The Kadezadeli sect arose during the time of Sultan Monty, and its main leader was a man named Birgali Ejfeadi. He introduced many new ceremonies for praying for the souls of the departed, especially during funerals. Followers of this sect have unique practices: for example, they make the imam (prayer leader) speak loudly over the body to remind the deceased that God is one and that Muhammad is His Prophet.
This sect was particularly popular among Russians and other renegade Christians who had converted to Islam. These converts often had only a partial memory of Christian beliefs, especially ideas about purgatory and prayers for the dead, which they incorporated into their new faith through the Kadezadeli practices.
Orthodox Belief on Punishment After Death
Among most Turks, the orthodox and widely accepted belief is somewhat different. They hold that no Muslim remains in Hell forever. Instead, after a certain period, even sinful believers are delivered from Hell and enter Paradise. This reflects a central belief in Divine mercy alongside justice Customized Daily Istanbul Tours.
After death, Muslims may experience two types of punishment:
Punishment of the Grave (Az’a-Kaberiy): This is the first stage, where the grave becomes the bed of the deceased. For wicked people, the earth presses on their bodies, closing the pores and preventing them from seeing into heaven. Good people, however, are said to have a kind of window in their grave, allowing them to see the vision of God’s glory.
Punishment of Hell: This is the second stage, where the souls remain in Hell until their punishment is complete and Divine justice is satisfied. After this, the faithful may enter Paradise, depending on God’s mercy and their faith.
The Kadezadeli sect shows how cultural memory and personal interpretation can influence religious practice. While their funeral customs are unique and strict, the orthodox Turkish belief emphasizes both justice and mercy after death. Punishments exist, but they are temporary for believers, showing God’s ultimate compassion and the hope of Paradise.