Birthdate: November 9, 1940 URS date: July 18, 2017
Receiving the Golden Heart Award from Pir Zia
Ruknuddin and Mehr Bakhsh Ruknuddin passed into the arms of the Beloved on Tuesday July 18 while holding the hand of his spouse, Mehr Bakhsh. Ruknuddin often said he was born a Sufi and simply took time to find his family.
He is remembered for his kindness, unassuming dignity, gentle humor, and sweet and caring manner. His name means Pillar of Faith. He was that and also a pillar of stability, compassion and kindness.
He had been of service to the Tucson Center for the Message since 2009. Ruknuddin contributed in so many ways such as serving as the center treasurer, event planning and registration, providing lodging, driving presenters, hosting community meals, offering the Ziraat lodge, cooking and serving meals for the homeless. He always welcomed others into his home, and on request gave long and detailed tours with interesting stories!
If anyone had a need, Ruknuddin was eager to be of assistance. He shied away from the limelight, preferring to work behind the scene. In this quiet way he touched the heart of many, many people. His being was a steady presence enabling many parts of our center to function smoothly and with heart. That being said, we would be remiss if we did not mention his deep calm, humility, sense of humor, great generosity and lovely adab.
In the last days of his life, Ruknuddin had become pure love. His passing was with the same dignity and love that he shared in life.
It was an honor & a great gift to be in our Nasim Suluk Class with Ruknuddin. He was such a sweet man beautiful manifestation of the Divine. Ruknuddin & Mehr Bakhsh are one of the dearest couples I’ve ever met truly joined in Love, Harmony & Beauty. Rest in Peace Beloved.
Ruknuddin…precious precious soul…your light always shined so gently and radiantly, and your love equally upon all who crossed your path. Your presence, so indelibly etched on my heart, remains like a glorious fragrance. I recall with such inspired clarity the bond you and Mehr Bakhsh shared. Rest in Peace, always Khanun
It was a delight to come to know Ruknuddin thru sharing the Nasim Suluk journey with him. He was a member of our small “pod” and he was a precious sweet presence in our group. I regretted each time he had technical difficulties and we couldn’t hear his voice in our online meetings. He was kind and welcoming to all of us and was refreshingly innocent in his approach to our practice together. His love for Mehr Baksh was beautiful to behold. May his soul fly freely into the arms of our One Beloved.
Ruknuddin’s loving, devoted and serving presence and beautiful smile will be missed! Fortunately we can still bask with fond memories in Mehr Bakhsh’s presence. Ruknuddin hosted Suhrawardi and me on several occasions in Tucson, picking us out at the airport by intuition and holding us gently with his smile and giving ways. We were blessed to experience his and Mehr Bakhsh’s lovely home and hospitality. He embodied the idea of the Golden Heart. So glad to hear his passage was beautiful and gentle as was he.
How could anyone encounter Ruknuddin without falling in love with him!? His heart was so open, his spirit so generous, his glance so true. I’m sure I was not alone in experiencing him as an old and trusted friend from almost the first moment of meeting. Every conversation with him felt as if we were seated together in a beautiful garden sharing intimate heartfull thoughts. He carried with him a sense of wonder and delight, an almost child-like direct engagement with life that, in an adult, comes through having worked deeply within oneself, and is often evident in great adepts.