السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم. بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم. والصلاة والسلام على رسولنا محمد سيد الأولين والآخرين. مدد يا رسول الله، مدد يا سادتي أصحاب رسول الله، مدد يا مشايخنا، دستور مولانا الشيخ عبد الله الفايز الداغستاني، الشيخ محمد ناظم الحقاني. مدد. طريقتنا الصحبة والخير في الجمعية.
أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
ٱقْتَرَبَ لِلنَّاسِ حِسَابُهُمْ وَهُمْ فِى غَفْلَةٍۢ مُّعْرِضُونَ
(21:1)
صدق الله العظيم
Allah Almighty warns humanity of the rapidly approaching Day of Judgement.
The Final Judgement is upon us.
Nevertheless, mankind persists in heedlessness.
Days pass without garnering human attention.
Another year has slipped by.
This refers not to the year as per the Hijra calendar, but to the Solar Calendar.
The Solar Calendar is the global standard for all wordly calculations and matters.
May this be a blessed year for all Muslims.
May we persist in faith.
May we remain steadfast.
Never forget: The Day of Judgment looms near.
A year of your life has drifted away.
Of utmost importance is that the year was not squandered.
That is indeed the crucial aspect.
What's there to celebrate?
Express gratitude to Allah and rejoice in having devoted the year to prayer and adhering to Allah's commands.
However, those who celebrate the New Year believe that it promises them a new life.
They assume that New Year's will transform their lives.
They anticipate that New Year's will usher in new experiences.
Their way of thinking astounds us.
We fail to grasp their perspective.
May Allah grant understanding to humanity.
May people awaken from their heedlessness.
As Sayyidina Ali once stated, people only truly awaken at the moment of death.
People exist in a state of heedless slumber.
They only awake when they die and are laid to rest.
May Allah save us from sleepwalking through life like them.
Sheikh Nazim used to say every day:
A new day, a new blessing.
Sheikh Nazim endlessly emphasised that each day brings forth new provisions.
This daily provision is an amalgamation of spiritual and material sustenance.
May Allah bless us with both spiritual and material sustenance.
In honour of Sheikh Nazim's wise words, we pray: A new year, a new blessing. May Allah bless us both spiritually and materially.
May Allah increase his blessings, not lessen them.
With this new year, we've edged closer to the Day of Judgment.
Thus, we've also neighed closer to Mahdi, peace be upon him.
The years relentlessly roll forward.
A decade or tow ago, few could foresee the current state of the world.
They believed that life would continue smoothly.
Everyday, mundane activities captured their attention and life ambled on.
They were mistaken in thinking that nations would remain static.
The devil incessantly stirs up chaos. Additionally, Allah has crafted this world to continuously challenge us.
This world is not a haven; instead, it is a testing ground.
May Allah spare us from rigorous trials, but instead let His mercy enfold us directly.
We are powerless against temptations. We subsist on Allah's mercy.
May Allah grant us continued steadfastness.
Avoid straying from the truth. Hold steadfast to Allah.
May Allah bless and prosper the incoming year.
Infact, may every day brim over with blessings.
Days speed by and can't be recaptured.
Yet, individuals remain oblivious to the fleeting nature of time.
Life slowly ebbs away.
May Allah enrich our lives with blessings.
May Allah preserve us on His path.
Remain vigilant, not heedless.
2023-12-31 - Dergah, Akbaba, İstanbul
The Beloved Prophet, may peace be upon him, says:
الفتنة نائمةٌ، ولعن اللهُ من أيقظها
Fitna sleeps quietly; a curse lies on the one who rouses it.
To be cursed is the grimmest fate one could face.
No misfortune can be graver than becoming a cursed one.
The devil is the one who is cursed.
And any soul who walks in the devil's footsteps, committing cursed acts, and bearing the curse, turns into a devil themselves.
Among all creatures, the devil is the most dreadful. He is the epitome of maliciousness.
The greatest of all creations is a human, and the most revered among them is the Prophet, peace be upon him.
Steer clear of Fitna, lest you transform into the devil.
Abstain from inciting Fitna.
The one who instigates Fitna is cursed.
Those who join them also bear the curse.
Whoever listens to the mongers of Fitna, makes no worthy accomplishments.
Those who stir Fitna, and their followers, bring forth malevolent acts.
They inflict harm, starting first with themselves.
The vilest and most malevolent act is one that results in a curse.
Carrying out cursed deeds and dwelling under a curse are the greatest catastrophes and the worst form of evil.
But the door to Allah the Almighty's forgiveness is always wide open.
If you seek Allah's forgiveness, He will forgive. Yet, you must also ask forgiveness from those you've wronged. They must firstly be inclined to forgive you.
The only path to redemption is through the forgiveness of those you have wronged.
Consider what transpires in severe Fitna where countless people are involved.
How do you expect to earn each individual's forgiveness?
Don't let circumstances reach this extreme. Instead, dodge Fitna.
We inhabit the era of end times.
We exist in an epoch that the Prophet, peace be upon him, predicted would be rife with Fitna.
The end times usher in an era of darkness.
Where does this darkness originate from?
Fitna brings forth this darkness, clouding your inner being.
Fitna corrodes the spirit of people and results in all forms of wickedness.
Those who provoke Fitna, morph trivial matters into major disasters.
The instigators of Fitna are often unclear about their goals, turning the inconsequential into a source of strife.
Only the devil gains from Fitna.
The devil rejoices when people suffer, deviate from their way and embark on the highway to hell.
The devil seeks to harm people.
Genuine humans rejoice when others tread the path of righteousness.
The devil misguides people, leading them towards destruction in this realm and the one beyond.
Hence, we must tread cautiously in these times.
Living in these end times, we ought not to rouse Fitna nor partake in it.
Maintain your distance.
Heed the words of Sayyidina Ali:
هذا زمن السكوت، سكوت الملازمة للبيوت
May Allah gaze lovingly at Sayyidina Ali.
This is a period of silence and of seclusion within one's home.
Avoid unnecessary interactions or you might find yourself embroiled in trouble.
Remain at home.
There is no need to mingle aimlessly in public.
May Allah shield us.
May Allah keep His community safe from harm and those who spread discord.
2023-12-30 - Dergah, Akbaba, İstanbul
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
وَمَا ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَآ إِلَّا لَعِبٌۭ وَلَهْوٌۭ ۖ وَلَلدَّارُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةُ خَيْرٌۭ لِّلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ
(6:32)
This worldly life is no more than play and amusement.
Indeed, it is.
Such is the decree of Allah the Exalted.
This law holds for everyone.
Salvation in the Hereafter lies with those who are mindful of Allah.
Allah has gifted us with His blessings in this world.
These blessings are accessible to everyone and can be used to live a life in this world.
The resources and opportunities in this world exist for everyone's benefit.
Regardless of whether one is a Muslim or not, Allah's gifts are open to all.
Allah, the Most High, is the creator of all things.
Allah created this world and everything within it for the good of mankind, to make use of it.
Man has the freedom to lead his life as an individual, as long as he remains mindful of Allah.
As long as he holds faith in Allah.
As long as he fulfills Allah's decrees.
Don't assume that a person of faith who obeys Allah is compelled to lead a wretched life.
The resources and opportunities of this world are there for everyone, whether they believe in Allah or not.
One should know that everything that is Halal, or permitted, is strictly for the benefit and wellbeing of mankind.
And everything that is Haram, or prohibited, is harmful.
Man is free to engage in everything that is Halal and beneficial, reaping its profits.
But he should always remain mindful of Allah.
He should always try to abstain from things that are Haram and detrimental.
Haram actions lead you to hellfire.
Halal actions earn you paradise.
Indeed, the Hereafter is far better than this worldly life, as commanded by Allah the Exalted.
For those who revere Allah, the Hereafter is better than this world.
Nevertheless, a Muslim is free to enjoy all things that are Halal.
Halal things not only benefit you in this life but also serve as blessings in the Hereafter.
When you align yourself with Allah, you find yourself in Allah's favor, and you are rewarded.
You attain victory in the Hereafter.
But if you indulge in harmful things, you squander both your worldly life and, more importantly, your eternal life in the Hereafter.
Those with no reins on their desires and no scruples are no better than beasts.
No, even animals hold a higher station.
Animals are not held accountable for their actions in the Hereafter.
Animals live unfettered in this world without fearing any retribution in the Hereafter.
But people will be held to account for their conduct in this life when they face the Hereafter.
May Allah keep us safe.
May Allah spare us from falling prey to our own desires.
2023-12-29 - Dergah, Akbaba, İstanbul
Many human beings possess plenty of undesirable traits.
The most detrimental among these are insatiability, discontent, and ingratitude.
Mankind has invariably been insatiable.
People never seem to have their fill, particularly in today's era.
We exist in a consumer society which, as the term implies, revolves around consumption and endless consumptive habits.
For an entire century, mankind has been conditioned to consume relentlessly.
Regardless of what or how much you provide individuals, they always desire more.
It's never sufficient.
Humans give, governments give.
He gives, she gives.
Yet, they crave more.
It never seems to be enough for them.
Only contentment, satisfaction, and gratitude can quench mankind's thirst.
For an insatiable individual, you could offer the entire world for consumption; they would devour it all and still remain hungry.
The insatiable are blinded by worldly matters.
The masses rise and demand more wealth. The government provides more funds.
A little while later, these subsidies are deemed insufficient.
They demand more and more.
The more money people have, the more money they can demand. It's a perpetual vicious cycle!!
As wages increase, so too do prices.
It's a spiral of pricing.
Things would be remarkably simple and flow smoothly if everyone were content.
However, mankind lacks contentment.
How can someone who doesn't attempt to get by ever feel satisfied?
Mankind is insatiable.
The Prophet Noah, peace be upon him, was occupied with constructing the Ark.
Initially, he collected wood from wherever it was available.
He sourced wood from various places.
During the time of Noah, towering humans still existed.
Thus, there was a clan of giants.
They were almost completely wiped out.
However, a few still survived.
One of these giants continually had an enormous appetite that could never be sated.
This giant seemed impossible to ever satisfy.
The ovens blazed while loaf after loaf was baked.
Despite eating incessantly, the giant never felt sated.
Then Noah approached and said: "If you bring me wood, I will satisfy your hunger."
The giant consented.
In a manner akin to a literal hug, he encompassed the entire forest, amassing a tremendous volume of wood.
The amount of wood he amassed would have probably sufficed for two arks.
He then laid the wood before Noah, peace be upon him.
Noah offered him three loaves of bread.
Each loaf was no larger than the normal size.
Noah, peace be upon him, instructed him: "Utter the Basmala: 'bismi ʾllāhi ʾr-raḥmāni ʾr-raḥīm'; In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate. Then proceed to eat."
The giant refused to eat as he did not wish to recite the Basmala.
"Recite it and you will feel fulfilled," Noah insisted. "The Basmala will fill you."
Yet, the giant remained adamant.
He firmly refused to recite the Basmala.
Cleverly, Noah posed a counter-question, "What word are you refusing to utter?"
"I don't wish to say 'bismi ʾllāhi ʾr-raḥmāni ʾr-raḥīm'!" Lo and behold, he had said it.
"Now, proceed to eat," Noah commanded.
Noah managed to convince the giant to commence his meal by invoking the name of Allah.
The giant ate the three loaves of bread and felt satisfied.
By the time he reached the third loaf, he was already full and he had to really push himself to finish it.
"How can this be? I'm full!" the giant marveled incredulously.
"This has to be magic!"
He became irate.
He seized the wood he had brought and vanished with it.
Using the remaining chunks of wood, Noah managed to construct the Ark.
Contentment and invoking Allah's name before a meal can even satiate a giant.
But today, mankind seems to have forgotten Allah.
They've fallen prey to illusions and worldly desires. How can such a person ever feel satisfied?
Mankind lacks both contentment and faith.
May Allah guide us.
Everyone now faces the same challenges.
May Allah assist us.
May Allah protect us. What else is left to say?
May Allah shower His blessings upon us.
2023-12-28 - Dergah, Akbaba, İstanbul
Allah the Almighty instructs: "O you who believe, guard yourselves."
Refrain from aligning with those who oppress and defame Allah.
These days, people believe they can contend with Allah, fancying their defiance as something extraordinary.
Exercise caution.
Time is Allah the Almighty's gift to us. Do not squander these precious days in disobedience.
On select days, it seems as though the entire world conspires against Allah. A certain season prompts collective transgression against Allah.
This refers to occasions like New Year’s Eve, a tradition propagated by those who defame Allah.
Such celebrations warrant no importance.
These events occur on ordinary days just like any other.
There's no gain in observing the New Year with sinful, elaborate celebrations that encourage unbridled and detrimental behavior.
Every day is just another day.
Whether it's the year-end or any other seemingly special day - they're all just days.
These falsely significant occasions only serve as pretexts for increased wrongdoing.
They offer no blessings.
They bring harm rather than benefit.
Who suffers from these consequences?
Everyone who attaches importance to these days and events and sins against Allah.
New Year’s Eve is detrimental in all respects.
It inflicts the utmost spiritual damage.
Even materially, New Year’s Eve is harmful.
New Year’s Eve brings no blessings.
New Year’s Eve is foreboding.
While they hope for a prosperous new year, they take measures to ensure it's anything but.
Their actions bring neither fortune nor blessing.
Guard yourselves from deeds that provoke Allah the Almighty's anger.
New Year's Eve and similar occasions hold no significance for believers.
A person with a mind avoids such, recognizing them as mere illusions.
As New Year's Eve approaches, people are thrown into a frenzy, unsure about what wild stunts to pull on the big night.
Each day is just that - a day.
A truly blessed day is one wherein a person walks in the path of Allah.
If anything, the year's end should prompt reflection and accountability for the year's deeds.
Not to glorify the year's end, but to seek repentance and forgiveness for our wrongdoings.
If you wish to mark the year's end, do so with repentance.
In this way, you can derive genuine value from the year's close.
Don't be fooled into believing that the reckless indulgences of New Year's Eve can bring happiness or goodness.
Be wary of such misconceptions.
Evil begets evil. Sin results in more sin.
Sin reaps harm, not goodness.
May Allah safeguard people.
May Allah keep us from falling prey to the deceptions of Satan and his followers.
May Allah protect us from their malice.
2023-12-27 - Dergah, Akbaba, İstanbul
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا تَدَايَنتُم بِدَيْنٍ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍۢ مُّسَمًّۭى فَٱكْتُبُوهُ
(2:282)
صدق الله العظيم
Allah, the Almighty, instructs us to document all debts comprehensively.
Whether you borrowed or lent money, ensure it is documented dutifully.
This obligation to document is universally binding.
It is applicable to all, be it your brethren, your uncle, your aunt, or your confidante.
Relentlessly documenting agreements, as instructed by Allah, safeguards trust.
This divine imperative applies to one and all.
Humans often forget and tend to be guided by their egos.
Beware, your ego can mislead you.
When profit and gain are at stake, the ego doesn't distinguish good from bad, right from wrong.
For the ego, all methods are fair game as long as it reaps benefits.
Thus, it is crucial to record agreements to avoid disputes in the future.
Numerous individuals have sought guidance from Sheikh Nazim in the past and and from us in the present, due to disagreements arising from unfulfilled obligations.
"I lent them money and they refuse to repay me."
"I placed my trust in them, but my trust was betrayed."
So, what's the possible recourse? Lodge a complaint.
Is there a written agreement? No.
In such circumstances, the advice is:
Sit down, relax, and have a glass of water because that's all you can do at this point.
Do not expect to see your money again.
You faltered by not following Allah's guidance.
Now, you face repercussions.
Use it as a learning experience.
Unfortunately, there is no better advice to offer.
Without written evidence, what can you prove in court?
Moreover, court dockets are already backlogged with numerous legal battles.
Your case, it may take up to a decade to be heard.
And yet, even if your case does get heard in a decade, it's unlikely you'll succeed.
By then, your money would have depreciated in value.
Matters of debts and loans require serious consideration.
To those who borrow money, refuse to return it, and think they're getting away with it, you're mistaken.
Ill-gotten wealth shall bring you no prosperity, not in this life, nor in the hereafter.
As per the Holy Qur’an, all debts should be cleared before the deceased's assets are divided amongst the heirs.
Today, due to fear of default, most people are hesitant to lend money.
Thus, they resort to taking loans from banks or other alternatives.
The bank, however, ensures its loan will be recovered, regardless of the debtor's life status.
Prior to lending, a bank often demands collateral as their safety net for non-repayment.
This kind of naiveté is stupidity.
If you neglect Allah’s commands, it indicates your lack of understanding.
A written contract isn't just Allah's command, but also a normative practice among mankind.
You will benefit by listening to Allah's commands.
Earn divine merits by obeying Allah's commands, including noting down an agreement.
Be guided by Allah's command.
No exceptions. Not even for friends or acquaintances.
Agreeing in writing and making it binding is Allah’s command.
This command is explicitly stipulated in the Honorable Qur'an.
Avoid entering an agreement until it’s committed to writing.
If someone is unwilling to commit the agreement to writing, let them be.
No written contract translates to no agreement.
May Allah safeguard us.
Regardless of whether you're dealing with a Hoja or Haji who has undertaken the holy pilgrimage multiple times, everyone has an ego that can lead to selfish pursuits.
We have often noticed this:
Deceptive hypocrites.
Fancying a turban and beard, boasting about being a Hoja or Haji, their intention is to mislead people however, all they end up doing is deceiving themselves.
It's their own selves they are cheating.
May Allah protect us from their ill intentions.
May Allah preserve us from the maleficence of such tricksters, the devil, and our own ego.
2023-12-26 - Dergah, Akbaba, İstanbul
Those with a virtuous character are the most cherished by Allah.
A decent individual with good manners is the devotee Allah holds dearest.
The purpose of the Tariqa is to instil virtuous character in people.
But where does virtuous character originate from?
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace, is the epitome of perfection.
This esteemed Prophet, with peace upon him, serves as a guide for humanity.
The revered Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, teaches humanity in all facets.
People were groping in the dark.
People existed in a state of bleak ignorance.
The esteemed Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, illuminated the world, instilling morals, politeness, character, manners, kindness, or in other words: humanity.
Even those who did not follow his way could not deny the light of humanity he radiated.
Even without embracing Islam, they echoed the teachings of the honorable Prophet, peace be upon him, in their own faiths to captivate their followers.
After fourteen hundred years, they coined the term human rights.
What they tout as human rights were principles set forth by our beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, approximately fifteen hundred years ago.
True, all previous prophets, blessings be upon them all, preached these same values, but their teachings were later distorted.
The words of the prophets before him no longer existed in their original form, nevertheless, Allah safeguards His religion.
Allah will not let His religion fade away.
Allah's faith is a blessing, an honor, a torchbearer for humanity; it bestows dignity and honor.
As believers, you must live by the ethical and moral values that define this faith.
Followers are tasked with upholding these noble characteristics.
One should avoid the temptation to live like others without considering their traits.
Unfortunately, they live in ways that do not befit a human being, let alone an animal.
Man was endowed with dignity and honor by Allah.
Yet, some strive to tarnish and degrade man's standing.
This sadly is their objective.
So whom are they serving?
They serve evil, the devil himself.
Man's fiercest adversary is the devil.
The devil harbors no goodwill towards man.
He seeks only to bring about your downfall.
Be wary of aligning with the devil and inviting torment upon yourself.
Guard your soul.
May Allah be our shield.
The righteous path is the one paved by beloved Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace.
Those who tread this path will find fullfillment not only in this life but also in the life beyond.
May Allah not steer us away from this righteous path.
May Allah guide us always.
2023-12-25 - Dergah, Akbaba, İstanbul
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ ثُمَّ إِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ
(29:57)
صدق الله العظيم
Everyone is mortal.
No man shall live forever in this world.
Every person's journey ends in death.
Allah the Almighty has ordained an end to everyone's life.
Thus, man spends a certain amount of time in this world.
When the time comes, a cause of death presents itself.
This cause of death serves as a passage from this world to the hereafter, the real world.
Death is unavoidable.
No one can escape death.
After death, we await the Day of Judgment where we will account for our actions, determining whether our fate lies in heaven or hell.
Death is challenging. For the unbelievers, it's even more so.
For the faithful, death is a lighter burden.
The Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, stated that the gentlest death is that of a martyr.
Martyrs have the most peaceful passing.
Martyrs often express a wish to return to this world a hundred times, to re-experience martyrdom each time.
Before Allah, martyrs hold the highest station.
Their state is indeed blessed.
The faithful continually aspire to the status of martyrdom.
No death is more noble than dying a martyr in the path of Allah.
Unbelievers may revel in the perceived defeat of Muslims.
However, it is the Muslims who shall rejoice.
It is the Muslims now facing martyrdom, reaching the highest stature with Allah.
It is the Muslims who get to encounter both martyrdom and the most glorious death.
May Allah elevate their status.
To become a martyr is not only a blessing for oneself but the martyrs will also intercede for their family on the Day of Judgment.
Furthermore, it is due to the martyrs that Allah bestows His grace unto the people abundantly.
The family and children they leave behind are never abandoned.
Allah is their protector, guardian and warrantor.
People may despair amidst current circumstances. However, remember that only what Allah has decreed shall transpire in the end.
Allah's decree cannot be contested.
Allah's judgment cannot be argued with.
Allah's word is beyond dispute.
May Allah bestow us all with grace and intercession through the martyrs.
May their status be raised.
The companions of our Prophet, peace be upon him, embraced martyrdom. His grandsons were martyred, too.
To die as a martyr is an honor.
Those who rejoice that Muslims are dying or even killing Muslims are gravely mistaken.
You are not killing Muslims. Muslims are embracing martyrdom.
They have achieved the supreme rank.
Thousands of children, women, the young, the old - all are embracing martyrdom now.
You cannot cause harm or detriment to Muslims.
Allah crowns Muslims with martyrdom, dispensing limitless rewards and blessings from His infinite treasury of grace and generosity.
They now stand closest to Allah.
May Allah show us mercy for their sake.
May Allah strengthen Islam even more for their sake.
May the desires of the unbelievers never come to pass, insha'Allah.
2023-12-24 - Dergah, Akbaba, İstanbul
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ، بلى يا الل
(13:28)
The path to inner peace is through the remembrance of Allah, acknowledging and extolling Him.
By acknowledging Allah, glorifying His name, and maintaining a constant awareness of Him, tranquility descends upon your heart.
Blessed is he who finds serenity in his heart.
No matter how dire or despairing a situation appears, it cannot shatter the person who is with Allah and discovered peace in His divine presence.
Reflect on the plight that Prophet Abraham had to endure, peace be upon him: He was hurled right into a blazing fire.
Yet, Abraham remained steadfast in his faith and found tranquility of heart even amidst the flames.
Allah magnificently turned the frightening fire into a beautiful garden of paradise for Abraham.
This is the epitome of being blessed at any place and any time for those whose hearts reside with Allah.
True bliss lies only in the realization of Allah.
People today seek enjoyment, but they're not seeking bliss.
They pursue fleeting moments of joy rather than lasting fulfillment.
A brief spell of happiness can't compare with enduring bliss.
Those who follow the righteous path of Allah will find true bliss.
People's pursuits are often centered around instant gratification and momentary delights.
And they would try just about anything to get it.
Regardless of how disgraceful or damaging their actions may be, they will do whatever it takes to seize a moment of happiness.
But this does not lead to a fulfilled life.
Here today, gone tomorrow - such is the nature of these fleeting moments of happiness.
Soon after, say five, ten minutes, you're left feeling even worse than before, thus perpetuating unhappiness.
Transient pleasure isn't where you find contentment and self-fulfillment.
Bliss awaits those who walk along the path of Allah and persistently keep Him in their thoughts.
Their purported "joy" is fleeting and unsubstantial.
Around thirty years ago, we journeyed to the United States.
There were those places of the devil where films are made. We were invited to visit them.
We acquiesced and were then escorted there.
The tour commenced.
The guides pointed out, "Let's have a look at that movie set over there. This film was filmed right there."
"Let's pop over there for a tour," they suggested.
"During this tour, you'll see it all."
"Great!" we agreed. "Let's do it."
Upon reaching, there was a queue. However, it didn't look too long and looked like it would only take about five minutes.
But those folks there are as crafty as the devil himself.
After standing in line for five minutes, just as you progress to the bend, you discover the queue is indeed much longer.
Ten minutes roll by, the line inches forward, yet no end can be seen.
We wade through queue after queue.
Ten minutes pass here, then ten minutes there.
After enduring two hours of queuing, we're finally allowed in.
But scarcely have ten seconds passed before the show concludes abruptly and we're ejected.
Not only is there an inconvenient wait, but a hefty price has to be paid too.
After that brief spectacle, they ushers us on to the following attraction.
Upon arrival, we find similar circumstances await: mostly queuing.
But there's no turning back. With the money spent, we dutifully join the line.
Eventually, we were guests and we simply go where we were led.
Thus, we find ourselves in line yet again for another couple hours.
With the scorching sun overhead.
Finally, it's our turn to watch the show. Ten seconds zip by and it abruptly concludes yet again.
Onwards to the next spectacle!
Before you know it, it's evening and you've only experienced a handful of attractions.
Just like that, the world operates much the same way: Much ado about nothing.
The afterlife, by contrast, operates differently. For instance, during the Hajj or Umrah, you can circumambulate the Kaaba from morning till dusk and attain inner tranquility.
You can offer up your prayers at the sacred places.
There's no worldly pressure constantly herding you around fruitlessly.
Such is the difference between the devil's realm and Allah's domain.
The difference between being aligned with Allah and in accord with the devil.
We thank Allah that our only predicament was having to wait, and nothing more severe transpired.
Only Allah knows what kind of adversities people endure for the sake of this worldly life.
Therefore, do not chase after temporal pleasures, instead focus on the path Allah has laid out. Do not let the devil lead you astray.
The devil beguiles people.
He uses every which way to afflict people.
The devil makes lofty promises, but in the end, all he delivers is a hollow moment of happiness lasting no longer than five or ten seconds. This way, he hustles people from one empty promise to the next.
Instead, heed the call of Allah:
وَاللّٰهُ يَدۡعُوۡۤا اِلٰى دَارِ السَّلٰمِ
(10:25)
Allah beckons you towards a place of peace: Paradise.
May Allah protect us all.
May Allah fortify our resolve to tread upon this path unwaveringly.
May we remain free from the devil's deceit.
Success is a gift from Allah.
2023-12-23 - Dergah, Akbaba, İstanbul
Allah Almighty proclaims:
فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُ حَيَاةً طَيِّبَةً
(16:97)
Individuals who have faith in Allah are already leading a beautiful life in this world.
In the life hereafter, believers will experience an even more beautiful existence. This is Allah's pledge.
Allah graces His loyal followers with inner peace, satisfaction, bliss.
Yet, those who reject the belief in Allah Almighty, find their hearts torn by unrest and dissatisfaction.
The existence of those who defame Allah is overshadowed by turmoil.
Those who tread the path set by Allah, feel within their hearts a unique sense of certainty, safety, and joy.
Many proclaim to follow the path of Allah; but simultaneously, they experience a tumultuous heart and dissatisfaction with life.
Why is this so?
These individuals have yet to wholly embrace the truth spoken by Allah and the fulfillment of His promise.
To reiterate, Allah speaks the truth and His promise is always fulfilled.
Only the person who suffers from a deficit or flaw in their faith feels inward discontent.
On the other hand, those with an unblemished faith have hearts brimming with incomparable joy, also known as "sakīna".
Allah blesses the believers with a life He characterizes as "tayyibah".
This term signifies a quality life that is abundant in beauty and peace, and devoid of any turmoil.
If your heart is restless or you're unsatisfied with your life, your faith is lacking.
If one were to ask such a person, "How are you?" The response would be "Far from good!"
"You ask why," but all you'd hear about are troubles and stress.
This discontent arises out of the individual's lack of faith.
This dissatisfaction prevents them from finding peace and serenity within their heart.
An revered companion of the Prophet once approached our Beloved Prophet, may peace and blessings be upon him, seeking a cure for his pain.
He was suffering from abdominal pain.
"Drink honey syrup," guided the Prophet, may peace be upon him. And the companion followed his advice.
However, he replied, "I still feel unwell."
He persistently returned. Each time, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, instructed him to, "Drink honey syrup."
Despite adhering to this, he continually complained of not feeling better.
Then, he turned up for the fourth time.
Upon hearing his persistent complaint of pain, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, responded, "Allah speaks the truth whereas your stomach lies."
Again, he said, "Drink honey syrup."
The companion complied and subsequently, his ailment faded away.
If faith is present, all else will fall into place.
If faith is absent or flawed, then the individual is doomed to live in a state of constant turbulence.
Their heart will never find peace.
Reflect on the authenticity of your faith.
Have you experienced the satisfaction and inner tranquility associated with faith? If faith and this satisfaction are present within you, then you must express gratitude to Allah for these boons.
Take heed of your faith.
Faith holds immense importance.
Faith is indeed the greatest blessing that humanity has ever received.
May Allah fortify our faith.
May Allah touch our hearts with satisfaction and bless us with happiness in our earthly life and the hereafter.
Success originates from Allah.