Mehmed Muhyiddin Üftâde Hazretleri

Üftâde Hazretleri was a highly revered Sufi who lived in Bursa during the Ottoman period. His real name was Mehmed Muhyiddin Üftâde. The word “Üftâde” means “humbled” or “one who possesses humility.” Throughout his life, he remained humble, taught people the love of God, and trained numerous students.

📖Birth and Education

Üftâde Hazretleri was born in Bursa around 1490 (Hijri 895). In his youth, he devoted himself to religious sciences and studied under the scholars of his time. He served briefly as a muezzin while also teaching Qur’an and ethics to those around him.

Üftâde Hazretleri receiving lessons from his teachers during his youth (Image generated by artificial intelligence).

He placed great importance on acquiring and imparting knowledge, sharing his wisdom with others throughout his life. As he progressed on the path of learning, he also matured spiritually, becoming both a scholar and an arif—a person who acts with wisdom and insight.

🌹Sufi Life

Üftâde Hazretleri’s Sufi journey began when he heard in a dream the words “you have become üftâde from your station,” meaning “you have been humbled.” After this experience, he withdrew from worldly affairs and devoted himself entirely to God. For many years, he was occupied with dhikr, prayer, and irshad—guiding people toward the right path.

Mehmed Muhyiddin Üftâde Hazretleri (Image generated by artificial intelligence).

His sermons delivered at places such as Namazgâh Camii and Doğan Bey Mescidi in Bursa were deeply cherished. The people regarded him not merely as a teacher but as a wise man who spoke from the heart. He consistently emphasized humility, love, and patience in every opportunity.

📜Works

Üftâde Hazretleri’s most renowned work is his Divan, which contains poems expressing his profound love for God. Additionally, a collection of his conversations titled Vâkıât was later transcribed by his students.

The writing process of the Divan (Image generated by artificial intelligence).

This work has preserved Üftâde Hazretleri’s thoughts and teachings. The language he used is simple and accessible, which is why it was beloved by both the general public and dervishes alike.

🌿Students and Hüdâyî Hazretleri

Üftâde Hazretleri’s most famous student was Aziz Mahmud Hüdâyî Hazretleri. Hüdâyî Hazretleri met Üftâde Hazretleri while serving as a judge in his youth and was deeply moved by his conversations. Üftâde Hazretleri advised Hüdâyî to seek spiritual wealth rather than worldly possessions.

Representative image of Üftâde Hazretleri teaching Hüdâyî Hazretleri at the tekke in Bursa (Image generated by artificial intelligence).

This relationship transcended that of teacher and student, becoming a bond of the heart. Hüdâyî Hazretleri later moved to Üsküdar in Istanbul and spread the Celvetiyye order, ensuring that Üftâde Hazretleri’s spiritual teachings reached across the entire Ottoman lands.

🕊️Death and Tomb

Üftâde Hazretleri passed away in Bursa in 1580 (Hijri 988). His tomb is located next to the Üftâde Tekkesi, the place where he died. Today, his tomb remains a site of visitation, prayer, and spiritual peace. The inscription on his gravestone reads phrases meaning “he departed from this world as üftâde (humble),” a beautiful symbol of the humility he maintained throughout his life.

Representative image of Üftâde Hazretleri’s tomb in Bursa (Image generated by artificial intelligence).

Through his simple life, noble character, and heartfelt words, he earned a cherished place in the hearts of both the people and his students. His teachings continue, even after centuries, to remind people of goodness, patience, and the purity of heart.