In a warm gathering that spanned the Ottoman‑heritage societies across Europe, we were reminded of the blessed greeting “As‑salaamu ‘alaykum wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh” and the invocation Bismillāhir‑Rahmānir‑Raḥīm. Sheikh Mehmed Efendi opened by declaring that “the hand of God is with those who gather,” reassuring us that divine support accompanies sincere brotherhood. Yet he cautioned that even the most harmonious assemblies are observed by Satan, who looks for any sign of ihtilāf—a division that could fracture our unity. Rather than erasing all differences, Sheikh Mehmed Efendi urged us to nurture a spirit that transforms disagreement into constructive dialogue, allowing love and humility to keep the community intact.
A central thread of his address was personal responsibility in remembrance (dhikr). He emphasized that each heart must engage in its own dhikr; no one else can carry this inner work for us. The surrounding city or Western environment cannot replace the inner connection with the Divine. Whether we reside in Istanbul, Berlin, Paris, or elsewhere, the call to maintain our spiritual practice remains the same: a private, sincere turning toward Allah that sustains us amid worldly distractions.
Sheikh Mehmed Efendi also warned against seeking external approval—what he described as the modern temptation of “likes.” True devotion is invisible to the world and directed solely toward Allah; when we chase admiration, we invite vanity that can sow discord within the brotherhood. He concluded with a cautionary note about false statements, referencing rumors surrounding a figure named “Abu Bakra.” The teaching was clear: verify information, avoid gossip, and protect the trust that underpins our community.
We invite you to continue exploring these profound teachings together. Join our growing fellowship on the Community page and deepen your study through the Society’s extensive resources in the Library. May the hand of God remain ever‑present among us.
