A philosophical analysis of the understanding of optimism in Mehmet Akif Ersoy's book safahat

This study aims to examine Mehmet Akif Ersoy's understanding of optimism from a philosophical perspective, based on his seven-volume work titled Safahat. Among the main themes of Safahat are religious and moral values, ignorance, misguided educational policies, love of homeland and nation, the concept of optimism and hope, work and production ethics, social life, reliance on God (tawakkul), contemplation (tafakkur), modernization, and the East–West debate. The notion of optimism in Safahat is not merely a collective state of mind but also a vital part of an individual's spiritual revival. Akif's approach to optimism relies on an active sense of hope rooted in effort, faith, and responsibility. According to the poet, passive waiting, pessimism, and despair lead both individuals and society into ruin. Therefore, hope must never be abandoned under any circumstances. The optimistic worldview expressed in Safahat is shaped by Islamic cultural values and presented as divinely grounded. In Akif's thought system, tawakkul (trust in God) holds a central position. He emphasizes that individuals must act with determination and perseverance, take responsibility, and ultimately trust in God. However, attributing everything to fate without exerting effort jeopardizes both worldly and spiritual life. For this reason, Akif criticizes a passive interpretation of tawakkul. For Akif, the essential goal is to awaken individuals, encourage them to act without falling into despair, and raise their awareness against falsehood. In his thought, optimism is a constructive process that begins with the individual and extends to the entire society. It is not a sentimental comfort but a moral stance and conscious resistance. According to Akif, the moral, intellectual, and philosophical development of the individual directly shapes the moral development of society. Therefore, the concept of optimism in Safahat is framed as a value-based attitude that prioritizes individual growth while contributing to societal transformation. Akif's understanding of optimism consistently emphasizes the need for the Islamic ummah to believe in its potential. He strongly underlines that the ummah must never fall into despair and must continue to struggle with faith and determination in the face of all adversity. Keywords: Morality, Optimism, Mehmet Akif Ersoy, Pessimism, Safahat