The Use of Hadiths on Social Responsibility and Justice in the Sermons of Manastırlı İsmail Hakkı

Abstract

This study examines the sermons delivered at the pulpit of the Hagia Sophia Mosque by Manastırlı İsmail Hakkı, one of the late Ottoman scholars (ulema). It focuses on the usage and source analysis of selected narrations (riwayats) based on determined socio-political themes from the sermons published under the title “Mevaiz” in the journal Sırat-ı Müstakim. At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries a period characterized by intense political turmoil, factionalism, and Westernization movements it is observed that the sermon pulpit ceased to be merely a space for spiritual guidance (irshad). Alongside guidance activities, it transformed into a powerful mechanism of mass communication that shaped social consciousness and offered Sharia-compliant solutions to the crises of the era. In this context, the research identifies the presence of the narrations that constitute Manastırlı's sample in classical hadith sources, particularly the Kutub al-Sittah. Furthermore, it analyzes the function of these hadiths in grounding socio-political issues. The detailed textual analysis reveals that narrations were presented through purpose-driven excerpts rather than in their full text. Moreover, it is determined that these narrations were dynamically employed as tools of legitimization in themes such as social solidarity, obedience, meritocracy, justice, and relations with non-Muslims.