In this heartfelt sohbet, Ayberk Efendi invites us to contemplate the Qur’anic declaration that humanity is “the most honoured of all creation” (eşref‑i mahlûkat) and “the most beautiful of all beings” (ahsen‑i takvîm). By unfolding the deeper meaning of this verse, he reminds us that every human soul carries a latent potency bestowed by Allah, a capacity that far exceeds the ordinary limits of the material world.
Ayberk Efendi explains that the Qur’anic wording is not merely poetic; it is a statement of functional superiority. Humans are fashioned with a strength that surpasses the most powerful animal, the loftiest bird, and even the deepest fish. If a fish can glide through water, then the human potential must enable us to soar far beyond the sky. The very fact that we have fashioned iron ships that float on water and aircraft that cut across the heavens testifies to a hidden engine within us—an inner power that, when aligned with divine guidance, can move mountains, raise ships, and lift the spirit itself.
Yet, despite this divine endowment, Ayberk Efendi observes that many of us remain earthbound. He describes “parasitic forces” that attach themselves to the heart—sins, doubts, ego, and worldly distractions—that act like ballast, preventing the soul from rising. The more we indulge in fleeting concerns—material ambitions, idle gossip, endless entertainment—the heavier this burden becomes, and the farther we drift from the lofty potential Allah has granted.
To awaken the secret power within, Ayberk Efendi points to three interrelated practices:
Contemplative Reflection – Regularly meditate on the Qur’anic verse that crowns us as the most honoured. Such contemplation awakens the awareness that we are created for a purpose beyond mere material existence.
Purification of the Heart – Engage in sincere repentance, dhikr, and steadfast prayer. By shedding the “parasitic” impurities, the heart becomes light enough to float above worldly mire.
Guided Spiritual Practice – Align with trustworthy guidance—whether a sheikh, a community of seekers, or the living tradition of the Royal Ottoman Society. Collective zikr, study of the Qur’an, and adherence to the prophetic example fuel the inner engine that propels us toward our true potential.
Ayberk Efendi also emphasizes the metaphor of the mirror. The true mirror is not glass that reflects an external image, but the heart of a sincere believer who reflects our inner reality. Looking into such a mirror reveals both strengths and shortcomings, often with a sting, yet it is precisely this honest reflection that catalyzes growth.
The ultimate expression of this hidden power, he notes, will be manifest when the awaited Mahdi appears, granting divine assistance to those whose hearts are purified. Until then, each seeker can experience glimpses of this capacity by lightening the spiritual load and allowing the soul to glide—metaphorically—over the waves of life.
For those who wish to deepen this journey, we invite you to explore our live meetings, where guided zikr and study sessions help translate contemplation into lived practice.
