Sheikh Esref Efendi
Sheikh Eşref Efendi: Naqshbandi Sufi Master in the Modern Age with Global Peace Initiatives
Author: Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi
Date: 26th October 2025
Abstract
Sheikh Eşref Efendi (Sheikh Muhammad Eşref Gökçimen), a Turkish-origin Naqshbandi Sufi master and ambassador of peace, has emerged as a transformative figure in global Sufi spirituality, interfaith dialogue, and peacebuilding. Through his “Sufi Way to Peace Tours,” international conferences, and humanitarian engagements, Sheikh Eşref Efendi has inspired renewed attention to Sufi ethics as a framework for both spiritual and social reform. His leadership demonstrates that inner transformation and outer ethical action are inseparable in the Sufi path. This paper traces his spiritual lineage, explores his major peace initiatives—particularly in India and Kashmir—and analyzes the philosophical and educational dimensions of his mission.
Introduction
Sufism, the mystical and moral dimension of Islam, has long shaped the cultural and spiritual identity of South Asia. It is in this living tradition of love, tolerance, and service that Sheikh Eşref Efendi stands as a contemporary representative of classical Sufi ideals, revitalized for the 21st century. Born in 1964 in Turkey, Sheikh Eşref Efendi later moved to Berlin, where he met his spiritual guide, Sheikh Muhammad Nazim al-Haqqani of the Naqshbandi order. In 1991, Sheikh Nazim granted him ijazah (authorization) to guide disciples and teach the Sufi path.
In 2003, Sheikh Eşref Efendi founded the Sufi Center Berlin—later renamed Sufi Center Rubaniyah—which became an active spiritual hub for dhikr gatherings, youth education, and interfaith engagement. Today, his primary center, Sufiland, located on the shores of Lake Constance (Germany–Switzerland border), continues to draw seekers from across the world.
Spiritual Formation and Naqshbandi Lineage
Rooted in the Naqshbandi silsila (spiritual chain) that emphasizes remembrance of God (dhikr khafi), moral discipline, and social service, Sheikh Eşref Efendi’s approach reflects the unity of sharia (outer law) and tariqa (inner path). His training under Sheikh Muhammad Nazim al-Haqqani, followed by spiritual endorsement from Mawlana Sheikh Mehmed Adil al-Naqshbandi al-Rabbani, shaped his holistic model of “engaged Sufism”—a spirituality that harmonizes contemplation with community engagement.
Sheikh Eşref Efendi’s contributions have been globally recognized, including his receipt of the Nelson Mandela Prize from the Schengen Organisation at the European Parliament in Luxembourg for his outstanding service to human ethics and peace.
Global Peace Initiatives and Interfaith Engagement
Sheikh Eşref Efendi’s “Sufi Way to Peace Tour” has carried his message across continents—bridging cultures and faiths in regions marked by conflict and disconnection. His guiding principle is that “peace begins with purification of the heart.”
Major International Engagements:
World Alliance of Religions, Seoul, South Korea (2014)
World Peace Forum, Brazil (2016)
31st Islamic Unity Conference, Tehran, Iran (2017)
13th Muslim International Forum, Helsinki, Finland (2017)
Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur, India (2018)
Faizan-e-Awliya & Gharib Nawaz World Peace Conference, New Delhi (2018)
Religions for Peace, Lindau, Germany (2019)
Religion Today Festival, Trento, Italy (2019)
In each of these, Sheikh Eşref Efendi advanced a unifying Sufi message: “Humanity’s peace is the reflection of the heart’s remembrance.”
Sufism in India and Kashmir
India and Kashmir have historically been centers of Sufi influence—from Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer to Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali in Kashmir. Sheikh Eşref Efendi’s engagement with India continues this sacred lineage, reviving Sufi values amid modern challenges.
First International Sufi Conference – Srinagar, Kashmir (6 January 2022)
Venue: SKICC, Srinagar
Participants: Scholars and Sufi teachers from 18 countries
Role: Guest of Honor
Focus: Promotion of peace, brotherhood, and harmony through Sufi principles
Reference: New Age Islam
Second International Sufi Conference – Doodhpathri, Ganderbal (March 2024)
Theme: “Towards Transformation: The Sufi Message of Brotherhood, Harmony, and Peace”
Participants: Religious leaders from 16 countries
Highlights: Renewed call for interfaith dialogue and revival of classical Sufi ethics in Kashmir
Reference: Pakistan Christian Post
Visit to Krishnamurti Foundation India (December 2022 – January 2023)
During his stay at the Krishnamurti Foundation India (KFI), Rajghat, Varanasi, Sheikh Eşref Efendi engaged with educators and students of the Rajghat Besant School. His discussions bridged Krishnamurti’s philosophy of self-awareness with Sufi notions of divine consciousness.
He emphasized:
The divine origin and moral responsibility of humankind.
The unity of all existence and the avoidance of harm (lā darar wa lā dirār).
The need to harmonize knowledge (‘ilm) with spiritual wisdom (ma‘rifa).
This collaboration exemplified how Sufi spirituality complements modern educational philosophies—both seeking to cultivate ethically conscious and compassionate human beings.
Spiritual Visits and Local Engagements
Visits at Mr. Nisar Ahmed’s Residence (2018–2024)
Sheikh Eşref Efendi’s recurring visits to Mr. Nisar Ahmed’s residence symbolize the personal and community-based dimensions of his mission.
2018: First visit—private sohbat and spiritual guidance.
2 January 2019: Sohbat delivered to men and women on moral purification.
October 2019: Spiritual gathering emphasizing remembrance (dhikr).
19 January 2020: Continued discussions on ethical living and unity.
12 January 2022: Renewed sohbat session on Sufi ethics.
20 March 2023: Community meeting on inner peace and service.
9 March 2024: Latest visit—sharing advanced spiritual guidance and renewal of discipleship.
These sessions illustrate the Naqshbandi emphasis on sohbat—the transformative companionship of a realized guide.
Philosophical Themes and Ethical Framework
Sheikh Eşref Efendi’s teachings rest upon five interconnected principles:
Inner and Outer Peace: The heart’s purification is the foundation for societal harmony.
Universal Love and Compassion: True faith manifests as mercy to all creation.
Interfaith Dialogue: Engaging across traditions deepens understanding of divine truth.
Humanitarian Action: Spiritual awareness must lead to tangible service to humanity.
Integration with Education: Moral and intellectual training are both forms of worship.
Impact Highlights
Peacebuilding: Conferences and sohbats have strengthened interfaith trust and communal harmony.
Education: Collaboration with the Krishnamurti Foundation fostered spiritually grounded education.
Humanitarian Service: Support for Rohingya refugees and local welfare initiatives reflects practical Sufi ethics.
Through these initiatives, Sheikh Eşref Efendi embodies a modern Naqshbandi paradigm—combining remembrance of God (dhikr), social reform, and universal compassion.
Thus, Sheikh Eşref Efendi’s peace initiatives and conferences in South Asia demonstrate the living vitality of Naqshbandi Sufism. His presence in conflict-affected regions such as Kashmir reaffirms that spiritual revival can be a pathway to social healing.
Conclusion
In our times, Sheikh Eşref Efendi stands as a bridge between classical Sufism and modern humanitarianism. His message—rooted in the Prophet’s mercy (rahmah) and the Naqshbandi discipline of remembrance—offers a timeless solution to the crises of division, ignorance, and moral decay. Through sohbat, education, and peace activism, he demonstrates that the spiritual heart can become the foundation of a peaceful world.
As his tours across India and Kashmir continue, Sheikh Eşref Efendi’s mission reaffirms the Sufi truth asserted by Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, the spiritual Sulṭān of Delhi, that “Sulṭānat ba dil-hāst, na ba khāk-hā”—“True sovereignty lies in hearts, not in lands.”
References
New Age Islam. “The First International Inter-Religious Conference: Sufism, Brotherhood, Srinagar, Kashmir Goes Down Well in the History of the Valley.” (2025)
Pakistan Christian Post. “Second International Sufi Conference in Kashmir Highlights Brotherhood and Harmony.” (2025)
New Age Islam. “Sufi Master Sheikh Eşref Efendi’s Visit to Krishnamurti Foundation During His Peace Tour in India.” (2025)
Krishnamurti Foundation India. “Rajghat Besant School.” (2025)
Sufi Center Rubaniyah, Germany. “Sheikh Eşref Efendi—Biography and Peace Initiatives.” (2025)