"Simplicity is not only the principle of
all art,
but of all spiritual activity whatsoever."
Shaykh Abdul Hadi
but of all spiritual activity whatsoever."
Shaykh Abdul Hadi
The Ivan Aguéli Website
Welcome to The Ivan Aguéli Website, which is dedicated to preserving the religious and artistic heritage of the wandering Sufi of Sweden - Shaykh Abdul Hadi Aqhili or Ivan Aguéli (1869-1917).
Receptive now my heart is for each
form;
For gazelles pasture, for monks monastery,
Temple for idols, Ka'bah to be rounded,
Tables of Torah and script of Qur'an.
My religion is love's religion: where'er turn
Her camels, that religion my religion is, my faith.
For gazelles pasture, for monks monastery,
Temple for idols, Ka'bah to be rounded,
Tables of Torah and script of Qur'an.
My religion is love's religion: where'er turn
Her camels, that religion my religion is, my faith.
Muhyeddin Ibn Arabi
Ivan
Aguéli in Studies in Comparative Religion
In February 2011, Studies in Comparative Religion became the first to publish an English translation of a full-length article by Ivan Aguéli in the edition "Universal Dimensions of Islam" written by Farid Nur ad-Din - the leading scholar on Ivan Aguéli in the English language.
The article "Universality in Islam" was first published in April 1911 in Paris, almost one hundred years ago. It reflects Aguéli's views on the univerality of Islam from the perspective of Sufi doctrine, whilst also commenting upon the similarities between Islamic and Taoist tradition.
Ivan
Aguéli & Jewish Kabbalah
Ivan Aguéli took a great interest, not only in Sufism, but also in the esoterisms of other world traditions. Fluent in both Arabic and Hebrew, Aguéli was a devoted student of Jewish Kabbalah and counted the Zohar and the Psalms of David amongst his favourite texts.
It is therefore a pleasure for this website to in the memory of Ivan Aguéli recommend a new book called "The Universal Meaning of the Kabbalah" - by the well-known Jewish Kabbalist Leo Schaya.
Below is a well known mystical poem praising the Oneness of God by the legendary 17th Century Ottoman Kabbalist Isaac of Luria.
Ivan
Aguéli & the Roma
Throughout his life Ivan Aguéli was fascinated by Roma music and dance. Whilst living in Spain he would often attend their gatherings, admiring their traditions and customs. The Roma reminded his soul of the ever wandering nomadic way of life, the very nomadism Islam so vividly respresents.
To honour Aguéli's great admiration for the Roma, we include below a trailer of a documentary about Sufi Roma in Macedonia. The Roma people still have one of the most original and fascinating cultures that is to be found on the European continent.
Interfaith
Dialogue with the Dalai Lama
In October 2010, Emory University hosted the Interfaith Dialogue on Happiness between the Dalai Lama, Professor Seyyed Hossein Nasr and Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks.
Both Professor Nasr and Lord Sacks stressed the great affinity that exists between Islam and Judaism, and the necessity of forgiveness and compassion to bring about Peace in the Middle East.
You will find the full video of the dialogue here.
NEWS
February 2011
For the first time, Studies in Comparative Religion publishes a full article by Ivan Aguéli in English translated by Farid Nur ad-Din.
January 2011
Launch of the Ivan Aguéli Website.
For the first time, Studies in Comparative Religion publishes a full article by Ivan Aguéli in English translated by Farid Nur ad-Din.
January 2011
Launch of the Ivan Aguéli Website.