On 22 August 2023 the Royal Ottoman Society gathered for a sohbet in Amersfoort, inviting every participant to pause, cleanse the heart and rediscover the deeper dimensions of faith. The gathering opened with the Kelime‑i Şehadet: just as we take a shower each morning, saying the testimony of faith refreshes our iman.
The opening words “Bismillahir rahmanir rahim” were repeated several times as a fresh start, and the act was likened to ghusl, the full ritual washing that purifies body and soul. By speaking the Shahada aloud we wash away past neglect and invite divine mercy anew.
The talk then turned to true purification. Water removes visible dirt from the body; sincere dhikr removes inner stains such as pride, ingratitude and heedlessness. Many complaints about illness, it was said, stem from a lack of spiritual cleansing – “illness enters through the mouth”.
Gratitude for Allah’s blessings was another central theme. Modern life makes us overlook the bounty around us, and even food can become a source of disease when taken without thankfulness. Participants were encouraged to pause before each meal and give thanks, letting that awareness protect them physically and spiritually.
We were also urged to visit the bedridden, go to the graveyard and even step into a tannery as tangible reminders of how fleeting life is. Facing suffering directly sharpens our appreciation of every breath and trains the heart in humility.
The sohbet also addressed the public burning or tearing of the Qur’an in parts of Europe, described as a fashionable but deeply misguided expression of ignorance. Even where perpetrators claim legal protection, true justice rooted in divine wisdom cannot be served by such acts. The gathering called for vigilance – defending the holy text not with violence but with love, education and lawful advocacy.
Finally, knowledge must become action: knowledge without practice remains hollow. Each participant was reminded to bring gratitude, regular remembrance and compassionate outreach into daily life. A closing prayer asked Allah for understanding, patience and strength to live these teachings.
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