Sheikh Mustafa İsmet Garibullah (1808, Yanya - ?) was a Sufi who lived during the late period of the Ottoman State. He belonged to the Nakşibendi-Hâlidî order and is known for his accumulation of Islamic scholarly knowledge and his Sufi works. Throughout his life, he was engaged in scholarly and guidance^【1】 activities and trained many students.

Life and Education

He was born in 1808 in Yanya, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire. After completing his foundational education in Islamic sciences, he finalized his Sufi training under the masters of the Nakşibendi order. In Mecca he affiliated himself with Mevlânâ Abdullah el-Mücâvir fî Beledillâh^【2】 and completed his seven-year spiritual journey^【3】. He later began his guidance activities at the Edirne Sultan Camii and continued his service in Kocamustafapaşa, Istanbul.

As one of the leading figures of the Nakşibendi-Hâlidî order, he worked to promote Islamic education and preserve moral values. Historical records indicate that he devoted his life to the pursuit of knowledge and contributed significantly to the training of numerous students.

Sufi Legacy and Influence

Mustafa İsmet Garibullah is generally regarded as a prominent figure between people and asceticism who possessed deep spiritual insight. His Sufi discourses and teachings continue to hold significance within the Nakşibendi-Hâlidî tradition. His spiritual understanding of the path was carried forward by his successors and followers. Numerous notable personalities, including Sultan Abdülmecid, became his disciples.

There are numerous accounts attesting to his profound knowledge of Sufism. Historical sources note that he led a simple life, free from ostentation, a quality frequently highlighted by his disciples.

Works

Sheikh Mustafa İsmet Garibullah authored several works on Sufism, and these writings are regarded as important sources for the transmission of Sufi teachings.

Risale-i Kudsiyye: Written in Metrical, this work contains Sufi teachings.

Risale-i Kudsiyye Tercümesi: This is an annotated translation of the work, aiming to make Sufi concepts more accessible.

Tomb and Visit Site

The tomb of Sheikh Mustafa İsmet Garibullah is located in the cemetery of İsmail Ağa Camii in the Fatih district of Istanbul. It continues to be visited as a historical and cultural building and is regarded as one of the important elements of Istanbul’s Sufi heritage.