iktara was founded by writer and holistic healer Hamraz Ahsan. Born into a Syed family, he has ancestral Sufi links. Hamraz is a follower of Hazrat Madho Lal Hussain, a 16th century Sufi saint. Hussain was a great Punjabi poet and practiced a joyful and sensual spirituality in opposition to the orthodoxy of his time.  

iktara means 'one string'.  It relates to both the single-stringed musical instrument, used in the Indian subcontinent by Muslim, Hindu and Sikh fakirs, as well as to the single 'string' or thread that represents the concept of Unity of Being. This thread provides the vital link between man and his divine self and is called the ‘Aka cord’ by Polynesian shamans.

iktara seeks to celebrate Sufi and other esoteric traditions and to explore those elusive areas that have rarely been touched upon by scholars. On the periphery of the established Sufi orders there is a mystical scene that, with its multi-dimensional colours, needs to be rediscovered. Through writings, publications, videos, cds, workshops and events, we aim to advance the Sufi culture of love, truth and peace in a world full of conflict and agony. We also wish to disperse knowledge of Sufi and other healing practices - wisdom that is much needed in our present time.  

Hamraz has a London-based healing practice. He uses both traditional and innovative methods in his healing and has a large international clientele. He has devised Baraka Energy healing and Star therapy. Hamraz is a Reiki Master Teacher and offers Reiki healing as well. He leads workshops on Sufi trance dance and Star Meditation.
To contact Hamraz, please click here.