On the evening of 12 March 2016, the Royal Ottoman Society gathered at the historic Pfalzbau theatre in Ludwigshafen for the third part of its “Ottoman Sufi Night”. The hall resonated with chants of Allahu as the night turned to love – for the Creator and for all of His creation. Sheikh Bahauddin Adil spoke about the essence of Sufism, our responsibility towards the natural world, and the inner journey that awakens the spark of divine love in every heart.
The Mission of Sufi Love
Sheikh Bahauddin reminded us that Sufism is, at its heart, a mission of love: to cherish humanity, to honour every creature Allah has made, and to approach nature with reverence rather than domination. He told a family story: his daughter wished for a chameleon as a pet. She was enchanted by its changing colours, but feeding it would have meant keeping live cockroaches. The Sheikh used this to show that every being has its own place and purpose in Allah’s design, and that we should love it in a way that respects this.
From Youthful Passion to Mature Responsibility
Turning inward, Sheikh Bahauddin spoke of how love changes as we grow older. In youth, love feels like walking on clouds – intense and seemingly limitless. As responsibilities for family, work and the future accumulate, the clouds give way to solid ground. This does not mean love is lost; it invites us to dig deeper into our hearts to find the timeless flame that connects us with the Divine.
“Make it shine for yourself and for those around you,” he urged. By radiating sincere energy in our families, neighbourhoods and communities, we become living conduits of divine love.
Seeking Eternity Through Divine Love
Earthly life is fleeting. We may look for permanence in material achievements, but true eternity lies only in the love of the Creator. In the Sheikh’s words: “There are no coincidences in creation; every breath points toward Allah’s boundless mercy.” Seen this way, our daily struggles become opportunities for spiritual growth and gratitude.
As the final recitation of Al-Fatiha filled the theatre, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose: to love humanity, to honour creation and to nurture the eternal spark within.
If you wish to explore Sufi practice more deeply, you are welcome at our live meetings, where seekers can take Bayʿah and begin their spiritual path. For upcoming events and community discussions, visit our community page.
