The Sultan of Awliyaa, Shaykh Nazim al-Haqqani

Shaykh Nazim al-Haqqani, Naqshbandi Sufi teacher

Shaykh Muhammad Nazim Adil al-Haqqani (Lefke, Cyprus)

Shaykh Nazim Adil al-Haqqani (April 21, 1922 – May 7, 2014; Sha’ban 23, 1340 AH – Rajab 8, 1435 AH), born Mehmet Nâzim Adil and also known as Muhammed Nazim El-Hakkani, was a Turkish Cypriot Sufi master and the spiritual leader of the Naqshbandi-Haqqani Order. Renowned for his deep spirituality and global influence, he was affectionately known by many honorifics as Sultan-ul-Awliya (The King of the Saints),

Born in Larnaca, Cyprus, he carried the title “Kibrisi” (the Cypriot). His lineage traces back to two great Sufi masters: the 11th-century saint Abdul Qadir Jilani and the 13th-century mystic Jalaluddin Rumi. Both his maternal and paternal grandfathers were shaykhs in the Qadiri and Mevlevi orders, shaping his spiritual heritage from an early age.

Early Life & Education

From childhood, Shaykh Nazim displayed a strong inclination toward spirituality. While he pursued secular education by day, he studied Islamic sciences, Hadith, Qur’anic exegesis, and jurisprudence at a local school in the evenings. His pursuit of both worldly and spiritual knowledge remained a defining trait throughout his life.

In 1940, at the age of 18, he moved to Istanbul to further his education, joining his siblings there. He enrolled at Istanbul University, where he excelled in chemical engineering. Despite his academic achievements, he later admitted, “I felt no attraction to modern science. My heart was always drawn to the spiritual sciences.”

During his time in Istanbul, he also deepened his religious studies, mastering Arabic and Islamic theology. His spiritual journey took a decisive turn when he started attending gatherings at the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, he started immersing himself in the mystical practices of the Naqshbandi, Qadiri, and Mevlevi traditions.

After earning his degree, Shaykh Nazim felt a divine calling to seek further spiritual guidance in Damascus. He traveled to Syria in 1944, though political unrest delayed his entry into Damascus until 1945.

There, he met the renowned Naqshbandi master, Shaykh Abdullah al-Fa’iz ad-Daghestani, at his tekke (spiritual lodge) on the slopes of Jabal Qasioun. Recognizing his innate spiritual gifts, Shaykh Abdullah granted him bay’ah (initiation) into the Naqshbandi Order, and Shaykh Nazim advanced rapidly along the Sufi path.

Spiritual Transformation & Damascus Journey

Shaykh Abdullah al-Fa’iz ad-Daghestani (Left) and Shaykh Nazim Adil al-Haqqani (Right)

Return to Cyprus

Shortly after, Shaykh Abdullah Daghestani instructed him to return to Cyprus to spread the teachings of Sufism. He conferred upon him the title of “Shaykh”, officially authorizing him to represent the Naqshbandi Order.

Over the decades, Shaykh Nazim became a globally respected spiritual figure, guiding countless seekers through the path of love, humility, and divine remembrance. His teachings were later compiled into numerous books.

Fluent in Turkish, Arabic, English, and Greek, Shaykh Nazim’s influence extended across cultures and continents, making him one of the most prominent Sufi leaders of the modern era.