Sheikh Nazım al-Qubrusi was one of the most influential Muslim spiritual leaders of the modern era and a central figure in the Naqshbandi tradition. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to worship, knowledge, and spiritual guidance, reaching people across cultures, nations, and faith backgrounds.
New Peckham Mosque stands today as a living expression of his vision and lifelong service to Islam in the United Kingdom.
Early Life and Lineage
Sheikh Nazım al-Qubrusi was born on 21 April 1922 in Larnaca, Cyprus. The name al-Qubrusi reflects his Cypriot origin and lifelong connection to the island.
He was born into a noble lineage:
Through his father, he traces his ancestry to Sheikh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani
Through his mother, to Jalal al-Din Rumi
This lineage carried both honour and responsibility, which he upheld with humility and devotion throughout his life.
Education and Intellectual Formation
In his early years, Sheikh Nazım al-Qubrusi moved to Istanbul, where he studied chemical engineering at Istanbul University. Alongside his academic education, he pursued Islamic sciences, including jurisprudence, Qur’anic studies, Hadith, and Arabic.
His approach to knowledge was comprehensive, uniting rational inquiry with spiritual depth. This balance later became a defining feature of his guidance and teaching.
Spiritual Journey and Tasawwuf
Sheikh Nazım al-Qubrusi’s spiritual journey matured through the Naqshbandi path. Guided by divine inspiration, he travelled to Damascus, where he devoted himself to worship, spiritual discipline, and learning.
There, he entered the companionship of the great Naqshbandi master Sheikh Abdullah ad-Daghestani, who personally trained him and later appointed him as his successor. Under this guidance, Sheikh Nazım received full spiritual authorisation to guide others.
Spiritual Leadership
In 1973, Sheikh Nazım al-Qubrusi formally assumed the responsibility of spiritual leadership, becoming the 40th link in the Naqshbandi Golden Chain.
From this point forward:
His guidance reached Europe, the United Kingdom, North America, and Asia
Spiritual centres and communities were established worldwide
Many people were introduced to Islam and to spiritual practice
His leadership was marked by accessibility, compassion, and a deep understanding of life in modern societies.
Islam in the United Kingdom
New Peckham Mosque
Sheikh Nazım al-Qubrusi placed great importance on establishing lasting Islamic institutions in the West. He emphasised that mosques should serve not only as places of prayer, but also as centres of learning, guidance, and community life.
New Peckham Mosque is one of the enduring results of this vision. The building, formerly a church, was acquired and transformed into a mosque, symbolising continuity, respect, and the peaceful presence of Islam in London.
Today, New Peckham Mosque serves:
Daily prayers and Friday congregations
Islamic education and spiritual instruction
Community support and outreach
It continues to serve the community in accordance with the values Sheikh Nazım al-Qubrusi upheld.
Teachings and Method
Sheikh Nazım al-Qubrusi’s teachings emphasised clarity, mercy, and balance. His path focuses on:
Spiritual gatherings (sohbah) as a means of inner transformation
Purification of the ego (nafs) as the foundation of spiritual growth
Love and spiritual connection (rabita) rooted in sincerity
Adherence to the Sunnah as the core of authentic Islamic spirituality
His message resonated with people from all walks of life.
Writings and Ongoing Influence
Throughout his life, Sheikh Nazım al-Qubrusi delivered thousands of spiritual discourses. These teachings continue to benefit people worldwide through:
Books and written collections
Recorded audio and video lectures
Digital archives and educational platforms
His words remain a source of guidance and inspiration.
Passing and Legacy
Sheikh Nazım al-Qubrusi passed away on 7 May 2014 in Lefke, Cyprus. His passing marked a transition rather than an end. Before his departure, he appointed Sheikh Muhammad Mehmet Adil ar-Rabbani as his successor, ensuring continuity in spiritual guidance.
The Naqshbandi path continues today, carried forward through the principles he preserved.
A Living Legacy
Sheikh Nazım al-Qubrusi is remembered as:
A guide of hearts
A bridge between cultures
A teacher who presented Islam with wisdom, compassion, and dignity
New Peckham Mosque remains one of the living signs of this legacy, serving the community and reflecting the values he embodied.
