In this heartfelt sermon, Ayberk Efendi reminds us that a sincere spiritual life rests on caution, verification, and adherence to the true “measure” (ölçü) provided by our sheikh. He warns how easily believers fall into gossip, slander, and premature judgment, and urges us to pause, investigate, and align every opinion with the guidance of the masters of the lineage.
Ayberk Efendi begins with the Qur’anic injunction: “Fear Allah and obey Him.” Allah dislikes backbiting (gıybet), false accusations, and idle talk. When a rumor spreads—whether out of personal dislike or to undermine a beloved figure—the believer is placed on a dangerous path. Accepting such information without scrutiny harms the person spoken about and makes the listener a participant in the sin of slander.
The teaching unfolds around three practical steps:
- Do not accept what you hear immediately.
- Investigate the authenticity of the claim.
- Only after thorough verification should you form an opinion or take action.
Skipping these steps leads to a chain of wrongful judgments that turns even well‑intentioned believers into participants in gossip and falsehood.
Central to Ayberk Efendi’s message is the concept of ölçü, the standard by which all matters are judged. This measure is not a personal preference or a passing opinion; it is anchored in the divine word, the Qur’an, and in the lived wisdom of the Prophet, the saints (evliyâ), and, most immediately for us, our sheikh.
When we hear a controversial statement about a brother or sister, we must first look to the sheikh’s stance:
- Does the sheikh uphold truth in this case?
- How does he view the character and deeds of the person being discussed?
If the sheikh’s perspective aligns with justice and compassion, we can trust that judgment. If not, proximity to a spiritual leader—such as being seen at his gatherings for decades—does not automatically guarantee reliability. True credibility comes from the consistency between words and the timeless teachings of Islam.
Ayberk Efendi therefore urges us to treat the sheikh as the measure in all matters of belief, conduct, and relations with others. In this way we protect ourselves from wrong conclusions and preserve the unity and love that mark a healthy Sufi community.
In our daily interactions—within the Royal Ottoman Society’s gatherings or in wider social circles—the principle remains clear:
- Pause before reacting to rumors.
- Seek clarification from trusted, knowledgeable sources, especially the sheikh.
- Align your response with the ethical and spiritual standards embodied by the lineage.
When we live by this discipline, we protect ourselves and others from the corrosive effects of gossip and foster an environment where truth, mercy, and brotherhood flourish.
For those who wish to explore these teachings further, our digital library offers related texts and recordings: Royal Ottoman Society Library.
