Contribute to a Legacy of Peace & Healing
The Initiative for the International Association of Sufism
a non-profit humanitarian United Nations-associated civil service organization
Sufi Masters Dr. Nahid Angha and Dr. Ali Kianfar co-founded the International Association of Sufism (IAS) in 1983 as a non-profit and United Nations-associated civil service organization headquartered in Marin County, California. IAS, a UNESCO Messenger of Peace Award recipient, has developed and participated in interfaith programming all over the world for more than 40 years, while also bringing
Sufi teachings and practices for peace and healing to the public in new ways. Sufism recognizes the essence of each human being as a unique creation of the Divine, endowed with inherent dignity, respect, and self-awareness. This essence stands to witness the beauty and value of all creation and to support the flourishing of life at every level. This understanding guides IAS in advancing its mission through programs and activities dedicated to peace, healing, and service to humanity.
Expanding More Than 40 Years of Service
Since its inception, IAS has pioneered and developed community-enhancing programs that bring together people across backgrounds and faith traditions to understand, value, and appreciate what makes each person unique while honoring and celebrating the universality of human experience and Divine essence within all creation. IAS is the first organization to bring major Sufi organizations and scholars from around the world together to establish relations and gather in the spirit of unity and harmony (IAS Symposia 1994-2013). It has also built bridges between people of different faith traditions and co-operated with many different organizations, including Scotland University, Dominican University of California, the Parliament of the World’s Religions, Al-Azhar University in Egypt, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Now, through the IAS legacy project, we invite you to help us make an even greater difference for future generations.
For more than 40 years, IAS has successfully contributed to both local and international communities through its various departments, programs, and activities. Now, IAS seeks to establish a Center to continue and expand its programs, providing a gathering place for current and future generations. IAS envisions that the Center will host established IAS programs and initiatives, including but not limited to:
- Gatherings, classes, and retreats, such as the Forty Days: Alchemy of Tranquility program, that offer wisdom teachings and practices to seekers of all spiritual backgrounds.
- Humanitarian efforts through the Sufi Women Organization and other IAS Departments that, in partnership with other local and international organizations, honor people of service and support women and families around the world.
- Psychology seminars and services, such as the Community Healing Centers, that integrate heart-based wisdom with Western psychology for self-realization and healing, and continuing care for and access to the Garden of Light Meditation and Praying Room as a sanctuary for people of all faiths;
- Educational, cultural, and interfaith events, such as Building Bridges of Understanding and Songs of the Soul Sacred Music and Poetry Festivals that strengthen community and celebrate humanity’s innate spirituality, and love for beauty and wonder, in all their many forms and manifestations.
- Publications containing and translating Sufi teachings, literature, and poetry from contemporary and past Sufis from around the world, including Sufism: An Inquiry, the world’s longest running journal on Sufism with over 60 volumes to date.
- The IAS Prison Project, Voices for Justice, and Insight Newsletter.
- Gatherings, classes, and retreats, such as the Forty Days: Alchemy of Tranquility program, that offer wisdom teachings and practices to seekers of all spiritual backgrounds.
You are invited to take part in this historical and humanitarian movement.
The International Association of Sufism aims to raise $5 million to purchase and endow a Center. IAS has already raised over $800,000 in donations and pledges towards this goal, and continuing. Please join us in our efforts to bring IAS’ vision for a Center to fruition and consider making a tax-deductible financial contribution. IAS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and 100% of donations to the Center campaign go directly into the Center endowment. Your contribution will immediately advance this vital effort and make a lasting impact.