Master of the Righteous Friends of Allah
I see others as better than myself, recognising my own shortcomings before the greatness of Allah Almighty.
Explore and share Zahid Kotku’s posts.
Do you wish to become a devoted worshipper? Do you wish to become one of Allah Almighty’s beloved servants? One must abstain from what is forbidden. When we are able to keep away from what is forbidden, then we become among the most devoted of people.
M.Z.K.
All knowledge is contained in this: Fear Allah Almighty, wherever you may be!
Let that fear settle within you; let the fear of Allah Almighty take root in your heart. How? By contemplating the greatness, strength, power, punishment, and mercy of Allah Almighty.
M.Z.K.
Zuhd (asceticism) refers to turning away from attachment to this world and preferring the Hereafter.
In truth, zuhd does not belong to any particular group; it is something that all of us need. For zuhd was one of the qualities of our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. He did not turn towards or become attached to this world.
M.Z.K.
Your greatest enemy is your own nafs (lower self). It is the nafs that keeps you from the mosque, keeps you away from Allah, keeps you from prayer and from good deeds; it deceives you—and deceives me—with all kinds of excuses.
Striving against one’s nafs is an individual obligation upon everyone!
M.Z.K.
Be among the best of people in the sight of Allah! Whoever is beneficial to people is among the best in the sight of Allah Almighty.
M.Z.K.
Bursa, 1897 — Istanbul, 1980.
Mehmed Zahid Kotku (1897–1980) was a prominent scholar of Islamic sciences, spiritual guide, and leading figure of the Naqshbandī-Khālidī tradition. Born in Bursa, Türkiye, into a family of distinguished Islamic lineage, he was a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
After serving in World War I, he devoted his life to Islamic scholarship, teaching, and spiritual guidance. He studied under ʿUmar Ḍiyāʾ al-Dīn al-Dāghistānī at the Gümüşhānevī Dergâh in Istanbul and later received ijāzah.
Tap to continue →In 1958, he became imam and preacher of İskenderpaşa Mosque, where he served until his passing. Through his teaching and spiritual guidance, he influenced generations of Muslims and became a central figure in Türkiye’s religious and intellectual life.
He passed away on 13 November 1980 (5 Muḥarram 1401 AH) in Istanbul and was buried in the cemetery of Süleymaniye Mosque. His legacy was continued by his son-in-law, Mahmud Esad Cosan, may Allah have mercy on their souls.
Tap to continue →
Zahid Kotku devoted himself to sincere worship, faithfully observing the Five Daily Prayers in congregation and maintaining constant Supplication (Duʿāʾ), Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr), and reflection (Tafakkur). Through his devotion and humility, he inspired others to seek closeness to Allah Almighty.
Tap to continue →He revived neglected Traditions (Sunnahs) of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, encouraging their regular practice. Among these was the Ishrāq prayer, through which one may attain the reward of an accepted Pilgrimage to Makkah (Ḥajj) and Visit to the Holy Kaʿbah (ʿUmrah).
Tap to continue →
Zahid Kotku was a seeker and guardian of knowledge, dedicating his life to understanding Divine Guidance and sharing it with others.
He combined learning with wisdom, aiming not merely to acquire knowledge, but to embody and teach what is right, thereby illuminating the path for others who sought guidance.
Tap to continue →He taught his followers that the most important knowledge is truly to know Allah, and he offered practical guidance on how to attain this knowledge.
Through his teachings and spiritual guidance, he helped countless people experience Maʿrifatu’llāh (the deep knowledge of Allah) and Muḥabbatu’llāh (Divine love for Allah).
Tap to continue →
Zahid Kotku lived simply and with restraint, placing Eternal Life above the fleeting pleasures of this world.
He cultivated self-discipline and contentment, avoiding excess and embodying sincerity, humility, and spiritual clarity.
For him, choosing simplicity over luxury was a means of following the example of the Prophet of Allah, peace be upon him.
Tap to continue →
As a wise and compassionate guide, Zahid Kotku led others on the path of spiritual growth.
Through insight, experience, and gentle counsel, he helped the True Believers navigate challenges, deepen understanding, and cultivate devotion and balance in their lives.
Zahid Kotku’s writings offer a rich expression of Islamic spirituality, moral guidance, and wisdom. Drawing on the Quran and Hadith, his works address questions of faith, character, self-discipline, and the responsibilities of the believer.
Tap to continue →He also sought to preserve and transmit the spiritual heritage of earlier generations, presenting it in a manner accessible to contemporary readers. Throughout his works, he remained firmly committed to following the Prophetic Tradition (Sunnah), emphasizing sincere faith, ethical conduct, spiritual discipline, and a life oriented toward the Afterlife.
Tap to continue →His works are published in Turkish by Server Publications, with English translations in progress. Click a cover to see a brief description of each book.
Rights and Duties explores the rights and responsibilities of individuals toward Allah, the Prophet, family, community, and society. Grounded in the Quran, Hadith, and spiritual discipline, it offers practical guidance for ethical and purposeful living.
Biographies of the Saints by Fariduddin Attar is a collection of inspiring stories, sayings, miracles, and teachings of the great saints of Islam. Blending spirituality, wisdom, and timeless moral lessons, this classic work offers readers meaningful reflections on faith, character, and the path to spiritual growth.
The Creed of Ahlu’s-Sunnah explores the foundations of Islamic faith and the essential connection between belief and righteous action. It emphasizes the importance of sincere, steadfast faith, avoiding sins, and living according to Islamic principles. A thoughtful work encouraging readers to strengthen their faith and prepare for the Afterlife.
The Khalidiyyah Treatise presents two concise yet influential treatises on the principles and etiquette of Sufism. The first, by Khalid al-Baghdadi, explains the principles and practices of the Naqshbandiyyah-Khalidiyyah tradition. The second outlines twenty spiritual and outward principles of the path. Both works were carefully revised and simplified by Zahid Kotku.
The Paths to Paradise explores the true purpose of knowledge, its priorities, dangers, and proper use in Islam. Drawing on his profound knowledge and spiritual experience, Zahid Kotku offers sincere and accessible guidance for those seeking faith, truth, and the path to Allah’s pleasure.
Sermons for the Believers brings together guidance on two essential aspects of Islamic spiritual life: Supplication and Repentance. The first volume presents selected supplications and emphasizes their place in daily life, while the second explores major and minor sins, helping readers recognize and avoid behaviors that distance them from Allah Almighty.
Counsels through Ahadith presents timeless guidance from the Prophetic Narrations on faith, spiritual growth, and noble character. It emphasizes the importance of sincere knowledge, spiritual guidance, and overcoming the ego’s harmful influences. This two-volume work offers practical wisdom for staying firm on the path of Islam and drawing closer to Allah.
Discipline of the Self offers practical guidance on disciplining the soul and overcoming its negative influences. Drawing on Islamic teachings, this book explains major and minor sins and the path to spiritual purification. This revised edition includes verified sources, helpful explanations, and a concise glossary of difficult terms.
Sufi Ethics is a comprehensive guide to spiritual and moral development, drawing on Zahid Kotku’s wisdom, life experience, and profound spiritual insight. Written in a sincere and accessible style, the work encourages readers to overcome harmful traits, cultivate noble character, and pursue spiritual perfection.