About Us
Our Guiding Teachings
The Ma’rifa Foundation’s work is anchored in the guiding principles of Shadhiliyya Sufism. These teachings came to us from Shaykh Muhammad Sa’id al-Jamal ar-Rafa’i ash-Shaduli, affectionately known to us as Sidi. Sidi was a famous Sufi scholar who resided in Jerusalem and taught at Al-Aqsa Mosque. As an Imam and a direct descendant of Muhammad (peace be upon him), he knew the world of Unity intimately. The Sufi message of Unity spreads the wisdom of Divine Peace, Love, Freedom, Mercy, and Justice for all. Sufism is a beautiful way to connect with God (Allah) through practices that are open to people of all spiritual paths and religions aimed to bring each person into the state of Unity. The Ma’rifa Foundation is committed to continuing to spread this message in both teachings as well as direct acts of service.
Our Work
The Ma’rifa Foundation is deeply committed to serving the world. Carrying a deep light of Divine Gnosis, we focus on community connections and support, outreach and service to humanity, and global development, working closely with partner organizations, the Institute of Spiritual Healing and the University of Sufism.
Some examples of our work include:
- Providing financial support to beloveds in need
- Supporting the University of Sufism which provides spiritual education, principles, methodologies, and guidance while helping teach students how to heal their hearts, minds, bodies, soulds, and spirits, via illuminated, spiritual Shadhiliyya Sufi teachings brought to us by Sidi al Jamal ar Rafai;
- Providing scholarships for people longing to attend the University of Sufism but who cannot afford to do so on their own;
- Building partnerships with local Sufi communities and others who have a similar mission to bring Divine Peace and Love to the world regardless of race, religion, gender, or any other outer difference;
- Endorsing qualified people of the Sufi faith as part of the Board of Chaplaincy Certification process
- Working on worldwide projects, such as building zawiya centers around the globe, that share the Shadhiliyya Sufi teachings and/or that bring Divine Peace, Unity, and Love to the world.
Executive Committee
Ibrahim R. Jaffe, MD, MDiv
Chancellor
Dr. Ibrahim Jaffe is a Physician, Sufi Master, and Spiritual Guide (Murshid Murabi Ruhi). As Founder and head of ISH, UoS and the Ma’rifa Foundation, he is committed to people walking the path of Spiritual Unity and Love. He is the author of God’s Way: Sufi Spiritual Healing and creator of the APIIR-TB Divine healing method using the 99 names of God. Through walking with Dr. Jaffe, people experience deep physical and spiritual healing. Dr. Jaffe’s vision is to bring together the Light of all paths and help the world move to Oneness and Peace. His heart holds the tremendous power of unconditional love and gnostic understanding.
Abdullah Matt Snapp
Executive Director
Abdullah Matt Snapp is an experienced Psychologist and Executive Coach. He is Executive Director of the Ma’rifa Foundation, and COO for the Institute of Spiritual Healing. Murabbi of the Shadhiliyya Sufi Order, he was introduced to Sufism by Sidi Muhammad and Ibrahim Jaffe in 2006. Abdullah is dedicated to developing systems for operating spiritually oriented organizations that couple love, connection, and spiritual guidance, with high performing business skills.
Kamila Carolyn Shenmen
Liaison for the University of Sufism
Kamila Shenmen is Co-President of UoS, a Sufi Master Healer practicing since 2003, a Teacher, and a certified practitioner of Oriental Medicine. She is co-author of A Drop in the Ocean of Love. Previously, Kamila worked at the National Institute of Health where she received the NIH Director’s Award for her work on mapping the cancer genome in the Cancer Genome Anatomy Project. She stands strong in her soul’s commitment to create a world where every human knows their beauty, wholeness and truth. She has deep love for her students, community, and clients, and is known for her ability to transmit gnostic wisdom.
Salima Adelstein
Liaison for the University of Sufism
Salima Adelstein is Co-President of UoS and Academic Dean for the Spiritual Ministry degree programs. She is Founder and Spiritual Director of the Farm of Peace, a Sufi healing retreat center and community. As a Sufi Mystic, Master Healer and Teacher, she has guided students to the Truth for over 25 years. Salima is co-author of A Drop in the Ocean of Love and teaches seminars nationally and internationally. Salima’s vision is that all people discover and embody the deep truth of their beauty and essence, bringing to the world their divine gift from God. Her heart is filled with the joy and compassion that results from living in the heart of God.
Staff Members
Yasmine al Hadi Katie Elmes
Director of Outreach and Partnerships
Yasmine Katie Elmes joined the organization in 2021. She brings with her a background in equitable educational program creation, organizational development and change, and community building work. She is passionate about opening the doors to help each person who feels called to share their beauty and voice to bring new ideas to life. In Yasmine’s role as Director of Outreach and Partnerships, she works collaboratively to bring to life projects carrying Sidi’s message as well as deepening community partnerships. She also is Salima Adelstein’s Executive Assistant. Yasmine holds a Master’s of Scinece in Management from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and is enrolled in the Advanced Spiritual Healing Master of Divinty Class at the University of Sufism. She lives at the Farm of Peace with her daughter and loves spending time outside, finding beauty in everyday life, and spending time with loved ones.
Halima Bach
Director of Human Resources
Halima Kimberlee Bach is the Human Resources Director. She graduated from the University of Spiritual Healing and Sufism in 2012 with a basic healing certificate. In 2023 she graduated from the University of Sufism with a Master of Divinity in Peacemaking. She is currently enrolled in the Advanced Spiritual Healing Master of Divinity Class, also at the University of Sufism. She lives in Frederick Maryland with her family and three doodle puppies.
Michelle Kallman
Director of Accounting
Michelle is the Accounting Manager for all three organizations: Ma’rifa Foundation, Institute of Spiritual Healing, and University of Sufism. She has 30 plus years in accounting. Prior to coming to our organizations, she spent the last 20+ years in Government Accounting working closely with the US Department of Defense. In the last 10 years she has additionally been blessed to work with privately owned non-profit organizations helping with Inner City – Teen Recovery in New York City and Animal Welfare in Eastern Virginia.