Cemalnur Sargut

The person who has reached spiritual maturity, (‘insan-i kamil’) defines the truth and the meaning of being a human (hakikat-i insaniye). In Koran the term ‘kelime-kelam’ (which means ‘word’) is used when referring to ‘insan-i kamil’. It says “If all the seas become ink and all the trees become pencils, there still won’t be enough material to write the meaning of this ‘kelime’”. (Sura Kehf, Verse 109: “Kul lev kane’l bahru midaden li kelimati Rabbi le- nefide’i bahru kable en tenfede kelimatü Rabbi velev ci’na bimislihi mededa).

Ken’an Rifai is a mystic Sultan. Being mystic means both being aware of the secret of the reality of humanity (hakikat) and living it. He sees through one’s spirit, inside of one’s soul, discovers one’s reason for being and respects it. Aware of Hakikat-i Muhammediye, he knows which names of God one bears.

Ken’an Rifai is a wise man having the wisdom (hikmet) of the truth. He reveals the secret of the universe, turns it into a meaningful essence of life and injects it to all his people. And he explained the truth, each time adjusting to the level of understanding of each particular person.

Ken’an Rifai is the supreme teacher like Mevlana, who says “One of my feet stays strictly on ‘Sheriad’-[Shari‘a] (the holy law of Islam) while with my other foot I visit and become one with seventy-two nations.” Ken’an Rifai strictly adheres to the rules of Islam (will of God) knowing the demands of his path. He is well aware of the nature of the societies. He teaches each one of his pupils individually according to their capacity.

Ken’an Rifai is a tutor (‘mürebbi’). He guides and enlightens his people with (‘irsad’) and sees to it that the enlightenment continues.

Ken’an Rifai is a philosopher. Seeing that God arises with a new glory everyday, he is open to being innovative and up-to-date and interpreted Kur’an accordingly.

The Perfect Guide (mürsid-i agah) does not belong only to a specific group of people but to the whole universe. He does not address his understanding of Love and sufism to people only for a period of time but for centuries. Our murshid, Ken’an Rifai has taught and guided (irsat) us with all his unlimited love and knowledge. A sultan of love lacking knowledge would definitely not be able to address for centuries.

One of Ken’an Rifai’s students called Sofi Huri, who is a daughter of a priest, said, “Influenced by his personality that reminded the awe of the prophets in the Old Testament (Ahd-i Atik Peygamberler), I was amazed to see how tolerant and understanding he was, which showed his well-earned greatness. I was shaken by the waterfall of understanding and tolerance that went together with the awe of seeing through human soul detecting its tiniest mistakes”. She added, “In the presence of his majesty, I observed absolute ‘fakr’ (realising the nothingness of oneself when compared to the creator) and endless modesty”. “In his attitude and on his face, one can observe the calm and relief of a person who has eliminated all the earthly claims and won all the earthly fights. It was only when my murshid taught me that I realised the Islamic mysticism and its virtues essentially go hand in hand with the principles of Christianity.” She further stated, “The extent of the moral qualities of Ken’an Rifai’s tolerance and forgiveness can never be measured. He teaches us to be able to excuse everyone, to never find anyone’s faults and not to condemn anyone. In his social gatherings, there is no room for gossiping, talking behind people (‘giybet’), complaining or showing even a slightest sign of discontent.”

Being tolerant is one of the requirements of his spiritual maturity (kemal). “One of the prominent signs of virtue and spiritual maturity is not seeing or saying anyone else’s fault.” said Ken’an Rifai. He not only said so but also acted so throughout his life, which proved his moral quality. He stated, “Those who wish to be on God’s route should accept this world as God’s house and its people as his family and should act accordingly.”

Ken’an Rifai’s spiritual maturity can be viewed in his great modesty. He said, “I am God’s humble servant. I am non-existent. I am nothing at all. I am just a servant of God!”

“The most sinful body in the universe I have

Not shameless enough to reach God with my rebellion.

In neither the spiritual, nor the material world have I any value 
My head not bowed, due to ignorance

When compared to any creature, my animal self is

The meanest of all with all my faith and faithlessness”
(from Ilahiyat-i Ken’an)

“Real freedom is to have peace within self first and then with others,” said our murshid. Even when he was lying sick in bed, he wouldn’t complain or let anyone complain.

Even a slightest worried look (istika) of his people around him would make him upset.

This endurance, this peace of heart and inner calm can only be observed in such an Ehlullah (one who knows God). He is a monument of spirit, his body is of Love; his soul is of Love. In order to be able to understand this mystic Love, one should taste from the ocean of Love at least a few drops and should dive into this ocean at least for a brief moment. It is this ocean that has been pouring down the pens of great philosophers, poets and mystics over the centuries. Our murshid Ken’an Rifai, has been the center of love. For him life is significant and valuable because one lives in order to love and serve people.

Faith is centralized in divine personalities. Even though our Hodja has passed away from the material world, his high presence has always been with us.