Ken’an Rifâî spent his childhood years on his grandfather Hacı Hasan Bey’s farm in Plovdiv, surrounded by nature and the peaceful blessings of those days. This rich natural and family environment left deep traces in his spiritual world. In his conversations, he often included his memories of these days.

According to an anecdote, there was a loyal dog named “Çerno” in his family’s house. Over time, as Cherno had puppies and multiplied, he would be left on the street. One day, when there was a threat to Plovdiv, Ken’an Rifâî’s father had to leave for Istanbul, while his mother stayed in Plovdiv. Every night, Cherno would gather her puppies and stand guard around the house, showing her loyalty.

In recounting this memory, Ken’an Rifâî emphasizes that loyalty is not a trait that can only be found in animals, and that the true human virtue is love. “Loyalty can also be found in animals. But love is unique to human beings. Even a dog can sacrifice its life for its master, but to be full of love is unique to human beings.”

This anecdote shows how Ken’an Rifâî distinguished between the concepts of loyalty and love and how he glorified human values. In his spiritual guidance, although loyalty is an important virtue, true humanity is to be full of love.