In this teaching, Sheikh Mehmed Efendi reminds us that the Sufi path resembles a demanding school rather than a casual gathering. Just as a teacher knows each pupil’s strengths, attendance and effort, the spiritual master sees every disciple’s deeds, sincerity and progress. These observations are recorded – not on paper, but in a “divine report card” that will one day be presented before the Sheikh and ultimately before Allah.
The tariqa as a school
Sheikh Mehmed explains that the tariqa works like a serious school. The head of the order appoints teachers who assess each seeker’s abilities: which tasks they excel at, where their understanding shines and how disciplined they are in practice. Every act is noted – punctual attendance at gatherings, the quality of one’s dhikr, moments of neglect – and, as in any classroom, these notes decide a disciple’s advancement to higher stations.
Comfort versus accountability
Comfort is easily mistaken for spirituality. Warm rooms, heated floors and plenty of refreshments can create an illusion of progress while the heart stands still. Sheikh Mehmed contrasts this with the early Ottoman lodges, where seekers sat on cold stone, shared simple tea and warmed one another through shared devotion. The real test is to resist complacency: when we become too comfortable, we start looking for faults instead of thanking Allah for what we have been given.
The danger of false superiority
Whoever feels his high rank is secure should take care. Today’s disciple in the front row can soon find himself at the back if he rests on imagined guarantees. Honest self-assessment, free of pride, is essential, because every action continues to be recorded until the final evaluation.
Increasing effort (gayret)
At the heart of the teaching is a call to greater striving. Sheikh Mehmed urges seekers to raise their service to its highest level, to remain steadfast in obedience and loyalty to the Sheikh, and to make heartfelt du‘a asking Allah to raise them to the noblest stations of service. He shares a short prayer taught by Sheikh Nazim Hazretleri, asking Allah to appoint us to the highest and most honourable services, to grant perseverance and to keep us steady on the path. Real progress comes not only through formal allegiance (bayʿah), but through continuous action and sincere supplication.
Bearing witness to one another
In this spiritual school, disciples also bear witness to each other’s sincerity, just as teachers report on their pupils to the headmaster. This mutual accountability keeps leaders and followers alike honest in intention and deed.
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