In the live sohbet of 16 July 2016, Ayberk Efendi turned to a reminder that echoes through every Sufi teaching: the importance of taking proper precautions (tedbir) before difficulties arise. The conversation was held in Turkish, but its essence is universal—a call to trust in divine protection while actively safeguarding oneself on the spiritual path.
Divine Guardians and Their Mission
Ayberk Efendi began by affirming that everything hidden from our eyes (gayb) belongs to Allah’s perfect knowledge. Yet He does not leave His creation unattended. Throughout the ages, chosen servants—vâli‑kulları—have been sent to watch over humanity. He described these guardians as “unique gems,” whose sole purpose is to protect and guide without seeking any personal gain.
Their work, according to Ayberk Efendi, is self‑sacrificing service: they intervene in the course of destiny, pointing out which path accords with the divine will and keeping believers from stumbling into harmful fates. Their guidance is personal; it applies to those who receive it, reflecting the intimate nature of spiritual mentorship.
Why Precaution Matters
From this foundation the sohbet returned again and again to one central injunction: “Onlara doğru tedbir alın” — take correct precautions. Ayberk Efendi emphasized that prophets, saints, and guides of our time have always warned humanity about coming trials, whether natural calamities or inner turmoil. The counsel is not meant to incite fear but to inspire preparation:
- Awareness before the event: Recognizing signs of difficulty allows one to respond with calm rather than panic.
- Spiritual shielding: By aligning actions with divine advice, a seeker builds an inner barrier that lessens the impact of hardship.
- Community responsibility: Taking precautions also protects those around us, in keeping with the Sufi principle of mutual care.
The repetition shows how easily such counsel is overlooked in daily life. Ayberk Efendi’s insistence is a gentle yet firm reminder to make this habit part of our spiritual practice.
Practical Spiritual Guidance
Although the sohbet did not offer a step‑by‑step checklist, several practical insights emerged:
- Seek knowledge from trusted guides – Turn to those known for their closeness to Allah and their record of sincere service.
- Engage in regular remembrance (dhikr) – Consistent dhikr strengthens the heart and makes it more receptive to divine warnings.
- Cultivate presence in prayer – When we bring our concerns before Allah, He grants us clarity about which precautions are needed.
For those wishing to deepen this practice under direct guidance, the Royal Ottoman Society offers live meetings where seekers can take Bayʿah and explore these teachings together. Learn more about upcoming sessions on our Live Meetings page.
Ayberk Efendi’s sohbet reminds us that divine wisdom always comes with a call to responsible action. By heeding the counsel “take precautions,” we align ourselves with the protective presence of Allah’s chosen servants and meet life’s uncertainties with confidence and serenity. May we all live this balanced approach on our journey toward the Light.
