In this short sohbet, Sheikh Bahauddin reminds us that every blessing (ikram) we receive – mercy, beauty, cleverness, even apparent shortcomings – is a gift from Allah Almighty. Each of us has a “weak point,” and it is exactly there that the sheikh tests us, gently. The test never aims at our strengths; it touches that fragile spot so that we become aware of the hidden illness of the ego.
He illustrates this with a light-hearted story of how Mawlana Sheikh Nazim teased the daughter of Mawlana Sheikh Hussain. Saying “Baba benim” (“this is my father”) again and again, he provoked both the child’s tears and Sheikh Hussain’s exasperation. The story reminds us that when someone teases or provokes us, we should not fall into the same trap as the “German dervish,” who appears untouched because he has no weak point at all. Knowing our own vulnerable spots protects us from being caught by provocation and helps us keep the ego in check.
Staying mindful of where we are most susceptible turns each challenge into a chance for spiritual growth. To join a gathering where such reflections are shared live, visit our Live meetings page.
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