Red dervishThreshold Society Theme for April 1998
Faith is different from belief. Beliefs are relative and vary from religion to religion, culture to culture. But faith is universal: the same everywhere. In the Quran, the term faith is often coupled with salahaati, or beneficent actions. Such actions are the evidence of faith, as well as the cause of faith. Salahaati is from the root S, L, H. Salih implies peace, well-being, health. Actions which promote these qualities are salahaati. The evidence that we have a faithful relationship with Truth, Al-Haqq, is that we do the good, live humbly and generously, and become a source of peace within a chaotic world.

Painting: Whirling Dervish by Gianluca Colia