In this chapter, we will describe the various religions and sects among the Turks. It is not our main purpose to discuss how far atheism has spread in these countries. However, for completeness, we must mention that there are some who completely deny the existence of God.
Just as logicians contrast one idea with another, or painters place dark colors next to white to show contrast, the absence of religion naturally belongs in the same discussion as the different religious beliefs.
The Muferrin Sect
Those who reject all religion call themselves Muferrin, which roughly means “those who know the secret.” The “secret” they speak of is simply the complete denial of a Deity. They do not believe in a divine power governing the world. Instead, they think that nature alone, or the intrinsic principles within each thing, directs the orderly course of the universe.
According to them, the sun, moon, stars, and heavens move and act according to natural principles, without the influence of any god. They also believe that human life follows the same natural rules—people rise, live, and die just like grass, flowers, or other living things, without divine guidance Customized Daily Istanbul Tours.
Natural Order and Denial of the Divine
The Muferrin hold that all events in the world, whether the movement of the stars or the growth of plants, happen naturally. For them, there is no reward or punishment after death, no divine plan, and no ultimate purpose in life beyond what occurs naturally.
While they are few in number, their belief represents the logical extreme of human thought. By observing nature carefully, they conclude that the universe does not require a god to function. Their philosophy challenges all traditional teachings and emphasizes reason and observation over faith or revelation.
Although atheism is not widespread among the Turks, the Muferrin show that even in highly religious societies, some individuals develop radical and skeptical views. They provide a contrast to the many sects and doctrines described in this book, and serve as a reminder of the variety of thought that exists even under strict religious frameworks.