Session 9: According to the Quran, there lies an essential oneness beneath the multiplicity we observe in the outside world. For example, we see different sexes, races, ethnicities and social classes: male, female, white, black, Hispanics, Asians, rich and poor. But, if we go beyond the surface, we will discover an essential unity: all such multiplicity originated from a single source, a oneness. There are numerous religions in the world: Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism… But, they all originated from a single source, and offer a path to connect with the source we came from. A chief struggle of a true Muslim is to overcome “شرک” (multiplicity and disunity), and achieve oneness inside and with the outside world. In this sermon, we will draw upon the Holy Quran and Rumi to examine some real world examples of “شرک” (multiplicity).

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Session 8: Oneness (توحید) is the central pillar of Islam. Although it is typically viewed as a metaphysical belief in oneness of God, Oneness (توحید) is far more than that: it is a world view and a way of life! It is a lens through which a person should see and experience the outside world. Rumi’s spiritual master, Shams Tabrizi, has summarized the misunderstanding really well:
“گفت: خدا یکی‌ است. گفتم: اکنون ترا چه؟ چون تو نیستی‌، او یکی‌ است. تو کیستی؟ تو، شش هزار بیشی. تو یکتا شو، و گرنه از یکی‌ او، ترا چه حاصل؟” .
“He said: ‘God is One’. I replied: ‘So what? What does it have to do with you!’ Since you are none, He is one! Who are you? You are more than 6 thousand pieces! Strive to become ONE! Otherwise, what would gain by His Oneness!” In this presentation, we will examine the concept of Oneness (توحید) through the verses of the Holy Quran and the teachings of Muslim mystics.