After just returning from a transformative journey that took me from Afghanistan to Istanbul and then back home to Southern California, I wanted to share some reflections on what real spiritual progress looks like. My time in Istanbul coincided with the 10th of Muharram, Yawm al-Ashura—a blessed and significant day—and gave me the opportunity to visit the resting place of Grandshaykh Sultan Shaykh Nazim (qs). That short stay reminded me of the true purpose of travel—not just leisure, but seeking knowledge, truth, and illuminating companionship.

In our tradition, we are reminded not only to believe but to “be with the truthful ones.” This companionship isn’t passive—it’s immersive. Spending time with a real shaykh (guide, mentor, leader or coach) is like being in a spiritual boot camp. The focus is on action, not words. True guidance doesn’t just fill the head with knowledge but ignites transformation in the heart. It’s prayer, dhikr, night vigils, and presence. It’s learning not by listening, but by witnessing and doing.

So much of modern religious life has become intellectualized, centered on academic learning. But the prophetic way is based on companionship—being in the presence of those who live the reality of faith. Even a few days with a genuine spiritual guide can awaken something lasting within us, something that carries forward long after we part ways. While online content and recordings can inspire, nothing compares to the full presence of a living wali of Allah.

This is how our religion has been preserved: through unbroken chains of living transmission. If we want to draw closer to the Divine, we must seek out these people, these doorways, and be in their company. It may not always be convenient, but if the intention is sincere and we begin to move, Allah will guide our steps. Transformation happens in motion.

May we all be granted the ability to walk that path.

Ameen.

00:00 | Returning Home
I reflect on arriving back in Southern California and preparing to share more content from recent travels.

01:17 | Istanbul and Yawm al-Ashura
A brief stay in Istanbul aligned with the sacred 10th of Muharram, a powerful spiritual moment.

02:14 | Purposeful Travel
Travel should serve spiritual growth, not just leisure, by connecting us to truth and sincere people.

03:04 | The Role of a Shaykh
A real Shaykh is a living model of faith who guides through example more than words.

04:32 | Spiritual Boot Camp
Being with a Shaykh involves deep spiritual practice and transformation beyond lectures.

05:26 | Facing the Divine Inwardly
True orientation to Allah involves inward calibration of the heart, not just outward forms.

06:18 | Companionship and Transmission
Transformation comes from being with hearts aligned with the Divine, passed down through living transmission.

07:08 | The Power of Presence
Nothing replaces the full presence of a wali; even brief time spent with one changes us permanently.

08:45 | Seek and Be Guided
Encouragement to seek out true spiritual guides; guidance unfolds when we move with sincere intention.