On the evening of 23 February 2013, the Royal Ottoman Society gathered in Ludwigshafen for a dhikr led by Sultan Sheikh Mehmed Efendi together with Ayberk Efendi. A small circle of seekers settled on cushions, eyes gently closed, as the two began to chant the sacred names. Their voices rose in a steady rhythm of “Astaghfirullah”, “La ilaha illa Allah” and other invocations handed down through generations of the Sufi tradition.
With each repetition the participants were drawn deeper into remembrance, the breath following the divine phrase. As Sheikh Mehmed Efendi guided the gathering, Ayberk Efendi added melodic variations. Many felt a sense of purification and unity that stayed with them long after the last chant faded.
Such gatherings are more than vocal practice: they carry the Ottoman spiritual heritage of turning heart to heart towards the Divine, and they strengthen the bond among our members today.
If you would like to experience dhikr live or deepen your Sufi path, we invite you to explore our Live meetings. To stay informed about future gatherings and join a supportive network of seekers, consider becoming a member through our Membership page.
