In this heartfelt sohbet, Ayberk Efendi invites us to contemplate the essence of truth (haqq) and its indispensable role on the straight path that all prophets—Moses, Jesus, Abraham, Muhammad (saw)—and the saints of our Ottoman heritage have exemplified. He reminds us that every age is awash with falsehoods: media spin, political deceit, idle chatter, and even well‑intentioned comforts that keep us from the firm ground of sincerity.
The Call to Unwavering Truth
Ayberk Efendi begins by affirming that God stands on the side of truth. He recounts how every messenger, regardless of the nation they were sent to, suffered persecution for speaking what was right. Their willingness to endure exile, torture and even martyrdom illustrates that integrity is never a safe or easy choice, yet it remains the only path that leads to lasting peace.
From this historical perspective he draws a practical lesson for us today: our surroundings are saturated with lies—from sensational news reports to personal excuses of laziness (“Why should I strive? I’ll just watch television”). The speaker warns that succumbing to such temptations turns us into “hypocrites” before God, whose judgment is inevitable and absolute.
Turning Falsehood Into Light
The sohbet does not linger only on criticism. Ayberk Efendi explains how truth, when it meets falsehood, can transform it. A single truthful statement has the power to draw a lie into the light, turning one error into two correct understandings, then three, and so on—an ever‑expanding ripple of clarity. This process requires active effort: we must listen deeply in gatherings, absorb the teachings, and then apply them consciously rather than letting them dissolve back into the surrounding noise.
He stresses that laziness, procrastination, and the “it’s‑someone‑else’s‑job” mindset are the true enemies of the soul. By confronting these inner barriers, we enable truth to grow—not merely survive—in a world that constantly upgrades its lies with new technologies and narratives.
The Ottoman Legacy as a Beacon
Linking past and present, the speaker recalls how the founders of the Ottoman Empire—particularly Osman Bey’s son Orhan Bey—were instructed not to pursue worldly conquest for fame but to spread divine knowledge. Their “spiritual campaign” aimed at establishing justice, not domination. This reminder serves as a model: our contemporary endeavors should likewise prioritize moral rectitude over fleeting power.
Living the Straight Path Today
Ayberk Efendi concludes with a clear invitation: remain steadfast in truth regardless of personal cost, prepare for the inevitable meeting with the Divine, and contribute to restoring justice in society. He urges us to embody honesty in everyday actions, to resist the allure of selfish gain, and to support one another in this collective journey toward the straight path.
If you feel called to deepen your practice and join a community dedicated to walking the straight path together, we welcome you to explore our live meetings where seekers gather for zikr, study, and mutual encouragement.
