About us
The Sufi Center of North Jersey (SCNJ) is a modest community project devoted to promoting the timeless, universal values of the religion of Islam: Love and Service. Led by a small staff and a team of volunteers, the SCNJ seeks to provide basic guidance for seekers of all backgrounds, including those with a prior connection to the Islamic faith, as well as those interested in learning and discovering more about it. We strive to share and present the true teachings of the religion, in a non-sectarian, non-partisan, and non-ideological fashion. Above all other considerations, the guiding principles of the Center are Love and Service; therefore, ALL are welcome, without judgment or preconditions.
Sufism has been called the “Heart of Islam,” and it is a collection of teachings that comprise the inner, mystical and spiritual dimension of the religion. The famous Sufi commentator Imam al-Qushayri, described it as follows: “Sufism means that God makes you die to yourself and makes you live in Him… The sign of the sincere Sufi is that he feels poor when he has wealth, is humble when he has power, and is hidden when he has fame. Sufism means that you own nothing and are owned by nothing.” It has also been said: “In the early days of Islam, Sufism was a reality without a name; but today it has become a name without a reality.”
The Sufi Center of North Jersey is heavily inspired by the ideas of our principal teacher, Sheikh Ali Malik, who refuses the spotlight and instead consistently reminds his students: “Beware of the makers of claims.” In an age of so-called fake news, alt facts, and post-truth, Sheikh Ali’s warning is important. As Imam Ali (God be well pleased with him) taught: “Know men by the truth, do not know the truth by men.” Real and authentic Sufi teachings are all based on the Quran, the scripture of Islam, which was revealed by God to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (God bless him and grant him eternal peace)––through the Archangel Gabriel––and the Sunnah (exemplary life) of the Holy Prophet himself. Throughout time, true, prophetic religion was sent by God for the salvation of human souls, and Islam is simply the youngest of the major world religions. It was revealed by God to the Final Messenger, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (God bless him and grant him eternal peace), and every soul on earth belongs to his community––including those who have already answered the call, as well as those still receiving it.
We thank you for your interest in the Sufi Center of North Jersey. We hope to have a physical presence one day after this Pandemic, and until then, we thank you for visiting our website. We wish you nothing but the best, in this world, and in the Afterlife, and hope that you find whatever your heart yearns for. As Rumi, one of the greatest Sufis of all time, so poetically put it: “What you seek is seeking you.”
May God bless you.
