing that humans
and animals are co-equals before God, thus setting a clear precedent for animal
rights. Moreover, the revelation startlingly concludes:
"And they all shall be gathered to their Lord in the end."
Not only are animals like humans (and thus deserving of rights), but they also
have a soul, share in eternal life and will be gathered together in the Kingdom of
Heaven. The revelation given to Muhammad (PBUH) includes animals as partners of
humans, gathered eternally together before Allah.
Surah 6:38 answers the unbelievers of 6:37 who constantly complained that “Why is
not a Sign sent down to him from his Lord?” In other words, why doesn’t the
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) bring signs (miracles) as did Jesus (PBUH)? Why doesn't he
raise people from the dead?
The answer that the Spirit gives is to direct us back towards the greatest of all
miracles – the earth (life) in all its splendor and recognize the miracle of
creation, of beauty. Our animal brethren are the miracle of Allah!
But most people, unfortunately, refuse to recognize the fact that humans and
animals are equals. Few people are prepared to grant animals their rights or to
recognize that every being has an eternal soul (be it mammal, bird, fish insect,
etc.).
The Qur’an is clear that those who reject this sign (6:39) -
“Are deaf and dumb, in the midst of darkness profound.”
The Sufi is one who recognizes the eternal soul in every being and joins it in
praising Allah; the Sufi aids, protects and cares for animals whenever possible.
And what, we ask, would happen if all Muslims and Sufis gave the necessary weight
to Surah 6:38 that it rightfully deserves? Certainly Islam and Sufism would be
transformed. No animal would ever be injured. All Muslims and Sufis would consider
it their highest duty to protect all animals. (Joining Jains and Buddhists)
Muslims and Sufis would help prepare the earth for the Kingdom, when animals and
humans will join together in peace and co-existence. So mote it be!
To learn more about the recital, visit our site on the Qur'an
Spain to Recognize Rights of Apes

The Rose Crescent House of Peace fully supports Spain's recognition of the rights
of apes. We implore all Sufi and Muslim groups and lands to recognize the rights
of animals in accordance with the revelation given to humanity (Quran Sura 6: 37-
39).
So mote it be!
Thursday, June 29, 2006

Women Vote in Kuwait
The Rose Crescent House of Peace supports the rights of women to vote in all
Muslim lands. In fact, we remind the umma that Aisha was our first theologian and
advisor to the Prophet (PBUH), and Fatima (PBUH) the rightful heir of the Prophet
(PBUH).
Congratulations to the sisters of Kuwait!
So mote it be!
Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Ahriman
How is Ahriman attempting to gain global domination? What strategies has Ahriman
used in the past several centuries? What does Ahriman plan for the future?
According to the Rose Crescent tradition, Ahriman is one of the most prominent
demons in the hierarchy of darkness, and since the Industrial Revolution has taken
the lead in attempting to enslave humanity, destroy the earth, and effect total
world domination.
Ahriman’s historical strategy of global domination has been four fold:
Phase I:
The Industrial Revolution: Ahriman’s ultimate strategy was to create a mechanistic
view of reality by physically harnessing humans to machines. Beginning in Europe
and North America most humans spent 16 hours a day laboring at conveyor belts,
mindlessly performing tasks, alienated from the end product. This inprisoning of
humanity has now spread, like a virus, from Europe and North America to Asia where
millions upon millions suffer in sweatshops.
In the short term, Ahriman was able to destroy artisanship and craftsmanship,
dealing art (one of our strongest connections to the metaphysical) a staggering
blow.
Moreover, as the Industrial Revolution worked its way into the human soul we
ceased thinking in terms of the Spirit, or viewing the spirit behind phenomena, or
focusing on the individual and community needs. Instead, the new post-Industrial
Revolution human came to the following: (a) all phenomena are dead matter; (b) all
matter (earth, animals and humans) can and should be manipulated.
Human thought became calculative. The measurement of success shifted from

qualitative to quantitative analysis. Following a factory model, education at all
levels and achievement became measured in production (e.g. numbers of graduates;
numbers of articles published, etc.) rather than on the quality of thought and the
channeling of the divine. For example, today it matters little if an inspired
individual has one great poem. Instead, success is measured in the number of
volumes a poet produces!
His long-term strategy, as we shall see, of Phase I is to destroy the earth

through Green House gases.
Resistance to Ahriman’s Stage One strategy:
Ahriman’s first phase was opposed around the globe. In the West, where Ahriman
launched his first phase, it was primarily opposed by the remnants of the
Rosicrucian movement, the Romantics and their heirs (i.e. Rudolf Steiner and
Anthroposophy), the psychology of Jung and the universal Sufism of Hazrat Inayat
Khan; in the Near East Ahriman has been opposed by various Sufi groups; and in the
Far East by a number of Buddhist traditions.
Phase II:
Having introduced a mechanistic movement to corrupt the human soul, Ahriman now
proceeded to introduce the Chemical Revolution. His strategy here was (a) to
destroy all forms of biodiversity; and (b) to make humans dependent on chemicals.
Pesticides, fertilizers and gene manipulation was introduced to both destroy plant
diversity and to (1) create human illness through the introduction of carcinogens
into the food chain and (2) to so pollute the environment that many species would
die off.
Phase II has been opposed by the organic movement (which Ahriman is now attempting
to take over through mega-farms), the biodynamic movement and homeopathy.
Having accomplished phases I and II the demon Ahriman is now prepared to open the
next phase.
Phase III:
Here Ahriman will attempt to reap his work through global warming. Much of the
habitable earth will be destroyed. All species (plant, animal and human) will
significantly decline.
During this phase nanotechnology, artificial intelligence and psycho-chemicals
will be developed.
Phase IV:
The remaining humans will become hybrids – part robot and part organic human. All
human brains will have a chip inserted, and intelligence, personality and behavior
will be manipulated by chemicals. All humans will be linked to a central regime
and controlled by an elite oligarchy, who themselves will be under the influence
of the dark hierarchy. Humans will live in artificial environments (artificial
lighting, air, etc.).
What should we do?
It may not be possible to stop Ahriman (only Allah can). The Rose Crescent House
of Peace calls on all people to commit to supporting those movements that support
biodiversity, renewable energies, the metaphysical, and promote a deep love and
reverence for the earth, etc. Moreover, the Rose Crescent calls on the leaders of
the world's religions to take a stand for the earth: Are you for the Earth and
freedom or for Ahriman and slavery?
The Sufi is one who values the Earth and the freedom of the spirit.
To learn more about the strategies of darkness, visit our site on the enemies.
Sunday, June 18, 2006

Sufis and Vampires
According to the Rose Crescent tradition, vampires are defined as individuals who
have died but continue to cling to this world, attempting to fulfill their
addictions vicariously through another living human.
When an individual dies, s/he (especially those who have lived their lives in
disbelief of the hereafter – see Surah 2:4) is in danger of not recognizing their
new state of existence.
The soul of such a person continues to be turned towards the world of matter.
Thus, s/he will often remain amongst the living, continuing to frequent places
that s/he was formally habituated to (e.g. house or place of work), or will remain
close to his/her body (e.g. hospital or cemetery), or will frequent places where
s/he practiced certain physical-psychological addictions (e.g. bars, brothels,
etc.).
After a time this individual soul realizes that it cannot participate in the world
of the living, but lacking a connection (or belief) to the Light (Allah), s/he
becomes confused and frustrated. At that point s/he will attempt to attach onto a
human being that has similar patterns to the ones s/he had while in the body (e.g.
alcoholic souls will attach to other alcoholics; smokers will seek out smokers,
etc.), becoming a vampire.
The human who is in the body (i.e. living) experiences both a drain on his/her
energy level from the vampire and an amplification of both the addiction to
whatever it is that connects the attaching soul (the vampire) and him/herself and
certain negative emotions the vampire has (e.g. anger, hate, jealousy, etc).
The Sufi performs two major tasks in this regard: First, Sufis assist the living
to free themselves, with the power of the Spirit (Allah), from vampire attachment;
secondly, Sufis perform psycho-pomp work, assisting vampires, with the assistance
of angelic beings, to recognize that they have in fact died, and that the must
turn towards the Light and move on.
Thursday, June 15, 2006

Fatwa Alert: Polar Bears
Bismallah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim:
The Rose Crescent House of Peace issued a fatwa today calling on all nations and
peoples and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to immediately marshall the
necessary resources to save the polar bears.
According to the revelations vouchsafed unto humanity the earth is a sacred place,
humans have been placed here as caretakers, entrusted as custodians of Allah to
care for the various species. Polar bears are a beautiful ayat of Allah that must
be protected.
Several Watchers asked if it isn't possible to construct platforms from which the
bears could hunt as the ice recedes?
So mote it be!
Al-Khidr: The Encounter

From the Secret Sayings (Book III. 4. v. 11 -19)
11. Now it came to pass that Al-Khidr walked for days on end through deserts
forlorn.
12. And the sun in its might and fury beat down upon him, cracking his lips,
drying his skin and parching his throat. With neither food nor drink Al-Khidr
stumbled on.
13. As he lay dying under a bush several vultures took counsel next to him.
Shortly thereafter a falcon joined them. Each of the birds pecked and scratched at
him, attempting to rouse him from his state of near death.
14. And then a lone gray female wolf appeared. Lying down beside him, she licked
his wounds and offered his parched throat her wolf’s milk.
15. When he recovered sufficiently to stand, the wolf led the blind Al-Khidr into
the hills, where he came to a cave.
16. Resting in the coolness of the cave, the falcon and vultures brought him meat.
17. Soon rabbits joined in bringing him scraps of brush and leaves he could eat.
18. Then, early in the morning, as the sun rose, he felt a gentle hand upon his
and the feel of a cool chalice upon his lips.
“Who art thou?” He asked, as he quaffed at the heavenly drink.
“I am Isis. I am all that has been, that is or shall be. No mortal Man hath ever
unveiled me.” The angelic like being said.
19. In that moment his mind opened and he beheld the Spirit of Wisdom before him.
To learn more, visit our site on the legendary Al-Khidr, founder of the Rose
Crescent.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Al-Khidr: The Awakening
From the Secret Sayings (Book III. 4. v. 1-10)
1. Now it came to pass that Isis, still distraught over the loss of her lover, was
reclining upon her sofa, fast asleep, when she experienced a gentle breeze come
upon her, whispering to her heart, awakening her from a lifetime of slumber.
2. And the Spirit of Wisdom, watching the affairs of the earth from her place in
the Throne, took pity upon Isis in her mourning. And Wisdom entered Isis, inviting
her to transformation.
3. And Isis rose from her sofa and, opening her eyes, saw the world anew.
4. And behold, standing before her was Osiris. Taking her in his arms, the Osiris
the Logos-Rasul and Isis the Spirit of Wisdom joined in ecstatic love making. And
Isis rose towards heaven, where the four Archangels welcomed her with songs of
praise.
5. And from the Throne of Heaven Isis looked out upon the world. And seeing Al-
Khidr blind, alone and having taken refugee in a cave, Isis went to him.
6. And Isis stood before Al-Khidr and held a chalice in her hand. Taking Al-Khidr
by the chin, she moved the chalice to his lips.
7. And Al-Khidr, blind, asked: “Who art thou?”
8. And as the Divine Elixer touched his parched lips and quenched his throat his
mind opened and he saw the world anew with heavenly vision.
9. And Isis said: “I, Isis, am all that has been, that is or shall be. No mortal
Man hath ever unveiled me.”
10. In that moment Al-Khidr, giving up his mortality and becoming one of the
immortals, beheld Isis in her radiance.
To discover more about the Founder of the Rose Crescent and the so-called “Green
Man of Islam,” visit our site on Al-Khidr.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Sufism and Discontentment
One of the most universal strategies of darkness is to amplify our discontentment.
Unless we become familiar with the myriad strategies of darkness, spiritual
progress is treacherous. At every moment we are being studied by demons to assess
our weaknesses. Thus, it is imperative that each of us know our own weaknesses and
attempt to overcome them.
The Buddha, a manifestation of the Logos-Rasul, was correct when he revealed that
desire leads to suffering.
How are we captured in the world of desire?
First, demons attempt to amplify our discontentment with life, manipulating our
moods, and sending us thoughts and voices to encourage our discontentment.
Second, our own habituated thinking of the world in binary opposites – likes and
dislikes – creates the soil from which discontentment arises.
Third, discontentment takes firm root when we view everyone around us as needing
to change. We mistakenly believe that we will be happy only if those we know, or
the situation we are in, or the place where we live, would be otherwise.
How do we free ourselves?
According to the Rose Crescent tradition:
First, we must focus on the Source (Allah), the Kingdom of Light, and immerse
ourselves in all of the revelations (written and natural).
Second, we must view reality from our Higher Self, seeing the unity of existence.
Third, we must recognize that the only thing that needs to change is our own inner
world. We are not responsible for anyone else. Underneath the seeming madness of
existence there is a pattern of Divine Law at work (Allah), which will eventually
culminate in the realization of the Kingdom of Light and Love on Earth. This New
World is our hope and dream. We can enter it now. By doing so we become content in
the Light, awaiting the day when the earth is restored to a paradise. When we are
truly subjects of the Kingdom, then and only then (like Al-Khidr) we will know
when to intervene as agents of Light and Love.
Surah 2. Al-Baqarah: 1 Alif-Lam-Mim

Surah 2 begins with the mystical letters Alif-Lam-Mim. According to the Rose
Crescent tradition, these letters (signifying Eternal Light & Mind, Eternal Love
and Creation) have been revealed in order to be chanted. When done properly. they
will bring the seeker into alignment in the head, heart & torso and lower body
(genitals, legs and feet) areas of our being.
When chanting Alif feel a fountain gushing upwards towards heaven and showers of
light falling back on you. Then chant Lam and feel your heart opening to Love.
Then conclude with Mim and feel the creation and its four elements (earth, air,
water and fire) in your feet area. Repeat this as a mantra – Alif-Lam-Mim, Alif-
Lam-Mim, Alif-Lam-Mim, Alif-Lam-Mim…
One can also progress by using these sacred letters as part of "Qi Gong" type
exercises. When saying Alif raise both arms into the sky, palms upwards, and then
turn the palms inwards towards you and bring showers of Light down onto the top of
your head and all the way down to the solar plexus; then, when saying Lam move
your arms out in front of you, and then form a globe in front of yourself, feeling
Eternal Love; then, when concluding with Mim, move your hands, palms downward,
along your legs and towards the earth, sweeping them back and forth. Then repeat
with Alif by moving your arms upwards towards heaven.
For more practices, visit our site on spiritual exercises.

For more information on the Glorious Qur'an, visit our ongoing commentary.
Monday, June 12, 2006

Sufis, Ahriman and Technology
“Ahriman” is the name given to a negative demonic spiritual impulse that seeks to
rigidify the world.
Ahriman attempts to turn humans into machines; Ahriman wants to convince us that
the earth is just an object for our exploitation. Ahriman would have us believe
that animals lack souls, that there is no spiritual essence behind things, and
that all inanimate objects are lifeless.
The Rose Crescent Sufi’s goal is to raise matter to spirit and to bring spirit
into matter. Working against this goal, Ahriman attempts to weaken spirit, hoping
to remove it from the world of matter.
Technology is one of the areas where we need to be aware of Ahriman’s work.

Ahriman would harness technology to enslave both humanity and the earth.
According to the Rose Crescent, technology must always be in the service of

humanity and the earth. Ahriman would have humans and the earth become servants to
technology.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Meditation on Death
One of the most powerful meditations to weaken the illusion of the false self/god
is the meditation on one’s own death. For centuries Rose Crescent Sufis have used
this meditation.
Begin by counting from 20 to 1. With each breath say Allah Akbar.
When you have reached the number 1 you should be in a deep state of relaxation.
Visualize yourself lying in a hospital, strapped with cords, instruments beeping,
nurses and doctors talking about you as if you are just an object, a package, a
product to be handled.
Feel your last breath. Say the Shahada as you expire.
Look around. Everything you have worked for has been ripped from you. Your
precious body is now treated like a thing. They wrap you in a white cloth and
throw you in a ditch. Feel how the dirt is thrown over your body.
Sure, a few people cry over your death. Sure, they read Quran for you. But watch
closely. See how they greedily take what you worked hard for. Where is your bank
account now? Who has your money? Who is now in possession of your house now?
Look how they use your money to advance themselves. Do you really think they would
give everything up to have you back? Would they part with their inheritance if you
returned?
Now feel how the maggots are growing and gnawing on your flesh. Your beloved body
is decaying. It is putrefying.
Soon you are a picture on the wall. Soon you are a distant memory. Soon they only
think of you, and pray for you, on your death day. Where are the tears for you
now?
See how even your spouse has married someone else. Generations pass. Your great
grandchildren don’t even know that you ever existed. Now you are nothing. Hey –
quit crying for yourself and all that you have lost.
You are in darkness. All is black.
Turn around. There is a beautiful light behind you. Feel the love coming from the
Source. Go towards it.
Monday, May 29, 2006

Automatons, Demons and Jihad
Have you ever wondered how seeming normal people could do such horrendous acts?
Most humans go through most of their day on automatic pilot, living in a perpetual
state of day dream. And most authentic spiritual practices tell us that we need,
in contrast, to practice wakefulness.
We must realize that at every moment we are being watched by demonic forces, which
constantly send a barrage of messages at us.
By walking around in a dream like state, as automatons, we allow demonic

influences to penetrate our brains and seep their way into our souls.
Thus, one of the great techniques of jihad, as taught by the Rose Crescent
tradition, is to remain awake, shake our heads from our slumber, and pay attention
to any and all thoughts or voices that stream through our brains, recognizing from
what source they arose.
Sufism and Gratitude

Many people who join Sufi groups look for an ecstatic experience, believing that
this is what brings us closer to the Depth. Although ecstatic experiences, such as
whirling and long periods of dkihr are necessary to reach a transcendent, and thus
open, state of mind, they should not be the only spiritual exercises in Sufism.
Sufis also work at the deep “geological” level, affecting deep changes at the soul
level. The profound beginning and end of Islam is an existential state of
surrender. How do we achieve that? How do we simply give up before the Divine,
surrendering our complete being, to the Source?
According to the Rose Crescent tradition, the first Sufi step on the path of
surrender is cultivating the feeling of gratitude.
The Prophet taught us to pray five times a day. Do we remember to be thankful at

least five times a day? Do we await the rising of the sun (Fajr), standing before
it in all its golden glory and, together with the birds, sing songs of
thankfulness to Allah? Do we whisper our gratitude when it is overhead at its
zenith (Zuhr), and when the sun is on its descent and half way towards the horizon
(‘Asr)? Do we glorify both Creator and creation at the sunset (Maghrib), and give
thanks for our life, our loved ones and all beings before the moon in its many
manifestations (‘Isha)?
Or are we burdened by feelings of bitterness about life?

Our inner soul is like a garden. Gratitude is the healthy soil from which the tree
of paradise will grow, and the birds of heaven will come to roost. Without it no
amount of ecstatic utterances will help.
Sunday, May 28, 2006

Sufis and Assassins
Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and then s/he suddenly threw a
jab at you, causing a second of hurt. Perhaps you’ve been in a setting where
someone, in a rather teasing fashion, cut you. Perhaps you know someone who
constantly undermines you, and you feel your self-confidence eroding in his/her
presence. Or, perhaps you know someone who just can’t wait to slander others, and
spread malicious gossip.
Have you ever felt a shaft of pain in your body, often the neck, shoulder or back,
that seemed to come out of no where? Have you ever passed by someone and felt a
tinge of pain in your body?
We are surrounded by people who are assassins. How does an assassin develop?
It usually happens in childhood. The young child, still strongly connected to the
higher self, but slowly moving away from a state of total surrender towards the
development of the false self, incurs a psychic wound (either from an adult or
from other children). When an enemy begins poking repeatedly into that same
psychic wound, the child’s sense of serenity and connection to the light is
endangered. Suddenly, the child inflicts pain on another, and realizes that the
act of cruelty temporarily relieves its own suffering. The child displaces its
wound, finding temporary relief. However, it is only temporary, and the child
continues hurting others, habituating the pattern.
As an adult the individual often is taken under tutelage from a dark force (a
demon) which encourages the person to develop all of its skills as an assassin.
The assassin becomes adept at wounding, slashing, hurling poisoned darts and using
the evil eye. Assassins especially enjoy wounding children. This is because the
demonic influence over them hopes to create other assassins.
The assassin persona is parallel to the tyrant. Left unchecked by the Light, or by
angelic intervention, most assassins eventually devolve into evil sorcerers.
In contrast to the assassin, the Sufi empowers others. The Sufi uses the magical
incantation Asalam Alaikum to actually beam peace at others. Through prayer and
meditation, Sufis work with geographic spaces (e.g. rooms, halls, parks, streets,
neighborhoods, cities, countries and the entire planet) to promote peace.
Sufism, as taught by Al-Khidr The Green Man of Islam, is a powerful means of

working to counteract the darkness to prepare the earth for the Kingdom of Light.
This, fellow friends and warriors, is our jihad.
To learn more about the strategies of darkness as taught by the Rose Crescent,
visit our site on the enemies.
Friday, May 26, 2006

Sufis, Sufism and Tyrants
Where ever we turn we are confronted by tyrants. We find them at our places of
work, in our homes, running our countries, in our schools, and at our places of
worship (temples, synagogues, churches and mosques). Who are these people, and
where do they come from?
According to Sufism, as taught by the Rose Crescent tradition, the false self
easily metamorphoses into the tyrant. Cut off from the Source, and refusing to
surrender, the false self seeks to rule over others, be it at work or in the home.
The false self seeks to have power over others, to pretend that it is the warden
and that the others are its trustees; that it is the master and that others are
its slaves.
The false self uses tyranny as a way to establish itself as a false god,
enthroned. By having power over others it seeks to fool itself that it is both the
“source” and eternal.
From the tyrant to the fiend is but a small step. Tyrants often attract demonic
beings, who encourage it to go on, pursue tyranny, abuse others, worship itself
and ultimately turn away from the Divine Light (Allah).
Religiously, the tyrant is attracted to all forms of legalism and the tyrant is
against spiritual and individual freedom.
What can we do if we discover that we are in danger of being a tyrant?
The first action is to understand the true role of a Sufi leader, for the tyrant
is an inverted leader. The Sufi leader seeks to awaken others, to assist others,
desires the best for others, is willing to allow others to make mistakes,
encourages dialogue, has developed deep listening skills, doesn’t expect others to
be perfect, smiles and cries at human frailty, and works to develop a atmosphere
of love and nurturing where others can evolve and blossom.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Sufism and Demons
We live in a universe in which we are literally surrounded by demonic beings (also
know as “dark force entities” and “evil inorganic beings”).
Demons, having withdrawn from the Light, must seek their source of energy
elsewhere. As they travel through the kosmos they spy upon other beings (e.g.
humans, jinn, animals, etc.). Demons are attracted to what we will call “negative
energy.”
Since humans actually appear in the astral world as energy eggs, which beam a
certain degree of light, demons approach the “cosmic egg” and attempt to latch
onto it, drawing energy for themselves and away from the human. The individual
human often feels drained by having to create energy for him/herself while feeding
the demonic leech.
Thus, humans often create ever more situations of sensation for him/herself. This
puts extra adrenaline into the physical body and more "negative energy" into the
astral body, feeding the ever growing numbers of demonic leeches. In fact, the
more a human is in a state of agitation (e.g. rage, anger, hate, etc.) the more
negative energy s/he is producing. This, in turn, serves as a feeding source to
demons, attracting ever greater numbers. One should imagine how sharks are drawn
to prey.
Demons will also attempt to inspire humans towards negativity by sending thoughts
and feelings, producing greater amounts of negative energy.
The relationship between humans and demons is complex and symbiotic. Humans
unconsciously believe that they gain much from having a demon attached to oneself.
Although demons drain humans of energy, they also create a false excitement by
directing sensational human affairs, emotions, etc. These emotions, though
ultimately self-destructive, are powerful and addictive. Moreover, demons, through
a trick of mirroring, convince humans that the “light” they see is genuine. Thus,
many demon infected individuals falsely believe they are on the path of God.
For more information on the strategies of darkness, visit our site entitled
enemies.
The Path of Destruction

Question: How do I know if I am on the path of destruction?
Watchman Habibu’llah: According to the Rose Crescent tradition we need to take a

hard look within ourselves at the three possible forms of metamorphosis: the false
self/god; the fiend; and the evil sorcerer as examples.
Do you have conversations with yourself, with one side telling you that you should
do something wise and the other side, usually over-ruling the good inner voice,
making a decision that you know is bad for you? If so, then you have experienced
the inner jihad between the false self and the voice of the higher self.
The False Self (god):
Do you ever get entranced by your own image in a mirror? Have you ever been
mesmerized by your reflection? Do you resent when others offer you constructive
criticism? Do you have a need to tell everyone about yourself and your
accomplishments? Do you think everyone should be interested in your story? In a
conversation, do you only pretend interest in the affairs of others, pretending to
wait patiently until it is your time to speak? Do most conversations revolve
around you and your little dramas? If so, then the false self is quite strong in
you.
The Fiend:
Do you get angry when people oppose you? Are you incapable of celebrating the
accomplishments of others? Are you supposed to be the only winner in life? Are you
jealous of the good fortune of others? Does a feeling of joy creep in your heart
when others fail or experience suffering? Do you participate in fights? Do you
verbally abuse others? Do you get excited by war? Do you enjoy violent
entertainment? If so, then the fiend is strong in you.
The Evil Sorcerer:
Do you slander others? Do you participate in malicious gossip? Are people around
you failing? Do people around you get ill? Do they have accidents? If so, then the
evil sorcerer is strong in you?
Sufism & Evil Sorcerers

Sufism, as taught by the Rose Crescent tradition, recognizes a myriad of inner
emotional states that become personas. When moving towards the light we
metamorphose into beings of light (our higher selves); when moving away from the
light we risk strengthening the false self (god) and becoming ever more demonic.
We have said that all of us must struggle (jihad) against the false god (our own
created false self). We have also explained that the false self, cut off from the
light, becomes a fiend. However, as the fiend discovers its false light a
metamorphosis takes place – it becomes the evil sorcerer.
We must recognize that all people have magical powers that may be used for either
good or ill. The evil sorcerer manipulates the energy fields to cause others harm
and gain advantage for his/herself. Evil sorcerers are adept at using the evil
eye. They will attempt to enslave those around them to their will. They become
livid when opposed. They seek to emotionally, psychologically and spiritually
cripple others, particularly children. They war against individual freedom.
Like the fiend, most evil sorcerers hide the fact of who they are from their own
surface conscious awareness.
The Rose Crescent tradition has specific powerful actions to defeat both external
evil sorcerers and recommendations for what one might do if one discovers that one
is an evil sorcerer and would like to escape from clutches of darkness to the
kingdom of light.
To learn more about the various strategies of darkness, visit our site on the
enemies.

Muhammad (PBUH)
Table of Contents
1. The Last Prophet

The Enemies
Table of Contents
1. The False Self

2. The Fiend
3. Evil Sorcerers
4. The Path of Destruction
5. Tyrants
6. Assassins
7. Demons
8. Automatons
9. Ahriman
10. Discontentment
11. Vampires
12. Ahriman
13. The Mischief Makers
Spiritual Exercises
Table of Contents
1. The Divine Light
2. Gratitude
3. Meditation on Death
4. Alif-Lam-Mim
5. Meditation with the Rose Crescent
6. Spiritual Exercises
7. Transform Fear
Islamic-Sufi Gnosticism
Table of Contents
1. The Shahada
2. The Divine Origin
3. The Logos-Rasul and Matter
4. The Chakra System and the Stations of the Soul
5. The Spirit of Wisdom
6. Heavenly Archetypes (Surah 15:21)
7. Islam, Pantheism and Spiritism (Surah 2:21)
8. Bakka - The First House of Worship
The Quran
Table of Contents
Approaching the Quran

Sufism, the Quran and Exegisis
Surah Al-Fatihah
Surah 2
2:1 (Alif-Lam-Mim)
II:1-7 (Overview of Islamic beliefs)
2: 11-15 The Mischief Makers
2: 17-18 (Consequences of "Mischiefmaking")
2:19 (Jihad against mischiefmakers and enemies)
2:20 (To Banish Satan and Tyrants)
2:21 (Islam, Pantheism and Spiritism)
2:22 (The Earth and the Caliph)
2:23 (Rumi, Ibn Arabi & Baha'u'llah)
Surah 3
3:96 (Bakka - The First House of Worship)
Surah 4
Surah 4:34 (gender relations / wife beating)
Surah 6:35 (Islamic Shamanism)

6:38 (Animals)
Surah 15:21 (Archetypes)
Surah 16:44 (Mysticism and Magic in the Quran)
Surah 33:72 (Sufis, the Earth and the Trust)
Surah 39:53 (Sufism and Grace)
Surah 41:53 (Yes to Matter and Spirit)

Al-Khidr
Table of Contents
1. Tales of His Conception

2. Story of His Infancy
3. Legend of His Early Years
4. The Birth of Civilizations
5. Tales of King Osiris and Queen Isis
6. The Awakening
7. Remote Viewing
8. The Spider
Fatima, Umm Abi Ha

Table of Contents
1. Fatima
2. Women of Islam & Sufism: Fatima
3. Transform Fear
4. Bibi Fatima: The Rose Garden
5. Fatima and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (a meditation to align with
Fatima)
6. Her "Book"
8. Benediction for assistance to guide us towards the One

Sufism and the Fiend
An important aspect of Sufism (or the Sufi path), as taught by the Rose Crescent,
is to become an expert in the strategies of the enemy. We had said that the most
pernicious enemy is the “false self,” a constructed identity (from the time of our
infancy) that will do everything in its power to be god. All of us have a false
self. We had also said that a necessary strategy to counteract the false self is
to create an observer, a persona that watches, studies and reports on the
machinations of the false self. We absolutely must realize that the enemy is
within. In fact, the stronger the false self the less Divine Light our personal
space.
As the Light dwindles to almost nothing, and the false self grows, we are in
danger of becoming fiends (totally obsessed with either our own aggrandizement or
our own abasement).
If you have developed spiritual sight you will see fiends around you. They are
dark twisted creatures, hideous to behold. Fiends viciously attack all who stand
in their way. The fiend takes pleasure in destroying (spiritually, emotionally,
psychologically and physically) others. The fiend laughs at the misery and
suffering of others. The fiend (obviously or secretly) promotes cruelty against
humans, animals and the earth. Even in terms of entertainment, the fiend enjoys
horror and mayhem.
Fiends rush to spectacles of cruelty. What could be more fiendish than Romans
gathering in the coliseum to watch gladiator bouts, or television audiences
enjoying the nightly sight of aerial bombings against cities or of so-called holy
men gathered together in stadiums executing “sinners”?
To hide itself from the sight of others, fiends usually camouflage themselves.
Some of the worst fiends are disguised as priests, rabbis, monks, mullahs, imams,
politicians, philanthropists, doctors, etc. From these social positions they can
easily prey on the unwary.
All over the world fiends stand at the pulpits of temples, synagogues, churches,
cathedrals and mosques, at the political podiums of all parties, and attempt to
whip the crowds up into orgies of bloodshed in the name of their ideology.
As seekers our task must be:
(1) Be observant: become completely aware of all the strategies and machinations
of your own “false self”;
(2) Be vigilant: develop the spiritual sight, the “x-ray vision,” to identify a
fiend, no matter how camouflaged he or she might be;
(3) Surrender more and more of yourself to Allah (Spirit, Light, Being, Divine
Mind, Existence);
(4) Become familiar with the revelations of the Logos-Rasul through the chosen
prophets (e.g. Lao Tzu, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Mohammad);
(4) Invite the Spirit of Wisdom in her Manifestations (e.g. Mary the mother of
Jesus, Kuan Yin and Fatima) into your life and heart.

Sufism and the False Self
In order to progress on the Sufi path towards unity with the Spirit, it is
imperative that the seeker carefully examine all blocks and obstacles. Let us
begin with that which is the most pernicious – what we will call the false self in
contrast to the Higher Self. In order to do so we must retrace our personal
history.
Prior to our incarnation on earth we existed in a dimension we will call “the

Throne.” It is there that we existed in the Effulgence of the Divine Light, were
ourselves rays of light, communicated with heavenly beings, turned toward Allah
(the Spirit, Being, Source of Light) in a state of existential surrender.
Prior to our coming to the world of density each of us made a covenant with Allah
to serve as emissaries of light.
At our birth we continued to be in the state of existential surrender. However,

slowly something began to take shape, to form, to construct an identity, creating
a personality separate from the Source, which we will call the “false self.”
The false self is the ultimate false god. The false self sees the world as a
drama, with itself in the center of that drama. Here, at center stage, there is
only one light – the false light that it has created. Here there is no room for
Being (Allah).
In order to fool itself that it is alive, it has an insatiable appetite for

adulation and attention. It plays out constant dramas (e.g. the game of judge and
victim). Not having an actual reality, it desperately needs to feel alive. It
creates constant turmoil (both on an individual level and at the macro level),
resulting in everything from fights and feuds to wars. It is jealous of everyone
else’s success. It wishes all others ill. It will even wish itself ill, if that is
what it takes to be at the center of the stage. And it will even appropriate
seeming goodness (e.g. religion, spirituality) to promote itself. For the false
self, there is little difference in importance between the murderer and the saint.
All that is important is that its story is at the center. Whether it is being the
object of praise or the object of derision, its only concern is to support its own
false reality.
A deeper understanding of Muhammad’s (pbuh) jihad will reveal that it was actually
against the “false self.” The false gods of Mecca were external symbols for the
internal jihad.
How do we overcome the false self?
The Rose Crescent suggests several strategies.
First, as Sufis we must create a fictitious counterpart to the equally fictitious

false self. We will call it the “observer.” The observer’s job is to monitor the
false self and report back to something higher in us. The observer must catch the
false self as it plays out its dramas (e.g. victim, hero, judge, jury member,
etc.).
The information gathered from the observer can be used by that which is right in
us (our trapped Ruh) to slowly untangle ourselves from the false self, turning
ever more towards the Divine Light.
Second, we need to take out time to do nothing – to not act. Simply allow yourself
to be bored. The false self, needing to feel alive, seeks constant diversion.
Third, change the roles you play in life. We must come to a deep understanding of
the fact that our behaviors are simply acts. They are not you. For example, if
your tendency is to be extraverted, to give constant suggestions to everyone then
withdraw and remain silent. And if you are shy, then become the “life of the
party.”
Thursday, May 18, 2006

Sufi Spiritual Exercise: Divine Light
The following Sufi spiritual exercise is designed to open the body and soul to
receive the Divine Light. In this Sufi exercise the practitioner focuses on the
first three chakras (located approximately in the tail bone, navel and solar
plexus areas). The Sufi Spiritual Exercise of Divine Light has three components:
(a) the Invocation;

(b) the Declaration – which in turn has two parts: (1) the statement of repentance
and (2) the statement of purpose; and
(c) the Meditation on Divine Light.
In the following we provide our method, with instructions (in parenthesis), as

practiced by the Rose Crescent tradition.
(Begin by lighting a candle on your alter. Get into a comfortable position. Relax
your body and mind. Count from 13 to 1. Focus on your breath. With each inhalation
breathe in purity; with each exhalation breathe out mental and spiritual
pollution.)
The Invocation
(Repeat – from the Quran and from the inspired words of Hazrat Inayat Khan)
“Bismallah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim.”
“Toward the One,

The Perfection of Love, Harmony, and Beauty,
The Only Being,
United with the Illuminated Souls,
Who form the Emobiement of the Master,
The Spirit of Guidance.”
Allahu Akbar!
The Declaration
(Repeat the Statement of Repentance)
“I ___________ (your name) repent of each time I have valued a people, tribe,
clan, nation, race and/or species above another. I repent of all mental and
physical acts I have committed, knowingly or unknowingly, against the spirit of
unity. So mote it be.”
(Repeat the statement of purpose)
“I ____________ (your name) call upon the Divine Light to guide us towards thy
unity. May thy Kingdom of Love and Light encompass all beings, filling myself,
humanity, the earth and the unseen worlds. So mote it be.”
Meditation on Divine Light
(Focus on the candle. Soften your eyes. Breathe in the light. Breathe out
pollution. Notice how the glow of the candle enlarges. See how the flame desires
to leap upwards. Let the rays of light enter your eyes and chest. Turn your
attention inwards. See the candle within you. See the light. Focus on the light.
Let the light move throughout your body, healing your chakras, permeating you,
enlightening your field of energy.)

Women of Islam & Sufism: Fatima
When Fatima, beloved daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (pbhu), enters the throne
all 124,000 Prophets stand in respect. Around the world men and women of Islam and
Sufism look to Fatima for comfort and inspiration.
Fatima, she is the gentle breeze that blows through the leaves, beckoning all to
peace.
Fatima, she is the soft voice in our hearts, calling us to compassion, mercy and
grace.
She is the one who knows the songs of the birds, and sings praises to the Spirit
along with them when the sun rises.
She is the one who comforts the dying child, and carries its soul into the
heavens.
It is she who brings a cup of the waters of paradise to the scorched lips of those
in hell, and it is she who offers the first drink of wine to the pilgrims reposing
in heaven.
Fatima, it is her gentle hand upon ours, urging us to put the sword down, calling
us to unity.
She is the one who walks amongst the animals in the slaughterhouses, comforting
them before the knife, whispering promises of gardens and streams.
She is the gentle breeze in our hearts. She is the look in the eyes of lovers. She
is our longing for the Beloved.
Truly, She is Umm Abi-ha (the Mother of her Father), the Spirit of Wisdom.

Fatima
Fatima was the blessed daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his wife
Khadija. People who saw here called her “the luminous one” because of the shine
about her. She was known for her gentle speech, piety, kindness and asceticism.
She is famous for sharing her father’s commitment to the poor, and for turning
away from the world of luxury and extravagance. But who was she really?
A’isha, the wife and beloved of the Prophet, and first great Islamic theologian,
said of her: “I have not seen anyone of God’s creation resemble the Messenger of
God more in speech, conversation, and manner of sitting than Fatima, May God Be
Pleased with Her.”
From eyewitness testimony we know that Muhammad (pbuh) stood up whenever his
daughter Fatima entered a room. In fact, he often gave up his seat to her. As the
Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad’s (pbuh) standing up in respect before Fatima is
equivalent to all 124,000 prophets standing as well. Who was she then?
According to the Rose Crescent tradition, Allah created two complimentary Spirits
to serve the universe alongside the four archangels: The Logos-Rasul and the
Spirit of Wisdom.
The Rasul-Logos and the Spirit of Wisdom often appear in complimentary pairs.
While Adam was the first incarnation of the Logos-Rasul, the first woman Eve was
the first incarnation of the Spirit of Wisdom. Likewise, Osiris and Isis came to
embody the two Spirits. And while Buddha was a manifestation of the Logos-Rasul,
Kuan Yin was the incarnation of the Spirit of Wisdom. And Jesus was blessed to
have both his mother Mary and Mary Magdalene, both of whom were embodiments of the
Spirit of Wisdom.
Who was she? Fatima was no other than the incarnation of the Spirit of Wisdom. Her
title is Umm Abi-ha (“the mother of her father”), signifying her pre-incarnation
place within the first Aeon. Today, Fatima Umm Abi-ha serves as Queen of Heaven.
She has been given the authority of intercession before the Throne of Allah for
whoever calls upon her. She is known to appear on earth, as well as in other
worlds, ministering to the needy and assisting all beings (humans, animals, jinn
and even spirits in hell) who are in distress and request her help.
Sunday, May 14, 2006

Islamic Gnosticism: The Logos (Rasul) and Matter
The Rose Crescent tradition maintains that the Logos (Rasul in Arabic), a created
being of the first Aeon, incarnated a total of 124,000 times on earth in human
guise (both male and female). The first incarnation was in Adam and the last
descent of the Logos-Rasul was in Muhammad (pbuh).
With the advent of the Logos-Rasul into Muhammad the Logos-Rasul descended deep
into the realm of matter. Unlike the Christ, who ascended into the heavens,
Muhammad (pbuh) the soul of Muhammad remained on earth, awaiting the final trumpet
blast.
Question: Why did the Logos need to descend into matter?
Both Spirit (Ruh) and Soul (Nafs) had become ensnared in matter. The Logos-Rasul’s
descent was as a light bearer.
Question: Why aren’t there any prophets after Muhammad (pbuh)?
We believe that the all of the Manifestations of the Logos-Rasul have occurred.
Our goal now is twofold: (a) working with all of the revelations of the past, we
must continually polish the mirrors of our soul, reflecting ever more light; and
(b) we must raise the world of matter to the realm of Spirit.
Question: So you aren’t trying to escape the realm of matter?
Unlike earlier Gnostic teaching, the Rose Crescent understands that matter,
created by Allah, is not evil, nor is to be escaped. Instead, the divine plan is
to enlighten the world of matter.
Question: Are all humans, then, bearers of light?
Let’s say that all beings are potential bearers of light, depending on how
polished the individual’s mirror is. There are, of course, many beings (both
organic and inorganic) that are what can only be described as demonic – who
actively oppose the light. There is a cosmic drama unfolding. Will the earth
ascend or will it descend even further?
There are forces at work, powerful forces, led by Ahriman, the Prince of Darkness
and others, that would destroy the earth.
Saturday, May 13, 2006

Muhammad: The Last Prophet
The Rose Crescent confirms the Islamic belief that Muhammad (pbuh) was the Last
Prophet of God. We believe that he was the Seal of the Prophets (Khatim al-
anbiya).
Many people, particularly those who follow, or have been associated with, the
Bahia Faith are perplexed why we hold this position.
The Rose Crescent tradition maintains that the prophetic lineage of 124,000
prophets did, in fact, close with Muhammad (pbuh). Moreover, since the time of
Osiris our Watchers have traveled the earth, carefully searching for and serving
those Manifestations of the Rasul-Logos.
What does it mean, though, that the prophetic period ended and that Muhammad
(pbuh) was the Khatim al-anbiya (Last Prophet)?
First, in agreement with orthodox Islamic teaching, the Rose Crescent tradition
maintains that Muhammad (pbuh) brought the reflection of the Mother Book (Umm al-
Kitab) to the last people on earth (the Arabs) who had not received a Messenger.
Secondly, with the close of the prophetic age there is no longer a necessary
intermediary between the Being (Allah) and beings (humans, jinn, animals,
spirits). Instead, all beings may now look within themselves and, through
meditation and concentration, polish the mirror of the Self (the Ruh) so as to see
the reflection of the divine. In other words, the intention of the Rasul-Logos is
now dispersed amongst the beings.
And finally, the evolution of humanity moved beyond the necessity of a “High
Priest,” with the Ruh (the Spirit) descending into the realm of matter, providing
the opportunity for everyone to ascend.
This last point needs to be understood in the light of earthly evolution. With
each subsequent Manifestation the Rasul-Logos descended deeper into the realm of
matter, the realm that the Ruh had been imprisoned within. We may note that as the
ages passed, miracles became rarer. Oracles around the world began to cease. In
the 6th century after Christ the Spirit (Ruh) had descended to its furthest point.
The last incarnation ended with the Rasul-Logos providing the means for the
complete liberation of the individual.
The Spirit now moved from that of a particular person (The Prophet) as the Divine
Mirror to all individuals having the potential for a pure mirror within them.
Thus, there was a transfer from the prophet to the united spiritual umma.

Tales of King Osiris and Queen Isis
Al-Khidr, the legendary Green Man of Islam, was a companion of the King Osiris and
Queen Isis. In this account, preserved by the Rose Crescent, the truth of King
Osiris and Queen Isis’ roles in the Divine Drama are revealed. The story, as part
of the Secret Sayings of Al-Khidr, follows the account of the Birth of
Civilizations. Like Adam and Eve at the beginning of time, Jesus and Mary
Magdalene and Muhammad and Fatima in the 6th century, Osiris and Isis became the
incarnations of the Rasul-Logos and the Spirit of Wisdom.
From the Secret Sayings (Book III. 3. v. 1 - 23)
(1) Now it came to pass that Queen Isis learned of the murder of her husband.
Distraught and overwhelmed with mourning, the Queen traveled the earth, searching
for her beloved’s body.
(2) And when Set heard that Isis, in her weeping, was searching for the body he
planned to take it and destroy it forever.
(3) But the spirit of the river took pity on the dead King and, cradling the
coffin upon its waters, carried him into the upper realms where he finally came to
rest at the root of the great Heavenly Lote Tree.
(4) And the angels gathered about the body of the great King and wept, for never
since Cain had so a betrayal been committed to one so noble of heart.
(5) And the Queen continued to search for the body of her beloved.
(6) And one day a sparrow came to rest upon her shoulders. And as the Queen was
conversant in the languages of all animals, she soon heard that her beloved’s body
had been found.
(7) Carried into the heavens upon the wings of a mighty spirit eagle, the Queen
found her beloved at the foot of the Lote Tree. Throwing herself upon his body,
she herself longed for death.
(8) And as she sought to raise her arm against herself, the Spirit of the Lote
Tree took pity upon her, and called the Archangel Gabriel, who appeared unto her,
wrapping his light about her, quenching her tears.
(9) And Osiris appeared before her, transformed and flashing with the brilliance
of a thousand stars. “Behold, my love - that which I have sought has found me. I
was hidden from myself, but now do I see,” he said.
(10) And Isis wept with joy at the sight of her beloved. “Do not touch me, for I
am the Rasul-Logos, the Alpha and the Omega,” he proclaimed. “Take my body and
return to Egypt.”
(11) And the Queen took the mortal body of her beloved and returned to her city.
And the people were overjoyed. And the Queen laid his body to rest in a sepulcher
made from the finest stone. And pilgrims journeyed from the four quarters to seek
Osiris’ intercession.
(12) But Prince Set became furious at the affection of the multitudes towards the
dead king. But he dared not make a move, but bid his time.
(13) And Prince Set, continuing to explore the dark side of the mysteries, grew
daily in malevolence and power.
(14) And one day he crept into the temple and, finding the sepulcher unguarded,
stole the body away.
(15) And news of the theft carried to the four quarters of the earth. And all
peoples, beings and animals wept.
(16) Placing the body of the King in a dark circle, Prince Set performed rituals
throughout the night, finally releasing the descending mist, the dark spirit of
Ahriman, into the world. And then cutting the body into fourteen pieces, he hid it
amongst the world of matter.
(17) But the Queen discovered what had happened. And she and her maids set about,
traveling the world, aided by every creature, until she recovered, piece by piece,
the body of her love.
(18) And day and night she called for her beloved to reveal himself to her. But
all was still. And her heart was broken. And her maids could not console her.
(19) And all of the kingdoms of the animals sent representatives to her. And the
birds lighted upon her, singing to her, attempting to comfort her. And beautiful
and magical horses appeared to her. And monkeys visited her. Yet, she could not be
consoled.
(20) And the angels joined her in weeping. And all of heaven took notice and
stopped.
(21) And in her Mercy the Queen of Heaven, Wisdom Herself, descended to earth and
hovered above Isis, until entering her heart and taking possession of her being.
(22) And Isis, now united with the Spirit of Wisdom, looked out at the earth and
felt compassion for others. And knowing their pain and sorrow, she vowed her
eternal assistance to those in need and of gentle heart.
(23) And from across the desert the wind whispered to her of a friend long
forgotten. Looking within herself, her cosmic gaze traversed the paths until she
spied Al-Khidr, blind and alone.
To discover more about the legendary Sufi Master, Teacher and founder of the Rose
Crescent, visit our site on Al-Khidr.
The Rose Crescent - Who We Are

The Rose Crescent was founded and commissioned in ancient Egypt by the immortal
Teacher Al-Khidr, Peace be Upon Him, during the reign of King Osiris and Queen
Isis. Since the third millennium the Teacher has sent male and female "watchers"
(or “disciples”) into the world, searching for the Blessed 124,000 Messengers of
God while serving humanity and the earth in the cause of peace, justice, beauty,
love and harmony. Watchers have served at the courts of Melchizedek, Solomon and
Sheba, worked with shamans in the lands of the Toltec and Aztecs, walked and
served with Jesus Christ, made the hijra to the Prophet Habibullah Muhammad (Peace
be Upon Him) and swore allegiance to safeguard His daughter Fatima, Queen of
Heaven and incarnation of Wisdom.
Meditation with the Rose Crescent
Fellowship with the Rose Crescent
Al Khidr, Founder of the Rose Crescent
Rose Crescent commentary on the Glorious Qur'an
Information on Fatima, Queen of Heaven
Rose Crescent spiritual exercises

Islamic Sufi Gnosticism: The Divine Origin

In Islamic Sufi Gnosticism, as taught by the Rose Crescent tradition, Allah was
alone in eternity and wanted to be known. Allah then began the process of
emanation. As being moved into becoming, Allah created what has most accurately
been described (although description is not possible) by the Prophet Lao Tzu
(pbuh) as The Tao.
From the Tao emerged the First Aeon. Within that Aeon Allah created three things
and seven Spirits.
The three things are the Umm al-kitab (the archetypal Mother Book), which serves
as a mysterious blueprint of the universe; the Divine Forces to animate the
universe (e.g. Love, Compassion, Mercy, Yin, Yang, etc); and The Throne.
Within the First Aeon Allah also created and placed the Seven Spirits before the
throne. These seven include: the Spirit of Guidance (known by the Greeks as the
Logos and by the Arabs as the Rasul); the Spirit of Wisdom; and the four
Archangels.
Allah then commissioned the Seven Spirits before the throne to go forth into the
universe, with each of the Seven Spirits manifesting differently in the universe.
For example, the Archangel Gabriel communicated the various revelations. The
Rasul-Logos (Spirit of Guidance), in various human guises, received the divine
communication, and then appeared to each nation, tribe and species, bringing with
them a reflection (revelation) of the heavenly Umm al-kitab. It should be noted
that the last appearance of the Rasul-Logos was with the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Other appearances of the Rasul-Logos have included Adam, Buddha, Zoroaster, Moses
and Jesus.
The Spirit of Wisdom also appeared at different times throughout history as well,
with the purpose of unveiling the deeper hidden mysteries of the Umm al-kitab.
Some of the most famous and noteworthy appearances of Wisdom have included Isis,
Kuan Yin and Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Thursday, May 11, 2006

Al-Fatiha (The Opening) - A Sufi Commentary
The Fatiha is the opening chapter of the Quran and provides a beautiful summary of
not only the Quran, but of the essence of all the 124,000 preceding revelations.
Al-Fatima begins with:
1. “In the name of Allah, the Compassionate One, the Merciful One”
Right from the Opening the Recital assists us to set our minds on the Divine
Essence – the Source of compassion and mercy. Note: the Quran doesn’t open with
judgment, anger, promises of punishment, etc. Instead, we are confronted with
compassion and mercy. This is the message of all of the rightly guided prophets.
Jesus (Isa) tells us that God is Love.
2. “All praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of all the worlds.” 3.
"The Gracious One, the Merciful One.”
There are two key ideas here. First, we need to recognize the existence of worlds
(plural). As Hazarat Inayat Khan, under divine inspiration, prayed: “…Lord God of
the East and the West, of the worlds above and below, And of the seen and unseen
beings.” The reality is that we exist in a universe with multiple worlds, visible
to our senses and invisible, inhabited with almost infinite beings. The Sufi is
one who develops the skills to navigate, by shifting one’s focus of awareness,
these various worlds. The second important idea is to notice that these worlds are
framed, literally surrounded by divine compassion and mercy. By placing the worlds
between these two sentences the underlying message to those who have “eyes to see
and ears to hear” is that the divine surrounds us, blankets us and frames our
world. The Sufi is one who not only enters these worlds, as do shamans, conversing
and interacting with visible and invisible beings (angels, jinn, spirits and
spirit creatures) but also accesses and uses the divine energy fields of
compassion, mercy and graciousness to align the worlds with the Divine Love,
Beauty and Harmony.
4. “Guardian of the Day of Judgment.”
Both Islam and Christianity teach that there is a Great End of History that we
will one day face. This is the time when all beings will be brought before the
throne. The Rose Crescent also teaches that there are lesser days of judgment,
when each of us dies and we are confronted by our karma.
5. “Thee do we worship. And Allah’s aid do we seek.”
Here we are brought in to face the Spirit of Compassion and Mercy, whom we both
worship and call upon for aid. What is worship? The Rose Crescent maintains that
there are many forms of worship, the highest being our acts of goodness,
compassion and mercy in the worlds. What aid do we seek? We seek the power and
divine energies to transform this cosmos and assist the Kingdom of Light to
emerge.
6. “Guide us on the Straight Path.” 7. “The path of those whom the Spirit has
blessed. Not the path of destruction; nor the path of wandering.”
At every moment of every day we stand at a juncture. There are three paths before
us. The first path is that of divine union with the Spirit. Before we incarnated
on earth we were all literally before the throne, living in Presence. The first
path is a call to return to Presence, to understand and achieve our own emanation
from the Light, the Source. It is the path of the Messengers (e.g. Adam, Eve, Al-
Kidr, Abraham, Moses, Lao Tzu, Zoroaster, Buddah, Mary, Jesus, Muhammad – Peace be
upon them all), the Mothers (e.g. Khadjia, Fatima, Aisha) and the saints (e.g.
Rabia, Rumi, Ibn Arabi, Francis, Teresa, etc.). This is the path of the divine
unity of the Spirit and the greater assembly (angels, jinn, humans, animals,
plants and all beings).
The second path is the path of destruction. This is the state of hell wherein
anger, envy and violence dominate our souls.
The third path is the earthly path. Herein we wander between the Straight Path and
that of destruction. Our thoughts, acts and being flow between heaven and hell,
peace and violence, love and hate. We walk in a desert, lost, yearning for the
Source, despaired at not knowing how to find the Oasis of Love. The Rose Crescent
uses the symbol of the trident as a tool of meditation on this passage. The Sufi
is one who struggles and relaxes each moment, with each breath, to be on the
Straight Path.
Question: These three states you mentioned, are they figurative

(spiritual/psychological) or actual?
They are both. The Rose Crescent teaches that we actually do inhabit different
spheres at the same time (heavenly, earthly and lower world). The Sufi path is to
unified the soul as much as possible so that our bodies are on earth but our
unified soul is in heaven.
Sufism: Surah Al-Fatihah: Explained

Al-Fatihah is the opening chapter of the Quran and provides a beautiful summary of
not only the Quran, but of the essence of all 124,000 preceding revelations. The
following is a Sufi interpretation, according to the Rose Crescent tradition. Al-
Fatihah opens with:
1. “In the name of Allah, the Compassionate One, the Merciful One”
Right from the opening the Recital assists us to set our minds on the Divine
Essence – the Source of compassion and mercy. Note: the Quran doesn’t open with
judgment, anger, promises of punishment, etc. Instead, we are confronted with
compassion and mercy. This is the message of all of the rightly guided prophets.
This message builds upon Jesus (Isa) revelation that God is Love.
2. “All praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of all the worlds and all
that exists (Alamin).” 3. "The Gracious One, the Merciful One.”
There are two key ideas here. First, we need to recognize the existence of worlds
(plural). As Hazarat Inayat Khan, under divine inspiration, prayed: “…Lord God of
the East and the West, of the worlds above and below, And of the seen and unseen
beings.” The reality is that we exist in a universe with multiple worlds, visible
to our senses and invisible, inhabited with almost infinite beings. The Sufi is
one who develops the skills to navigate, by shifting one’s focus of awareness,
these various worlds.
The second important idea is to notice that these worlds are framed, literally
surrounded by divine compassion and mercy. By placing the worlds between these two
sentences the underlying message to those who have “eyes to see and ears to hear”
is that the divine surrounds us, blankets us and frames our world.
The Sufi is one who not only enters these worlds, as do shamans, conversing and
interacting with visible and invisible beings (angels, jinn, spirits and spirit
creatures) but also accesses and uses the divine energy fields of compassion,
mercy and graciousness to align the worlds with the Divine Love, Beauty and
Harmony.
4. “Guardian of the Day of Judgment.”
Both Islam and Christianity teach that there is a Great End of History that we
will one day face. This is the time when all beings will be brought before the
throne. The Rose Crescent also teaches that there are lesser days of judgment,
when each of us dies and we are confronted by our karma.
5. “Thee do we worship. And Allah’s aid do we seek.”
Here we are brought in to face the Spirit of Compassion and Mercy, whom we both
worship and call upon for aid. What is worship? The Rose Crescent maintains that
there are many forms of worship, the highest being our acts of goodness,
compassion and mercy in the worlds. What aid do we seek? We seek the power and
divine energies to transform this cosmos and assist the Kingdom of Light to
emerge.
6. “Guide us on the Straight Path.” 7. “The path of those whom the Spirit has
blessed. Not the path of destruction; nor the path of wandering.”
At every moment of every day we stand at a juncture. There are three paths before
us. The first path is that of divine union with the Spirit. Before we incarnated
on earth we were all literally before the throne, living in Presence. The first
path is a call to return to Presence, to understand and achieve our own emanation
from the Light, the Source. It is the path of the Divine Messengers (e.g. Adam,
Eve, Al-Kidr, Abraham, Moses, Lao Tzu, Zoroaster, Krishna, Buddah, Mary, Jesus,
Muhammad – Peace be upon them all), the Divine Mothers (e.g. Khadjia, Fatima,
Aisha) and the saints (e.g. Rabia, Rumi, Ibn Arabi, etc.). This is the path of the
divine unity of the Spirit and the greater assembly (angels, jinn, humans,
animals, plants and all beings).
The second path is the path of destruction. This is the state of hell wherein
anger, envy and violence dominate our souls.
The third path is the earthly path. Herein we wander between the Straight Path and
that of destruction. Our thoughts, acts and being flow between heaven and hell,
peace and violence, love and hate. We walk in a desert, lost, yearning for the
Source, despaired at not knowing how to find the Oasis of Love. The Rose Crescent
uses the symbol of the trident as a tool of meditation on this passage. The Sufi
is one who struggles and relaxes each moment, with each breath, to be on the
Straight Path.
Question: These three states you mentioned, are they figurative

(spiritual/psychological) or actual?
They are both. The Rose Crescent teaches that we actually do inhabit different
spheres at the same time (heavenly, earthly and lower world). The Sufi path,
according to the Rose Crescent tradition, is to both unify the soul as much as
possible so that our bodies are on earth but our unified soul is in heaven and to
transform the earth into the Kingdom.
Al-Khidr: The Birth of Civilizations

Al-Khidr was the companion and co-worker of King Osiris as they traveled the
world, founding civilizations, and initiating peoples into the mysteries.
Together, Al-Khidr and King Osiris visited every continent on earth, including
Atlantis and other lost lands. The following is from the Rose Crescent archives:
From The Secret Sayings (Book III. 2. v. 1 - 14)
(1) And the boy was brought into the court of King Osiris and Queen Isis.
(2) And as the year passed Al-Khidr grew in both physical strength and wisdom.
When the priests questioned him concerning the cosmos, all were amazed for he knew
the position of the sun, the moon and the attributes and influences of the planets
though none had taught him. And he excelled all others. Soon his knowledge equaled
that of the most learned men.
(3) And the King took Al-Khidr into the pyramids, explaining to him the secrets
and significance of each passageway and the mysteries that were known only to him.
And also the Queen loved to pass her time with him, taking him on walks in her
gardens.
(4) But after a time Al-Khidr’s heart returned to his home. And he begged the
Royal Couple that his brothers be allowed to join him. Giving their consent, they
stipulated that the brothers too join the circle of neophytes.
(5) But as Al-Khidr was the beloved of the Royal Couple, Prince Set, the King’s
brother, hardened his heart against him.
(6) When Al-Khidr reached his third decade the King called all before him. Looking
across the land, the King said that his heart had grown tender towards the peoples
of the earth. Why should they not enjoy the bounties of civilization as well?
(7) Announcing that he would only take one companion with him on this mission to
enlighten the world, the court grew still in anticipation.
(8) Choosing Al-Khidr above all others, he bade his court farewell.
(9) And jealously filled the court.
(10) As the months passed, the power of Prince Set grew. Drawing a circle around
himself, he denounced Osiris for having abandoned Egypt, the Queen and the people.
(11) And King Osiris and Al-Khidr traveled to the four directions, visiting all of
the descendants of Noah, implanting wisdom and knowledge where there had been
none.
(12) And the power of Prince Set continued to grow. All bowed before him. Soon the
Circle’s might became unchecked. New, and dark, rituals were created. And the
people feared to leave their homes; and the Queen would not leave her temple.
(13) And so it was that the three brothers, Abd Al-Mumit (Servant of the Taker of
Life), Ab Al-Qabid (Servant of the Constrictor) and Abd Al-Qahar (Servant of the
Crusher) rose in rank, eventually becoming the first within the Circle. (14) One
day Prince Set announced that King Osiris had been gone long enough. Egypt could
no longer be without its King. Taking the three brothers with him, Prince Set,
under the cover of darkness left Egypt, traveled across the great waters in search
of King Osiris.
Al-Khidr: Legend of His Early Years

Al-Khidr, the co-worker of all of the Prophets, Messengers, Saints was adopted by
King Osiris and Queen Isis. The following “verses” are from the Secret Sayings of
Al-Khidr, part of the larger archives of the Rose Crescent, an international Sufi
affiliation.
From the Secret Sayings (Book III: 1-8):
(1) And it came to pass, in the days of King Osiris and Queen Isis, that there
lived a young poor shepherd boy, named Al-Khidr, in a small village. In those days
the people had little to eat. While the boy was walking amongst his few sheep he
noticed a royal procession moving through his village. Like all of the other
children he ran to behold the goings on. But when he saw that the King’s mighty
men trampled the flowers without regard his heart wept. But like all of the other
children he followed the procession to the edge of the village, waving to them as
they left.
(2) The next year the King and Queen made their way through the land again. This
time the young boy ran to the front of the gathering crowd. But when he saw that
the horses were tired, and how the slaves toiled under the sun, his heart once
again wept. Turning his back on the King and Queen he walked back towards his
sheep. But the great King Osiris, from his caravan, spied the youth turning and
walking away. “Lest sedition one day creep into the land,” the King thought, “I
mark this boy.”
(3) Several years passed, and the youth, now growing stronger, was invited by his
uncle to visit the city. Soon after arriving in the city the young man was
standing upon the road as the King’s caravan passed. Suddenly a dog ran in front
of it. Jumping in front of the caravan, he snatched the dog to safety. But the
King’s heart was dark towards him, and recognizing the youth, he had the boy
arrested.
(4) The following morning the King and Queen, together with the High Priest,
demanded that the boy be brought before them, intending to do away with such a
stiff necked rebel.
(5) “How dare you jump in front of the Royal Caravan!” the High Priest bellowed.
Standing before them in chains, the young man courageously answered, “Once you
trampled flowers underfoot without thought; then I saw how the horses and slaves
toiled without mercy; and now a poor dog would have been run over without regard.
Let me speak to the King and Queen, for the Lord of my land would not act so.”
(6) Immediately the King’s heart was convicted. Standing up from his throne, he
ordered that the chains be removed. Queen Isis, with tears in her eyes, asked that
the young man come towards her.
(7) “Young though you may be your heart is of the ancients. Come, henceforth we
shall take you as our confident. Your council shall be ever sought,” the King
proclaimed.
(8) “From this day on, you shall be as our own son, and we shall be as your
parents,” the Queen added.
Al-Khidr: Story of His Infancy

Al-Khidr, the “Green Man of Islam,” is called upon and revered around the world by
hundreds of thousands, appearing and disappearing without notice. In the following
we present the story of his birth, as memorized by Sufi Watchers throughout the
ages and made public from the Rose Crescent archives.
From the Secret Sayings (Book II. 2. v. 1-9)
(1) Now it came to pass that with heavy labor the woman bore the four, each with a
sacred mark upon his back.
(2) And while the boys lay within their crib an asp crept in amongst them. And all
were amazed that the serpent spared their lives.
(3) And as the boys began to walk the three led their brother to the Nile.
(4) And jealousy filled the hearts of the three.
(5) As the waters rose about them a crocodile, terrible and fierce to behold,
emerged from the murky waters.
(6) And the crocodile grabbed the young Al-Khidr within its jaws and sped off,
swimming deep underwater.
(7) And his mother, believing her son had been eaten, wept bitterly. For again,
she believed, the Lord must have cursed her.
(8) So it was that all believed the young Al-Khidr had died. But one day,
fisherman spied an island where the terrible crocodile dwelt. Sneaking ashore,
with spears and ropes in hand, they hoped to put an end to the beast, lest more
children be taken.
(9) But when they approached its place they discovered the child at rest, cradled
in the paws of the beast, guarded securely against all that is malevolent.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Al-Khidr: Tales of His Conception
Al-Khidr, the Green Man of Islam, Sufi Master, Teacher and founder of the Rose
Crescent, was born during the time of King Osiris and Queen Isis. This is the tale
of his conception, preserved for millennia by the Watchers, and recently released
from our archives to the public.
From the Secret Sayings (Book II: I. v. 1-10)
(1) Now it came to pass, during the time of the crescent moon, that a certain
young woman was strolling amidst the fields, enjoying the flowers and breeze when
from a distance the Nine Riders of the Underworld appeared, terrifying in their
countenance. Swooping down upon her the Nine stole her from her home and carried
her across forbidden deserts and down dark passages.
(2) That evening her mother, forlorn at the loss of her daughter, wept loud onto
the Lord. Filled with grief she ran through the village, wailing at the plight of
her precious daughter.
(3) Then there appeared an old man of wisdom. His countenance shone with the rays
of the sun. His beard flowed in the wind. Approaching the woman he declared, “Fear
not for the Lord Almighty has heard your cries.”
(4) And the young woman, caught in the dark caverns of the underworld, knew not
that the Spirit had come upon her.
(5) Then appeared to her one of the bright and shining ones, holding a sword in
his left hand, and mounted upon a fiery steed. Taking her in his arms, and holding
her tight before him, he raced upwards towards the light, returning her from
whence she had come.
(6) When the young woman saw her mother she wept with joy and ran towards her.
(7) And the old man of wisdom looked long and hard at them before declaring,
“Behold, thou art pregnant and shall bare four male children into this world.
Three shall be of the shadows, and one shall be of the light. The first shall be
named Abd al-Mumit, Servant of the Taker of Life; the second shall be named Abd
al-Qahhar, Servant of the Crusher; the third shall be named Adb al-Qabid, Servant
of the Constrictor.”
(8) And the two women wept bitterly. “Surely the Lord Almighty has cursed us.”
(9) “Weep not, for the fourth shall be named Al-Khidr. Wise, powerful and blessed
shall he prove to be. Like his brothers he shall move within the shadows. Like the
eagle he shall watch from the heavens. Under his feet the earth shall blossom. By
his hand the poor shall prosper. From his staff the mysteries of Eden shall again
be open. From his sword justice shall reign.”
(10) And the three shall be in opposition to the one.
Peace and blessings.
Quran, Sufism and the Root Chakra

The first chakra, called the “root chakra,” is located at the base of the spine
and situated between the legs. It is under the Station of the Ego (Maqam an-Nafs).
The root charka connects us with who we are, locating us within a larger family,
clan, tribe and nation. Its color is usually seen as being red.
Ethical concepts, social mores, codes and laws all speak to our root chakra. How
we view others and our environment depends on the amount of divine light
permeating our root chakra. If this chakra is full of divine light we will
understand each being’s necessary place in the divine plan.
It is here that the Qur’an gives us the revelation of the divine unity of humanity
and the oneness of all of the messages delivered unto the peoples and jinn. If our
root chakra is healthy we will practice tolerance. Cultivating friendship, keeping
covenants and forgiving others will be important. We will see beyond our blood
ties and embrace the Unity of All. In the history of Islam, when the Prophet
gathered the first community they did something never before done in Arabia – they
disregarded blood ties! Our desire will be for the restitution of the wrongdoer.
However, if this chakra is murky, as it often is, then we will believe our
particular tribe, group or nation is right and others are wrong. We will fall into
strife, contention and warfare. We will practice exclusion. We will also tend to
see the world through binary opposites. We will want to see punishment carried out
rather than forgiveness.
Sufism and the Shahada Interpreted

Question: How does Sufism interpret the Shahada? How can one on the Sufi path use
the Shahada to progress?
The Shahada is the greatest mystery ever. Over a billion people on earth have said
the Shahada (the Muslim testimony of faith that “There is no god but God, and
Muhammad is his prophet”). Yet, amazingly, outside of small Sufi circles few
individuals understand its deeper meanings and implications.
According to the Rose Crescent tradition the best way to understand the Shahada is
to meditate on its meanings through the chakra system and the Stations of the
Soul.
Let’s look at the first clause of the declaration: The First Station of the Ego
and Chakras 1-3 (tailbone to solar plexus). At first the False Ego wrongly
declares:
“There is no god but my God!”
At the lowest level of the first chakra the Shahada is a tribal testimony of the
supremacy of our own individual God. We often find this in the Old Testament and
the ancient pagan religions. Whose god is the greatest? Jehovah versus Baal in a
battle to prove which religion, tribe or nation is the best and right.
However, when the First Chakra is filled with divine light we transcend the
tribalism of the above and discover that, in fact, because there is no god but God
(divine Light) All of the gods are in fact Allah. At the higher level of the
Station of the Ego we give up our individual gods to embrace the One. The Shahada
now becomes:
"There is no god but Light (Allah)"
As we advance into the Second Station, though, this new declaration continues to
spiral upwards, transforming.
The Second Station of the Heart and Chakra 4 (heart):
At the level of the heart the Shahada transforms into:
“There is no god but Love (Allah).”
Then as we move upwards to the Third Station of the Pure Spirit and Chakra 5
(throat) we declare:
“There is no will (god) but Divine Will (Allah).”
Continuing on into the Fourth Station of the Divine Secrets and Consciousness and
Chakra 6 (middle of the forehead) we testify:
“There is no mind (god) but Divine Mind and Universal Consciousness (Allah).”
As we approach the Throne of the Divine at The Fifth Station of the Proximity or
Nearness to Allah and Chakra 7 (top of the skull) we declare:
“There is no me (god) but God (Allah).”
Moving into the Sixth Station of the Divine Wedding and Chakra 8 (located at the
top of the energy egg) we sigh:
“There is no existence (god) but the Universal Divine Existence (Allah).”
In summary, the Shahada is considered as the “first pillar” of Islam. The Shahada
is a two-part testimony. The first part of the Shahada formula states that La
ilaha illa’ Allah (“There is no god but God”). The second part of the Shahada is:
Muhammadun rasul Allah (“Muhammad is the Messenger of God). The Shahada is a
powerful formula that should be repeated frequently and, used as part of dhikr,
will aid the Sufi in recollecting his/her station with the Spirit. By meditating
upon the Shahada at each level of the chakra system the Sufi progresses from the
limitations of the Ego to loss of Self and union with the Divine.
A three part chant used by Rose Crescent Sufis to achieve transformation is:
La ilaha illa’ Allah ("There is no god but God")

La ilaha ill'a ishq ("There is no god but Love")
La ilaha ill'a Hu (None exists but God, God alone is")
Sufism, the Chakra System and the Stations of the Soul

Question: How does the chakra system relate to the Sufi concept of the Stations of
the Soul?
Sufism, according to the Rose Crescent tradition, holds that there are seven
chakras (as part of the larger chakra system), located throughout the body, that
act as both hermeneutical lenses and as portals into other dimensions. In
addition, there are five stations of the soul that we inhabit at any one time. The
chakras and stations of the soul are inter-related as follows:
The first station is called the Maqam an-Nafs (Station of the Ego) and relates to
the first 3 chakras in the body, which are located from our solar plexus area to
the lower tail bone.
The second station is called Maqam al-Qalb (Station of the Heart) and relates to
the 4th chakra, located in our heart region.
The third station is called Maqam ar-Ruh (the Station of Pure Spirit) and relates
to the 5th chakra, located in our throat region.
The fourth station is called the Maqam as-Sirr (the Station of Divine Secrets and
Consciousness) and relates to the 6th chakra, located above the eyes and in the
middle of the forehead.
The fifth station is called Maqam al-Qurb (Station of Proximity or Nearness to

Allah) and relates to the 7th chakra, which is located at the top of our skulls.
And the sixth station is called Maqam al-Wisal (the Station of the "Divine
Wedding" - or Union with the One), which is located above our bodies at the top of
the celestial "egg" (a field of energy) that encloses all humans.
Sufism and Approaching the Quran

How does Sufism approach the Quran? Let's examine three questions:
Question: What is the best way to approach the Qur’an?
The Rose Crescent has always taught that the key to understanding the Qur’an is
within each individual. Each verse of the Holy Qur'an has 18,000 meanings,
depending on three factors: (a) what level of the cosmos you are in (e.g. earth,
paradise, heaven, hell, etc); (b) who you are (e.g. angel, jinn, human, etc.); and
– intertwined with the above two factors - what your spiritual/psychological
disposition is. If your station is Ego (Maqam an-Nafs) then one will surely find
war, judgment, intolerance, exclusion and hell fire reflected back to you. But if
you have moved to the next station, the station of the Heart (Maqam-al-Qalb), then
you will find love, peace and compassion reflected back to you. . Imagine what
one, such as Rabia, Rumi or Hallaj, would find at even higher stations when
meditating upon the Holy Kitab?
Question: How can my station influence my understanding of the Qur'an?
Every time we encounter a sacred kitab (book), whether it is the Torah, the
Bagadvagita or the Qu'ran, one discovers - not the text - but the light within
oneself. Sacred kitabs are like mirrors, reflecting both the light of the Spirit
and the light or darkness of oneself. The scriptures we read today will mean
something different to us tomorrow. From our perspective, the text is in a state
of constant flux, influenced by our station, our state of mind, our culture, etc.
Question: How does the Qur’an relate to the chakra system?
The human body has seven main chakras. Each chakra governs a particular state of
being. In addition, each of these chakras are part of the bigger system of
stations. Our understanding of the world depends on our awareness. Each chakra
serves as a hermenutical lens. Thus, depending on which lens (chakra) we view the
world through, in other words – where our awareness is located, we will perceive
others, our environment, the earth, our relation to the divine, etc. As the Qur’an
is spoken into the world three things occur. First, each ayat (“verse”) and sura
of the Qur’an is meant for a particular chakra; secondly, our understanding of
each ayat and sura will depend on where our awareness is located when we encounter
that particular “verse” and sura; and thirdly, each ayat and sura can be
interpreted differently depending on the chakra.
What is the Rose Crescent?

The Rose Crescent was founded and commissioned in ancient Egypt by the immortal
Teacher Al-Khidr, Peace be Upon Him, during the reign of King Osiris and Queen
Isis. Since the third millennium the Teacher has sent male and female "watchers"
(or “disciples”) into the world, searching for the Blessed 124,000 Messengers of
God while serving humanity and the earth in the cause of peace, justice, beauty,
love and harmony. Watchers have served at the courts of Melchizedek, Solomon and
Sheba, worked with shamans in the lands of the Toltec and Aztecs, walked and
served with Jesus Christ, made the hijra to the Prophet Habibullah Muhammad (Peace
be Upon Him) and swore allegiance to safeguard His daughter Fatima, Queen of
Heaven and incarnation of Wisdom.
About Me
Name: rose-crescent
View my complete profile
"The ayat al-kursi (the verse of the throne or sedile), is also known as ayat al-
hifz. It is a single verse of the Koran (2:255) of more than average length,
consisting ten sentences, is one of the principal verses of refuge and protection.
It is the loftiest verse of the Koran, and according to George Sale, "It is a
magnificent description of the Divine Majesty and Providence". Wherry writes that
it is "one of the grandest verses of the Koran." Ayat al-Kursi is one of the most
excellent verses of the Koran, and played a key role in piety. It has as well
evoked much mystical thought and feeling through the lyrical beauty of its
language. These qualities have no doubt given it the prominent place it occupies
in the intellectual life of Muslim society.
Qurtubi writes in al-Jami li-Ahkam al-Koran (Cairo, 1967, 2:268) that the Throne
Verse was revealed at night and that the Prophet immediately sent for Zaid bin
Thabit to write it down. Qurtubi also writes that the Prophet once asked Ubayy,
"O'Abul Mundhir! Do you know which of the verse of the Koran in your possession is
the greatest?" Ubayy said, "God and His Apostle know best." The Prophet struck
Ubayy in the chest and exclaimed, "You possess true knowledge. By Him in whose
Hand is my soul, the Throne Verse has a tongue and two lips with which it
sanctifies the King at the foot of the Throne." The Prophet also said to Ali bin
Abu Talib: "The mast of the Koran is Surat al-Baqarah, and the master of Sura
Baqarah is the Throne Verse. O'Ali, it consists of fifty words, and every word
contains fifty blessings." (Majma al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Koran, 2:299).
The following is the ayat al-kursi with translation:-
Allaho la illaha illa howa

God! There is no god but He.
Al haiyul qayyum
The Ever-Living, the Self-Subsisting.
La ta'khozuhoo sinatun wala naum

Neither slumber overtakes Him, nor sleep.
Lahu ma fis samaa waate wama fil ard

To him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth.
Manzallazi yashfa'o indadhu illa bi iznehi

Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission.
Ya'lamo man baina adideehim wama khalfahum

He knows that which is in front of them and that which is behind them.
Walla yoheetuna bi shai'im min ilmehi illa bemashaa'a

And they encompass nothing of His knowledge except what He pleases.
Wase'a kursiuhus samaawaate wal ard

His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth.
Wala ya'oododhu hifzohuma

He is never tired of preserving them.
Wa howal Aliul Azeem

He is the Most Hight, the Great.

Untitled

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Исходное описание:

Авторское право

Доступные форматы

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Untitled

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Rose Cresent

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Before we forget, let's recall the horrors of the Soviet War:

1 million Afghans dead

Is terrorism a danger? Of course it is - as is piracy. But it pales in comparison

We pray that the world's leaders realize this.

1. Enter the celestial temple

posted by rose-crescent at 11:57 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Moreover, the Rose Crescent position on Afghanistan is that further military

We categorically assert that the USA is in danger of starting down a road of

Interview with Ambassador Zia:

Question: You say that the Taliban cannot be defeated.

Zia: And upon you.

posted by rose-crescent at 11:55 AM 0 comments

Sunday, March 01, 2009

Thursday, February 26, 2009

For those new to the Rose Crescent, the process is as follows:

posted by rose-crescent at 8:45 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Monday, February 23, 2009

Questions we will consider:

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Second - the manifest: 1. donate money. Good places include

International Red Crescent: http://www.ifrc.org/index.asp?navid=01

Oxfam call: Open the borders -

Amnesty International: http://www.amnesty.org/en/region/israel-and-occupied-

Human Rights Watch: http://www.hrw.org/en/middle-eastn-africa/israel-and-occupied-

Common Ground News Service: http://www.commongroundnews.org/index.php

The Electronic Intifada

MIFTAH - Palestinian Initiative for Democracy: http://www.miftah.org/

Applied Research Institute - Jerusalem: http://www.poica.org/index.php

The Hidden Realm:

Perform spirit-work in Palestine.

posted by rose-crescent at 3:50 PM 0 comments

Friday, January 16, 2009

Stop the Genocide in Gaza!

We call on people of all faiths, especially the children of Abraham, to demand a

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

posted by rose-crescent at 7:02 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

See yourself in the divine realms.

Descend downwards towards the world of matter.

A bolt of light strikes you.

You crack open.

Again - be aware that You are as dense as a rock.

Again - be aware that You are in the realm of matter.

Count upwards from 1 to 13

Now read the verse (scroll down to previous blog entry)

posted by rose-crescent at 7:08 AM 0 comments

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Different individuals have proclivities towards different paths, but each of us

Question: You mention that there are three paths.

Question: You spoke of the metaphor of water in the verse...

Question: Christian baptism, for example.

Question: Are there any other possible interpretations?

Question: And others?

Watchman: Well, a legalist would naturally interpret "hardening" as turning away

Thursday, November 06, 2008

May we become stewards of earth in this most beautiful day.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

May Allah bless all of you now and forever.

Monday, February 19, 2007