I have felt a spiritual bond with Turkey ever since childhood, cemented further by the exceptionally warm reception given to my late father upon his visit to the country just for being Pakistani.

The bond intensified after I joined the Naqshbandi tariqa in California in the mid-’80s at the hands of a Pakistani deputy of Sheikh Nazim al-Haqqani of Turkey. Interestingly, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is also a Naqshbandi. From the book, ‘Key Concepts in the Practice of Sufism’, written by Mr. Fethullah Gulen, it appears that he ( Gulen) is not formally a Naqshbandi, but is inspired by it.

Erdogan, 62, and Gulen, 75, had been allies until 2013. Now the former has accused the latter of fomenting the failed rebellion, which Gulen has denied. However, in these troubled times it is supremely important for them to unite against forces undermining their country.

Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had taught, “Shall I not inform you of a better act than fasting, alms, and prayers? Making peace between one another: enmity and malice tear up heavenly rewards by the roots.” So, this letter is an appeal to the two gentlemen to make peace. Besides, the Prophet’s pardoning of even his worst enemies at the conquest of Makkah should be our guide. He had also declared: “Love is the foundation of my existence.”

While Grand Sheikh Nazim passed away in 2014, his son-in-law and deputy, Sheikh Hisham Kabbani, Naqshbandi, based in the US can be approached for mediation. It may be mentioned that Britain’s Prince Charles has been close to both these sheikhs.

A Naqshbandi

Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2016