On the evening of 22 June 2022, seekers gathered in Grenoble as part of the “Mawlana on Tour” itinerary that journeys through France, Switzerland and Germany. The meeting opened with a collective affirmation of the Shahada—لا إله إلا الله—and repeated salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. These utterances, simple yet profound, created an atmosphere of reverence and reminded everyone present that each breath of remembrance draws the Divine nearer to the heart.
The gathering then entered into a rhythmic zikr, echoing phrases such as كاريكا أدب and gentle reminders not to deceive, for “everything good is bestowed upon believers.” The repetition of these words fostered a shared sense of honesty, gratitude, and trust in the wisdom that underlies every trial. Even as participants reflected on the reality that blessings may arrive with difficulty, the communal chant wove together voices from diverse backgrounds into one harmonious prayerful chorus.
In this setting, the Ottoman‑rooted spirituality of the Royal Ottoman Society found a natural expression amid the Alpine backdrop of Grenoble. The shared dhikr illustrated how remembrance can transform a gathering space into a living illustration of unity and devotion.
For those interested in exploring the texts and teachings referenced during the evening, additional materials are available in our online library.
