Hazrat Inayat Khan (1882-1927) grew up in a musical Muslim home often visited by poets, mystics, musicians and philosophers. His own musical talent brought invitations to play at the courts of the Rajas, the princely rulers of Indian states under British colonial rule. He also developed an appreciation for various religions and had a strong sense of the “oneness” of all faiths and creeds. He subsequently met a Sufi teacher who guided his development and, on his death bed, gave Khan a charge: “Go to the Western world, my son, and unite East and West through the magic of your music.” As Inayat lectured in the US and Europe, he focused on the themes of divine unity, love, harmony and beauty. As he taught people the “inner disciplines” of prayer and meditation, he also taught them the importance of relating their inner journey with the larger religious community of their faith.
In his spirit, for today, consider some of Khan’s wise words:
“Some people look for a beautiful place, others make a place beautiful.”
40 Days with Peacemakers 