The Five Activities

The Five Activities* or Concentrations are seen as either different emphases within Inayati Sufism, or separate activities based in the esoteric teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan.

Path (Tariqa)

The first activity is the inner 'path' (tariqa), studying the teachings and training in the practices of classical Sufism (tasawwuf) and universalist Sufism, as taught by Hazrrat Inayat Khan. Among different lineages of Inayti Sufism, this is sometimes called the "Inner School" or the "Esoteric School."

Healing (Shefa')

The second activity is 'healing' (shefa') or 'interceding' (shafa'a), comprised of the esoteric teachings and practices of Hazrat Inayat Khan regarding the physical, psychological, and spiritual health and well-being of the individual.

Tribe (Qabilah)

The third activity is 'tribe' (qabilah) or 'family' (usrah), dealing with the health and well-being of the individual in society and society as a whole, especially as expressed in the Rules of Hazrat Inayat Khan. Among different lineages of Inayati Sufism, this is sometimes called "Kinship."

Ecology (Zira'a)

The fourth activity is ecology or 'cultivation' (zira'a), dealing with the welfare of the planet, focusing on the esoteric teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan on ecological stewardship. Among different lineages of Inayati Sufism, this is sometimes called "Zirat."

Worship ('Ibadah)

The fifth activity is 'worship' ('ibadah), dealing with the trans-confessional teachings and worship service of Hazrat Inayat Khan, honoring the major religious traditions, with its own prayers, rituals, and teachings. Among the lineages of Inayati Sufism, this is generally called, “Universal Worship."

* The Inayati Order speaks of "Six Activities," separating practices around the Rules into "The Knighthood of Purity."