In a recent reflection, the Royal Ottoman Society heard a powerful reminder that our modern scholars often know the Qur’an but are unfamiliar with the Bible, the Torah, or the Psalms. Yet the Christian clergy—those who study these Scriptures daily—have memorized our Hadiths almost word‑for‑word. They understand our tradition more intimately than many of us do ourselves. Because of this gap, we wander through life “toasting” to fleeting comforts, unable to see the road ahead. The speaker urged that while contemporary teachers glimpse only a few decades into the future, those who truly know our faith can perceive centuries ahead.
The message traced its roots back to the Ottoman era, when every ulama (scholar) could recite not only the various Islamic madhhabs but also the teachings of other faiths. Evliya Çelebi’s writings testify to this breadth of knowledge. After the fall of the empire, however, many of our own scholars were metaphorically blinded and deafened—cut off from the wider spiritual landscape. The call now is clear: we must awaken ourselves and, equally importantly, awaken one another.
This invitation resonates deeply with the Sufi path we cherish. True awakening begins with humility, recognizing the limits of our personal understanding, and opening our hearts to the wisdom that exists beyond our immediate circles. It also demands action—guiding fellow seekers back into the light of comprehensive knowledge and shared remembrance (dhikr). By embracing both inner renewal and communal responsibility, we can restore the vibrant intellectual and spiritual tradition that once flourished under Ottoman stewardship.
Let us answer this call together. Join our community to share in study circles, live meetings, and collective dhikr, and become part of a movement that revives the holistic spirit of our ancestors.
