All Praise, Glory and Honor is for Allah,

All Merciful, Compassionate, Kind,

Loving.  It is Allah who is all and only Good.

May Our Beloved Allah, God of every creation,

be our guide, our ALL, forever. Ameen

  Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

As is stated on the previous pages, it is most difficult to describe the ways of a Qalandar. The best way to understand a Qalandar is through direct experience with a person in this state.  It has been said that trying to explain the ways of a Qalandar is like trying to describe the scent of a rose to someone who has never experienced a flower.  With that in mind, the following is a humble attempt to briefly discuss the Qalandariya Way.

Qalandars, East and West:

In most western traditions Qalandars are virtually unknown and unnoticed.  They are not sought out primarily due to their outer appearance and mannerisms.  People usually don't even recognize them, or find anything attractive about association with someone in such a "state."  So, generally in the western world Qalandars travel their path without the comforts of a spiritual community; basically alone with God.

Spirituality is woven into the eastern cultures in a different way then it is in the west.  In the east, Qalandars are more readily recognized and appreciated.  In many eastern traditions people tend to be more familiar with (and consequently more responsive to) unusual expressions of spirituality.

However, regardless of cultural influences, without discernment and Divine inspiration it can be difficult to relate to a true Qalandar.  Also it can be hard to appreciate the way a Qalandar acts, looks, speaks, etc..   For example, many Qalandars communicate using only symbolic language or gestures.  They often seem to be in more than one "world" or consciousness at a time.  So, unless a seeker can look far beyond outward appearances, communication with Qalandars is puzzling if not impossible.

Unfortunately, there has been some negative propaganda and false information written about Qalandars.  These slanderous and even ridiculous writings or statements come from those who lack spiritual understanding and who do not process the ability to discern the difference between true Qalandars and those masquerading as Qalandars.  To judge by external appearances alone often leads to false assumptions and inaccurate assessments. Wisdom and Truth recognize their own. Allah knows those who genuinely and wholeheartedly seek Reality.  Allah's true friends always find shelter and repose in the splendor of Allah's Truth and Love.

The Qalandars Work:

God alone knows what work His friends are doing and how they are doing it.  To the onlooker and the uninformed a Qalandar is simply a wanderer; the aim of their actions is a mystery.  Only spiritual discernment, inspiration and revelation can reveal the facts as to what is actually being expressed by each individual.

States and Stages of Qalandars: