In a quiet corner of our community hall, the gentle hum of devotion rose as Sheikh Abdulhayy and Ayberk Efendi guided us into a shared meditation. The evening opened with a warm welcome to Sheikh Bahauddin Efendi, whose presence added an extra layer of blessing to the gathering.
The session began with a slow, rhythmic breathing exercise, inviting each participant to settle the mind and turn inward. As the breath settled, Sheikh Abdulhayy invited us to repeat the sacred formula “La ilahe illallah Muhammed Rasulullah,” allowing the words to echo in our hearts like a mantra. Ayberk Efendi joined, his voice weaving seamlessly with the chant, creating a tapestry of devotion that filled the room.
The repeated invocation—“La ilahe illallah” followed by the names of the Prophet (Muhammed Habibullah, Nebiyullah, Rasulullah)—served as both remembrance and meditation. With each cycle, the rhythm deepened, and a palpable sense of unity emerged among those present. The chants moved from the simple declaration of God’s oneness to an extended series of blessings, culminating in heartfelt prayers such as “Allahümme salli ve rahmeti” and “Rabbunallah.”
Throughout the meditation, the atmosphere remained serene yet vibrant. The collective voice rose and fell like a living prayer, fostering an inner stillness that allowed personal reflections to surface without distraction. When Sheikh Bahauddin Efendi entered, the group offered a gentle “Selam,” acknowledging his spiritual lineage and reinforcing the sense of continuity within our Ottoman‑Sufi tradition.
By the close of the session, the repeated dhikr had settled into a quiet resonance inside each participant. The final words—“Allah’a emanet olun” (May you be entrusted to God)—served as both benediction and invitation to carry the calmness of the gathering into daily life.
If this meditation resonated with you, consider joining our live meetings where we regularly practice collective dhikr and guided reflection: https://royalottomans.com/live-meetings.
May the peace cultivated in these moments accompany you on your path.
