Mawlana Sheikh Mehmed Adil. Translations.

Innamal mu'minuna ikhwatun fa-aslihu bayna akhawaykum. (49:10) Allah, Mighty and Majestic, describes believers as brothers. Many hadith also say, "La yu'minu ahadukum hatta yuhibba li akhihi ma yuhibbu li nafsihi." The Messenger of Allah spoke the truth. Faith is not complete, the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) says, until a believer loves for his brother what he loves for himself. This is very important and of great benefit to Muslims and all human beings. Because when you want something good for your brother in Islam, just as you do for yourself, he will also want good for you. It is about doing good things, spreading goodness, spreading happiness, and spreading barakah (blessings). This is what the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) explained, and Allah, Mighty and Majestic, says in the Quran that believers are brothers. So, regarding the time of the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam), we call it Asr as-Sa'adah—the Time of Happiness. What kind of happiness? They didn't even have anything to eat. Sometimes they went hungry for two or three days, not eating anything because they couldn't find food. Yet, everyone knew this was a happy time—the happiest time. For all humanity and all history, the happiest time was the time of the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam). Of course, it was only 23 years. These years were the happiest ones. Quickly afterward, some of the people who were there became enemies; some fell into fitna (tribulation). Slowly, things got worse and worse. For this reason, the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) also said in a hadith, "My time is the best time." Next after me is the time of the Khulafa ar-Rashidin (Rightly Guided Caliphs). The four Caliphs: Sayyidina Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Sayyidina Ali (may Allah be pleased with them). That time was also good. The century after that, and the second century, were also good, he said. After that, people strayed further from what the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said about loving each other. Many things came between them. Some of them were right, some were not. But that time was not as happy as the Prophet's (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) time. Year by year, century by century, it moved away from what the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, with each century being worse than the other. And Alhamdulillah, we have reached the worst one, Alhamdulillah. What can we do? Allah created us in this time. But despite this, the order from the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) remains the same; the order has not finished. Believers are brothers. A believer must love his brothers, his community, and the Muslims. He must love them, not create fitna between them, and not be an enemy to them. The more you are happy with your Muslim brother, the more the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) will be happy with you. The Awliyaullah (Saints) will be happy with you. Allah is happy with you when you are happy with your brothers. Satan is not happy. When is Satan happy? When Muslims or brothers are fighting together, he is happy. But Satan's happiness is not like our happiness. Because he is envious; he is full of evil. He will never be truly happy. The more we suffer, he becomes okay—he looks happy—but Allah does not grant him true happiness. Allah gives happiness to believers, to the Mu'min. Of course, you see those who cause fitna and do bad things to Muslims living in constant misery. They are full of bad thoughts, and their hearts are full of darkness. Full of satanic thoughts. They cannot be happy. Even if they conquered the whole world, they would not be happy. But believers, if anything comes from Allah, they are happy. They are full of happiness. When they are with family, when they are with the beloved ones who love them, they are happy. For example, when they go for Hajj, for Umrah, or to visit a holy place, happiness comes. But if they go to a casino or a bad place, they will never be happy. Coming out of such bad places, they become even more miserable. Not better—worse and worse. For this reason, our Tariqa, Alhamdulillah, exists to help people be happy. There are some people who claim to be Muslim, but they do things that make other Muslims unhappy with them. From the beginning, they teach themselves or their children to be unhappy. To curse good people, to curse the Companions of the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam). And they cry, cry, cry. This is not our way. Alhamdulillah, we are laughing. There is no need for that. Because Allah ordered us: "Wa bi dhalika fal-yafrahou." (10:58) You must be happy, Allah said, when you are on the path with Allah and you are Muslim. "In that, let them rejoice." This is an order; you must be happy, not crying. Beating yourself. And after that you say, "We are Muslim, we love this," while creating fitna everywhere. No, Muslims—Tariqa people—were those who opened hearts. Sayyidina Ahmad Yasawi, the Sultan of Turkistan—his blessed shrine is in Kazakhstan, we visited him— he had one hundred thousand murids (disciples). He taught them and sent them everywhere, even to non-Muslim countries. They went around not fighting, but just teaching people. And later, when the army of Islam arrived, these people were happy to receive them. Because they had taught them happiness, goodness, justice—every good thing they didn't have. These people went and taught them. One hundred thousand dervishes and ulama. "Dervish" means he knows how to pray, what is Sunnah, what is Fard, and he follows the Tariqa. They were opening hearts before opening castles or forts. This is Tariqa: giving love to people, giving happiness to people, to humanity. Because of this, we see now that many non-Muslims are coming to Islam through Tariqa. They say "Sufi, Sufi," but if you say "Islam" to them, they run away because they think Islam is what these other people say—killing people, making people miserable, showing no mercy, nothing good. But when you say "Sufi," they come. For example, to Konya for Sayyidina Jalaluddin Rumi. These non-Muslims are fond of him. Maybe they don't know if he is Muslim or not, but they say he is a Master of Sufism. There are hundreds of thousands following him; when any book comes out, his book is the best-seller. People must know this and appreciate this. This is exactly what the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) was saying. Sufi people, Tariqa people are doing this. And through this, thousands, maybe millions, are coming to Islam. On the other hand, when people act against this teaching of the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam), many people run out of Islam. They run, saying, "We don't want this, this is not good." But they do not know the real Islam. This is Islam: brotherhood, loving each other, not oppressing anybody, and not forcing anybody to be in Islam. Islam comes via the heart. The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) never forced anybody to be Muslim. In the Quran, Surat at-Tawbah says: When anybody wants to come to the Kaaba, he must be Muslim. If he is not Muslim, he cannot come. But you are not fighting them to become Muslim. No, if they don't want to be Muslim, they can stay in their same religion but obey the governor or Sultan and give their tax. The tax was not much. Now, taxes in Europe are maybe 90% or 80%. And Jizya was like Zakat, maybe two and a half percent. It was nothing. Now if you pay VAT, you pay maybe 20% or 30%, I don't know. Plus you pay income tax as well. So, Alhamdulillah, you give all your benefit to the government. And still, they are making Islam look bad. No, Islam is the best, Alhamdulillah, because it is the religion of Allah. Everything is in balance. Nothing is hard, nothing is difficult in Islam. Everything is good. Even regarding the Miswak, the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "If I would not make it hard for my nation, my Ummah, I would order the Miswak for every prayer." When praying, use the Miswak. There are a hundred benefits from the Miswak. Not only for the Sunnah, but also for your health, for your teeth, for everything—countless benefits. Yet even for this, so as not to make it hard, the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "I will not order this." So everything in Islam is balanced. And where do you find this balance? You find it in Tariqa, Alhamdulillah. Tariqa and Sharia are the same. The heart of Sharia is Tariqa. Maybe some people ask, "Tariqa? Why do we want Tariqa?" If you don't want it, you can just follow Sharia. But eventually, someone may come and lead you away from Sharia too. Cheating you, making you curse the Ahl al-Bayt or the Sahaba. These people are out of Tariqa. Most of them are like this. Quickly, if they are not from this side or that side, those in the middle can also be infected by these people. And they start doing haram by cursing these blessed people. Blessed people. So, people must follow Tariqa or listen to the people of Tariqa. This is very important for our life and for our children's lives. It is very important to teach them the love of the Prophet, the love of the Sahaba, and the love of Ahl al-Bayt. Alhamdulillah, as we say, we are now in this month, the month of the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam). In our calendar, it begins this night. Maybe in some other calendars, it is tomorrow. But it is important to respect and accept this month, which is the Prophet's (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) month. He valued this month. All Hadith books and Seerah write that the month he fasted the most after Ramadan was Sha'ban. Shahr Sha'ban al-Mukarram al-Mu'azzam. Our respect for the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) means respecting what he did. We respect months, days, and blessed nights. All of this comes from the Prophet's (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) teaching. And when you follow the teaching of the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam), Allah rewards you ten times, seven hundred times, and more. Alhamdulillah, this is a blessed day and a blessed place; this is our first time here. May Allah bless you. May Allah keep us in His way. Not to be cheated by Satan and the followers of Satan. May Allah make us happy. We are not crying. We do not cry, and we do not make fitna over things that happened before us. Allah will ask what happened. There is no reward for cursing good people or saying bad things about them. Because this makes your heart darker, more unhappy, and brings fitna upon you. May Allah keep us away from this. May Allah bless them. May Allah give us from their barakah. The time of Asr as-Sa'adah, the Time of Happiness from the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam). We are living in a bad time, but may Allah place some of this happiness in our hearts, InshaAllah. The time is not good, but InshaAllah, Allah is capable of everything. If we believe, it can be easy to have happiness in our hearts, InshaAllah.

Allah Azza wa Jalla sends blessings; there is blessed rain coming from Heaven for human beings and for everyone. The place to receive this blessing is in good gatherings, where we ask for blessings. Alhamdulillah, most of you, or your fathers or grandfathers, have come from other countries, like Pakistan, but Allah Azza wa Jalla decreed for you to settle in this land. May Allah Azza wa Jalla keep you on the path of Islam; since you are here, this is your place. So do not say you will be like this or that; you must follow good people so that you will be safe. Otherwise, you will be unhappy and lost; do not be foolish, and do not destroy your identity and religion. This is the most precious thing. One or two months ago, I was in South America, where there were many Muslims who emigrated during the Ottoman time. Many of them were Muslims, but over time this began to change. Alhamdulillah, I can see there are Mashaikh, Tariqah, and Madrassas keeping these traditions alive, though Shaytan and his followers are trying to end this. But Alhamdulillah, Insha’Allah, this will not end because they have these places, which preserve the faith and Iman of people in non-Muslim lands. You must not focus on problems; the real problem is staying away from gatherings. These places give you power and happiness. These places are important when following Tariqah. Tariqah means having Iman, and those people in Islam who do not accept Tariqah are Muslims, but they are not Mu’min. To be a Mu’min means believing in miracles, believing that the Prophet SallAllahu alayhi wa sallam is still alive, believing in the Sahaba, the Ahl al-Bayt, and the Awliyaullah, and that they all help people. In South America, there was no Tariqah; they were only Muslims, but when they started gatherings, Tariqah gathered the people and gathered their hearts. This gathering cannot be bad; it is growing with new people. It makes people happier about Islam and causes them to accept Islam. This is our way, the way of the Mashaikh, the way of the Awliyaullah. We must not worry and think we do not have an easy life; look at these Muslim countries: Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, all of them. Allah Azza wa Jalla gave us the best places in the world, but we are not following His orders, so instead, people are becoming those who run away. You must always keep gathering as people of Tariqah by the Order of Allah Azza wa Jalla; then this darkness will not harm you, and it will be easy for you. Sayyiduna Yusuf Alayhis Salam was in jail, but he was happy and it was no problem for him, as he was with Allah Azza wa Jalla. Others were in better places but were unhappy. Happiness is to be with Allah Azza wa Jalla, to be with good people, people who are beloved to Allah Azza wa Jalla. May Allah Azza wa Jalla make this place more and more blessed. Of course, everybody cannot come here. Mawlana Shaykh Qaddas Allahu Sirruhu would say, when anyone asked him about opening a place, “Any place you can gather together is good.” There is no need to say you are coming from a faraway place; go to where it is near you and where you are able to go. This will benefit you. Have love and be happy with one another; do not be jealous. This is not from Tariqah; jealousy is from Shaytan. Jealousy is what threw him out of Paradise. Everyone you see, whether it is a Qadiri Dergah or a Chishti Dergah, we are pleased to see people in Tariqah, in any Tariqah. There is no problem. If you think it will be bad for you, then this is not Tariqah; they are not from Tariqah, and they are going against what Tariqah is. We are thanking Allah Azza wa Jalla, and may He make more and more people come towards the way of Tariqah, Insha’Allah.

"Wa khuliqal-insanu da'ifa." (4:28) Allah Azza wa Jalla says in the Qur'an Azim-us-Shan, "We created the human being weak." I think the weakest creature Allah created is the human being. Because others, even small things you see, like an ant, can carry three times their own weight. Other animals also... they are strong, stronger than human beings. Even the weakest ones... Allah has given them special abilities that human beings do not have. So, the weakest creature is the human being. But you see that Allah gave them a mind and enabled them to manage their lives and control other creatures, because He has subjected them—Allah made them to serve human beings. But human beings, when they acquire something, they think they are the most powerful. They forget what they are, they forget their weakness, and they become like tyrants. Towards other people, themselves, their families, or anyone they see as weaker than themselves... they become arrogant, saying, "We are better than them." This is not good. You must be strong with Allah Azza wa Jalla. Whatever Allah Azza wa Jalla has given you, you must appreciate it and thank Him for it. As Sayyidina Umar said, "If the weakest one is oppressed, he is the strongest one in front of me." "And the strongest one who oppresses people is the weakest one in front of me," Sayyidina Umar said. Because of justice and Haqq... justice is the most important thing in Islam. Nowadays they talk about justice, but there is no justice. Without justice, there is no peace, nor anything good. To be just is the greatest strength for a human being; he who acts with justice and Truth is strong. If he leaves this, he is the weakest one. Even if he controls all of humanity, he has no value. Because later, when Azra'il comes, he cannot do anything. May Allah keep us aware of our place and our situation, inshaAllah. We are, inshaAllah, strong with Allah Azza wa Jalla. This is most important. May Allah keep us on this path at all times, inshaAllah.

May Allah bless you. You show us respect, though we are not deserving of it. But Alhamdulillah, through us, you are respecting the Mashayikh and the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). Thank you for this; may Allah grant you more and more love and light. May He keep you on this path—the way of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), the way of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah, and the way of Tariqa. All of this is the same path; it is not different. Alhamdulillah, we are on the right way, Tariqat al-Mustaqim, the straight path. "Tariqa" means way, and "Mustaqim" means straight—not deviating from the path. Alhamdulillah, we are on the way of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and will continue, not just until Qiyamah, but forever. Whoever holds onto it from the beginning is more blessed and will be nearer to the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) in Jannah. In Dunya also, they are more beloved by the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). Because the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, "Whoever sends Salawat upon me, I reply to him." For this reason, every time the people of Tariqa recite Salawat or Durood for the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) replies to them. This is our belief, the Islamic belief. Though some people do not accept this, they are not important. The important thing is to be on the way of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), the way of your fathers, grandfathers, and ancestors, from the time of the Prophet until now. This way continues. Many people tried to destroy it, but they could not. They are finished, and nobody knows about them anymore. Of course, it was not just one or two or a hundred, but thousands everywhere; yet all of them were defeated and buried with their fitna. They regret what they have done now under the earth, but there is no benefit anymore. The benefit lies in following this way at all times and not listening to Shaytan. People say, "I have weswas" (whispering). This is normal from Shaytan, but these people are worse than Shaytan's whispers. Alhamdulillah, our Sheikh who recited the Qasida spoke about Masjid al-Aqsa and Isra and Mi'raj. Unfortunately, now many people cannot visit it. Today, one of our brothers asked me, "You travel all over; which country do you like most?" Maybe he thought I would say Mecca or Medina, but I said Palestine. Alhamdulillah, because it is the land of prophets and the land of this holy Masjid al-Aqsa. Subhanallah, Allah put love for this land in my heart. I was with Mawlana Sheikh before; at that time, Arab people were controlling it. Every year Mawlana Sheikh would bring Hajis from Cyprus, take them to Hajj, and they would visit Masjid al-Aqsa. After Israel took it, they could not go. But after sixty years, I visited, and it was a really fantastic place. When I was visiting Nablus, which is a very nice city with many Tariqa people, they invited us for dinner. We prayed in all the mosques, and Nablus is truly full of many Tariqa people. But the people, all these Arabs—from the beginning, they were deceived by Western people to launch a revolution against the Khalifa and the Ottomans. They offered Sultan Abdul Hamid billions to pay his debts if he would just give them a little bit of land from there. Sultan Abdul Hamid kicked that man out and said, "I cannot give you even one piece of earth from this holy land; it is my Amanah (trust)." "How can I say to Allah that I gave up this responsibility?" Sultan Abdul Hamid and all the Sultans were people of Tariqa; Sultan Abdul Hamid’s Sheikh was Shadhili. He didn't give it, but they created fitna, threw him out, and cheated the Arabs. They told the Arabs, "You will be King for all Muslims and Arabs, and this land will be yours." Mawlana Sheikh Abdullah Daghestani was in the Ottoman army at that time. He performed Khalwah (seclusion) in Masjid al-Sakhrah, near Masjid al-Aqsa, for forty days. He was there for around one year, defending Palestine and Masjid al-Aqsa. After they returned, the Ottomans were finished, and quickly these Western people took over all the Ottoman lands and exiled the Khalifa. This is what they are capable of. We cannot say anything, as "war is deception." In war, your enemy may cheat you. But to be one who cheats is terrible. To side with the enemy against Islam and against the Khalifa is a major sin. It cannot be accepted. Of course, that era ended, and after they took over Palestine, the people started shouting and crying about oppression. Why is this happening? Even now, they do not accept the wrong they have done. Still, they are against the Ottomans and against the Khalifa—the whole Arab world. Don't think they are happy with the Khalifa or the Ottomans. Until now, the West has put this poison in their countries, and this poison has seeped into the bones of the Arabs. If you speak a little bit like this, you see animosity and hatred for the Ottomans and the Khalifa. For this reason, all of this is happening now. They are crying "Gaza, Gaza," but this is your fault. The enemy can do whatever they want; don't expect goodness from the enemy. But when you do not repent to Allah and are not with Tariqa, it is not good. Can anybody say this is wrong? Because I was born in Damascus and lived there. Throughout my time in primary school and other schools, they taught that the Ottomans were the enemy. They taught that they made us go backward and occupied our land. If the Ottomans had wanted, they could have given Palestine to these people, taken the money, and would still be ruling their country today. But these people don't have minds; their minds are finished and burned. All Muslims... their minds are burned. No thinking, no proper reflection. Only looking outward, not seeing what is behind or inside. Running after Iran, after Wahhabis—you cannot say anyone is truly Muslim in that state. The following took place when I was in Nablus. Sultan Abdul Hamid loved that city; it was a special place for him. It was at a dinner... the people were Masha'Allah, very good. They liked Sultan Abdul Hamid because he loved them; he even built the railway to Nablus. But one old man was sitting there, and when I greeted him, he was not so happy. He said "Tatbi," and I didn't understand what "Tatbi" meant at first. Later, I understood that "Tatbi" means "to normalize relations," which they don't like. We are coming to visit a holy place, and Allah opened this for us, so we came. Why do you say this? It is not only for you; the holy land is for all Muslims. When you claim it is only for you, of course, they will oppress you and do everything you don't like. So this is the situation of Islam and Muslims. They must learn from real Ulama and Mashayikh. Alhamdulillah, of course, there are many of them, but unfortunately, I see that even Sufi Arabs have this poison in their bodies everywhere. When you engage in something too much, it will appear slowly. So they must ask for forgiveness from Allah Azza wa Jalla. Allah is Ghafur (Forgiving) and Rahim (Merciful). Allah accepts and forgives. Insha'Allah, Allah forgives us and sends us help. Alhamdulillah, there are good tidings from the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) regarding Mahdi (alaihissalam). Without this, it is difficult. At all times, everywhere, there is a problem in the world; no place is without problems. And most of the problems, of course, are in Muslim places and Muslim countries. Why? Because Shaytan has not retired. As Mawlana Sheikh explained once when a bishop asked him when this trouble would end. Mawlana Sheikh said, "When Shaytan retires, it will be finished." He laughed very much at this man. The reality is that when Mahdi (alaihissalam) comes, it will be finished. But Shaytan is not finished yet. When we hear about Kashmir, Myanmar, Palestine, Iraq, Iran, Africa, Sudan, Libya... every Muslim country has a problem. I become very sad. But then I realize that if they tried to resolve it themselves, it would take thousands of years. But I remember that when Sayyidina Mahdi (alaihissalam) comes, there will be peace. No more problems, no visas, no permission needed for staying, going, or coming. All of it will end. Of course, Shaytan is not retired yet, because when Mahdi (alaihissalam) comes, this world will be as the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: the whole earth will be Islam. There will be no other religion; all people will follow Islam. Islam means peace; it will be peace for the whole world. So Mahdi (alaihissalam) will come, and after him, Isa (alaihissalam) will come. After Mahdi, Isa (alaihissalam) will rule; it will be forty years of peace. And when Isa (alaihissalam) passes away, he will be buried near the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). Not like those crazy people who say he is the son of God, Astaghfirullah. This is the most ridiculous idea from those who thought they were the smartest people in the world. Even they can ask this intelligent machine now; they have intelligent machines. If you ask, "Who is Isa (alaihissalam)?", it will say he is a Prophet. Even the machine knows better than them. So when Isa (alaihissalam) passes away and is buried near the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) in Medina—his place is there, as Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah knows. After this, everything will become bad again. Shaytan will come back with full power, moving through people. So many people will again become Kafirs and unbelievers. Only a few Muslims will remain, and at that time, the Smoke will come. And the Muslim, when he inhales this smoke, he will pass away. Only the Kafirs will be left here. So for only forty years, there will be a rest from Shaytan, and after that, it will return. So it is Dunya; it must be like this. Because Qiyamah is coming upon these people, the non-believers; all will be destroyed at that time. Now, sometimes they bring news that a stone is coming through space and it will hit earth and cause Qiyamah. Alhamdulillah, Muslims and believers know this is not true. Maybe other people are very afraid, anxious, and sad that the end of the world is coming with this stone. But every stone and every small thing comes by the order of Allah Azza wa Jalla. Without His order, how can it be Qiyamah? Non-believers have nonsensical beliefs. They make themselves afraid—not afraid of Allah, but afraid of nothing. Allah helps us, Insha'Allah, to keep ourselves on the way of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah. Who are they? They are those who follow Sharia. Alhamdulillah, Sharia and the four Madhhabs are important. Those who do not accept this are not from Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah. Each Madhhab has an easy way; there is no difficulty. For each country, whichever is suitable for them, they can follow. But now, the new fashion from these people is to say, "No need for a Madhhab." They are cursing the Madhhabs and cursing the people who follow a Madhhab. They say, "No need for Madhhab, you only follow the Quran." But when reading the Quran, I hear many people who cannot even read it properly. So how can you understand and follow it? The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, "Yassiru wa la tu'assiru" (Make it easy and do not make it difficult). The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) taught us to make things easy. When they show you your way, the Madhhab way, it is easy for you to follow. If you don't know the way, you will open the Quran from start to finish trying to find something. By the time you find it, you forget the other one; opening again and again—it is not good. This causes a big fitna. The Ulama know this; there are many people doing things against Sharia. But they claim, "We know this from the Quran." The Quran Azimushan... for learning, you must study at least ten years to learn to read and understand it. When you understand it, you must look for the Hadith also. These people don't accept Hadith; they are finished. Everything they read will be without any benefit; it even causes them harm. Because they create fitna, making people look for other things. So, Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah, don't be away from the Madhhab, and don't be away from Tariqa. These are two wings, as they said. Sheikh Khalid al-Baghdadi was called "Zul-Janahayn," the possessor of two wings. One wing for Sharia, one for Tariqa. Without this, you cannot fly. It must be two, and this is our way. Allah bless you, may Allah keep you on this way, Insha'Allah. You can follow any Tariqa; it is not important, as I said today also. There are many Tariqas; any Tariqa you can follow that is suitable for you, just as any Madhhab that is suitable for you, you can follow. Allah bless you, Allah keep us on this way.

"Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who are doers of good." (Quran 16:128) Those who are conscious of evil and strive to do good for people. Alhamdulillah, this is the greatest favor for us: To know who supports you. The One who supports you is not a policeman, a politician, or a wealthy man. The One who supports you is the Owner of the whole universe. Allah 'Azza wa Jalla supports you; this you must know. You must be happy; do not be sad or distressed. Of course, when people are in an environment different from a Muslim place, sometimes the weather and atmosphere are different. They become afraid; they experience anxiety and sadness. This is not good; you must remind yourself. Say: "Allah is with us." Allah is able to do everything; nothing is difficult for Allah. He is the Able, the Powerful (Al-Qadir, Al-Muqtadir). This is a great favor for the believer, for the Muslim. Because the Muslim is under attack at all times by oppressive people. Or Shaytan sends his army to the believer to make them unhappy and to stop them from remembering Allah 'Azza wa Jalla. Every time, he wants to distract them, to keep them from thinking of the Most Merciful One, Allah 'Azza wa Jalla, who created us and supports us. He supports everyone, Muslim and non-Muslim—it does not matter—but if Muslims realize this, they will be at peace. They will be happy, never without happiness. This is the way of the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. When he declared his message and asked people to believe in him, everyone was against him. They committed every oppression and every evil act against the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. And they offered him many things to abandon his mission. He refused, because the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, knew Allah. If you have very little money and someone comes to you saying, "I will give you five pennies, come with me," would you go? Hasha (God forbid), this is not a perfect example, but those foolish people thought the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, would leave the Truth and run after them. They are ignorant people. Even this time is called Jahiliyya (The Age of Ignorance). There are two kinds of Jahiliyya. One was the time of the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, which he brought to an end, Alhamdulillah. The second time is now. This is worse than that first time of Jahiliyya. At that time, they believed in idols or other deities. But in this time of Jahiliyya, these people do not believe in anything. This is true ignorance. This is real ignorance because Allah gave them everything to know, to see, to observe, and to hear, and still, they do not believe. People of old looked at the sky and thought the stars were merely small objects. Now they know it is vast, and they cannot find the end of this universe. They look and see things billions of times larger, and still, they cannot find a point where they can say, "This is the end." So, if they have a mind, they must believe there is a Creator. But when they do not believe, this signifies ignorance. Ignorance means he does not want to know, or he does not know. Perhaps an ignorant one who knows nothing but wants to learn is no problem; there is no shame in that. But if you insist on being ignorant, to be a Jahil, this is a terrible thing. For this reason, Allah 'Azza wa Jalla sent all the Prophets. As the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said regarding his Sahaba: "My Companions are like stars; whichever of them you follow, you will be guided." You will end your ignorance. So, everything here from the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, teaches people what this life is and what the Next Life is. How Allah created people and how this universe began. There is no need for theories saying it happened like this or like that. You can simply say Allah created it; it is easier and more understandable for intelligent people. Foolish people are still searching for how it comes and goes. Everything is in the Quran, Allah's Holy Word. It describes everything from the beginning to the end. Even what will happen afterward, how it will be on Judgment Day. They have theories, and they know it will be as the Quran says, but still, they are not believing. Even the description of Qiyamah in the Quran—they are confirming this in their science. "When the sky is torn apart and becomes rose-colored like oil/paint." (Quran 55:37) When the sky opens and becomes like a rose. They describe exactly this in science; it will look like a giant opening rose. Allah describes this, yet they still do not believe. They are still saying it will happen after billions of years. When Allah wills, when the time comes, everything will happen in one second, Insha'Allah. The important thing is to find good people and follow the blessed way of the Prophets. Which intelligent people are following. Many Awliyaullah (Friends of Allah) are showing the way of Allah. Mawlana Sheikh Nazim, may his secret be sanctified. Alhamdulillah, he was from a well-educated family. They sent him at that time to study in Istanbul. In Cyprus, nobody could afford to study or had enough knowledge to study there at that time. So he was studying in Istanbul. He was very clever, and his brothers were the same. When the time came and his brother passed away, he left his studies. Because he became interested in the Hereafter. This encouraged him to leave worldly studies, although he had finished them, for he was very clever. Mawlana Sheikh, with the Barakah of Awliyaullah, was chosen. He left and performed Hijrah (migration) from Turkey. Because at that time in Turkey, it was forbidden to pray or to wear clothes in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. He had the intention to go to Medina. First, he went to Syria, to Homs. There was a Madrasa there with great Ulema from the Ottoman era, truly excellent scholars. He studied there for one year. He was living at the Maqam of Khalid ibn al-Walid, the Sword of Allah. He was there, and in this one year, he learned what takes ten years to learn. From Fiqh, Hadith, Tafseer, Arabic—everything. It was not easy; I was also studying, but to study ten years' worth in one year is extremely difficult. But what we study in ten years, he studied in one year. This was to prepare him for his duty. After he finished Sharia, the Sheikh sent him to Damascus. From that time, he met his Grandsheikh, Mawlana Sheikh Abdullah ad-Daghestani. He served him his whole life. Until the end of his life, Mawlana Sheikh Abdullah was looking after Mawlana Sheikh Nazim. When he left the worldly life for seven years, he did not keep a single penny in his pocket. He said, "I don't want Dunya." He was going and coming, even traveling from Syria to Cyprus by small boat, without money; this is his Karamah (miracle). After seven years, Mawlana Sheikh Abdullah told him, "Now it is finished. Enough, you must spend, you must take; there is no problem now." After this, he spent many years with Mawlana. In these years, Mawlana Sheikh Abdullah ad-Daghestani was teaching him and making Tawajjuh (spiritual focus) for him. There were other Murids, but Mawlana Sheikh had a specific interest in Mawlana Sheikh Nazim. He sent him into Khalwa (seclusion) in Medina. Six months in Medina. And after that, in Baghdad also. Mawlana Abdul Qadir al-Gilani, his holiness, was also with him; they were in the same Dergah. A grandson of Mawlana Sheikh Abdul Qadir al-Gilani saw a dream. He was told, "Look, one of our sons will come here; you must look for him and serve him until he finishes his Khalwa." He was told what day he would come and at what time. When Mawlana Sheikh came from Damascus to Baghdad by bus, the first step he took in Baghdad, he saw that man waiting there. He was waiting for him and took him to his place, a room prepared for Khalwa. He served him for this whole time. Mawlana Sheikh said, "I was there for six months." "Every day, when people left, I went near the Maqam of Sayyidina Abdul Qadir al-Gilani and made Muraqabah." "For three or four hours, then I would go back to the room." This was how Mawlana Sheikh was. After he completed many Khalwas, when Mawlana Sheikh Abdullah passed away to Jannah, Mawlana took his place. There are many people who claim they are Khalifa or something, but nobody listened to them. One year before Mawlana Sheikh Abdullah passed away, he said to him, "There will be an opening for you in foreign countries; you must go, you must look for them." After this, when Mawlana Sheikh Abdullah passed away in 1973, in 1974 Mawlana Sheikh came to England for the first time. From that time, Alhamdulillah, he planted the seed and it is growing. And Insha'Allah, it will be with Sayyidina Mahdi and the whole Muslim world, Insha'Allah. For this reason, we say: don't worry, don't be sad. What will be, will be; it is written by Allah 'Azza wa Jalla. Mawlana Sheikh was singing this Qasida every time: "La tukthir li-hammik, ma quddira yakun." (Do not increase your worry; what is destined will happen.) "Wa Allahu al-muqaddir, wa al-'alamu shu'un." (Allah is the Decreer, and the world is full of changing affairs.) Don't be sad about what will happen; it will happen whether you are happy or unhappy. Allah is doing everything, and the people are His creation, so don't worry. Sometimes people say, "I have a panic attack." This comes from weak faith. If they are a believer, there are no panic attacks. Many of them say they have a fear of death. Why fear death? In Turkish, they say: "Korkunun ecele faydası yok." Fear is of no benefit against death. Whether you fear or do not fear, when you are meant to die, you will die. So for this reason, don't be worried. Be prepared for death; pray five times a day. And anytime death comes, it will be good for you, no problem. If you don't have this preparation, that is the time to be afraid. If you are a Mu'min and a Muslim, you pray five times, you fast, you do what Allah says, following the Mashayikh and Awliyaullah. There is no need to fear. You must be happy. Many of the Sahaba spoke like Sayyidina Bilal al-Habashi. He was saying when he was very ill, and he knew he would die. He said: "Tomorrow I meet the beloved ones, Muhammad, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and his Companions." For this reason, O people, do not be non-believers. Believe that when Allah wants you to eat, you will eat. He gives Rizq (provision) to everybody; He is al-Razzaq. Don't be afraid, saying, "I won't find food, I will die of hunger." If you have the whole world but you have no permission, you cannot eat anything. If you don't have anything, Allah 'Azza wa Jalla will send Rizq for you. Most people have this problem, the problem of Iman (Faith). You must believe in Allah. Are you a Mu'min? Yes, I am a Mu'min. So don't be afraid, don't panic, don't be sad. "Let them rejoice in that." (Quran 10:58), Allah 'Azza wa Jalla says. Be happy if you are following, praying, fasting, and doing good deeds. "In that let them rejoice." (10:58) The command is: You must be happy. Don't be sad. Many things are happening, of course. But it is from Allah. Allah wills what you see. Of course, there are some things we are not happy with, such as oppression or injustice. But we also believe in Allah 'Azza wa Jalla. How He will reward those who are oppressed, or killed, or tortured. All this, Allah will reward them for. And they will be happy forever. Dunya is a short time compared to Akhirah (Hereafter); you cannot even compare them. Mawlana Sheikh, Alhamdulillah, from his ocean he gave without tiring, without stopping. From that day, and before also, he was going around giving Sohbah. Teaching people. Giving them support. Spiritual support is the most important. Without this spiritual support, no one from the Muslims would remain. Because from the first day after the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, they began to attack Islam and true Muslims to destroy them. But with the support of the spiritual power from the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, the Sahaba, Ahl al-Bayt, and Awliyaullah, we are still here as we are. We have no fear. May Allah give us, all of you, and all Muslims, good support, Insha'Allah. May Allah keep us on their path. And enable us to imitate them, Insha'Allah. We cannot be exactly like them, as we said. Maybe if we can do one part out of a thousand, it is very good. If we can imitate one part out of a thousand parts of Mawlana, it is very good. So may Allah help us to achieve this, Insha'Allah. Allah bless you. Alhamdulillah, this is the second time in this mosque, Insha'Allah—a blessed place also. The city is also a nice city, with many good people, Alhamdulillah. Allah has brought you here together. May Allah, Insha'Allah, grant you good relationships and happiness with each other. There is no difference between Tariqas. The important thing is to be in a Tariqa, any Tariqa. Mawlana Sheikh used to say that each person has an opening for a certain Tariqa. It is not important which one; just do not be outside of Tariqa, Insha'Allah. Allah bless you.

وَلِكُلِّ قَوْمٍ هَادٍ (13:7) Allah Azza wa Jalla says that for every nation, He sent someone to show them the right way. "Hadi" means the one who shows the way. Al-Hadi is the One who guides us; so, one of His names—one of the names of Allah—is Al-Hadi. This is the meaning: Allah sent Prophets to all of humanity. Regarding Prophets, until the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam), there were 124,000. All of these were not only in the Middle East; you could find them everywhere. Even here in Europe, or America, or Australia, or anywhere in the world, Allah sent His messengers to show people who they are, what they must do, and the purpose of their lives. So, nobody can say, "We didn't have a Prophet." Everyone had a Prophet. But of course, it wasn't like these days where everyone can see or know everything. Allah Azza wa Jal sent them specifically to places where there were populations in need of this. So, there were 124,000 Prophets (peace be upon them). Of course, the most well-known ones were in this area—the Middle East—like Makkah, Madinah, the Hijaz, Yemen, Palestine, Syria, and Turkey. Most of the known Prophets were there. But others were in other places, everywhere in the world. Even when I was in South America one or two months ago, I visited an ancient site. They said people used to worship many things, but there was one man who said, "All of this is not our Lord; our Lord is only One." This story has survived until this day. So, I think that at that time, he must have been a Prophet who taught them everything, but they only remembered this part. So, Alhamdulillah, we follow the way of the Prophet, the Seal of the Prophets. The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "There is no Prophet anymore, no Messenger after me." "It ends with me; I am the finish of this message, and Prophecy ends with me." This is what the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said in a Hadith. So, Alhamdulillah, now the whole world knows about the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) and about Islam. So, those whom Allah gives Hidaya (guidance) are coming, and those whom Allah does not give Hidaya are leaving this mercy of Allah. May Allah keep us steadfast and give Hidaya to others also.

Wa innaka la'ala khuluqin 'azim. (68:4) Allah Azza wa Jalla describes the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). Alhamdulillah, yesterday or today was the Isra' and Mi'raj. So, alhamdulillah, we are happy with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). Allah describes him as having the highest honor and being the best example for us. What is the best example for those following the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam)? Mawlana Sheikh Abdullah Daghestani was saying the first sohba for Mawlana Sheikh Nazim to write. Mawlana Sheikh Abdullah Daghestani was an ocean of knowledge. But he was there only for Mawlana Sheikh Nazim. Nobody understood him, and he was not looking to find murids or anyone else. He was focusing solely on Mawlana Sheikh Nazim. In his first sohba... Mawlana Sheikh Nazim wrote 7,700 sohbas from Grandsheikh Abdullah Daghestani. The first one said: "At-tariqatu kulluha adab." Tariqa means adab—good behavior. Good behavior is the Tariqa, meaning the way of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). His Sunnah. In everything you do, you must follow him. They do not have bad adab; they have only good adab. First towards Allah Azza wa Jalla and the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). They are respectful. They are not disrespectful. They have adab. As for other people who are not in Tariqa, most of them do not know adab. They think it is not an important thing. They do not think adab, or good behavior, is necessary. But it is the first requirement for a Muslim, for a Mu'min (believer), and for any human being. Good behavior is an acceptable attribute for a human being. Animals do not have adab. They can do anything, anywhere. They urinate or relieve themselves in the middle of the way, anywhere. Jumping on each other... animals do not have this understanding. You cannot say anything to them. But for a human being, adab is a very important thing. When you have adab, you think. A human being must think about what he does, what he says, and what he is doing. Why am I doing this? Why am I doing that? It is important for a human being. For this reason, Allah Azza wa Jalla praises the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) in the Holy Quran and gives teachings to people. This is very important. Wa innaka la'ala khuluqin 'azim. Allah witnesses for the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam): You have the highest adab, good behavior, and goodness in what you do. This makes people follow him and go after everything he has done. For this, it is called Sunnah. The Sunnah is very important for a Mu'min, for a believer. Therefore, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) emphasized the importance of the Sunnah. He said: "Man ahya sunnati 'inda fasadi ummati falahu ajru mi'ati shahid." Or "sab'ina shahid" (seventy martyrs)... or similar. "He who revives my Sunnah, what I have done, Allah rewards him as a hundred shahids (martyrs)." Because a shahid can make shafa'a (intercession) for seventy people. So, this is very important. People are not looking... Tariqa people, alhamdulillah, are following the Sunnah. They want to do as much as they can. But subhanAllah, we see people, especially those who are against Tariqa... There are people who have no problem with Tariqa but are not in it. But there are people against Tariqa, seeing Tariqa as an enemy. These people do not take care of the Sunnah. They do not practice the Sunnah; most of them do not even pray the Sunnah prayers. They say only four rakat is enough. There are many Sunnahs the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) insisted on doing, but they do not... as we said from the beginning, they have no adab. They do not have respect for the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). When you perform the Sunnah, it is respect for the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). And Allah is happy with you. Allah is pleased with you. When you do this, He rewards you. From ten to a thousand—thousands of rewards Allah gives you when you do what His Beloved One did. You imitate the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). You imitate him. And for each thing from the Sunnah, you get the reward of a hundred martyrs. Because we are living in a time that is very difficult. The enemy, Shaytan, first attacks to finish this religion. But Allah Azza wa Jalla protects it. So Shaytan wants to destroy it from the inside. Because from the outside... you see many forts that are very strong from the outside. But he comes from the inside and destroys it from within. This is what is happening these days. But all of this cannot destroy it. Those who are not thinking will be finished. Haqq (Truth), the right way, cannot be finished. Alhamdulillah, we are nearly 1,450 years from the time of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). Many kinds of people have come from the beginning to destroy it. But all of them were destroyed and defeated. They went to the other world in regret, asking if they could come back... but it is finished. You must think while you are in this life. For this reason, we say to these people: Ask for forgiveness from Allah Azza wa Jalla and come back to the right way. It is open for everyone. People sometimes ask... "Can we come to the dargah?" Alhamdulillah, we say the dargah door is open every time for everybody; it is not closed. As Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi said: "Come to the dargah." "If you make a mistake once, come." "If you make it ten times, also come." "A hundred times, also come," he said. This is Tariqa. This is the mercy of the Tariqa, which comes from the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) and from Allah Azza wa Jalla. They do not turn away anybody who wants mercy and to be with them; there is no problem. They forgive. They do not have any hate for people. They only dislike the rejection of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). And still, they ask for them to come to the way of Allah, the way of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). Alhamdulillah, Mawlana Sheikh Nazim used to pray in these nights, asking for forgiveness for people, for the Ummah, and for all human beings. Asking them to come to the way of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). His whole life, alhamdulillah, he came many times to this area as well. Just for the sake of Allah. Many times we saw him tired, and we would say, "He is very old, don't get too tired." But he said: "These people want to see me, so I must see them." As the saying goes, when you look at one beloved to Allah, Allah rewards you. This nur (light) comes to you, to your heart, from Awliyaullah. Alhamdulillah, we are with Awliyaullah everywhere, every time. Here also we are gathering for the sake of Allah. Allah loves us. Waliullah means a beloved one of Allah. So, inshaAllah, all of you are Awliyaullah, alhamdulillah. Awliyaullah do not need to fly or perform miracles. They just keep their heart with Allah. Allah loves them. "Qul in kuntum tuhibbuna Allaha fattabi'uni yuhbibkumullah." In an ayah of the Quran, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) says: "If you love Allah, follow me." "If you follow me, Allah will love you." Alhamdulillah, it is very important to follow the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). As we said, follow everything he did and accept it. Do not say something is not acceptable. Everything, every movement, anything the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said is pure benefit for us. Pure benefit for human beings. Why is the world like this now? Everything is miserable. Even the seas and oceans are full of dirt, full of bad things. Because they are not following what the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said. Those who say "we are green, we are black, we are red"... this is also a trick from Shaytan. For the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was the first one to look after nature and everything. Everything the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) says must be one hundred percent beneficial for people. He said regarding water: you cannot put dirt in water. You cannot urinate in water. If you do this, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) cursed it... he said "la'natullah". This curse is for Iblis. When you pollute water, you are like Iblis. This is very important. Muslims also must know this. Muslims look for cleanliness in what we eat and what we do. Because most Muslims now have plenty of food. They eat, and then they become ill, become sick. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: When you eat, do not get one hundred percent full. You must stop eating when... it is enough. Do not leave no place for water, no place for air, so you cannot breathe when you finish eating. We give this little example to show how the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) is for all human beings, not only for Muslims—for all humanity. When he says something or does something, there must be millions of wisdoms from the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). Alhamdulillah, as we said, we are in a blessed night. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) had the Night Journey and the journey to Heaven. In all of this, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) saw everything. Every wisdom Allah Azza wa Jalla created from His creation, which we do not know about. People are still searching for science and other things... The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) saw them all in one night and he knows them. The knowledge we have now in this technology... all of this comes through the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). It cannot be; knowledge cannot come without him. Other non-believers keep trying, but if the Prophet does not give permission for it to come through him, they could never hold this technology or knowledge. And this knowledge is nothing compared to the Prophet's (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) knowledge. Nothing... not even one drop of his knowledge. Alhamdulillah, this is a big ni'ma, a big favor for us to be from his nation, to be following him. We must thank Allah Azza wa Jalla billions of times to be in this place praising the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). And may Allah shower us with His mercy. Alhamdulillah, we are very lucky. Not lucky like those running in the streets with cars or motorcycles or in bad places. They try to be happy, but Allah never gives them happiness. Happiness is in the heart, not on the outside. So alhamdulillah, we are happy to be the dust on the shoes of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). We cannot compare ourselves with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). Whoever knows this is the truly happy one. If one is not happy to be the dust of the Prophet's (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) shoes, he will never be happy. SubhanAllah, when you go to Madinah Munawwarah, you pass by the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam)... you really feel ashamed when you go through this place. People are shouting and moving, but this is from the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). You feel ashamed... He put the police there to make people move quickly. Maybe if he did not want them, they would not be there. They are there to make people know how lucky they are to visit him, to be in front of him for even one second. It is enough for those who are there. Because a shower of mercy comes upon them. Some people think if they say "I am like this, I am like that," they will be happy. No, please do not say this. Have respect for the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), have adab, good behavior for the Prophet. Know your value. You are nothing. You are, as we said, not even the dust from the Prophet's (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) shoes, Na'l ash-Sharif. You are nothing. If you do this, Allah will be happy with you. If you say "I am a Sheikh, I am a big Awliya, I am like this and that," it will not be good for you. Allah is not happy with you. All Awliyaullah say what Mawlana Sheikh said about himself: "We are nothing, we are only Khadims (servants) for the Ummah." May Allah accept us as servants for the Ummah for the sake of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). Allah bless you. May Allah accept this night. This night... of course yesterday also was, but Allah gives according to intention. The most important thing is intention, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said. He is His most beloved one. InshaAllah, pray and make dua on this night; our gift from Allah is dua and prayer. May Allah accept it for dunya and for akhira also, inshaAllah. May Allah keep you safe from bad things and bad people. InshaAllah, be respectful to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). Be beloved to him and beloved to Allah Azza wa Jalla. May Allah make us follow his Sunnah and his way, not going out of this. And may Allah give hidayah (guidance) to these people who are cheated by Shaytan. Because alhamdulillah, many people are coming back from this wrong way and are defending the way of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), the way of Awliyaullah. It is not hopeless. Alhamdulillah, when they come back, many other people also come to the right way. May Allah give hidayah to all of them. Because as we said, a Muslim's heart does not ask for revenge, only asking for mercy for them and for all of us, for Islam, inshaAllah.

MashaAllah, today is a blessed day: Friday and the Night of Ascension, Isra and Mi'raj, coincide. Alhamdulillah, for the believer, this is a double blessing, a mercy, and a spiritual delight. This delight that the soul receives is of great importance. For the joy of the soul springs from worship. It comes from being obedient to Allah—the Mighty and Exalted... It comes from obeying our Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him... And it arises through good deeds: especially through performing prayer, fasting, and giving alms. These deeds fill our soul with happiness and give it a sweet taste. And this blessed day multiplies this delight, for this is a special bounty from Allah for His servant. Maulana Sheikh used to say often: Allah, the Mighty and Exalted, sends down this delight and this bliss for all of humanity. Currently, there are perhaps eight, five, or seven billion people on earth... Allah has sent this gift for them all, for every single one. But Maulana Sheikh said: Even if people ignore this, this spiritual gift is not taken back to Heaven. It is bestowed upon those who believe and accept it. Therefore, the one who is with Allah and is content with what Allah gives receives the entire spiritual fullness. This servant receives this delight and this blessing that comes from Allah. The blessing does not return; Allah is generous, He does not take back what He has given. That is precisely why unhappiness sometimes arises within people. Of course not always unhappiness, but most people are restless because they follow the wrong path. True happiness lies on this path, yet they go in the opposite direction. They chase after nothingness, while the truth lies on the other side. Thus, Allah has made this, as we said, a delight for our soul, a true taste. Other worldly things are merely waste. What one ate in the morning is forgotten four hours later—some perhaps even after an hour. Yet it usually takes five or six hours before one becomes hungry again. That means: You forget what you ate, and it is gone. But the sustenance of the soul remains for a lifetime—if Allah wills—and lasts forever. May Allah therefore grant us more of it. We praise Allah for this gift that He has graciously bestowed upon us. May Allah not separate us from His path and preserve our steadfastness. May He make us firm, insha'Allah.

"İsma'u ve'u fe izâ ve'aytum fentefi'u." This is how Sayyidina Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to speak when he delivered an address. Listen and grasp; and when you have grasped, act in accordance with the truth that you have understood. Do not act in contradiction to it. For years, Mawlana Sheikh has taught and held Sohbets; now these addresses are available everywhere: on YouTube, on television, and on other channels. But it is not just about listening. Some people, Alhamdulillah, obey the instruction of Mawlana and the command of the Prophet (s.a.w.), even if they do not yet fully grasp the full meaning. They do not issue commands based on their own desires or inclinations. Alhamdulillah, we have gathered here again today, with our beloved brothers, with those who are loved for the sake of Allah, the Almighty and Exalted. This is the most important matter for us and for every human being. A person should not only be a human being in outward appearance, but a true human being. Alhamdulillah, we are here again. We are happy that Allah has granted us life once more and that we were able to meet, Alhamdulillah. Insha'Allah, it is also destined for us to meet Sayyidina Mahdi (a.s.). May he appear... Sayyidina Mahdi (a.s.), together with the mighty community of that time. Alhamdulillah, tonight is a blessed night. For the first time, we are in this region, here in the north, on such a special night. Every time we came, we spent this blessed night in London, in Cyprus, or in Turkey. But this year, Alhamdulillah, it was destined for us here. Alhamdulillah, may Allah the Almighty shower His mercy upon us and make us accepted servants in His Divine Presence. That is of the utmost importance. All Friends of Allah (Awliya) and honorable Sheikhs advise people to know their limits. First of all, they should not speak words that are not good for themselves. Otherwise, they harm both themselves and others. Mawlana Sheikh, despite his spiritual greatness, used to always say: "I am a weak person, I am helpless, I have no power." He teaches us to be humble. That a person knows his limits and knows who he is. Do not look into a mirror that makes you appear bigger and more majestic than you are. Seek a mirror that perhaps shows you smaller, or a mirror that reflects the truth. When you see yourself in this mirror, you know that you must not be arrogant. The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said: "Man tawada'a lillahi rafa'ahu." Whoever practices humility for the sake of Allah, Allah raises him up. But whoever is arrogant and exalts himself, falls into the lowest depths. This point is very important. Therefore we say: Know yourself. Listen and grasp the truth that you hear. Why are we present here? We are here for the sake of Allah. To find support... so that He looks upon us with His pleasure, so that Allah is pleased with us. That is our goal. Not to inflate our ego. Mawlana Sheikh often gave subtle examples. He used to say: If a mouse falls into a wine barrel and gets drunk, it jumps out and shouts: "Where is that cat?!" Our greatness is just as "big"... therefore be vigilant. Do not allow Shaytan to play with you. Do not allow your delusions and your imagination to drag you down to the lowest of the low. For if you ask the Prophet (s.a.w.) – these are not my words, they are his blessed words: Whoever sees himself as great, Allah humbles him. This is proclaimed by the Pride of the Universe, our Prophet (s.a.w.). And again, an important warning from our Prophet: "Whoever says something that I have not said, let him prepare for his seat in Hell." Many people talk and claim: "The Prophet said this, the Prophet commanded that." Be careful. Even when we narrate a Hadith, we say: "This is likely a Hadith, such are the narrations." We can only express it in this way. But if you say on your own accord: "The Prophet personally commanded me this and that," then that is a great danger for you. The greatness of the Prophet (s.a.w.) is present at every time and in every place. Yet this night was a very special night for our Prophet (s.a.w.). The Night of Isra'; that nocturnal journey which took place from Mecca to Jerusalem. That is the first part of the event. The second part: After he had met with the prophets in Jerusalem, he mounted Buraq and ascended into the heavens, into the seven heavens. After the seven heavens, he reached the Divine Presence of Allah, the Almighty and Exalted. Allah is free of place, He is everywhere... but this happened to show how exalted His Glory is and to demonstrate the greatness of our Prophet. No one has reached this rank, and no one can reach his ocean of spirituality. No one... The whole world is perhaps just a drop in comparison to him. If that is so, how can people then say about themselves: "I am like this, I am like that"? That does not correspond to good manners (Adab). Alhamdulillah, on this night Allah rewarded our Prophet (s.a.w.) and spoke with him, free of place... the manner is indescribable. Only Allah knows how it was. And our Prophet (s.a.w.) was allowed to witness Paradise, Hell, and everything within the entire seven heavens on this night. In every heaven there is a rank for a prophet, and our Prophet (s.a.w.) met each of them and conversed with them. If one were to try to calculate this with worldly intellect, it would take thousands of years. That means, this event was a "Tayy-i Zaman, Tayy-i Mekan" (a folding of time and space). Time expanded and the distance was manifestly overcome through the miracle of our Prophet (s.a.w.). In that time there was no technology... therefore it was very difficult, almost impossible, for the people back then to understand it. In the present time perhaps a little more... people boast: "We have technology, we have nanotechnology." They can imagine something by it. But of course, even the technology of this age is still far behind in comparison to that spiritual state. On that night, Allah blessed our Prophet (s.a.w.) and Allah showed His pleasure with him. And He blessed all of Paradise and the heavens through the presence and the blessing of our Prophet (s.a.w.). And the other prophets were also pleased with Sayyidina Muhammad (s.a.w.). As believers, hold fast to this. Who is a believer (Mu'min)? A believer is the one who follows the Prophet (s.a.w.). A believer is the one who loves the Ahl al-Bayt (Family of the Prophet) and loves the Sahaba (Companions). Because all of this belongs to faith (Iman). The conditions of faith are known. Whoever does not believe in even one of these conditions is not a believer and does not obey the Prophet (s.a.w.). Therefore we speak of the "Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah". Who are the Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah? They are the people of the Tariqa. Not the others... for even if they are not against the Tariqa, they can be toys in the hands of Shaytan... they can fall for tricks. And they can easily be deceived. For this reason, the fortress of the Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah is the people of the Tariqa. Because in the Tariqa, the first condition is to be a believer, to possess a strong faith. Faith is essential. Without faith, there is no strength for a Muslim. That is the state after the fall of the Ottomans; there was a Caliph on earth who belonged to Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah and was a man of the Tariqa. Afterwards, all these Muslims became like toys for others. Why? Because their faith became weak. Without faith, you can achieve nothing. Therefore many ask: "What is the benefit of the Tariqa?" The Tariqa gives strength to your conviction, to your faith. Unfortunately, even now there are people who claim to be Muslims or Islamic scholars... but do not accept the miracle of the Isra' and Mi'raj of our Prophet (s.a.w.). They say: "That was a dream." "It was not real, not physically experienced." If it had only been a dream, why would the Prophet (s.a.w.) then speak of it as a miracle? Anyone can dream. Sometimes people come to me and say: "I will tell you a dream." Usually, I do not like listening to dreams so much. I say: "Alright, please tell." He starts... a dream that lasts perhaps half an hour! A dream is ultimately just a dream... Do not forget, everyone dreams. That the Prophet (s.a.w.) is telling just an ordinary dream, in which he says "I was like this, I was here, I was there"... No, that is impossible. And the proof of this is established. The Prophet (s.a.w.) proclaims it and Allah confirms it in the glorious Quran. Even those who claim this without faith know inwardly that it is the truth. When these people say such deviant things, they run the risk of leaving the faith. But that is a trick of Shaitan. He attacks from all sides to destroy the spirituality that you have built. Perhaps he sometimes destroys a part of it. But Alhamdulillah, a true believer can repair it quickly. How is it repaired? Through the blessings of the Prophet (s.a.w.), through the support of the Friends of Allah, and through the prayers of the believers. For they do not leave people alone to follow their own egos. No, they bring them back quickly to the true path, otherwise they would go astray and belong to the losers. So, Alhamdulillah, of course people come and go sometimes, but ultimately Allah and His Prophet (s.a.w.) protect the believer. Believers are under divine protection everywhere. The most effective weapon for a Muslim is to be a true believer. Not tanks or rockets or other ammunition... faith (Iman) is more effective. As for the other things: Perhaps you build one, but the people of Shaitan build a thousand of them to protect themselves. You protect yourself with the shield of faith. That is the most effective weapon for a Muslim and for the whole world. If the whole world followed Islam and obeyed the command of Allah, they would Insha'Allah all be protected. Alhamdulillah, on this night we pray that Allah the Almighty protects the Muslims. That He protects everyone... We see that the Muslims are suffering. Of course they suffer, because they do not follow the truth... and because they distance themselves from the Prophet (s.a.w.). That is the most important truth. So whoever wants to be in safety should ask Allah for protection and preservation for the sake of the honor of the Prophet (s.a.w.). On this night, Allah granted the Prophet (s.a.w.) many gifts. One of them is the last two verses of Surah al-Baqarah (Amenerrasulü). This was given in the Divine Presence of Allah; Allah gave this to the Prophet (s.a.w.) without an intermediary. And furthermore, the five daily prayers. These five prayers were originally fifty. Fifty times – Allah commanded the Prophet (s.a.w.) to pray fifty times every night and every day. But Alhamdulillah, Sayyidina Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) had experience with his people. He said: "O Muhammad, they cannot manage that, ask your Lord for relief." And the Prophet (s.a.w.) asked Allah for it. And Allah reduced it to forty-five. Sayyidina Musa said again: "Too much." Forty. Too much. Thirty-five. Too much. Each time it went down by five. Thirty. Too much. Twenty-five. Too much. Twenty. Too much. Fifteen. Too much. Ten. Too much. Five. Too much. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said: "It is good so, we are bargaining too much... Your nation consists of merchants, Mashallah... but I am now ashamed before my Lord. Five times are appropriate for us." Alhamdulillah, the Prophet (s.a.w.) accepted this and Allah granted the reward of fifty times in these five times. So it is not very burdensome, Alhamdulillah. Why do we say that it is not so hard? Because people claim: "To pray five times is too great a burden for us." But how many minutes do five prayer times take in total? Each time lasts perhaps ten minutes. So throughout the whole day, fifty minutes. Let's say it is one hour. When you go to the gym, how many hours do you spend there? Perhaps at least two hours. That is the minimum. Some people perhaps spend five hours, four hours... I do not track it exactly, but that is my estimate. So prayer is very simple. It keeps you fit and in these five times, blessings and movement enter your entire body. In these five times, every door of goodness opens to you. Purifying oneself, renewing the ablution (Wudu), reciting Tasbih, standing in prayer. So that is a gift from Allah in honor of the Night of Mi'raj, Alhamdulillah. We have reached this blessed night. Allah guides the people... but Shaitan – may the curse he deserves be upon him – is a true deceiver. He really deceives people to keep them away from good deeds. Only when something bad is there, then immediately... "Wa zayyana lahumu'sh-Shaitanu a'malahum" [Shaitan made their deeds appear good to them]. He decorates it... he makes the packaging look nice so that one thinks the sin is good. So people run towards this sin. They run to the cinema, to useless things. And now the cinema operators are also complaining greatly about their situation. Why? Because a bigger Shaitan than the cinema has been invented. The people in the cinema industry complain: "No one comes to the cinema anymore." Just as they said no one came to the mosque, they now say there is no more interest in the cinema. Why? Because they have an even bigger Shaitan at home and in their hands. They are always, every minute, in front of this screen. That is why they have left the cinema. What shall we do? Do not worry, Shaitan is satisfied with the situation... perhaps the cinema operators are not happy, but Shaitan is satisfied because he has found something worse than the cinema. May Allah preserve us. Here too we warn: Be careful... I see that they are now giving these phones even to babies. Then they complain: "The child is not speaking, not walking, not developing." For in it there is... I am sure that there is an evil in it that harms people. And this is done intentionally... knowingly... not just because of the screen light or other reasons. There is something they have put inside it to harm human nature. Therefore, be vigilant, especially concerning children. Do not allow them to play with it too much. Perhaps, if they want it very much... fine, give it to them for half an hour a day or for a short time during the week. Not from early morning until deep into the night. Some do not know what sleep is. When they do not sleep, the people of Shaytan penetrate through it... they destroy their minds, finish them off, and cause their intellect to atrophy. Therefore, be careful. Open your eyes. We are living in a time of true Fitna (tribulation), in the End Times. As our Prophet (s.a.w.) said: "Fitnas like dark nights." Fitna has surrounded every place. Wherever you look... look to the right, Fitna; to the left, Fitna; above, Fitna; below, Fitna; before you and behind you, there is always Fitna. Everywhere. Therefore, you must be careful in this regard, Insha'Allah. For they are the most precious jewels to us... these little ones of ours, the babies, the youth. May Allah protect them. We are here for the youth as well. You must... do not look at the phone too much. Fine, it attracts you, but you must rein in your ego, you must control yourselves. Perhaps one hour is enough, a half hour, ten minutes a day. May Allah deliver us and protect us from the evil of our egos, from Fitna, and from Shaytan. May Allah Almighty protect and preserve us all for the sake of this blessed night. The Night of Mi'raj, in which prayers are accepted. May Allah preserve us in a good state, in health and well-being, with knowledge and righteous people—you, your families, and your children. May Allah send Sayyidina Mahdi (a.s.) to save us from this darkness. To turn this darkness into light, Insha'Allah. Ameen. May Allah grant everyone the good wishes they carry in their hearts, Insha'Allah. Beautiful thoughts... may blessed doors open, Insha'Allah. May Allah accept our prayers for the sake of the honor of this blessed night.

‎سُبۡحٰنَ الَّذِىۡۤ اَسۡرٰى بِعَبۡدِهٖ لَيۡلًا مِّنَ الۡمَسۡجِدِ الۡحَـرَامِ اِلَى الۡمَسۡجِدِ الۡاَقۡصَا الَّذِىۡ بٰرَكۡنَا حَوۡلَهٗ لِنُرِيَهٗ مِنۡ اٰيٰتِنَا​ ؕ اِنَّهٗ هُوَ السَّمِيۡعُ الۡبَصِيۡرُ‏ “Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al- Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.” [Quran 17:1] Allah Azza wa Jalla orders on this Holy Night to praise Himself Azza wa Jalla and to praise the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. It is a very important night; it is an extremely special event that occurred for the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. To show the honour of his Prophethood, the whole universe received him (the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam). Allah Azza wa Jalla has no place; the mind cannot comprehend this. We must not think about how Allah Azza wa Jalla did this. He is the Creator. So, this night is a very blessed night. InshaAllah, we ask and pray to Allah Azza wa Jalla that He Azza wa Jalla makes us understand the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam and what he sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam is saying, what he sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam is ordering, and what he sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam is showing people. This implies not following one's ego. People think they are something themselves, but you must follow what the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam showed. Follow this, do not think that you are something and do as you like. If you do something that the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam is not happy with, it is not of benefit to you or others. We ask Allah Azza wa Jalla to keep us on His way, the way of the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. We are nothing compared to him sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam; we must show respect to him sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. We should be aware that we are unable to do anything without him sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. What he sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam ordered, and what he sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam showed us, is the way. InshaAllah, Allah Azza wa Jalla keeps us on the way of the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and keeps our minds strong, our belief strong, and our bodies strong.