In this heartfelt sohbet the Royal Ottoman Society gathered to listen to Ayberk Efendi together with the respected theologian and clinical psychologist Mehmed Küçük. Their conversation moved from the everyday habit of wishing “happy birthday” to a deeper reflection on why we should cherish every soul, protect spiritual heritage, and actively uphold the values that sustain our community.
The Gift of Every Birth
The discussion opened with a familiar scene: families gathering to sing “Happy Birthday.” Ayberk Efendi reminded us that while the chant is meant to bring joy, it also masks a subtle question—is it truly good to be born? He quoted the voice of mothers who sometimes whisper “I wish you had never been born,” and explored how such doubts can surface when we feel unappreciated.
Rather than dismiss these feelings, the speakers invited us to weigh our existence on a spiritual scale. If life brings benefit to others—through compassion, guidance, or simple kindness—the refrain “good that you are here” becomes more than a polite formula; it is an affirmation of purpose. In the words of the Qur’an, Allah says, “Ey Habibim, good that you exist,” underscoring that every created being holds a role in the divine tapestry.
Values as a Lifeline for the Community
Mehmed Küçük added a psychological perspective: values act as an inner compass that prevents us from drifting into nihilism. When we recognize that our presence can generate “goodness,” we become motivated to protect those values—both personal and communal.
The sohbet highlighted several practical ways this manifests:
- Honoring true leaders – Ayberk Efendi spoke of individuals such as Şeyh Nazım Efendi, Şeyh Mehmed Efendi, and the late Cengiz Bey, whose dedication to the path has created lasting spiritual infrastructure. Neglecting or undermining them would be akin to letting the divine gifts slip away.
- Celebrating prophetic examples – The speakers noted that early Muslims commemorated the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) birthday with reverence, not revelry. This demonstrates that honoring a sacred figure does not conflict with Islamic teachings when done sincerely and modestly.
- Every day as a new birth – By viewing each sunrise as a fresh “birth,” we renew our gratitude and stay alert to the responsibility of living in alignment with divine purpose.
A Call to Action: Protect What You Hold Dear
The central invitation of the sohbet was clear: stand up for your values. This means defending the teachings, supporting the scholars who transmit them, and embodying the virtues they espouse. The speakers warned that a community which neglects its spiritual assets risks losing them forever—just as societies have historically been humbled when they turned away from prophetic guidance.
In practical terms, the Royal Ottoman Society encourages members to:
- Attend our live meetings where Bayah can be taken and deeper study of the Qur’an, Hadith, and Sufi practices is offered.
- Join the community page to stay connected with fellow seekers and share resources that reinforce our shared values.
May we each become a living testament to the truth that “good that you are here,” carrying forward the legacy of Ayberk Efendi, Mehmed Küçük, and all those who have dedicated their lives to preserving the light of the Ottoman‑Sufi tradition.
