Mawlana, My Father – A Documentary Tribute to Sheikh Nazim
The film “Mawlana, my Father” presents a vivid recollection of the life and teachings of Mawlana Sheikh Nazim through the heartfelt narration of his son, Sheikh Bahauddin. The documentary traces the lineage of the family from its roots in Damascus and the sacred mountain of Jabal Qasyun to the spiritual centre they created under Mawla’s guidance. It introduces Haja Anne—the mother of the murids—and her children: Haja Nazihah, Sheikh Mehmed (the successor of Mawlana), the late sister Khadija, Sheikh Bahauddin himself, and Haja Rukiya, who now carries forward Haja Anne’s mantle.
Sheikh Bahauddin recalls a childhood spent roaming the streets of Damascus, playing football, and learning discipline from both his father—who was simultaneously a master and a parent—and his mother, who taught reverence for authority. He describes intimate moments with the Grand Sheikh, such as delivering fresh eggs each morning and sharing tea infused with honey, rituals that shaped his devotion. The narrative also conveys the humility of Mawlana, whose only “wealth” consisted of books and spiritual inheritance; he accepted gifts without counting them and distributed what he received to those in need.
The documentary further outlines Mawlana’s extensive travels across the Middle East and Europe, his commitment to rescuing souls from the influence of Shaytan, and his preference for study over worldly pastimes. It records poignant episodes surrounding the Grand Sheikh’s funeral, Mawlana’s reaction to the passing of his own father, and the profound final moments in the hospital where Mawlana, despite a ventilator, offered a blessed farewell through simple gestures.
Through these recollections, the film emphasizes Mawlana’s guiding principle: “Be a good one,” encouraging followers to cultivate inner virtue rather than chase material power. It also highlights the ongoing legacy of the Naqshbandiyya‑Aliyah order, now flourishing worldwide under the stewardship of Sheikh Mehmed, Sheikh Bahauddin and their siblings, who continue to offer spiritual guidance, charitable assistance, and a welcoming oasis for all seekers.
In sum, “Mawlana, my Father” stands as both a tribute and a testament to Mawlana Sheikh Nazim’s enduring impact on his family, his murids, and the broader Muslim community. The documentary invites viewers to share in the memory of a master whose life was defined by humility, scholarship, and boundless compassion.
