The Islamic Centre of Noorbakhshi Studies (ICONS) is a distinguished institution dedicated to preserving, promoting, and disseminating the profound intellectual and spiritual heritage of the Noorbakhshi Sufi order. With a commitment to safeguarding this invaluable Islamic legacy, ICONS aims to ensure that the teachings of the Noorbakhshi tradition continue to inspire and enlighten future generations. The establishment of ICONS represents not only a response to the contemporary challenges but also a transformative initiative to celebrate and perpetuate the timeless wisdom for the cause of Islamic unity.
By integrating rigorous research with modern tools and platforms, ICONS will facilitate the global dissemination of the teachings of Imam Syed Muhammad Noorbakhsh, Shah-e-Hamdan Syed Ali Hamdani, and other prominent Sufi saints. These teachings, rooted in unity, spirituality, and intellectual growth, will continue to resonate across diverse communities, fostering understanding and cohesion within the Muslim world and beyond.
ICONS will serve as a dynamic intellectual hub, honoring the rich history of the Noorbakhshi tradition while simultaneously charting a path toward a brighter future. In doing so, it will ensure that the Noorbakhshi Sufi tradition remains a beacon of enlightenment and unity for generations to come. Additionally, ICONS will function as a resource center for the followers, offering knowledge, guidance, and support in their spiritual and intellectual pursuits.
The Noorbakhshi tradition is both a Sufi order and an Islamic school of thought, adhering to the jurisprudence (fiqh) of Imam Syed Muhammad Noorbakhsh as a primary source of religious guidance, alongside the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The teachings of Imam Noorbakhsh, Shah Hamdan, and other distinguished Mashaiikh of the order promote a moderate and inclusive understanding of Islam, focused on fostering Islamic unity and brotherhood. The Noorbakhshi Sufi order has made significant contributions to the intellectual and spiritual legacy of the Islamic world.
The Noorbakhshi Sufi order has a considerable global following, with major population centers in Pakistan, India, and Iran. The Noorbakhshi diaspora also thrives in the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Currently, Pakistan is home to the largest population and intellectual hub of Noorbakhshi Muslims, particularly concentrated in the northern province of Gilgit-Baltistan and major urban centers, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, and Peshawar.