(28 Jun 1996) English/Nat
A centuries old Islamic cult, originating in central Asia, is undergoing a revival as more and more Westerners join.
They are attracted by the cult's mysticism, but also by its charismatic leader.
Hundreds of people from all over the world come to visit him at his home in North Cyprus. APTV has this special report.
Wearing their turbans and traditional Islamic clothes as they walk through the small town of Lefke, these men don't look like Westerners, but they are.
UPSOUND:
Do you have any change? Maybe he does.
(Sheikh Osman, formerly Andrew Young from the UK)
They are members of a Sufi order, called the Naqshabandies.
They dress and worship in the same manner that Naqshabandies have done since the order was founded in the days of the Prophet Mohamed 14 centuries ago.
In the last few years, it has attracted more and more Westerners, many drawn by the order's spiritual leader, Sheikh Nazim Haqqani.
He leads prayers, gives guidance, acts as a centre for the far-flung membership. And he thinks he knows why so many Westerners are coming to him, and to Islam.
SOUNDBITE:
Islam is calling people to a pure and clean life. Europeans calling people to a dirty life. To live like dogs... May Allah forgive us, OK?
SUPERCAPTION: Sheikh Nazim Haqqani, Spiritual head of Naqshabandies
Naqshabandi literally means \"engraving the hearts,\" and the Sheikh is believed to possess the spiritual power to mark the hearts of those who visit him with faith.
Every week, Naqshabandies gather together and chant the name of God.
The sing-song repetition has a hypnotic power.
This free-wheeling mysticism is for many the core of what attracted Andrew Young to Islam seven years ago.
SOUNDBITE:
I went to a Ziker (ceremony) one Thursday night, after a Californian friend said to me go to the Sufis, they take anyone and I thought Oh, OK, I'll go, and it was so strong, such a strong heart connection that I kept going, even though there was a lot of mental confusion. I thought there was something very beautiful here.
SUPERCAPTION: Osman Young, formerly Andrew Young from the UK, Muslim convert
The Sufis place a firm value on obedience to the Sheikh.
It is this desire to have a spiritual guide that brings people to Cyprus. Some come to visit for a few days, some stay for years.
Fatima Hussein, formerly Margaret Setterholm from California, lives in Lefke and has been a Muslim for 14 years.
SOUNDBITE:
It's very precious to have such a person here among us who can guide us in such an intense and personal way. This is beyond psychology, beyond anything I've seen in America.
SUPERCAPTION: Fatima Hussein, formerly Margaret Setterholm, Californian Muslim convert
In recent years the West has at times viewed Islam as a threat.
The people here say it is a call to a purer life of simple work and spiritual devotion.
And for many Westerners, this ancient call from the Middle East is guiding them on a new path.
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