At a gathering on 13 March 2016, held together with Harmonie der Herzen e.V., Sheikh Bahauddin Efendi addressed a question that concerns many seekers: What will become of our destiny? His answer centred on a simple but profound reminder: what truly matters is time – and once it passes, it never returns.
Time as the Ultimate Teacher
People often arrange their relationships and choices around imagined “boxes” or future outcomes, Sheikh Bahauddin explained. They ask him, “What are my boxes? What does my future look like?” His answer is not a prophecy but a call to awareness: “Only time, things that do not come back.”
Repeated throughout the sohbet, this phrase reminds us how easily we waste moments on speculation. Instead of dwelling on what may happen, the Sheikh encourages us to act in the present and to use every breath for spiritual growth and service.
The Practice of “Fezekkir”
The word fezekkir recurs throughout – an Arabic exhortation meaning “remember”. Sheikh Bahauddin connects it with the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) constant remembrance of Allah and of the fleeting nature of worldly life. Keeping the finitude of time alive in our hearts helps us to:
- prioritise deeds that nurture the soul,
- reach out to others before it is too late,
- live each moment with purpose rather than procrastination.
In this way fezekkir is both a personal discipline and a shared responsibility: we remind one another of the preciousness of now.
Living the Message Today
“Just Do It” is not a call to reckless haste but an invitation to align our intentions with the reality that time does not rewind. When we take this to heart, we become more mindful of how we spend our days, more compassionate toward those around us and more committed to the spiritual path.
If this teaching moves you, join our regular gatherings, where such insights are explored in depth and where you can take Bayʿah (the oath of commitment) on the Sufi path: Live meetings.
You are also welcome to share reflections, questions and support with fellow seekers on our Community page.
