Urs of Noor-un-NIsa Khan and Hejirat Day Celebration

Universal Worship and Sama Celebrating Hejirat Day and the Urs of Nur-un-Nisa The Inayatiyya Hudson Valley Center warmly welcomes you to join in a day of worship, sacred music, readings, storytelling, and an Indian themed brunch and afternoon refreshments commemorating two very special events. One is the bringing of the message of Universalist Sufism to the United States (1910) by Indian mystic and musician, Pir-o-Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan, and the other is the departure from this world (1944) of his daughter, mystic, poet and World War II heroine, Noor-un-Nisa Inayat Khan. This celebration will be held at the Abode of the Message in New Lebanon on the anniversary date of these events, September 13th, beginning at 11 and concluding at 3:15, followed by refreshments. The public is welcome. The musical program will feature New York City based, New England Conservatory of Music alumni, Sarmad Wes Matthews with local musicians Salima Amanda McCall and Rehan Ryan Morey, and a special selection sung by Gayatri Hull. Both the 11:00 a.m. Universal Worship Service and the 1:30 p.m. afternoon program will be provided in person, and on zoom at this link here. Sarmad Wes Matthews studied composition and improvisation at the New England Conservatory of Music. His early work included performances by ensembles including the Minnesota Orchestra, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, and A Far Cry Chamber Orchestra. Initiated into the Inayatiyya in 2014, Sarmad is a Coordinator and also a “Farmer” (cultivator of spirit and sacred connection with earth) in its Ziraat Activity. He serves as music director for the Light of Guidance Center in New York City. In addition, having established a career outside of music, he is now quietly returning to composition and performance with a focus on original musical settings of the texts of Hazrat Inayat Khan. Rehan and Salima are longtime members of the Abode community and devoted students of Sufism. Both trained under Pir Zia Inayat Khan and are graduates of the Suluk Academy, grounding their spiritual path in deep study and embodied practice. They have been playing music and leading Zikr together for over a decade. The international Inayatiyya – a Sufi Path to Spiritual Liberation (htttps://inayatiyya.org) was founded by Hazrat Inayat Khan, continued under the directorship of Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan, and is currently directed by Pir Zia Inayat Khan. The Inayatiyya Hudson Valley Center (https://inayatiyyahudsonvalleycenter.com) is one of many satellite centers of the Inayatiyya. Seating for the 12:30 p.m. brunch for this event is limited to 40. Please register on this page: ——————- Universal Worship and Sama Celebrating Hejirat Day and the Urs of Nur-un-Nisa Sunday, September 13, 2026 11:00 – 12:15 Universal Worship Service Rev. Yaqin Aubert and Ministerial Friends 12:30 – 1:30 Abode Indian Brunch by Chef Amber 1:30 – 1:45 Welcome - History & Story Sharing - “Song to the Madzub” Atayna Diane Austen, Yaqin Aubert, Gayatri Hull 1:45 – 3:15 Hearts Ablaze: Sarmad Matthews, Salima McCall, Rehan Morey Closure - Sufi Benediction 3:15 – 4:15 Refreshments ————— Brunch Menu: Vegetable Biryani Dahl Spinach Panier Raita Condiment Chutney Naan Afternoon Refreshments: Kheer Chai Tea ----------- Need to Stay the Night? You can now book a room at the Abode anytime you’d like. Pair your workshop or day retreat with an overnight stay, and give yourself space to fully take in the beauty of the land and surroundings. You’ll be able to select a room from our Shaker inspired Razzaq Bedrooms, or our cozy and convenient Quddus Rooms. Book a Room Now