Since the day I stepped foot in the dergah my life changed. I learnt how to be patient, how to control my anger and simply how to act like a human being. None of this would have been possible without the teachings of Shaykh Awase. May Allah grant him with an abundance in this life and the life after. Whatever I have in this dunya is nothing in amount to what I have learnt from my Shaykh. As a young man surrounded by bad influences my Shaykh helped me see just how detrimental it was being around that environment. By donating you’re not just helping the charity you’re helping the community as more and more people come to the dergah and lives transform for the better insha’Allah.

Salam, my name is Bilal I am from Nelson in Lancashire, and I have found spirituality, peace and brotherhood in Bradford out of all places. I have known Sh Awase since my very young days of an early teenager and the way he conducted himself with the youth, and his very strong demeanour and honourable traits, I would be willing to listen and take naseeha/advise from him. Fast forward 10 years and, Bradford seen as one of the hardest places in the UK to connect with the youth and bring them
Back to real Islam, is the home of Mercy Oceans Dergah. A home for us all to connect and find real brotherhood/sisterhood and unity.

The work that takes place there is second to none, they are actively involved in projects to support orphans abroad, in both Syria and Turkey. In which I hand delivered myself on their behalf, many people struggling in the streets of Bradford are welcome to come and just sit and talk with anyone as it is the most welcoming place.

For Muslims to bring even one person to Islam, is one of the greatest traits we could ever have, and is a clear indication God is pleased with you, Alhamdulilah Shaykh Awase has brought dozens of people to Islam, and also dozens of youngsters away from the streets and changed their lives for the better.

Dastur Ya Sayidi Madet,

Attending Mercy Oceans Dergah & being part of the Jamaat in Bradford has been life changing for me.

I’ve had the privilege to meet, travel, stay and be with a group of trustworthy, honourable men with the best of character & mannerisms.

Amongst those men is our teacher Sheikh Awase Effendi who has been appointed to this duty by the World Leader of the Naqshbandi Mawlana Shaykh Mehmet Adil, who has taught me nothing but the beautiful mannerisms, characteristics & etiquettes of our Master RasoolAllah SAW. As taught to us by our Shaykh and Murshid Shaykh Mehmet.

Sitting in the gatherings twice a week, listening to the Sohbet and being around likeminded brothers over the last 6 years has taught me how to be in the best of ways, as a Son, a Father, a Husband and an productive member of society .

Since attending Mercy Oceans Dergah my life has changed for the better. By me implementing what is taught through the Sohbet (speeches) &

Zikr (religious chanting) It has helped me rebuild my connection to Allah s.w.t through his doors of mercy, build on my love for RasoolAllah s.a.w & his companions & ultimately love of everything attached to our Master RasoolAllah s.a.w.

Overall I am what I am & I have what I have today because of Mercy oceans, because of Sheikh Awase mentorship, because of the guidance from our Murshid Mawlana Sheikh Mehmet Adil leading all the way up to RasoolAllah s.a.w.

My journey with mercy oceans started when life was at its most difficult and challenging times. Before meeting Shaykh Awase and being introduced to the Naqshbandi Haqqani tariqah I was involved with illegal activities and under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

After meeting Shaykh Awase we took a trip to meet our master shaykh Nazim al Haqqani in Cyprus Lefke, This interaction and the continued mentorship with shaykh Awase helped me to amend relations with family, neighbours and my local community.

Becoming a member of mercy oceans has helped to get life back to normality and stability with returning into working environments and building relationships that were served from past.

Family members and neighbours are now attending classes because of the change they have seen in my behaviour, outlook and character.

All thanks to Allah who guided me to the Shaykh Nazim and shaykh Mehmet into the Naqshbandi Tariqah and to our family at Mercy oceans.

Before I found the Mercy Oceans Dergah in Bradford, I struggled to stay grounded and keep my focus with everything going on around me. I was constantly battling with my ego and feeling overwhelmed by worldly distractions. Coming here gave me the clarity, support, and guidance I didn’t realize I was missing.

One of the biggest changes has been in my connection to prayer. Being part of the dergah has inspired me to pray regularly and with more sincerity. The example set by the brothers here has shown me the importance of making prayer a central part of my life. It’s not just about the ritual anymore—it’s become a source of peace, purpose, and grounding for me.

The dergah feels like my own home, and because of that, I’m always looking for ways to make it better for everyone. Whether it’s suggesting changes or helping out, I want to see it grow and benefit as many people as possible. Working with the dergah’s registered charity has been such a rewarding experience, showing me the importance of giving back and supporting the community in practical ways.

The sense of brotherhood and purpose I’ve found here keeps me grounded no matter what’s going on in my life. I’m so grateful for the spiritual growth, peace, and sense of belonging I’ve gained from being part of this beautiful community.