This post comes a few days before Hejirat Day the 13th of September, the anniversary of the symbolic beginning of Pir-o-Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan’s work to deliver the Message through the world. In addition to his numerous lectures and classes, and his careful attention to many students, we might also remember his work through social interactions such as the following conversation.

A civil officer asked Murshid, “What are you doing in the West?”

Murshid said, “Working.”

He asked, “Working for what? For money?”

Murshid said, “No, working for God.”

“Is your work materially profitable?” asked the civilian.

Murshid said, “If I had material profit in view, I had taken something else in life to do.”

The civilian said jokingly, “Yes, you will be paid your wages in the hereafter.”

Murshid said, “No, I don’t work for returns, either here or in the hereafter. I work for the sake of the work itself.”

“Have you no family?” asked the civilian.

“Yes, a large one,” said Murshid.

“What will become of them when you have passed?” asked the civilian.

Murshid said, “I beg your pardon, Sir, will you tell me what will become of your family after you have passed?”

He said, “My family will get a pension from the Government.”

“So will my children from that great government to Whose service my life has been dedicated.”