In this sohbet, Ayberk Efendi reminds us that every word we speak and every role we take on carries a divine responsibility. He opens with praise for the All-Merciful Creator, who brings everything into existence from nothing, and stresses that nothing lies outside God’s perfect knowledge. From there he builds a practical guide for living according to the true purpose of our position – whether we represent truth and mercy or, without realising it, forces of deception.
The Weight of Representation
Ayberk Efendi explains that we never act merely as private individuals; we represent whatever principle we embody. Whoever stands for righteousness, justice or compassion must reflect those values fully in every action. Whoever unknowingly becomes a mouthpiece for falsehood or harm carries a heavier burden with every misstep. He compares this to an actor who, even when cast as the villain, strives to be the best villain – winning awards not because the role is noble but because the performance reaches its highest standard.
The directive that follows is simple: be “Number One” in whatever you represent. There is no room for mediocrity when the stakes are spiritual. If we are called to convey mercy, we must embody it at the highest level; if we unwittingly serve negativity, we become its foremost example – a situation every sincere seeker should recognise and avoid.
Discipline on the Spiritual Path
The talk also highlights the educational character of the tariqa. Just as a teacher knows each student’s strengths, weaknesses and hidden thoughts, the sheikh sees the inner state of every disciple and guides each according to his true capacity, giving “grades” that reflect effort and sincerity. Historically, the Ottoman Sufi orders ran their schools with strict discipline, much like classrooms but with a sacred purpose.
Today many communities have drifted towards a casual approach: some zikr, some sohbet, then back to daily life. Flexibility can be welcoming, but it risks diluting the educational mission of the tariqa. Ayberk Efendi urges us to keep the promise made at initiation – to walk, listen, see and speak in the name of the Divine with full awareness. Only then does the hidden strength of God’s “eye” and “ear” become manifest through us, and the master’s guidance bears fruit.
Returning to Commitment
The sohbet closes with an invitation to renew our commitment. Modern distractions can lull a seeker into complacency, but gratitude grows when we strengthen our resolve and deepen our zikr, prayer and service. By representing truth and mercy in every word and deed, we honour the Ottoman Sufi tradition and the living presence of the Divine within us.
Our live gatherings are a place where seekers renew their promise together and support one another on the path: Live meetings. May we all strive to be “Number One” in the service of Allah’s boundless mercy.
