Hadith culture of Imam-Hatips in the Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey (Ordu province example)

Informing the public on religious matters and guiding them are the primary duties of Imam-Hatips. For this reason, they should have scientific knowledge based on the Qur'an and the Sunnah. In this study, the hadith cultures of Imam-Hatips in Ordu province is discussed. It is aimed to reveal the hadith knowledge of Imam-Hatips and to contribute to the institutions they work to take the necessary measures. The study consists of two parts, theoretical and experimental. For each section, appropriate methods and research techniques were used. In the theoretical part of the research, it is tried to focus on subjects such as the historical course of the Imam-Hatip mission from the Ottoman Empire to the present; the duties of Imam-Hatips; the hadith works which were taught in Ottoman madrasas; and educational institutions from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic. In the experimental part of the research, observation and one-to-one interview techniques were used as a data collection tool, along with the survey method. Questions including the source information of Imam-Hatips, their attitudes about hadiths, and their knowledge of hadith method were asked. In addition, the answers given to verses, authentic hadiths, fabricate hadiths and proverbs were analyzed. The topics at which different answers were given, the reasons behind this are tried to explain. In the conclusion part, along with a general evaluation, a comparison was also made with studies with similar contents. In general, it is seen that Imam-Hatips are successful in hadith method questions; while they are partially successful in verses, authentic hadiths and proverbs. However, it has been concluded that their rate of knowing the fabricate hadiths is low. Riyâzü's-sâlihîn is the most widely used Hadith work in this study and in all studies as far as we have determined. Based on the results of the research, some suggestions were presented for the relevant institutions in order for Imam-Hatips to be better equipped in the field of hadith.