FAQ

Tasawwuf, the Arabic term for Sufism, originates from ‘Ashab al-Suffa,’ meaning the People of the Bench. This title was given to a devoted group of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH – peace be upon him) Companions who committed their lives to spiritual service. Renouncing worldly pursuits, they lived beside the Prophet’s Mosque, often seated on a bench — the origin of their name. Their lives were marked by constant companionship with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), absorbing his teachings and wisdom. Devoid of desire for fame, power, or material wealth, their sole aspiration was devout servitude. Their spiritual stature was a direct result of their dedicated service to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his teachings. Emulating their path is the essence of Sufism.

Our aspiration is to faithfully walk the Sufi Path, guided by the principles and teachings of the illustrious Masters of Spirit.

The Tariqah, a prominent Sufi order, is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, aligning with the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

It emphasizes strict adherence to Islamic tenets, including the Five Pillars of Islam, and focuses on the inner, spiritual dimensions of worship, aiming to deepen the believers’ connection with Allah SWT. 

Central to its practice are spiritual exercises like dhikr (remembrance of Allah SWT), meditation, and a strong emphasis on ethical and moral conduct, reflecting values such as humility, patience, and compassion. 

The Naqshbandi Tariqah, owes much of its prestige to its profound spiritual practices and teachings which results in an inner deeper connection to Allah (SWT – Subh’anaHu Wa Ta-A’la / All Glory belongs to Him, He is The Most Exalted and The Most High). Central to its distinction is the ‘Silsila’ — the unbroken chain of spiritual transmission from Sufi Master to disciple, which harks back to Hadrat Abu Bakr el-Siddik, the closest companion of Prophet Muhammad (AS). This lineage has been zealously preserved and transmitted by a succession of ‘Sufi Masters’ (Sufi Saints, Awliya).

Currently, one of the custodianship of the Naqshbandi Tariqah, through Semerkand Foundation, along with its rich spiritual heritage, resides with Sheykh Sayyid Muhammed Fettah Al-Huseyni Hadrat (ks) and Sheykh Sayyid Muhammed Mubarek Al-Huseyni Hadrat (ks), a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who is based in the eastern part of Turkiye. This location has become a spiritual haven where people from diverse backgrounds seek closeness to Allah (SWT). Remarkably, many visitors, drawn from all walks of life, have experienced transformative changes here, including overcoming addictions to drugs and alcohol, committing to regular prayer, and making profound shifts in their life paths towards greater spiritual fulfillment.

A Sheikh in Sufism is like an experienced guide in a jungle. They possess deep knowledge and experience, necessary for safely navigating the complex spiritual journey, much like a guide knows the intricate paths of a jungle. The Sheikh helps the disciple avoid spiritual pitfalls and obstacles, akin to how a jungle guide steers you away from danger. They provide mentorship, direction, and support, teaching and guiding the disciple through the spiritual landscape, ensuring their safety and growth, just as a jungle guide ensures physical safety and imparts knowledge about the environment.

As a traveler, you might have a map of the jungle. While the map can provide a general direction and you may find your way out eventually, navigating the jungle with a guide who knows all the shortcuts, hidden paths, and nuances of the terrain is far more efficient and safer. The guide’s expertise goes beyond what the map can offer, similar to how a Sheikh’s deep spiritual understanding and experience offer more than just basic religious knowledge. They can steer you clear of spiritual dangers and missteps, just as a jungle guide can help you avoid physical hazards. The choice between journeying alone with a map or with a guide who knows the jungle inside out parallels the decision of walking the spiritual path alone or under the guidance of a Sheikh. So the question one can ask themselves is whether they would journey through the jungle on their own or with a guide.

Rabitah” (sometimes spelled “Rabita”) in Sufism, particularly within the Naqshbandi Order, is a spiritual practice that involves creating and maintaining a deep, conscious, and spiritual connection with one’s Shaykh or spiritual guide. The essence of Rabitah is not merely about physical proximity to the Shaykh but about cultivating an internal, heart-to-heart bond that transcends physical presence.

The Naqshbandi order’s teachings align closely with the Qur’an and Sunnah, adhering to fundamental Islamic tenets such as the belief in one Allah (SWT), following the Five Pillars of Islam, and living according to Islamic teachings. Key aspects include:

Moral and Ethical Emphasis: Strong focus on virtues like humility, patience, compassion, and integrity, mirroring the ethical teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

1-Strict Adherence to the Sunnah: Emphasizing the emulation of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) character and conduct.

2-Islamic Spiritual Practices: Incorporating practices like dhikr, rooted in Islamic tradition and mentioned in the Qur’an, to deepen the connection with Allah (SWT).

3-Inner Dimensions of Worship: The Naqshbandi order, like other Sufi paths, explores the inner, mystical dimensions of Islamic worship. This approach seeks to deepen the spiritual experience of practices mandated in Islam, such as prayer and fasting, by focusing on the intentions, consciousness, and love of Allah (SWT) that underlie these practices.

4-Alignment with Sharia: The guidance provided is in accordance with Islamic law, ensuring adherence to legal and ethical Islamic principles.

5-Moral and Ethical Emphasis: Strong focus on virtues like humility, patience, compassion, and integrity, mirroring the ethical teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Bay’ah in Sufism can be analogously understood in relation to hiring a lawyer. Both involve entering into a formal relationship based on trust and expertise—just as you trust a lawyer for legal guidance, in Bay’ah, a disciple commits to the spiritual guidance of a Sufi master. This relationship is marked by obedience and adherence to the guidance provided, whether it’s legal advice from a lawyer or spiritual teachings from a Shaykh. Additionally, both relationships are underpinned by a sense of confidentiality and trust, with the commitment in Bay’ah typically being for the long term, mirroring the duration of legal representation, which lasts as long as the legal need exists.

The dargah is our communal hub open to all, regardless of religious or cultural background. This open invitation is captured in Rumi’s famous words: “Come, come, whoever you are,”

It’s a place of spiritual retreat and communal worship where people come together for prayer, meditation, and the study of Sufi principles. These gatherings often include sessions of dhikr (remembrance of Allah SWT), and ofcourse a lot of well brewed Turkish tea