In a recent sohbet the gathering was invited to contemplate what true Üstünlük (“superiority”) means from a Sufi perspective. Ayberk Efendi reminded us that worldly honors—ministerial titles, doctorates, engineering degrees—are not markers of genuine elevation before Allah. The only lasting supremacy arises when the heart surrenders completely to the One who embodies absolute strength and mercy.
The teaching began with a simple yet profound image: a single drop of water placed in the vast ocean becomes part of an immeasurable whole; isolated, it evaporates or disappears. Likewise, a seeker who clings only to personal ambition remains a solitary “drop,” while one who attaches his will to the Infinite merges into the boundless reality of Allah’s presence. This attachment does not merely bring inner peace; it bestows an enduring superiority that no human authority can undermine.
Ayberk Efendi emphasized that true Üstünlük is inseparable from submission (bi‘a) to the Highest Power. The Qur’an, described as Ümmü’l‑Kitâb—the Mother of Books—is presented as the ultimate source of guidance, superior to all other knowledge. Memorizing verses or revering scholars for their academic achievements is insufficient if one has not first turned toward Allah. The speaker warned against placing trust in worldly expertise without the grounding of divine surrender: “If you look only to professors, doctors, or leaders, you remain bound by the limits of their perspective; true elevation lies beyond them.”
The sohbet also addressed a common pitfall: questioning or critiquing a sheikh out of personal desire for autonomy. Such criticism often signals that the seeker has not yet embraced the path with humility. In Sufi practice, the master is a conduit of divine light, and the disciple’s task is to hold firmly to that guidance, allowing it to transform the self. Ayberk Efendi urged listeners to abandon endless analysis and instead embody the simplicity of obedience: “When the sheikh advises, follow; do not let your own preferences distract you from the route that leads toward Allah.”
In concluding remarks, the gathering was reminded that superiority in this world is fleeting, but a soul anchored in divine surrender enjoys an everlasting rank. The metaphor of the ocean persists: just as water cannot be confined when it has become part of the sea, a heart merged with Allah’s will knows no limits.
For those who wish to explore these teachings further and experience them within a supportive community, our live meetings provide an opportunity to practice Bayah (commitment) together and deepen the collective zikr. More information can be found on our Live Meetings page.
