An analysis of Turkish Shafi'i ilmihals

The term ilmihal refers to works that enable individuals to acquire practical and religious knowledge in a simple and accessible way. Texts containing such knowledge have also come to be known by the same name. From the Ottoman period to the present, ilmihal books have served as essential reference works that allowed society to easily learn practical and religious knowledge. While the majority of the population in Türkiye adheres to the Hanafi school of thought, people living in the Eastern and Southeastern regions predominantly belong to the Shafi'i school. Although many ilmihals have been written according to the Hanafi madhhab, the number of ilmihals authored for the Shafi'i madhhab is comparatively very limited. As a result, while Hanafi ilmihals have generally met the needs of their followers, Shafi'i ilmihals have remained insufficient to address the needs of their adherents. The primary aim of this study is to examine Turkish-language Shafi'i ilmihals in terms of language and style, thematic content, and treatment of contemporary issues. The findings of the study indicate that most Shafi'i ilmihals employ a clear and comprehensible language, focus heavily on acts of worship, and give limited attention to issues concerning women and contemporary matters. Keywords: Islamic Law, Ilmihal, Shafi'i, Hanafi, Turkish, Worship.