In this heartfelt sohbet, the teacher—referred to in the talk as Şeyh Efendi—invites us to contemplate the principle of balance (denge) that underlies every aspect of creation. He opens with a vivid illustration: when a donkey carries an uneven load, it stumbles and tires; but when the burden is distributed equally on both sides, the animal walks steadily and without strain. This simple image becomes a gateway to understanding how our own lives—both visible and hidden—must be aligned with the Divine order.
The Divine Design of Balance
Şeyh Efendi reminds us that balance is not a human invention but a law set by Allah Himself. Nothing exists outside this equilibrium; every phenomenon, from the material world to the inner soul, was fashioned to harmonize. The outward body (zâhir) is visible, yet an unseen can or ruh animates it, providing the counterweight that steadies our existence. When we neglect this interior dimension, the outer form collapses under its own weight.
Material Load versus Spiritual Attire
A common trap is to equate external success with equilibrium. Şeyh Efendi warns that a person who appears prosperous yet lacks spiritual grounding resembles a king stripped of clothing—visible but fundamentally exposed. He asks us to imagine ourselves changing garments: when we shed material concerns, what remains? The answer is the soul’s “clothing” of spirituality. If that attire has been abandoned, the individual stands naked before Allah, and true balance cannot be achieved.
Seeking Proximity to Allah as the Axis of Balance
True equilibrium is found not by constructing our own mental images of God but by drawing near to Him. When we reduce Allah to a mere concept in our imagination, we turn Him into illusion and drift away from reality. Şeyh Efendi encourages us to place our thoughts within the presence of the Divine, allowing His existence to become the central axis around which both material duties and spiritual aspirations revolve.
He also reminds us that even the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not possess complete knowledge of Allah’s essence; yet his relationship with the Creator serves as an ocean in which we may dip our consciousness. By aligning ourselves with this profound connection, we receive guidance to keep our steps steady on the path of life.
Living the Balance
From the teaching emerge three practical reminders:
- Honor the inner soul that steadies the body by nurturing it through remembrance (dhikr), prayer, and sincere intention.
- Distribute material responsibilities evenly with spiritual duties, avoiding the temptation to overload one side of the self.
- Cultivate constant proximity to Allah, allowing His presence to be the pivot around which every action turns.
When we walk this path, we become “balance keepers” whose lives reflect the harmony intended by the Creator.
If you feel inspired to deepen your practice and explore further teachings, consider joining our online community where seekers gather for study, reflection, and mutual support: Community. May Allah grant us all the wisdom to keep our balance.
