In this heartfelt sermon, Ayberk Efendi reminds us that the foundation of a sincere spiritual life rests on caution, verification, and adherence to the true “measure” (ölçü) provided by our sheikh. He warns against the ease with which believers fall into gossip, slander, and premature judgments, urging us to pause, investigate, and align every opinion with the guidance of the lineage‑bearing masters.
Ayberk Efendi begins by invoking the Qur’anic injunction: “Fear Allah and obey Him.” He emphasizes that Allah dislikes those who indulge in backbiting (gıyâb), false accusations, and idle talk. When a rumor spreads—whether motivated by personal dislike or an attempt to undermine a beloved figure—the believer is instantly placed on a precarious path. Accepting such information without scrutiny not only harms the person being spoken about but also implicates the listener in the very sin of slander.
The teaching unfolds around three practical steps:
- Do not accept what you hear immediately.
- Investigate the authenticity of the claim.
- Only after thorough verification should you form an opinion or take action.
Skipping these steps leads to a cascade of wrongful judgments, turning even well‑intentioned believers into participants in gossip and falsehood.
Central to Ayberk Efendi’s message is the concept of ölçü—the ultimate standard by which all matters are judged. This “measure” is not a personal preference or fleeting opinion; it is anchored in the divine word, the Qur’an, and the lived wisdom of the Prophet, the saints (evliâ), and, most immediately for us, our sheikh.
When we encounter a controversial statement about a brother or sister, we must first look to the sheikh’s stance:
- Does the sheikh uphold truth in this case?
- How does he view the character and deeds of the person being discussed?
If the sheikh’s perspective aligns with justice and compassion, we can trust that judgment. If not, proximity to a spiritual leader—such as seeing him appear at gatherings for decades—does not automatically guarantee reliability. True credibility comes from the consistency between his words and the timeless teachings of Islam.
Ayberk Efendi therefore urges us to treat the sheikh as the “measure” (ölçü) in all matters of belief, conduct, and interpersonal relations. By doing so, we safeguard ourselves from erroneous conclusions and preserve the unity and love that are hallmarks of a healthy Sufi community.
In our daily interactions—whether within the Royal Ottoman Society’s gatherings or in broader social circles—the principle remains clear:
- Pause before reacting to rumors.
- Seek clarification from trusted, knowledgeable sources, especially the sheikh.
- Align your response with the ethical and spiritual standards embodied by the lineage.
When we embody this disciplined approach, we protect both ourselves and others from the corrosive effects of gossip, fostering an environment where truth, mercy, and brotherhood flourish.
For those who wish to explore these teachings further, our digital library offers a collection of related texts and recordings: Royal Ottoman Society Library.
