Episode 3.
Yusef and I explore the deep integration of his practice as a Sufi Muslim in an interfaith life. He also explains the importance of the relationship with his Master/Sheikh and the path of Islamic mysticism.
Highlights:
· While Yusef identifies as a Sufi Muslim, part of the Sunni tradition, he has much respect for Shia Islam and sees himself as a universalist.
· Yusef is incredibly grateful that he found a teacher and that his father converted to Islam.
· The relationship of Disciple and Master/teacher is a central aspect of practicing Sufism.
· His Order – International Sufi School Khidmatul Khadim – is broadly geographically dispersed, but mostly in Senegal.
· Prayer, service, work and God are all entwined for Yusef. It’s very hard to disentangle these elements that are so integral to his life and sense of self.
· Familiarity with and respect for the partner’s religion, along with commitment to their own practice, has facilitated a successful interfaith family with his wife, a practicing Catholic.
· Co-author of Shalom, Peace. Salaam.
Quotes:
“I feel just tremendously lucky and blessed to be on this path. I feel like a drunk who stumbled into the wedding feast and was asked to stay and given some nice food, and some you know a nice shawl to put on his shoulders.”
“In my particular Sufi Order there is a tremendous emphasis on being of service in the time and the place that you find yourself in, with the people that you find yourself. You know, we have a saying ‘work is worship’.”
“I'm kind of struggling too with the question about faith, because it just seems like integrated, an integrated part of my life in the same way as like eating or drinking or or breathing I guess would be.”
“It feels like I wake up in the morning. And you know, along with the desire for caffeine, there's a desire for prayer. And in the desire to you know, do my best for my family. So it's all kind of kind of wound up together. And I think it's kind of integrated into the fabric of who I am.”
Social Media links for Yusef:
International Sufi School website: http://internationalsufischool.org
Shalom, Peace, Salaam – co-authored with Rabbi David Werb and Rev. Francis Cloherty:
https://shalompeacesalaam.org
Social Media links for Méli:
Email – info@talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
Transcript:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/9831533-3-yusef-hayes-gratitude-for-the-sufi-path/edit
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The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise: Is your way similar or different? Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore? Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.
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info@talkingwithgodproject.org
The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
