In this heartfelt teaching, Sheikh Bahauddin Adil gently reminds us of a simple yet profound practice that lies at the heart of our Sufi heritage: we kiss both the hand and the foot of our ancestors. The gesture of touching the hand expresses deep gratitude for the wisdom, love, and guidance that have been handed down through generations of masters. By also honoring the foot, we acknowledge the humility required to follow in their footsteps, recognizing that every step on our spiritual path is rooted in the sacrifices and devotion of those who came before us.
This dual act embodies a complete reverence—gratitude for what has been received and humility before the ongoing journey. When we bow to the hand, we celebrate the teachings that illuminate our present; when we bow to the foot, we remember the grounding presence of the lineage that sustains us. Together they invite us to keep the silsila alive in our daily lives, whether in quiet contemplation or during communal dhikr.
Let this reminder inspire us to nurture the bond with our forebears, allowing their love and humility to shape every breath we take on the path of inner purification. May our hearts remain open to both the guidance of the hand and the steadfastness of the foot, as we continue the noble tradition of the Royal Ottoman Society.
