"We have scriptures on our altar, more for the principle than for the study. By keeping the scriptures there we set an example of tolerance towards different religions and of our belief that wisdom comes from all sources. Therefore the discussion and arguments over questions, why this scripture and why not another, is of no importance, for it must be known that if the divine scriptures had been kept always authentic, there would not have been so much need for another scripture. But for this reason and for another reason, that is, to give to the world the needed message for the time, the Message has been sent time after time."

    — Hazrat Inayat Khan

The Universal Worship represents an ideal put forth by Hazrat Inayat Khan in 1921 to bring all of the world’s religions together in order to promote tolerance, understanding and spiritual awakening for humanity. Cherags (‘lamps”) offer a prayer service, created by Inayat Khan, honoring the religious traditions of the world as equal sources of spirituality, by kindling lights for the world’s religions and all of the prophets who have come to earth to further the experience of love by human beings. The service often uses music and meditation to connect the participants with their inner state. 



Honoring and protecting the holy scriptures of every faith without judgment or prejudice is a foundation of the Universal Worship. The ordained ministers are called Cherags, women and men, who facilitate the Universal Worship service and who are empowered to perform weddings, receiving infants, funerals and many other duties. 

The Universal Worship is also a catalyst to bring together clergy and people of all religions in interfaith events. The Universal Worship is celebrated in many countries of the world. Hazrat Inayat Khan has averred that the Universal Worship will be the vehicle to bring forth the understanding and experience of love, harmony and beauty to the world.

The service is officiated by the clergy of Sufism, who are called Cherags, from the Arabic for 'lamp.' First the candle representing Divine Light is lit, and this candle is above and behind the other candles.  Each of the other candles is lit from the one representing the Divine Light, which is present in all religions. As the other candles are lit, readings are taken on a particular theme from the sacred texts of a minimum of six religions and traditions, each evoking a Divine Quality the tradition is said to illustrate:

Hinduism (Divine Wisdom)

Buddhism (Divine Compassion)

Zoroastrianism (Divine Purity)

Judaism (Divine Law, or Divine Covenant)

Christianity (Divine Self-Sacrifice)

Islam (Divine Unity)

Some Cherags also add two more candles representing these traditions:

Goddess Tradition (Divine Love)

Indigenous Traditions (Divine Nature)

Other candles representing religions and traditions may be added as well.  There is a reading from the sacred text of each religion or tradition, on the theme of the service. The reading of a common theme shows how the Divine is present in all religions and traditions.

A last candle, in the center in front of the Divine Light candle, represents the light of all who have held aloft the light of truth in the world, named or unnamed (Divine Truth) and the reading for this one comes from sacred writings by Inayat Khan, usually from the Gayan.

The service also includes Inayat Khan's prayers Saum, Salat, and Khatum.

There are often meditations, sermons, songs, or  dances following the readings. The service can be for any theme and is also the background of Universal Sufi weddings, funerals and baby blessings.



contact Amina

for details of this service offered by us



We offer both

the Sufi Healing Service and

Sufi Universal Worship Service 

usually the second Saturday of every month 

3:30 pm, at the Mary Magdalene Chapel

contact Amina for details


the Universal Worship altar