The Difference Between Worship and Respect

BismillaharRahmanirRahim

Selam alaykum. I wanted to post a very special sohbet from our Grand Shaykh, Maulana Nazim.

(Mawlana Shaykh standing)

O our Lord! Forgive us and we are saying also a`udhu billahi min ash Shaytani ‘r rajeem, running away from bad sounds, from Satan and its tricks and traps. Keep ourselves. I am ashaming to ask this from Your Heavenly Presence. I may ask from master of this world. O our master, Qutb az-Zaman, who looking after everything on this Earth, on this planet, to be much more honored by the intercession of the Seal of Prophets (s).

(Mawlana sits)

And I am saying Bismillahi ‘r-Rahmani ‘r-Raheem. Biggest honor that whole prophets were asking for them, Bismillahi ‘r-Rahmani ‘r-Raheem forever. Allah Almighty just granted that much more honor name for Ummati Muhammad (s). And we are saying so easily Bismillahi ‘r-Rahmani ‘r-Raheem. Endless honor, endless lightening coming from Bismillahi ‘r-Rahmani ‘r-Raheem.

Loving the Prophet, Blogging and Music

Blogging! As some of you know, I am a musician of sorts, coming from a long line of musicians in my family. So I’ve started to make records again and will eventually write, arrange, produce and record a number of songs and some specifically for the readers of this blog.

I’ve been blogging for some time now and its taken shape over a long period of time. There have been a number of life experiences that I’ve shared blogging but there was always a veil of mystery that I intentionally plugged into my blog posts. And after meeting so many people just being around my Shaykh I’ve learned that its better to be open. Its better – within the limits of course – to be a real person. A person that people can relate to; something to connect with.

Most of my relatives are not Muslims, but because of our Shaykh they are loving things they learn about the Holy Prophet (may Peace and Blessings be upon him). That love is coming when they see something that touches their hearts.

For example, when my children kiss their Grandparent’s hands, they get an understanding that this is the Right Way. And they know where its coming from and who is teaching it. I don’t have to say much about that at all.

Another example is the donning of leather socks. It may sound funny to Muslims but I have had dozens of requests for leather socks from non-Muslim family and friends. OK, perhaps they do not use it for ease on performing ablution during traveling but they are liking what they see; they are loving what they see and what they are seeing are traditions coming from our Holy Prophet (may Peace and Blessings be upon him). And I’m sure their is something good for those who love the ways of the Most Beloved One in Divine Presence.

Shaykh Abdul Kerim Leads Prayer At Washington Monument

View more scenes from this momentous occasion at yursil.com

Shaykh Abdul Kerim al-Kibrisi Sohbet – Mawlid 2009

Remembering Çanakkale (Dardanelles)

Today we should remember those Muslims who fought hard to save and protect the Ottoman Sultan in March 1915. Just a few months before my very own grandfather was born, thousands of miles away there was a battle on famous straight separating Europe and Asia in an area known as Çanakkale.

We are going to spend this time remembering them. Asking that Allah Almighty accept their noble efforts to defend the Khalifa of Islam and reward them accordingly.

I have an account of our grandshaykh Maulana Shaykh Nazim mentioning the time of fighting in Çanakkale saying,

“Our grandshaykh once related to me an incident from the First World War, when he was in the Dardanelles fighting for the Ottoman Khalifa. An Armenian sergant who was employed in the service of the Ottoman Empire, addressed a fellow sergeant, a Muslim saying: “Are you Muslim?” “Of course I am,” he answered. “Is it enough to declare that you are Muslim? I can also say that. Now, is there any difference between you and me?” The Muslim sergeant said, “I believe in the unity of God, in His prophets, His books, His angels, the Judgement Day and the rule of destiny.” The Armenian sergeant replied: “I may state my belief in all that you have stated. Now, what is the difference between us?”

Our grandshaykh used to comment about the difficulties between Armenian people and Muslims, saying what a shame it was and what a tragic turn of events, caused by the actions of evil men. Chrisitians were living with Muslims side by side, and they knew Islam as we know it, only that they were keeping their faith through Christianity.

Then our grandshaykh came and said to the Armenian sergeant: “Oh my friend, are you sincerely seeking an answer to your question? If so, then I may explain the difference between lip service and reality. When a person states his belief in God, His prophets, His revelations, His angels, the Judgement Day and destiny with real sincerity of heart, nothing will block the penetration of his vision to the heart of all things. If he looks down at earth he will not be prevented from seeing what lies beneath it. If he looks up at the heavens, the distance should not hinder him from seeing the seven heavens. He who sees with the light of faith should, when he turns to the East, see all the way to the Far East, and likewise in any direction. When he turns toward Mecca in his prayers he should see the house of God before his very eyes. Then the Armenian sergeant said: “Yes, that is the faith I am seeking,” and he kissed Grandshaykh’s hands, and completed his faith by adding sincere intention to his verbal affirmation of faith. If a person is granted real faith – neither distance nor darkness nor huge mountains can block his view – his light penetrates.”