The use of hadith in the Islamic catechism (ilmihal) tradition: The example of Şiratü'l-Islâm

This study examines the use of hadiths within the Islamic catechism (ilmihal) tradition through the example of Şirʿatü'l-İslâm, authored by the 12th-century Ḥanafī scholar Imamzâde Muḥammad b. Abū Bakr. The research explores the historical development of the ilmihal genre, its function in transmitting religious knowledge to the broader Muslim community, and its role within the educational and social structures of Islamic civilization, particularly during the Ottoman period. In this context, the study analyzes Imamzâde's life, scholarly environment and intellectual contributions, highlighting the socio-political and religious dynamics that shaped the composition of Şirʿatü'l-İslâm. The work's structure, thematic content, pedagogical features and methodological principles are examined in detail to determine how hadiths are selected, interpreted and integrated into ilmihal literature. Special attention is given to the authenticity of the hadiths cited in the work, the balance between hadith and fiqh, and the author's approach to normative religious knowledge. The findings indicate that Şirʿatü'l-İslâm occupied a significant place within Ottoman religious education, serving both as a practical guide for daily worship and as a moral-ethical manual shaping Muslim social conduct. Its widespread use, numerous commentaries and long-lasting influence demonstrate the enduring relevance of the ilmihal tradition in the formation of religious consciousness. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of how classical ilmihal texts functioned as mediators of Islamic knowledge and how their methodological frameworks, particularly concerning hadith usage, can be evaluated within the broader context of Islamic intellectual history.