When the renowned Pakistani qawwali vocalist Mahmoud Sabri took the stage of our Sufi Centre in Ludwigshafen, the hall resonated with a timeless longing for the Divine. Under the gentle guidance of Imam Sheikh Jamaluddin—often called the “Imam of the New Ottomans”—and the warm welcome of Ayberk Efendi, the evening unfolded as a living dialogue between Ottoman mysticism and South Asian devotional music.
Sabri’s voice rose with the familiar refrain “Ya Mustafa,” weaving Persian, Urdu, and Turkish inflections into a single breath‑filled chant. The tabla and harmonium accompanied each phrase, creating rhythmic currents that invited quiet remembrance (dhikr) from all present. Between songs, Sheikh Jamaluddin offered brief reflections on how sound can become a vessel for zikr, reminding listeners of the Prophet’s ﷺ appreciation for music that lifts the heart toward Allah. Ayberk Efendi complemented these thoughts with anecdotes from Ottoman poetry, drawing subtle parallels between the lyrical devotion of Turkish ashiks and the soulful intensity of qawwali.
The gathering became a shared space of reverence: longtime seekers of Ottoman heritage and newcomers drawn by the magnetism of Sufi music joined in gentle applause, feeling each vibration echo the universal call to love and surrender. Such moments illustrate how diverse expressions of the mystical path can harmonise when rooted in sincere devotion.
We are grateful to Mahmoud Sabri for gifting his voice, to Imam Sheikh Jamaluddin for his inspiring presence, and to Ayberk Efendi for nurturing an atmosphere where tradition meets lived experience. If you wish to stay connected with future gatherings and deepen your journey within the Royal Ottoman Society, we invite you to join our community: https://royalottomans.com/community/.
