Khal Alkarkari Shares Mystical Journey With Karkariya Sufi Order, Discusses New Book "God Is Light"
USANews June 09, 2025
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Nationwide (USANews) Khal Alkarkari, Founder of the Nur Alkarkari Institute, is a distinguished physician and recognized member of the Karkariya Sufi Order. His deep spiritual journey, which has shaped both his professional and mystical paths, culminated in the writing of his book, God Is Light. The book, which explores profound existential questions surrounding the nature of God and the divine, recently received recognition as a finalist for the 2025 International Book Award. In this article, Alkarkari shares his story, shedding light on his spiritual transformation and how his experiences with the Karkariya Sufi Order in Morocco profoundly shaped his work and worldview.Khal’s path began long before his journey to Morocco, rooted in his academic background and medical expertise. As a physician, he holds extensive experience in cardiology and intensive care, with fellowships from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He also holds a diploma from the American Board of Internal Medicine and a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Regina. Khal’s academic career includes teaching positions at McMaster University and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, further solidifying his credentials within the medical field.Despite his academic achievements, Khal’s spiritual journey took precedence in his life after experiencing a deep yearning to understand the divine. Having distanced himself from conventional religious doctrines during his youth, Alkarkari became increasingly drawn to the mystical teachings of renowned Islamic mystics, such as Al Ghazali and Ibn Arabi. These figures, often seen as controversial within orthodox Muslim circles, inspired Khal’s interest in the mystical aspects of faith, which led him to explore the Tariqa Karkariya, a Sufi order known for its focus on internal exploration and self-purification through meditation.The turning point in Khal’s spiritual journey occurred when he traveled to Morocco to meet Sheikh Muhammad Faouzi Alkarkari, a leader of the Karkariya Sufi Order. It was during this meeting that Alkarkari had transformative experiences that reshaped his understanding of the divine. These experiences, which included profound visions of light and mystical out-of-body experiences, sparked his desire to share his insights with the world. The most significant revelation he encountered was the realization that God is Light, and this light is not merely a metaphor—it can be perceived with the "heart's eye."This central theme is explored in Khal’s book, God Is Light, which posits that the divine light is visible and perceivable through meditation. According to Alkarkari, the heart possesses an eye that, when opened through spiritual practices, reveals a deeper, more tangible connection with God. This concept of divine light is deeply ingrained in Khal’s teachings, particularly within the Karkariya Sufi Order, which emphasizes a spiritual path of self-exploration and inner illumination.Khal’s experiences with the Karkariya Sufi Order stand out because of the order's distinctive approach to spirituality. Unlike other contemporary mystical religious practices, the Karkariya Sufi Order presents a unique perspective that claims God is both Light and Visible. This mystical experience, which Alkarkari shares in his book, offers a fresh understanding of divine presence, transcending traditional religious structures.The symbol of the twelve-colored patchwork cloak worn by members of the Karkariya Sufi Order is a powerful representation of this philosophy. The cloak, which Alkarkari wears during educational events, serves as a visual metaphor for the divine light that permeates the universe. Each color reflects a different facet of this light, with the central divine light symbolized by the heart. The cloak serves not only as an educational tool but also as a reminder of the inner transformation that occurs through meditation and self-restraint.God Is Light challenges readers to explore their own internal tools for understanding the divine, encouraging them to look beyond the external senses and engage with the heart’s eye. Alkarkari argues that this internal exploration can reveal a microcosm of the universe within oneself, providing a direct and visible connection to the divine. This approach contrasts with traditional religious doctrines, which often focus on external rituals and beliefs. Instead, Khal’s work calls on truth seekers to utilize the heart and internal senses—tools that are not only visible but also provable, as they affirm the existence of God in tangible ways.Khal's work also emphasizes the importance of humility and self-restraint on the spiritual journey. His personal experiences with the Karkariya Sufi Order have shaped his views on how individuals can achieve spiritual enlightenment through introspection and internal purification. By wearing the twelve-colored cloak, Alkarkari practices and teaches the values of self-restraint, which are central to the Sufi path of spiritual growth.The release of God Is Light is not only a personal achievement for Alkarkari but also a significant contribution to the growing body of spiritual literature that explores the intersection of mysticism, light, and the nature of the divine. His teachings invite readers to look inward, offering them the tools to discover a deeper understanding of themselves and their connection to the divine.The recognition of God Is Light as a finalist in the 2025 International Book Award further highlights the significance of Khal’s work in the realm of spiritual literature. As the founder of the Nur Alkarkari Institute, he continues to share his insights and teachings, helping others on their own journeys toward self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. Through his book and his teachings, Alkarkari encourages truth seekers to embark on their own paths of internal exploration and to recognize the visible, tangible presence of God in their lives.For more information about Khal Alkarkari and his work, please visit his book’s Amazon page atAmazon or connect with him on Facebook. To read more about his writings and philosophy, visit hisGoodreads page.
