The Seels are a sect within the Muslim community, founded by Mahomet to guide the minds of ordinary people toward piety and moral improvement. They are considered moral and educated preachers, often serving in the royal mosques. Their main purpose is to teach devotion, virtue, and ethical living in a way that ordinary people can understand and follow.
Lifestyle and Character
Members of this sect are known for their discipline and moderation. They are abstemious in their diet, maintain a cheerful countenance, and exhibit polite and respectful behavior. They love harmony, music, and poetry, often composing songs in measured verses to entertain and educate their listeners Istanbul Daily Tour.
The Seels are also compassionate and generous, showing concern for human frailty. Unlike some sects, they are not stoical, conceited, or greedy. Their kind and considerate behavior makes them well-loved throughout Constantinople, where people appreciate their gentle nature and wisdom.
Appreciation of Beauty and Charity
The Seels have a deep appreciation for beauty, especially in youth and nature. They use this appreciation as a means of contemplation, reflecting on the harmony and order of God’s creation. They teach that love for other human beings is a reflection of love for God, since all humans are God’s creatures.
Their disciples are carefully selected to be handsome and dignified, reflecting the inner virtues of their teachers. Young men are trained in abstinence, gravity, and other moral virtues, which prepare them to lead a life of discipline and moral integrity.
A Virtuous Life Beyond Religion
Although these preachers are not Christians and have not been instructed in the mysteries of Christianity, their lives demonstrate remarkable moral character. Their devotion, virtue, and charitable behavior show that they are spiritually prepared in many ways, despite being outside the Christian faith. This highlights how ethical and moral principles can transcend specific religious boundaries, inspiring admiration and respect among people of all beliefs.