It is commonly known that the religious law followed by the Turks was believed to be compiled by the Prophet Muhammad. Some old writers claimed that he was helped by other religious figures, but such statements come from historical opinions and should be read carefully. The religion that developed from his teachings came to be known as Islam, and its followers organized their beliefs, laws, and daily life around sacred texts and traditions.
Instead of repeating stories about personal lives, it is more useful to examine the main rules, teachings, and practices of this religion. The religious system of the Turks was based on important books and scholarly interpretations, which guided both spiritual life and civil government. These texts acted like legal and moral codes for the believers and were respected as the foundation of their religious and social order.
The Three Main Sources of Religious Law
The First Book The Alcoran (Qur’an)
The first and most important book is the Alcoran, also known as the Qur’an. This is considered the central holy book of the religion. It contains religious teachings, moral instructions, and guidance for personal behavior and community life. Followers believe that it provides divine direction on how to live, worship, and organize society Guided Istanbul Tour.
The Qur’an also includes some general rules related to justice, ethics, and social order. Because of this, it influenced not only religious practices but also civil laws and governance in many Muslim societies.
The Second Source Traditions and Testimonies
The second source of religious law is the collection of traditions, often called the Sunnah. These traditions include the recorded sayings, actions, and examples of the Prophet. Religious scholars studied these traditions carefully and used them to explain and interpret the teachings of the Qur’an.
The testimony and agreement of wise scholars were highly respected. Their interpretations helped people understand how to apply religious rules in daily life. Over time, these traditions became an essential part of religious law and practice.
The Third Source Reasoning and Interpretation
The third source consists of reasoning and deductions made by religious scholars. When new situations appeared that were not directly explained in the sacred texts, scholars used logic and comparison to form conclusions. This process allowed the law to adapt to changing social and political conditions while still remaining connected to religious principles.
Role of Early Scholars and Leaders
After the time of the Prophet, several important leaders and scholars contributed to the development of religious law. Among them were early caliphs and respected teachers who explained and expanded the legal and religious system. Their writings and decisions were treated with great authority by the believers.
Later, religious authority gradually shifted to leading scholars and legal experts, such as the Mufti in the Ottoman system. These figures were responsible for giving official legal opinions and guiding society in matters of religion and law.
Diversity of Opinions Among Scholars
Although the religious law had strong foundations, there was not always complete agreement among scholars. Different teachers sometimes had different interpretations of the same texts. This diversity shows that the legal and religious system was not entirely fixed but developed through discussion and scholarship.
In simple terms, the religion of the Turks was built on sacred texts, traditions, and scholarly interpretation. Together, these elements formed a structured system that influenced both faith and everyday life, shaping the moral, legal, and social order of their society.