Reflections on Faith and Journey: A Day in Turkey with Dr.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate
Journey to Turkey
(16)
Tuesday, 17th Jumada al-Awwal 1446 AH

By: Dr. Muhammad Akram Nadwi – Oxford

Morning Reflections
I performed the Fajr prayer at the hotel mosque behind Shaykh Amin al-Hazmi at 6:50 AM, followed by a light breakfast. By 7:30 AM, we were on our way to the airport, bidding farewell to Konya and its illustrious history.

I reflected on the Seljuks’ might and their dedication to Islam and scholarship. I was deeply moved by Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi’s profound influence on stirring the hearts of Muslims, as described by our teacher Shaykh Nadwi in Men of Thought and Action.

On Rumi’s Legacy
While Rumi’s Mathnawi played a pivotal role in rekindling the flames of love and spirituality, it also spread many weak or fabricated traditions and legends. Unlike Ihya Ulum al-Din, which was critically examined by scholars like Imam Zayn al-Din al-Iraqi, Mathnawi was not subjected to such rigorous scrutiny. This has led to its widespread use among both scholars and commoners, often without acknowledging the unreliability of its sources.

Departure and Reflections
As the car sped towards the airport, thoughts of mortality overwhelmed me. I pondered how many scholars who once shared our concerns now lay buried, detached from worldly worries. Life is but an illusion, and its treasures—wealth, fame, and power—are fleeting mirages. Only righteous deeds remain.

Journey to Istanbul
The flight from Konya departed on time at 9:45 AM. Around me, some travelers wore stern expressions, while others exuded warmth and serenity. I napped briefly until we landed at Istanbul Airport at 11:20 AM.

Prayers and Reflections at the Airport
At the airport mosque, I joined a congregation of Muslims from around the world for combined Dhuhr and Asr prayers. The crowded prayer space reminded me of the unity and beauty of Islam.

Exploring Istanbul Airport
I explored the airport’s modern marketplace, marveling at its materialistic allure. The noise of music and entertainment reflected the hollowness of modern tastes, starkly contrasting with the serenity of worship and simplicity. I indulged in a modest meal, reflecting on the challenges of maintaining spiritual purity in such environments.

Evening Prayers
When the Maghrib prayer time arrived, I found the original prayer hall closed. A helpful staff member guided me to another prayer space 10 minutes away. His kindness was a reminder of the innate goodness in people. I performed Maghrib and Isha prayers together, observing the dedication of travelers eager to maintain their spiritual obligations.

Preparing for the Next Journey
I am scheduled to board a Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Abu Dhabi at 7:00 PM. As I prepare to end this chapter of my journey, I eagerly anticipate beginning a new one, God willing.

Translated by AI for accessibility and comprehension.
Original article: <a href=”https://t.me/DrAkramNadwi/5650″ target=”_blank”>https://t.me/DrAkramNadwi/5650