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From Orthodox Monasticism to Sufi Process Theology

AbdulBaseer al-Buhairi

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By Sa’īd Abdul Latif   (on Medium.com) author of “The Muslim Priest”

This is a talk that I recently gave for the Center for Process Studies. I was terribly sick and severely lacking in sleep when I gave it, but mashallah… it seems to have been well received.

I would invite everyone to donate and support the Center for Process Studies, who graciously invited me to speak. Support for the Center allows you to view the full video which includes a Q&A section, which frankly was my favorite part of the talk. (I enjoy discuss more than mere lecturing/monologues.)

From Orthodox Monasticism to Sufi Process Theology | Sa’īd Abdul Latif

Presenter(s): Sa’īd Abdul Latif, Writer, Independent Scholar, and former Russian Orthodox Priest-Monk
SESSION SUMMARY In this presentation, former Russian Orthodox priest-monk Sa’īd Abdul Latif (Troy Heagy) reflects on his journey from Eastern Christian monasticism to a form of process theology-informed Sufi Islam. He explores his early understanding of faith and truth as adherence to correct dogma authoritatively defined by church, confession, or creed—the idea that one need only discover the right institution and submit to its formulations. He then describes his gradual movement toward a more dynamic theological vision shaped by process thought and the metaphysical language of Ibn ʿArabī, particularly the doctrine of Wahdat al-Wujūd (“Unity of Being”).
BIOGRAPHY Sa’īd Abdul Latif (Troy Heagy) is a writer, independent scholar, and former Russian Orthodox priest-monk whose spiritual and intellectual journey has moved across multiple religious worlds. After spending years in Eastern Christian monastic life, he later embraced Islam and developed a particular interest in Sufism, comparative theology, and the meeting point between traditional faith and contemporary philosophy. His work explores questions of metaphysics, religious experience, symbolism, and the relationship between dogma and spiritual transformation. Drawing from sources as diverse as Ibn ʿArabī Alfred North Whitehead, Martin Heidegger, and Eastern Christian mysticism, Mr. Heagy seeks pathways of dialogue between traditions often seen as opposed. He writes and speaks on spirituality, philosophy, culture, and the search for a living understanding of truth in the modern world. His presentations combine autobiographical experience with philosophical reflection and interreligious insight. He currently lives in Pittsburgh. 
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Event Recording Date: May 5, 2026 Process Explorations is a weekly gathering to engage in conversations that matter with fascinating speakers across a wide range of ideas and interests. You can find out more at https://ctr4process.org/process-explo…. If you enjoy this content, please consider supporting the Center for Process Studies by making a donation at https://ctr4process.org/donate/.

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AbdulBasser al-Buhairi is an editor
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