Qahira Fran Becker
Qahira is a Centre leader in Calgary, Alberta. This is her Sufi biography.
Qahira Fran Becker
Qahira Fran Becker
In 1977 I discovered some extraordinary prayers in a book, ‘Toward the One” by Pir Vilayat, oldest son of Hazrat Inayat Khan founder of the Sufi Movement International.
Knowing there must be other people who were reading this book I wondered where they could be? I was fascinated by the sound practices at the back of the book, the prayers and the Invocation (all of which I memorized). On the radio, one morning I heard a voice speaking the Invocation, “Toward the One, the Perfection of Love Harmony and beauty…” from the book I was so in love with, followed by a brief inspirational reading and a comment about “Sufi Dancing” to be held in the library in Edmonton where we currently lived.
Knowing there must be other people who were reading this book I wondered where they could be? I was fascinated by the sound practices at the back of the book, the prayers and the Invocation (all of which I memorized). On the radio, one morning I heard a voice speaking the Invocation, “Toward the One, the Perfection of Love Harmony and beauty…” from the book I was so in love with, followed by a brief inspirational reading and a comment about “Sufi Dancing” to be held in the library in Edmonton where we currently lived.
The speaker, spoke about the content of the music sung and danced being derived from all faiths and having an uplifting effect upon one’s entire being. As our focus was interfaith at that time, I was anxious to learn more.
Through a phone contact number given (which seemed to burn into my brain) my beloved late husband Bob and I got in touch with the speaker. We began attending “Dances of Universal Peace” and other meditative and esoteric practice classes held by the local adherents of this western Sufi tradition based on the teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan. We learned an interfaith worship form called Universal Worship which expanded our Ecumenical training. We held these Services at our home for friends and periodically in venues to which the public were invited and welcomed often inviting religious leaders from other faiths to participate in reading from their particular faith.
Through a phone contact number given (which seemed to burn into my brain) my beloved late husband Bob and I got in touch with the speaker. We began attending “Dances of Universal Peace” and other meditative and esoteric practice classes held by the local adherents of this western Sufi tradition based on the teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan. We learned an interfaith worship form called Universal Worship which expanded our Ecumenical training. We held these Services at our home for friends and periodically in venues to which the public were invited and welcomed often inviting religious leaders from other faiths to participate in reading from their particular faith.
Qahira and Sirkar Bob Becker
Qahira and Sirkar Bob Becker
The teachings and practices offered wonderful support as our family expanded from two teens to include a Down’s Syndrome Baby. The Sufi group rallied round with wonderful spirit assisting us at every turn in our desire for Inclusion for this dear new child now almost 40 who graduated from U of C in 2012. The Sufi teachings and practices amplified efforts made to improve the lives of all persons with disabilities as we branched out into advocacy work for new families adopting or birthing children with Down’s Syndrome.
The Art work done during this lifetime (Heartflower Mandalas) was also magnified through such Sufi teachings on nature, symbology and colour. This art was ultimately offered as a sustenance to those serving in the community of persons differently abled. Always the basic Sufi teachings and Hazrat Inayat Khan’s extraordinary “Inclusive” prayers were at the foundation of everything we did in family and professional life. Lake O’Hara camps were part of this journey for us all refreshing us & expanding our friendship base as others who followed this path attended camps thus forming connections to last a lifetime.
We have for the past 40 years, been gratefully and lovingly guided and sustained by this Message of Love, Harmony and Beauty, sharing it to the best of our ability with other genuine seekers we encounter along this adventure of Life.
Qahira Fran Becker
2018.01.17
The Art work done during this lifetime (Heartflower Mandalas) was also magnified through such Sufi teachings on nature, symbology and colour. This art was ultimately offered as a sustenance to those serving in the community of persons differently abled. Always the basic Sufi teachings and Hazrat Inayat Khan’s extraordinary “Inclusive” prayers were at the foundation of everything we did in family and professional life. Lake O’Hara camps were part of this journey for us all refreshing us & expanding our friendship base as others who followed this path attended camps thus forming connections to last a lifetime.
We have for the past 40 years, been gratefully and lovingly guided and sustained by this Message of Love, Harmony and Beauty, sharing it to the best of our ability with other genuine seekers we encounter along this adventure of Life.
Qahira Fran Becker
2018.01.17
a Sufi Movement In Canada Community
affiliated with the Sufi Movement International
affiliated with the Sufi Movement International
J. Gary Sill Music - website design