Mawlana Shaykh Nazim addressed UK crowd and HRH Prince Charles

Bismillah.

4 February 2010

Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Adil Haqqani had dressed up for the occassion yesterday evening. It was for an event called 'Spirituality in Action' held in Manchester, hosted by Shaykh Hisham Kabbani who is a chief khalifah/representative of the Naqshbandi Sufi Order headed by Mawlana Shaykh Nazim. Shaykh Hisham was hosting the said event in his capacity as the spiritual guide for the 'Center for Spirituality and Cultural Advancement'. HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales graced the event.

But really Mawlana Shaykh Nazim need not dress for the occassion. Being a luminuous spiritual figure that he is, he is readily garbed in the clothes of honor befitting his rank which he often denies. As an opening remark for such a big event, addressing the audience in Manchester live via satellite from his home in Cyprus, he began by glorifying the Lord and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Mawlana Shaykh Nazim repeated his usual script: "I am nothing, but they are making me speak."

He said he was honored to be addressing such a special audience, in the presence of HRH Prince Charles and was thankful for the opportunity. He said, "we must be thankful to people as a sign of gratitude to the Lord."

I wish to quote a saying by Ibrahim bin Adham:

"The mark of a true gnostic is that his concern is to do good and to serve God and his speech is chiefly the praise of God and His glorification." If you watched Mawlana Shaykh Nazim's daily sohba (lecture) via Sufilive, you will see him standing every now and then, raising his hand up, saying with much reverence Subhan Allah, Subhan Allah (Glorious is Allah. Glorious is Allah).

Mawlana Shaykh Nazim in live broadcast from Cyprus
(courtesy of Sufilive)

His speech for the Manchester crowd was very brief. He appeared joyous and candid saying "if you will offer me halwa (sweets) I will take it."

The event in Manchester (Spirituality in Action) was aimed to:
- highlight the impact of spirituality on young people lives and
- to show examples of positive rehabilitation through spiritual experiences.

These are nothing new to devout Muslims and the people of Tariqah especially, because spiritual discipline is their topmost priority. With guidance from a genuine murshid/guru, disciples go through daily wirids or religious practices, devoting time to purify their inner and outer characteristics. These acts of purification are effective in shaping positive personalities and curing negative ones. This is particularly crucial for the young people.

Muslims believe that Allah loves those who purify themselves. He said so in the Qur'an. God the Almighty also said: "And those who strive in Our (cause), We will certainly guide them to our Paths. For verily God is with those who do right." [Qur'an: Al-Ankabut/The Spider 29:69]
Sadaqallahul Azim. Allah says the truth.

Shaykh Hisham Kabbani and HRH the Prince of Wales at 'Spirituality in Action' event in Manchester 4 February 2010

Pic credit: Sons of Habibi/Haqqani Fellowship