Sufism of Imam Ali discussed in the Halveti tradition

A conference titled “Imam Ali's Sufism as the Pir of the Wilayah Chain in the Halveti Tradition” was organized by the Üsküdar University Institute of Sufi Studies. In the program, Asst. Prof. Kerim Güç from Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences made evaluations on the Halveti tradition, the understanding of Ahl al-Bayt, and the place of Imam Ali in Sufi thought. At the conference, where the emphasis on unity and solidarity stood out, Güç drew attention to the importance of meeting around common values in the Islamic world. The program continued with a Sufi music concert performed by Elif Ömürlü Uyar and Prof. V. Emre Ömürlü.

The program, held at Üsküdar University South Campus Fuat Sezgin Conference Hall, was attended by Asst. Prof. Kerim Güç from Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences as a speaker. Additionally, Elif Ömürlü Uyar and Prof. V. Emre Ömürlü also participated in the program, giving a Sufi music concert. 

Moral unity can be achieved through the love of Ahl al-Bayt

Beginning his speech by addressing the importance of the concept of family and spiritual upbringing in Islamic civilization, Dr. Kerim Güç pointed out that character building first begins in the family. Güç stated that in Islamic civilization, the family is not merely seen as an institution where people live under the same roof, but emphasized that this structure is considered the first school where ethics are learned, compassion is felt, and individuals begin to know themselves and their Lord.

Güç underlined that when evaluating a person's character, attention should be paid not only to their knowledge or position but also to the upbringing they received, stating that a child's character is shaped at home. In this context, Dr. Kerim Güç stated that the household of Prophet Muhammad constituted the highest example of such upbringing; he noted that in that house, divine revelations from Allah settled into daily life as etiquette in dining, speaking, silence, relationships with children, in short, in every detail of life. In his speech, Güç conveyed that the wisdom of Imam Ali, the grace of Fatima, the forbearance of Hasan, and the loyalty of Husayn were shaped within the same spiritual climate, and therefore, narratives about Ahl al-Bayt should not only be read as historical memories but also be regarded as examples demonstrating how family ethics are built.

One of the best concepts describing Ali is futuwwah

Güç, explaining Imam Ali's Sufi tradition, focused on the concept of futuwwah. Güç stated that Imam Ali stood out with aspects such as courage, generosity, knowledge, and self-sacrifice, and said that the understanding of futuwwah includes not only warrior spirit but also compassion and forgiveness. Güç used the expressions; “One of the topics that best describes Ali, one of the terms that best describes him, is futuwwah or 'fata-ness'.” 

The central role of Wilayah and Ahl al-Bayt in the Halveti tradition

Dr. Kerim Güç deeply examined the position of Ahl al-Bayt in the Halveti tradition, which he also extensively covered in his doctoral thesis and academic publications. Güç stated that Imam Ali is accepted as the "King of Wilayah" and pir in the spiritual chains of the Sufi path, and explained how the Halveti tradition draws from this spiritual source.

Güç emphasized that the main purpose of schools of gnosis and tariqa chains is to carry that high morality and etiquette from the household of Prophet Muhammad to centuries later; he stated that the principles in Halveti tradition such as `nafs` training, `sayr-i suluk` (spiritual journey), and `khalwa` (seclusion) are, in essence, an effort to reach that pure morality lived and represented by Ahl al-Bayt.

Call for unity and solidarity to the Islamic world...

In the final part of the conference, Dr. Kerim Güç addressed the fragmentation and divisions faced by today's Islamic world, and stated that salvation lies in meeting around common spiritual values. He emphasized that the love for Imam Ali and Ahl al-Bayt, above all sects and schools of thought, is the strongest mortar to hold the Islamic world together.

Everything done together is Rahmani (Merciful/Divine)

Güç, making evaluations through the words “Symbol” and “Diablo”, emphasized unity with his words; “Everything done together is Rahmani, Rabbanî (Divine).” 

The Islamic world must unite around common values!

At the end of his speech, Dr. Güç called for unity in the Islamic world, stating that different sects and intellectual traditions must meet around common values. Güç said; “The Islamic world must come together now. All these divisions only create an environment that pleases our enemies.” 

Following the conference, in the second part of the program, a distinguished Sufi music concert was performed by Elif Ömürlü Uyar, coordinator of the Sufi and Music Education Programs conducted within the Üsküdar University Institute of Sufi Studies, and Prof. V. Emre Ömürlü. The program concluded with the concert, which was followed with great interest and appreciation by the audience.