Rumi Café Nights with Jilani and Friends:
Join Jilani live for readings of Rumi and other mystical poetry, accompanied by beautiful live music, on guitar, viola and percussion. There will be times of Sohbet, or Sufi teaching through soulful conversation. Jilani will also lead the group in chanting Zikr and other sacred phrases in Arabic from the Sufi tradition.
These evenings are proving hugely popular, and have taken place in a variety of gorgeous venues with a beautiful atmosphere, and often excellent tea and cake! Check the calendar for the next time we meet, usually on a weekend at 7-9.30 pm. £10 in advance, £15 on the door. Tickets available in the calendar event.
Zikr means ‘remembrance’ and refers to the Arabic phrase La illaha il’llah, which could be translated as “no God but God”, “no reality except Unity”, “all separation is illusion”. In practicing Zikr, we practice remembrance of our inherent unity with the Divine, recognising our human tendency to forget. Chanting Zikr can be a powerful and heart-opening experience, unifying a group and harmonising the atmosphere in a vibration of grounded, sacred, loving connection.
The chants are simple and easily learned, not unlike kirtan or bhajan, but rooted in the Sufi tradition. Even if you don’t understand all of the words, you will have an embodied experience, which many describe as inducing feelings of joy, inner peace and a deep sense of connection to the Beloved.
The Zikr journey can pass through times of high energy and ecstasy, usually ending in a space of stillness and silence, resting in awe-filled experience of Unity with All-That-Is.
Jilani is a member of the teaching circle of the Sufi Ruhaniat International, a Universal Western Sufi Order in the Chisti lineage. She travels widely, teaching in many countries including Australia, New Zealand, India and the USA as well as across Europe. Resident in the Calder Valley for nearly 30 years, she is happy to be able to share her work near home as well. For the Rumi Café nights, Jilani will be supported by other talented musicians, including usually a special guest.
