On the blessed night of Miraç, Ayberk Efendi gathered listeners for a heartfelt sohbet that reframed the celestial ascent as a series of intimate meetings—first with the heart, then with fellow seekers, and finally with the Divine Beloved. Drawing on Qurʾanic verses, prophetic traditions, and Ottoman spiritual heritage, he reminded us that the true miracle of Miraç unfolds through love, reconciliation, and sincere prayer.
Ayberk Efendi opened by describing Miraç as “the meeting with the beloved.” In this view the Prophet’s ascent is likened to a reunion with a dear companion rather than a solitary flight. Before we can behold the Divine Face, we must first become friends to those around us—neighbors, brothers, and even those with whom we are in conflict. The journey begins at the level of human connection; only after this foundation is laid does the soul rise through the stations of Mescid-i Aksa, Mescid-i Aksay, and finally the heavenly realm.
A central theme was the necessity of inner peace before prayer can serve as a true “mirac.” Ayberk Efendi warned against entering Salah while still carrying resentment or the sting of recent arguments. He illustrated this with vivid imagery: a warrior stepping onto the battlefield of prayer while his heart burns with anger will find the ascent blocked. The remedy, he suggested, is to approach every interaction with the generosity of an olive branch—offering “zeytin dalı,” sweets, and kindness as one would greet a beloved guest.
The sohbet highlighted that the Prophet called prayer our Mirac. While celestial travel remains a profound mystery, we possess a daily means to experience ascent: the disciplined performance of Salāh. By first mending relationships, then performing ablution with humility, and finally standing before Allah with a heart free of grudges, believers can taste a fragment of that heavenly journey on earth.
Ayberk Efendi also cited Qurʾanic warnings about approaching the Divine kul‑hakkıyla (with rightful claim). He explained that on the night of Miraç Allah will ask each soul what it brings—peace or lingering enmity. If we arrive bearing hatred, the ascent is halted. The prophetic tradition tells us that those who persist in discord may face a self‑inflicted fire, symbolising the inner torment that prevents spiritual progress.
The final counsel was practical: cultivate sincere friendships, resolve disputes promptly, and let every act of kindness become a step toward the celestial meeting. In doing so we align ourselves with the prophetic model—ascending through love, humility, and communal harmony rather than solitary ambition.
May our hearts be softened, our relationships healed, and our prayers transformed into true miracs. For further reflections on Miraç and other Sufi teachings, explore the Royal Ottoman Society’s Library.
