Deep gratitude to Jamal for his exquisite carvings at Murshid Sam’s DargahMore of Jamal’s beautiful work at Murshid Sam’s Dargah at the Lama Foundation
Michael has felt like family for the 25+ years I’ve lived in Arizona. He exuded warmth, genuineness, and generosity. He brought so much beauty into the world, not only through his skill as a craftsperson, but in the way he related to others. Alhamdulillah for the tangible beauty he has left us with. Alhamdulillah for the eternal beauty of his soul that he so freely shared. We are truly blessed. Ya Salaam, dear Michael. Ya Salaam.
Michael has been a part of my life, as part of this Sufi community, for over 25 years. I was happy to visit with Jamal Michael recently for the short time we gathered at the Southwest Sufi Community to inaugurate the new Dance Pavilion Temple he so beautifully designed and built. One afternoon, I had agreed to help add another coat of wax to the columns, but because we didn’t know where the can of wax had been stored, we simply sat and talked for an hour and a half or so under the Pavilion. Jamal shared a lot about his process, including that he had decided this structure would be his last major work; he wanted to slow down and spend more time with his beloved wife and their home. I again enjoyed being with him at a wedding there, where he and Wren graciously put me up in the school bus, which became the core of the beautiful house he would construct around it. Jamal accomplished so much, and I am glad that he shared so much love with Wren, with so many in the community, and that he had completed his work, leaving for us with the most beautiful Dance space.
Michael’s beautiful wood carving work, amongst other contributions, at the Murshid SAM Dargah was only outshined by the greatness and beauty of his heart. I feel deeply honored to have known Michael and to have been considered a friend.
Michael has felt like family for the 25+ years I’ve lived in Arizona. He exuded warmth, genuineness, and generosity. He brought so much beauty into the world, not only through his skill as a craftsperson, but in the way he related to others. Alhamdulillah for the tangible beauty he has left us with. Alhamdulillah for the eternal beauty of his soul that he so freely shared. We are truly blessed. Ya Salaam, dear Michael. Ya Salaam.
Michael has been a part of my life, as part of this Sufi community, for over 25 years. I was happy to visit with Jamal Michael recently for the short time we gathered at the Southwest Sufi Community to inaugurate the new Dance Pavilion Temple he so beautifully designed and built. One afternoon, I had agreed to help add another coat of wax to the columns, but because we didn’t know where the can of wax had been stored, we simply sat and talked for an hour and a half or so under the Pavilion. Jamal shared a lot about his process, including that he had decided this structure would be his last major work; he wanted to slow down and spend more time with his beloved wife and their home. I again enjoyed being with him at a wedding there, where he and Wren graciously put me up in the school bus, which became the core of the beautiful house he would construct around it. Jamal accomplished so much, and I am glad that he shared so much love with Wren, with so many in the community, and that he had completed his work, leaving for us with the most beautiful Dance space.
Michael’s beautiful wood carving work, amongst other contributions, at the Murshid SAM Dargah was only outshined by the greatness and beauty of his heart. I feel deeply honored to have known Michael and to have been considered a friend.