In this sohbet, recorded on 13 February 2015, Ayberk Efendi invites seekers to contemplate two complementary images of the Sufi path: becoming like water and becoming like a sheikh. Through Qur’anic allusion and a historical anecdote, he reminds us that every soul made a promise before birth—a pledge to worship Allah—that should shape every step of the inner journey.
The Symbolism of Water
Ayberk Efendi describes water as the source of life: it nourishes the body, cools the heat of the world and brings ease to all who encounter it. Its clarity reveals purity; looking into clear water, we see not only its brilliance but also our own reflection, illuminated by divine light. In Sufi terms this image points to tazkiyah, the purification of the heart that allows the seeker to perceive Allah’s presence within.
Water is therefore more than a physical element; it is an invitation to humility, adaptability and inner clarity. The sheikh, he explains, mirrors these qualities and adds the dimension of hope (ümid), which surpasses even water’s sustaining power.
The Sheikh as a Vessel of Divine Light
A true spiritual guide, Ayberk Efendi emphasizes, carries the same crystal purity as water, yet also serves as a conduit for the Prophet’s light. The sheikh “holds the promise of the Qur’an” and offers disciples a way to see themselves reflected in the Divine. If the seeker has the inner eye and sincere surrender, following the flow of the sheikh leads naturally to taslim, complete submission.
The sheikh is thus not an alternative to water; he is water made manifest, offering both clarity and direction on the path to Allah.
Remembering the Pre‑Existential Promise
A central thread of the sohbet is the covenant every soul makes with Allah before coming into this world: “I will worship You.” Ayberk Efendi reminds us how easily this promise is obscured by worldly distractions—bright lights, pleasures and material pursuits.
When do we truly recall that pledge? Often only in hardship, when desperation drives us toward Allah for relief rather than out of love. True remembrance should arise from a sincere wish to honor the original vow, whatever the circumstances.
The Tale of Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni
To illustrate steadfastness, Ayberk Efendi recounts the expedition of Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni against a far larger Indian army. Facing elephants, panthers and an overwhelming force, the Sultan turned to prayer:
“O Lord, if You do not aid us none shall survive; but if You grant victory, I will distribute every treasure among the poor without keeping a single coin.”
After the victory, his viziers urged him to keep the spoils, arguing practicality over piety. The Sultan remained firm, recalled his oath to Allah and chose charity over wealth. His vow mirrors the pre‑existential promise: surrendering worldly gain for a divine purpose, whether on a battlefield or in daily life.
Integrating the Two Paths
Ayberk Efendi concludes that being like a sheikh and being like water are not contradictory choices but two aspects of the same spiritual reality. The sheikh embodies the purity and transparency of water while also giving the hope and guidance the seeker needs on the way to Allah.
If we have the inner eye to see, we follow the flow of water; if we trust a true sheikh, we submit to his guidance; and throughout, we keep before us the ancient promise to serve the One who created both. In this way our hearts become clear vessels, ready to receive divine illumination.
For those who wish to explore these themes further, our digital library offers classical texts and contemporary commentaries on Sufi metaphysics and Ottoman spirituality.
