The introduction of Shadhili to Anatolia took place in the early 16th century through Ali b. Maymun, the founder of the Meymuniyya branch. The Alibeyköy Shadhili Dergah, built by Silahdar Abdullah Agha in 1786, is the first Shadhili lodge (zawiya) established in Istanbul.
The Shadhili path is a Sufi order that places strong emphasis on the concept of spiritual knowledge (ma‘rifah). The subject of divine knowledge (ma‘rifatullah) holds a significant place both in Sheikh Shadhili’s hizbs, prayers, and aphorisms and in the works of subsequent Shadhili sheikhs. Attaining spiritual knowledge is the fundamental goal of the dervishes on the Shadhili path.
Instead of a strict asceticism that rejects worldly pleasures, Shadhili demonstrates an attitude of gratitude to the Giver of worldly blessings.
In the Shadhili tariqa, dhikr is performed aloud in both seated (qu‘udī) and standing (qiyāmī) positions. The ceremonies, usually called “meclis” (assemblies), are held weekly on Thursdays or Fridays, with participants seated either in a circle or facing each other in rows. All disciples join in the refrains containing the unity of God (tawhid) and blessings upon the Prophet (salawat) that are recited from the divan of a Shadhili sheikh, known as “samā.”
Sheikh Shadhili left no written books but composed numerous hizbs and prayers, the most famous being the Ḥizbü’l-baḥr. These hizbs, reflecting complete servitude, total submission, the pursuit of spiritual secrets, sincere humility, and devotion in line with Shadhili’s understanding of Sufism, hold great value among the members of the tariqa.
