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Mawlana Sheikh Nazım Al-Haqqani Al-Qubrusi.

A Guide of Hearts

"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.

Video Presentation

ORIGINS & ANCESTRY

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 carrying both honor and responsibility, which he upheld with humility and devotion:

• Through his father, he traces his ancestry to Sheikh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani

• Through his mother, he traces his ancestry to Jalal al-Din Rumi

INTELLECTUAL PURSUITS

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 engineering education, he pursued deep studies in traditional Islamic sciences, including jurisprudence (Fiqh), Qur’anic studies, Hadith, and Arabic.

His approach to knowledge was comprehensive, uniting rational inquiry with deep spiritual insight. This balance later became a defining feature of his guidance and teachings.

THE NAQSHBANDI PATH

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, intense 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 (ijazah) to guide others.

40TH LINK IN THE GOLDEN CHAIN

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, and many thousands of 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.

ESTABLISHING INSTITUTIONS

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. It continues to serve daily prayers, Islamic education, and community outreach.

CORE PRINCIPLES

Teachings and Method

Sheikh Nazım al-Qubrusi’s teachings emphasised clarity, mercy, and balance. His path focuses on:

• Spiritual gatherings (sohbah) as a primary means of inner transformation.

• Purification of the ego (nafs) as the foundation of spiritual growth.

• Love and spiritual connection (rabita) rooted in absolute sincerity.

• Adherence to the Sunnah as the core of authentic Islamic spirituality.

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 with dedication, presented with wisdom, compassion, and dignity.