Universel Murad Hassil

The Universel Murad Hassil is one of several international Universal Sufi Universels located in Katwijk aan Zee in the Netherlands. It is also labelled a temple. Earlier, it was envisioned as a Sufi shrine or dargah. On numerous occasions it has been used as a public exhibition space and stage. It is considered part of the cultural history of the municipality.
History.
In 1969, a structure designed by the Dutch architect was built on the place where in 1922, during the summer school, Inayat Khan reported having a 'spiritual experience' and proclaimed the place holy. The land was acquired in 1956. In 2014 the building was nominated for monument status by the municipal heritage committee. It has been open to the public on European Heritage Days.
Architecture.
The building is a simple square in basis and the cupola is golden. The dome rises above the surface of the earth. The main space accommodates 200 people. In the meditation chapel there are 40 seats, in the restaurant there are 50 places. In a small deep dune valley nearby an amphitheater is built where 200 people can sit. In 1984 the Royal Dutch Touring Club and Tourism Society deemed the temple an attractive "place of interest". As of 1970, at the tourist information office tickets could be obtained to visit the temple on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 13 p.m. The building was included in the architecture guide of region published by the .
Construction.
The temple was built by construction company Van Rhijn Katwijk nv. The company was in financial difficulties at the time. New employees were hired. The realization of this project cost about ƒ500,000 at the time.
Current use.
Main objective.
Every year, the 'Sufi summer school' takes place in this temple, and many Universal Sufis from around the world visit the temple each summer.
The Universal Worship Service, brotherhood days and other meetings take place in the temple as well as several traditional music concerts. These are open to the general public.
Exhibition space.
The temple has been used as a public exhibition space.
Stage.
The policy of the Public Benefit Organisation responsible for the temple states the temple can be made available to others for activities only if those activities are harmonious with the spiritual atmosphere of the temple.
Surroundings.
Local community.
In connection with vandalism in 1987 permission was obtained to build a guard house on the premises.
Environment.
For the disposal of waste a connection has been made to a conduit especially made for the purpose.