Friends,
Though he chose to remain anonymous at the time, I don’t think Mikail would mind if I share this story with you. The fateful occasion was a festive dinner around ten years ago at Ajanta restaurant in Berkeley. Mikail was coming through on one of his long-distance junkets in his wheelchair-outfitted van, and we once again delighted in the chance to have a visit. We sat across from each other at a round table along with two friends, enjoying a host of colorful dishes, abundant golden wine that he selected, and light-hearted conversation highlighted by his tenor Texas voice. After a while, Mikail asked me to update him on the Kinship work I was guiding at the time, and at the end I mentioned an inspiration I’d had for a fund to help murids facing unexpected hardships. I had done a lot of research and developed a proposal to the Board, but though it was supported in principle, no funding was available, and the idea had languished for a number of years.
Mikail looked up from his plate, his eyes gleaming through his glasses, and said, “Would a hundred thousand dollars help?”
The thought of that moment still brings tears to my eyes — the simplicity, the love, the purity of his readiness to help those in need. And so the Emergency Relief Fund was brought to life, and it has assisted close to 50 people since its inception. I had no idea that Mikail had the means to make such an offer, but he followed through immediately. And though his own funds dwindled in recent years, his generosity of spirit never faltered. Among Mikail’s requests found among his papers is for folks who wish to commemorate him to please send donations to the ERF. Contributions by check can be made to the Inayati Order, noting that your donation be applied to the Emergency Relief Fund, at: 112 E. Cary St. Richmond, VA 23219.
Love to all,
Shams