Born: February 23, 1942 URS February 18, 2024
Sharif Munawwir (legal name Donald Avery Graham), was born in Pasadena, California in 1942, and grew up in Prescott, then Tucson, Arizona, in the western United States. He studied at Yale University and the University of California at Berkeley. He became a professor of Literature and Comparative Religion, first at the University of Arizona and then at Pima College. He began studying Sufism when he first encountered Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan in Paradise (Arizona) in 1970 and worked closely with Pir Vilayat on several of his books, also editing books of Pir Vilayat’s father, Hazrat Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan. In 1998 Sharif moved with his family to Suresnes, the suburb of Paris where Murshid lived with his family, and where Pir Vilayat lived. He had started working there in 1982, during the long summer vacations from his work as a professor. In 1998 he retired early and took up work in the archives full time, which he continued for 14 years. During that time, eleven volumes of the Complete Works were finished, a careful scholarly edition of Murshid Inayat Khan’s teachings, comparing all relevant early documents. In this way, Sharif became intimately familiar with every aspect of Murshid’s thinking and teaching. He retired from this work and moved back to Tucson, Arizona, in late 2012. He enjoyed giving seminars in many places about Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan and his teachings.
Today we honor the passing of a luminous being whose existence was a testament to a life of joyful service. Despite his profound understanding of life’s pain, his infectious glee always radiated through.
With unwavering dedication, boundless joy, and a keen intelligence Sharif Munawwir took on the monumental task of editing and bringing to publication the Complete Works of Hazrat Inayat Khan. Murshid’s wisdom shining through these volumes is a beacon of light inspiring countless hearts and thanks to Sharif’s tireless efforts, this light will remain accessible and enduring.
Happy Trails, Great Soul!
I met Sharif for the first time at Murshid’s Urs celebrations in Delhi this year, having a few years ago enjoyed listening to his recordings about Inayat Khan’s life which I had found on iTunes.
I shared my appreciation with him, and he then told me of a dream he had many years ago when he met Pir-o-Murshid in a dream. Sharif asked if he could touch the curls on Murshid’s head, and was told yes, ‘you are Mine’. Sharif told me this with tears in his eyes.
I feel very blessed that I spoke with him so soon before his passing, and that he shared this particular dream with me.
With love and gratitude, Salik.
Sharif was my second guide. I found him online, and we had many years of correspondence, only meeting in person once.
In recent years, I have added the names of people who hold special meaning to me personally to the “many names and forms” of the Salat.
Today I added Sharif’s name, and felt an overwhelming, enveloping experience of love and joy.
A sweet greeting from the invisible world.
I am so moved by all of these beautiful tributes to Sharif Munawwir, a one of a kind beacon of light in our community His being leaves an indelible mark upon our hearts and lives, and his decades long dedication in Suresnes to preserve the teachings of Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan is his legacy and gift to future generations drawn to the Sufi message of love, harmony and beauty.
I remember with a big smile our time together in India during Pir Vilayat’s first Urs. We were staying at the Claridge, and Mary and Mirza were there as well. It was over 40 degrees, and we tried to cool off in the pool. Wryly over dinner,you said, “I’ve been saying to Pir that I wish he had decided to leave in the winter instead of this time of the year.”
Your own timing to depart from our world after a fulfilling and joyful final trip to India for Hazrat Inayat Khan’sUrs and to travel to your favorite places was beautifully impeccable..…I am glad that you returned from India, and that your loving family could gather together with you in honor of your sacred presence in their lives as they remember your birthday this Friday.
my condolences and gentle embraces for Elodie, Ramona, Jalelah, and Kore. Dear Sharif, your presence will be deeply missed, but your spirit will forever live on in our hearts. With all my love and gratitude, Saki
I spent a lot of time traveling around the country in the 70’s. I had some friends in Tucson and spent quite a bit of time visiting and sometimes getting jobs there. When not working, I hiked the area and was a seeker of a spiritual path as well.
One day, I saw a sign for Sufi dancing, which I had done in San Francisco previously and decided to go. This is where I met Sharif for the first of many times. We had a closeness that I cannot put into words.
We spoke about me taking initiation some. I remember telling Sharif that I wasn’t so sure about my depth of commitment and he told me to let him worry about that, and so I was initiated by him. It may have been around 1975.
It broke my heart to hear the news of his passing. Some people, you just always think that they’ll be there.
Peace and love to you my friend,
Jan
Sharif, my oldest friend on this wonderous path, we met the same day I met Pir Vilayat in 1971. I testify to your loyalty and perseverance in maintaining our connection. Thank you for accepting me as your brother and holding me in your heart all this time. I was writing to you to meet on your birthday but the message came back undelivered. Anyway, we were together that day, just not in person as was our custom. Your illuminating presence remains with me to vanish my ignorance with your penetrating glance. When I join you in Paradise, I know where I’ll find you at Murshid’s table. In love, always, Puran
Sharif, you were my beloved elder brother on this path, the kind of friend with whom much is understood and little needs to be spoken. You were always wonderfully responsive when I had questions about Murshid’s written legacy, and I was honored to be able to help you in my small way with Arabic or computer-related details related to preserving Murshid’s work.
I was so delighted to follow your social-media narrative of your last visit to India, with the implicit sense of completion therein. You are missed…