Sufi School and Cultural Centre of Islamic Mysticism

The Sufi is hanging on to Muhammad, like Abu Bakr – Jalaluddin Rumi

1. Introduction

Sufism (Arabic: Ta'sawwuf), according to its adherents, is the inner mystical dimension
of Islam. Practitioners of Sufism often belong to different ṭuruq or "orders"—congregations formed
around a grand master referred to as a Mawla who maintains a direct chain of teachers back to
the Prophet Muhammad. These orders meet for spiritual sessions (majalis) in meeting places known
as zawiyahs, khanqahs, or tekke. Sufis strive for ihsan (perfection of worship) as detailed in a hadith:

"Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him; if you can't see Him, surely He sees you."

Sufis consider themselves to be the original true proponents of this pure, original form of Islam.

2. Motivation/Justification

The different aspects of the sufi practices lie fragmented. The idea is to allow all the orders
to practice the various practices like Dhikr, Muraqaba, Qawwali and Sufi Whirling under one roof.
The motive is also to educate the visitors and provide resources into this less focused and dissolving
tradition.

3. The literature study available

● Mosque-Madrassa of Hassan, Cairo, Egypt

● University of Al-Qarawiyyin, Fes, Morocco

4. The proposed case studies

As mentioned earlier the different practices in Sufism lie aloof. Individual study is required for
every practice.
● Matrimandir, Auroville Pondicherry
● Baha’i House of Worship (Lotus Temple), Delhi – (Case Study done)
● Fatehpur Sikri, Agra – (Case Study done)
● Red Fort, Agra – (Case Study done)

5. The presentation that is planned for.

The plan is to carefully study the individual aspects and culminate all into one. The
following is a list of spaces that I believe must be a part of the design,
● Museum
● Mosque
● Resource centre
● Open air theatre
● Madrasa
● Residence
● Orphanage
● Private and Public spaces (Diwans)