The Hague, 6 September 1934 – Hilversum, 22 August 2021, The Netherlands
Surrounded by loved ones in his home Akbar passed peacefully and returned to The Light.
True to his Dervish dancing soul he lived life intensely and shared this with all who were with him. Whether it be his poetry, paintings, music, seafood linguine with white wine, we always talked about Universal ‘Truths’ with the remembrance that we are Star Dust.
It was 1973 in Amsterdam that Pir Vilayat initiated him and since then he devoted himself to bringing spirituality into everyday life. As a professional photo-lithographer he made Beauty visible to all. His quick wit and sense of humor allowed for light filled discussions.
Together Akbar and Noor guided their mureeds, gave classes and workshops and created a Dutch ‘Dances of Universal Peace’ teacher training course.
Akbar was blessed with four children and seven grandchildren and loved being with family and friends. Our home was/is always open to all.
We will miss Akbar and his wonderful twinkling eyes and spirited, jovial being. It is comforting in knowing that he is with Pir Vilayat and his spiritual family.
From his wife Noor Helweg-McGuigan, Hilversum, The Netherlands
To begin with, on behalf of the family of Akbar, here is a link of the Celebration of Life service which was held on Sunday, August 29 in Hilversum. There are subtitles in English which his daughter Roos has lovingly translated: http://youtu.be/r2NpUBxn39s
Not filmed was the beautiful circle we formed outside to sing and dance together: “All I ask of you is forever to remember me as loving you….Ishq Allah Ma’abud Lillah!”
I first met Akbar in 1994, a year before I was initiated by our Pir Vilayat in the Chamonix, France Alps camp. Akbar was always full of humor, deep insight, amazing creativity, and an invincible spirit. He was what the Dutch would refer to as “eigenwijze” – that’s someone who was uniquely himself, defying any rules and regulations or being forced into any kind of conformity that choked his free spirit. Admittedly, when I first met him as a young person in my twenties, I found him a bit daunting. But over the years that I was blessed to know him and Noor, sharing all those special moments of major life events, of singing and dancing, of laughing and listening…Akbar was simply endearing and so very present. He taught me to stop taking myself so seriously….even today, I can hear his infectious laughter at how absurd it is to take things so seriously. I will miss him, but as Noor said, we shall surely meet again when it is our turn to leave and join our Pir! I love you forever Akbar!