In this heartfelt sohbet, Ayberk Efendi invites us to contemplate the Qur’anic declaration that humanity is “the most honoured of all creation” (eşref‑i mahlûkat) and created “in the most beautiful form” (ahsen‑i takvîm). Unfolding the deeper meaning of these words, he reminds us that every human soul carries a hidden strength bestowed by Allah, a capacity far beyond the ordinary limits of the material world.
Ayberk Efendi explains that this wording is not merely poetic; it describes a real superiority. Humans are created with a strength greater than that of the most powerful animal, the highest‑flying bird or the fish of the deepest sea. If a fish can glide through water, human potential must reach far beyond the sky. The iron ships that float on water and the aircraft that cross the heavens bear witness to a hidden engine within us—an inner power that, when aligned with divine guidance, can move mountains, carry ships and lift the spirit itself.
Yet despite this divine gift, Ayberk Efendi observes that many of us remain earthbound. He describes “parasitic forces” that attach themselves to the heart—sins, doubts, ego and worldly distractions—that act like ballast and keep the soul from rising. The more we give ourselves to fleeting concerns such as material ambition, idle gossip and endless entertainment, the heavier this burden becomes and the further we drift from the potential Allah has granted us.
To awaken this secret power, Ayberk Efendi points to three connected practices:
- Contemplative reflection – Regularly reflect on the verse that names us the most honoured. Such contemplation awakens the awareness that we are created for a purpose beyond material existence.
- Purification of the heart – Turn to sincere repentance, dhikr and steadfast prayer. As the “parasitic” impurities fall away, the heart becomes light enough to rise above worldly mire.
- Guided spiritual practice – Follow trustworthy guidance, whether a sheikh, a community of seekers or the living tradition of the Royal Ottoman Society. Collective zikr, study of the Qur’an and following the prophetic example fuel the inner engine that carries us toward our true potential.
Ayberk Efendi also speaks of the mirror. The true mirror is not glass reflecting an outer image, but the heart of a sincere believer, which reflects our inner reality. Looking into such a mirror reveals strengths and shortcomings alike, sometimes painfully—yet it is exactly this honest reflection that makes growth possible.
The fullest expression of this hidden power, he notes, will become manifest when the awaited Mahdi appears and grants divine help to those whose hearts are purified. Until then, every seeker can glimpse this capacity by lightening the spiritual load and letting the soul glide over the waves of life.
If you wish to deepen this journey, we invite you to our live meetings, where guided zikr and study sessions help turn contemplation into lived practice.
