In this Friday exhortation, Ayberk Efendi reminds us that true obedience belongs to Allah alone, the One who deserves our whole devotion. He warns against bending our will for fleeting worldly gains, even when they seem necessary for survival.
He points to the danger of serving any power that offers “three‑penny” benefits – a political position, social prestige, material comfort – while claiming to be loyal to God. That, he says, is not servitude but flattery, deceit and self‑subjugation to forces that have no claim on our souls.
The core of his teaching: all creation was made to worship Allah, and only the worship of the Truth sustains us. Prophets and saints never placed themselves under anyone’s command; they served the Divine Reality alone. Whoever bows before a worldly master submits his heart to an illusion that ends in disgrace, loss of honour and spiritual ruin.
Ayberk Efendi gives vivid examples: serving in kitchens, cleaning toilets, washing dishes for those who claim authority. Such work may be necessary in the material world, but it becomes a spiritual trap when its aim is to win the favour of anyone other than Allah. Then the servant loses his dignity and invites divine rebuke.
Obstinacy and rebellion belong to Satan’s realm, not to the Divine. To resist God’s command is meaningless; true obedience flows from knowing ourselves as kul (servant). The word itself carries the purpose of worship, and refusing that purpose contradicts our created nature.
Finally, Ayberk Efendi calls us to stand upright in honour, dignity and humility, bowing only before the One who is truly worthy. When we place ourselves under the authority of God’s friends, we become an example for others; when we submit to false powers, we strengthen the darkness that seeks to rule our hearts.
May this reminder help us examine where our loyalty goes each day. If these words move you and you wish to deepen your practice under guidance, join one of our live meetings, where sincere seekers take Bayʿah and walk the path together, or explore our online library.
May Allah grant us steadfastness in true obedience.
