In this brief sohbet, Sheikh Bahauddin reminds us that every blessing (ikram) we receive—whether mercy, beauty, cleverness, or even apparent shortcomings—is ultimately a gift from Allah Almighty. As humble servants, each of us possesses a “weak point,” the very spot where the master‑shyʿkh tests us most gently. The test is never aimed at our strengths; it targets that fragile area so we may become aware of the hidden illness of the ego.
Sheikh Bahauddin illustrates this with a lighthearted story about Mawlana Shaykh Nazim’s playful teasing of Mawlana Shaykh Hussain’s daughter. Repeating “Baba benim” (this is my father) over and over, he would provoke both the child’s tears and Shaykh Hussain’s exasperation. The anecdote serves as a reminder that when someone tries to tease or provoke us, we should not fall into the same trap as the “German dervish,” who appears untouched because he has no weak point at all. Recognizing our own vulnerable spots protects us from becoming ensnared by external provocations and helps us keep the ego in check.
By staying mindful of the areas where we are most susceptible, we can transform each challenge into an opportunity for spiritual growth. If you wish to explore this teaching further or join a gathering where such reflections are shared live, consider visiting our Live meetings page.
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