The Companions
of Hazrat Inayat Khan
Pir-o-Murshid Mohammed Ali Khan
Pir-o-Murshid Mohammed Ali Khan, 1881 - 1958
Although Ali Khan was, in Western terms, a second cousin of Inayat Khan, he was also the grandson of Inayat's grandfather, and therefore according to Indian custom he was considered a brother. What is more, they were born in the same house and played together as infants. Later, they grew so close that Inayat had only to say, 'Dost, Chelo!' ("Come, friend!') and Ali would take his hat and be ready, without asking where or why. Sometimes, perhaps, their excursions were not always of great interest to Ali, as Inayat would take him to visit dervishes, faqirs, philosophers and wandering mystics, but Ali was happy to come nevertheless for the love of his brother.
Ali received training in European music, and played such brass instruments as the trumpet and trombone. To these he added the bagpipes, which often tried Inayat's patience and annoyed the neighbours. As a young man, he was also keenly interested in physical culture and wrestling, which, in the words of the Biography of Hazrat Inayat Khan, "prepared him to become an iron wall to stand in support of Inayat against many opposing influences."
In the West, Ali Khan continued his musical career, receiving training in operatic singing from Mme. Emma Nevada, who recognized great potential in his tenor voice, and even appearing on the stage of La Scala.
Ali Khan possessed a natural gift of healing, a gift which was developed immeasurably through his deep devotion. There are many stories of friends and mureeds receiving help from his touch, his glance, or by prayers and absent healing, but in reply to their thanks he would humbly point to heaven and say, 'Not I. God.'
When Shaikh-ul-Mashaik Maheboob passed away in 1948, the leadership of the Sufi Movement passed to Pir-o-Murshid Ali Khan, who held the post faithfully until his own passing in 1958. He is remembered and deeply loved by many for his strength, his purity and his faith in God.
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