An evening of devotion unfolded at the Royal Ottoman Society’s Sufi Centre in Ludwigshafen when the celebrated Pakistani Qawwali vocalist Mahmoud Sabri arrived as our honored guest. Welcomed by Ayberk Efendi and Imam Sheikh Jamaluddin, the gathering quickly transformed into a living expression of the mystic tradition that has long bound hearts across continents.
Mahmoud Sabri’s voice rose with the timeless poetry of the Sufi masters, each melodic phrase echoing the longing for union with the Divine. The rhythmic pulse of the daf and the resonant harmonium accompanied his soaring verses, turning the hall into a space where dhikr—the remembrance of God—was felt as much through sound as through silent contemplation. In this moment the Ottoman heritage of spiritual music met the rich legacy of South‑Asian Qawwali, illustrating how the path of love transcends language and geography.
Ayberk Efendi offered a brief introduction that traced the historical threads connecting the Silk Road’s travelers to the spread of mystical song. He reminded listeners that verses of Rumi and Hafiz have long travelled alongside the soulful chants of South‑Asian mystics, weaving a shared tapestry of devotion. Imam Sheikh Jamaluddin followed with reflections on how such artistic expressions serve as bridges, inviting seekers to view the Ottoman legacy not as a static museum piece but as a living, breathing journey that welcomes all who yearn for the Beloved.
The evening concluded with a collective sama, a shared listening in which Mahmoud’s final chorus lingered in the hearts of those present. Participants reported that the music opened new doors of contemplation, inspiring personal prayers and a renewed sense of belonging within the global Sufi family.
For those who feel called to join future gatherings or deepen their engagement with our living tradition, information about upcoming live meetings is available through our portal.
