A Washington-area elementary Islamic school was shut down this week due to suspicions that the children were being taught something other than tolerance.
“They teach character, peace. Jihad is not taught,” one student’s mother, Kim Bullock told USA Today.
This is an example of how racism aimed toward Muslims has grown in the post-9/11 world. This is why it is critical that groups such as The Whirling Dervishes perform to demonstrate peace and tolerance, values that many Muslims live by.
They will perform at the Quick Center this Saturday.
Wearing broad white gowns, the Whirling Dervishes spin around with arms spread open to reach a state of nirvana.The act is almost ghost-like in appearance and has many connections with after-life; the white gowns represent death and the caps they wear represent the grave.
It is said that during the spinning, one foot must remain grounded but the other foot travels 360 degrees to connect with the entire world. This act is called the sema and is seen as a mystic voyage of man’s mind toward God. On man’s descent to earth, he returns with maturity and is better able to serve mankind.
Despite what might be seen as grave symbols, some fashion designers, such as Anand Kabra in Mumbai, are inspired by their garments.
The span of influence for The Whirling Dervishes can be seen all over the world. Despite what might seem like just a performance to some, The Whirling Dervishes are performing a religious ritual.
The Whirling Dervishes are part of the Sufi Islam sect that was founded by Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi in 1273.
Tourists consider The Dervishes a main attraction, not necessarily as part of a religious sect. They have become a poster image of Turkey.
Professor Jawid Mojaddedi, a Rumi scholar from Rutgers University, said, “Most people don’t associate that [the sema] with Islam. It’s important these events are happening to remind people of the diversity in the Islamic world.”
Levent Koc, executive director of the Interfaith Dialog Center, said Rumi is a “symbol of our values, of love and tolerance.”
The Center, founded by Turkish-American Muslims to promote interfaith dialogue, sponsors The Whirling Dervishes.
Rumi is an important figure in the contemporary view of Muslims. Unlike the stereotypes of Muslim extremists, Rumi is known for his beliefs in love, faith and religious tolerance.
“The image of Islam was so different in Rumi’s time. I think he can be used as a bridge towards better understanding,” said Mojaddedi.
The members of The Whirling Dervishes are chosen from the Mevlevi order to perform.
Until the 1950s, The Whirling Dervishes were outlawed in Turkey.
Since being recognized by Turkey, the group has performed the sema around the world. Most recently the Whirling Dervishes have performed to sold-out crowds in Denver and San Francisco. The Quick Center is next.
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