Ömer Öngüt, his views and community through publications

Ömer Öngüt is a prominent figure among religious groups in Türkiye, known for his distinctive discourses and harsh criticisms. It is stated that Öngüt had no formal education and was illiterate, yet he gained attention for interpreting Islamic thought within a specific framework. He particularly stood out for his sharp views on certain jurisprudential issues and his practice of excommunicating different religious communities and individuals. Labeling various religious communities and Sufi orders as "divisive" and "heretical," Öngüt's approach significantly shaped the Öngüt Community's relationship with other religious structures. Through books published by Hakikat Publishing and articles in Hakikat Aylık İslâm Dergisi, Öngüt wrote extensively about many communities, accusing them of heresy and declaring them apostates. Ömer Öngüt defines himself as the "hatm al-awliyā" (the Seal of Saints). He has presented various arguments and viewpoints to support his claim that this title is embodied in him, a position also supported by his followers. Members of his community accept Öngüt as the "hatm al-awliyā" and view him as the precursor to the coming Mahdi. This belief holds significant importance in the social structure of the community and reinforces Öngüt's leadership role. After Öngüt's passing, although the leadership structure of the community remains unclear, his discourses and ideas continue to spread through publication organs such as the Hakikat Foundation and Hakikat Aylık İslâm Dergisi. The community primarily engages in publishing activities, with Öngüt's books being compiled and published, and translated into different languages. Based in Sakarya, the community maintains a closed society structure with its own settlements and commercial enterprises, preserving a specific ideological line through its publishing activities and maintaining its unique interpretations.