BEŞİNCİ BAB · SEKİZİNCİ FASIL · Altıncı Madde
The Sixth Item
Concerning the request of the most eminent *gavs*, exalted spiritual guide Ismail Tillovi Fakirullah (may Allah be pleased with him), whose service Dervish Osman Hüsnü Hakîrullah (may Allah be pleased with him) held, perhaps in the station of a blessed son, to perform divination regarding his own affairs, the arrival of his son Ibrahim into the world, his emigration from Hasan Kale to Erzurum, during which he became acquainted with Sufism and received news of his master, finding a spiritual companion, and preparing for departure.
O esteemed one! It is known that the late Dervish Efendi was in distress and bewilderment in his affairs (and matters were proceeding in this manner) when the Hijri year 1115 arrived (A.D. 1703). In the month of Muharram of that year, with a sincere heart and intention to arrange his affairs and set out on his path, he performed divination in a dream, and was commanded to abandon the world and seek the Divine. Upon awakening, he immediately felt filled with a desire for travel and finding a perfect guide. On the morning of that Friday, at the hour of Zuhre, as the sun rose, a son was born into the world. His name was Ibrahim Hakki. The esteemed one’s body and soul were filled with love and enthusiasm, freed from his physical ailments and spiritual afflictions through the help of the Most High. A summary of all these events is concisely expressed in the following three couplets:
Couplet
1-The year of emigration became 1115 that spring,
Ibrahim Hakki was born wailing in the Sublime Fortress.
2-Until the year 1140, knowledge was his preference;
He fell in love, became a knower, and made ecstasy his deed.
3-The year 1170 arrived; Hakki’s age was fifty-five;
He turned his possessions towards it; his friend made it his choice.
In translation:
It is known that at that time, his father was contemplating traveling to find a perfect guide, perhaps even surpassing the ties of kinship, desiring him to do so. To ensure that his spiritual siblings and family members lived comfortably in their city, he secretly emigrated to Erzurum one night. In Erzurum, Dervish Efendi Gümrükcü (may Allah be pleased with him) desired to find a tutor for his son, and appointed one accordingly. With great hospitality, he offered a monthly salary of thirty *qirsh* and sent intermediaries to secure his acceptance of the position.
However, he disregarded all of this, refusing to pay heed to anyone, and sought out the virtuous Habib Efendi (may Allah be pleased with him). From that compassionate and generous deceased one, he secretly read books on Sufism and the spiritual path until their completion. That beloved of hearts showed affection and respect for this hidden friend, and built a mosque in the Mehdi Mahallesi to employ him as an Imam. However, our father, the Imam, was consumed by the fire of sorrow and anxiety, afflicted with fever, and perished like one frozen in cold. A desire to attain a perfect guide destroyed his patience and reason. It was at that time that Özbekli, a perfect guide, came to deliver a discourse at Lala Pasha Mosque. Dervish Osman Efendi immediately went to him and related his woes and circumstances in seclusion. He accepted him as his guide and accompanied him on his journey. During the night of that observation with the perfect guide, he learned the true nature of his father through divine communication. In subsequent meetings, that wise and perfect guide consoled and encouraged this afflicted one:
“O believing brother! We would accept you and be delighted to make you a friend. However, our Sultan has already taken you. How fortunate you are to have a great master—a true *kibrit-i ahmar* [red sulfur], who perfects his followers. He has desired your companionship for six years, and it is destined that you will meet him within two years (with Allah’s permission). Now endure this fire and consider it a blessing; for it is a beautiful omen. Have trust in the Divine and know with certainty that the end of this matter is safety.”
After receiving this news from the Özbekli perfect guide, Dervish Efendi rejoiced and was delighted, and desired to find his promised master and prepare for travel. He took Eyüb Efendi (may Allah be pleased with him), a learned servant of Allah, as his companion on the journey, remaining in close companionship with him day and night for two years. During that time, Hanife Hâtun, his wife, passed away and left Ibrahim an orphan. Nevertheless, Dervish Efendi, in the realm of detachment, entrusted his son to his two brothers and seized the opportunity to prepare for his journey.
Verses
1-If not for this love, spirits would not be ensnared;
Our soul and heart would not seek a glimpse of the Beloved.
2-If the beloved did not incline towards the lover,
This lover would not fall into the market of passion.
3-In the world, if there were neither love nor sorrow;
This soul and heart would not be rational or aware.
4-If the cheek and tresses were not revealed continuously;
The heads of these lovers would not spin like a compass.
5-If even one’s own spirit did not see it in the veil,
One would not become a purchaser from that veil.
6-All forms would be unrealized and produced;
Gnostics would not be aware of mysteries.
7-O Hakki, if you were not the mirror of love,
You would not have value in His sight.
Here's a translation of the provided text, aiming for faithfulness and preserving meaning within a classical/Sufi context:
"If those who are outwardly pious do not show compassion to their fellow human beings, then they have no right to claim piety."
"The outward form is such that it does not reveal itself completely; the knowers would not be aware of these secrets were it not so."
"O Truth! If the soul were not a mirror of love, it would hold no value in your sight."