Ilmihal Books from the Republican Time
As a term, Ilm al-hal (knowledge of circumstance/catechism) refers to the daily religious practices of a Muslim. The books comprising this knowledge are also called ilmihal. Many ilmihal books have been penned throughout the Islamic history under different names and contents. Aside from providing cumulative knowledge, ilmihals also provide insight into the religious requirements of the times in which they were written. The needs of society with regard to the religious practices are reflected in these texts. It is also possible to follow the change in religious mentalities over time through the ilmihal books. The same argument is valid for the ilmihals of the Republican period. Different books were written according to the changing social needs and perspectives. This article reflects on the ilmihal books of this latter period.
ABDULLAH KAHRAMAN
