Birthdate: August 3, 1949 URS: October 29, 2022
Throughout his life, Dallas loved learning. He was fluent in German and French and spent time studying abroad in France and Salzburg, Austria. As a young man in his early twenties, he met Pir Vilayat in Suresnes and became an initiate in the Sufi Order International.
He spent many years on the spiritual path as a reverend in the Church of All, a representative, and a Retreat Guide in the Sufi Order Inayatiyya, leading many Universal Worships at the Abode of the Message.
Dallas loved playing chess and spent hours reading chess books, playing with friends, teaching children, and competing in tournaments. He loved writing and left behind two books of his beautiful poems.
He was bright, kind, generous, soft spoken, and witty — a true gentleman with a big heart and an exceptional humor. He will be dearly remembered as a beloved husband of 26 years, a father of three adult children, a grandfather of two children, and a friend to many.
In the words of Pir Zia: “Abraham Muhyiddin’s earthly presence will be dearly missed, but his spirit remains deeply connected with us even as he now travels through the inner realms. May the Divine Love, Light, and Life embrace him in the eternal garden.”
Gayatri
we remember Abraham Muhyiddin’s smile. We remember long walks down Chair Factory Road, his gentle demeanor, his kind presence, his soft spoken words.
Abraham is one of those souls who hold life steady, a quiet strength. When he smiled it was like the sun coming out on a dark day. We enjoyed his presence, his peace.
We’ll miss him.
I have so many memories of this quiet, gentle being. Even after it became difficult for him to speak, his love and compassion shone brightly through his eyes. Beautiful friend, neighbor and fellow Abodian, we miss you.
Muhiyuddin was a pure, wonderful soul. I first met him many years ago when I moved to Chicago. He was a delightful person. We retained a conection throughout his Abode years as well. The heavens are blessed by his presence.
I met Muhiyuddin in 1990 when I moved to the Abode. I remember his eyes and the clarity of his gaze, his smile and sense of humor, his appreciation of silence, and also his beautiful singing voice in the Abode Choir. I am grateful to have known him.
Knowing how much Abraham loved poetry, I share this poem in honor and loving remembrance of his life:
“I am making a home inside myself.
A shelter of kindness where everything is forgiven, everything allowed-a quiet patch of sunlight to stretch out without hurry,
where all that has been banished and buried is welcomed, spoken, listened to-released.
A fiercely friendly place I can claim as my very own.
I am throwing arms open
to the whole of myself-especially the fearful, fault-finding, falling apart, unfinished parts, knowing every seed and weed, every drop of rain, has made the soil richer.
I will light a candle, pour a hot cup of tea, gather around the warmth of my own blazing fire. I will howl if I want to, knowing this flame can burn through any perceived problem, any prescribed perfectionism, any lying limitation, every heavy thing.
I am making a home inside myself where grace blooms in grand and glorious abundance, a shelter of kindness that grows all the truest things.” ~ Julia Fehrenbacher
Abraham was usually the quietest in the group, but his presence was as strong as the earth supporting all of us. His calmness contributed to the sense of security and balance. I also felt childlike innocence in him sometimes. He once told me he wanted to photograph me in Balinese dance costumes. I was used to photographers coming to me with the request, usually wanting to include my dance photos in their portfolios. Abraham was different. He didn’t have any agenda: He wanted to photograph me because he was just fascinated by exquisite Balinese dance costumes. I don’t remember if he took photos of me or not. But I still remember his beautiful eyes shining with curiosity, clarity, and calmness.
I knew Dallas as Muhyiddin, many years ago… more than forty, I”m sure. He was a kind-hearted man who treated me with patience. Although my life led me in other directions, his kindness and sensitivity made a lasting impression on me. I miss him.