The Sufi Remembrance Project

Born: November 23, 1949 URS May 13, 2021

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3 Memories for “Khadija Julia Waduda-Majid Goforth”

1. on 16 May 2021 at 2:23 am1Abdul Shafee (Howard) Ballinger

   I was surprised and really shocked to hear the news of Khadija’s passing — it’s hard to take it in that she’s not with us any more. Always such a solid presence, such a devoted teacher & leader! I only saw her now and then, at retreats and the like, but I won’t forget her positivity and her great generosity of heart, her laughter and her dedication to the Truth.

2. on 16 May 2021 at 10:54 pm2Farid Gruber

   Khadija was always very proud that she was the first female semazenbashi to participate in a sema in Konya. This was under the tutelage of Jelalluddin Loras who founded the Mevlevi Order in the United States and is an honorary Murshid in the Ruhaniat. (I am not quite sure of the adab, here.)
   Anyway, she had a falling out with Jellaluddin upon returning to the States and was estranged from the Mevlevis for many years, though the Seattle interfaith zikrs organized mainly by Khadija continue to include them.
   While on retreat/pilgrimmage to Turkey with Khadija in 2014 I knew that she had hoped to repair that relationship at some point. Khadija led us to the Mevlevi museum in Istanbul where there was to be a public Sema which intermittently was performed for tourists. As we headed into the performance space we ran into a group of pilgrims led by Mariam Baker who coincidentally were also sojourning in Turkey. They were just leaving the performance space. Serendipity?- perhaps.
   Then minutes later I was seated next to Khadija as she was explaining how the semazens and post would be positioned and some of the details of the Sema. As the celebrants walked into the space Khadija stood up and exclaimed, “Oh my god, there he is”. It was Sheikh Jelalluddin at the post. Khadija shared that he rarely was seen in public at that time and she took it as a sign that she was meant to connect with him after many years.
   It turned out that Khadija called him and he was happy to receive our entire group at his home the next Sunday. There was a public hug and acceptance of Khadija back into the fold that afternoon. Alhamdul’illah.

3. on 20 May 2021 at 9:46 pm3Nurjamila Wallar

   Hours spent talking & reflecting while I trained to be a cherag under your wonderful & compassionate guidance. Encouragement to speak out & to not allow shyness & being in a woman body to stifle our expressions. A warrior woman who knew her importance & shared her heart without restraint.
   How wonderful to hear of the healing with Sheikh Jelalluddin & the Mevlevis. It was always a strong part of you & I know the healing that you must’ve experienced was just what the Creator had planned for you on that trip.
   Much love on your journey dear Friend of this heart.

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