Nil(us) Sorsky, St
(leader of Non-Possessors movement):
Ni‘mat All
h Wal
, Sh
h N
r al-D
n
(
c.
1331–1431 (AH 731–834))
. Founder of the Ni‘matullahi
S
f
order, one of the few
Shi‘ite
Muslim orders which has had a continuing history. He was dissatisfied with his traditional education and set off in search of an enlightened teacher, whom he found in Shaykh Y
fi‘
. He remained with him for seven years. He then set out on extensive travels, recognized as the
qutb
(spiritual centre) of his age. He settled in Kirman in Iran, where he died and where his tomb is a centre of pilgrimage. At the heart of his way was his instruction to keep the name of God constantly in mind, since this would lead to actions imitative of God, especially mercy and generosity.
The Ni‘matullahi Order has houses in the USA, and in London. It continues to see contemplation as a basis for ethical action and reconciliation in the world.