We offer a unique and innovative model of peacemaking that integrates the best of conventional mediation with the deep teaching and practices of the Sufis. This results in a fostering of peace inside and individual as well as the outer life.
From the Sufi perspective, humanity is created as a reflection and a manifestation of Allah Who entrusted humanity to safeguard and care for Allah’s creation on earth. Further, Allah created humanity as one family under one father and one mother. We are all brothers and sisters in unity through our surrender to the One. Masters students in peacemaking learn how to make these principles a living reality. They learn in practical ways how to safeguard Allah’s creation.
The teachings help them to beautify their humanity so that they can truly embody the peace, love, mercy, justice, freedom and equality of Allah. They learn to anchor these qualities “in the ground” through their thoughts, speech and actions, to cultivate love and mercy in their relationships, and to foster healing and reconciliation where needed. In the end, love is the basis for peace, divine love as embodied in a heart that radiates love to all of creation.
Masters graduates are competent and qualified to mediate conflict and restore peace in their personal, family, community and professional life, and in society at large. They are prepared to step into the world of professional mediation.
Curriculum topics include:
- The real Islam as taught by Sidi Muhammad al Jamal
- Leadership and peacemaking as exemplified by the Prophet (saws)
- Sacred, heart-centered communication
- Relationships established in the heart, soul and secret
- Healing and transforming conflict with individuals and groups
- Islamic community building and governance
- Islamic teachings on justice, tolerance and pluralism
Spiritual Peacemaking in the Sufi Way is established upon these Quranic verses:
“Surely We have created you from a man and a woman and made you (diverse) peoples and tribes, so that you might come to know one another.” (Qur’an 49:13)
“And if Allah had so willed, He could have made you one community, but so that He might test you by that which He has given you, He has made you as you are. So compete with one another in good works. You must all return to Allah; and He will inform you of that about which you differed.” (Qur’an 5:48)
Spiritual Peacemaking in the Sufi Way Course Descriptions and Credits
851 Sufi Perspectives On Conflict And Peacemaking: A Theoretical Foundation – (3 Credits)
From a Sufi perspective true and lasting peace only comes from surrender (islam) to the guidance and orders of Allah. The roots of conflict stem from an absence of divine peace, love, mercy, freedom and justice that are the foundation stones of Sufism and Islam. This course explores the essential functions of conflict and the spiritual and non-violent strategies for transforming it into sustainable peace and development.
852 Islam & Peacemaking – (3 credits)
This course examines the intimate relationship between Islam and peacemaking, the resources Islam provides for peacemaking, and distinguishes between the real Islam and its misappropriation in support of terrorism, oppression and other forms of violence.
853 Developing Qualities of Sufi Healer as Peacemaker – (2 credits)
This course offers spiritual practices and healing skills drawn from the Sufi tradition through which students become competent Sufi peacemakers and healers who embody the peace, love, mercy, justice and freedom of Allah and who are capable of transforming conflict in the Sufi way.
854 Adab of Communication – (2 credits)
This course provides a methodology that enables people to communicate in a sacred, heart-centered way. The keys are the Sufi principles of adab (politeness) and ikhlas (highest divine courtesy) based on the Sufi belief that all people carry the divine sifat (qualities). This methodology fosters effective communication between people and across cultures, even amidst the most protracted conflicts.
855 Applied Transformational Healing Through Sufi Peacemaking– (2 credits)
This course offers practice in the application Sufi peacemaking in the interpersonal, family, community and organizational arenas, with an extended focus on intergroup and national levels as time allows.
856 Individual and Group Mentoring – (1/2 credit)
Students receive guidance on walking others through conflict; on further development and
application of their peacemaking skill set; on crafting their peacemaking service project(s); and on their soul’s journey into the world of Allah, so that they truly embody Allah’s qualities in their role as peacemakers.
857 Case Studies – (1 credit)
Students complete a minimum of three case studies in which they track the progress of specific parties in conflict over the course of at least three mediation sessions for each case study. In this way they receive the benefit of working longitudinally on several distinct conflicts.
858 Sufi Perspectives Advanced – (1/2 credit)
This teleclass series examines the writings of Muhammad al Jamal on peacemaking and on the example of the Prophet (saws). Topics include: roots of conflict and violence in childrearing; conflict dynamics and field theory; women’s role in peacemaking; and prejudice, pluralism and inter-group conflicts.
859 Islam and Peacemaking Advanced – (1/2 credit)
This teleclass series addresses the themes of democracy, non-violence, and human rights in Islam, as well as the life of the Prophet Mohammad (saws) as peacemaker and negotiator. Students gain a solid foundation in their understanding of Islam as the way of peace.
860 Mastering the Arts of Sufi Peacemaking Advanced – (1/2 credit)
This teleclass series allows students to practice specific skills related to their personal life such as reconciliation, prejudice reduction, and healing family lineage issues around violence and conflict.
Students develop refinement and subtlety as they master the art of heart- and soul-centered communication in a wide range of contexts.
861 Zawiyah – (4 credits)
Personal retreat allows students to develop their heart and their character to become the instrument in Allah’s hands, thereby enabling them to be more effective peacemakers.
862 Community Peacemaking Service Project – (12 credits)
This course provides the opportunity for fieldwork in a wide range of humanitarian, service and peacemaking projects with a focus on integration of Sufi peacemaking principles. It includes journaling, supervision and a Masters thesis in the form of a final written paper, project or presentation.
A plant cannot grow without nourishment and support from a healthy environment. We too need continued support to grow and flourish 
spiritually. Tap into the springs of support offered by USHS news, events, community and more. 
The best way to keep up on what's new and what's going on at USHS is to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
We offer many programs and events throughout the year, location based and via phone. Find out what's coming up and join us!
