From the Fourth Salaam to the End of the Sema The fourth Salam refers to the Nafs al-Mutmainna (the soul at peace). Those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the rememberance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort. (Al-Ra’d 28) During the fourth Salam, the sheikh returns to …
From the Third Salaam to The Fourth Salaam The Third Salam refers to the Nafs al-Mulhima (The Inspired Soul). If the Dervish acts in accordance with the knowledge of certainty he has attained, Allah will teach him what he does not know. It refers to the verse of the Quran “And inspired it [with discernment …
From The Second Salam to The Third Salam With the second salam, there isa transition from the cruelty of darkness to the luminous dimensions. The second salam refers to the Nafs al-Levvame (The Self Accusing Soul). Whirling dervishes divide their bodies in half with a belt called “elifi nemed”. With this distinction, the traits that …
From the beginning up to the 2nd Salaam Performing “Sultan Veled Circling” prior to the Sema ritual symbolises the completion of the visible part of the knowledge. It is now time to demonstrate the knowledge of certainty they have attained. They gracefully raise their hands and the Sema begins. The literal meaning of Sema is …
The Sikke/Coin A dervish’s cone-shaped headdress is called the “Sikke/Coin”. Inspired by the emperors who mint coins in their own names to declare their independence, dervishes wear their Sikke on their heads to symbolise their spiritual independence and freedom from the desires of their souls. The Dervish’ Hat is a brownish buff rarely white or …
