Abstract:

This study is about the life and mystical thoughts of Mehmed Hilmi Efendi who is one of the latter days sufis. Before discussing his life and sufi thoughts, it mentions how the Shabaniyya branch of the Khalwati order - with which Mehmed Hilmi Efendi was affiliated, emerged and how it evolved in Anatolia. On the other hand, the paper provides a better understanding thanks to the information it presents on the political, social, mystical and scientific situation of the era he lived in. Based upon the fact that he lived in and around Safranbolu and continued his irshaad activities, it also touches upon the formation of the Shabaniyya branch of the Khalwati order in and around Safranbolu. We used a method from general to specific by giving a place to all order leaders, who were in line up to Mehmed Hilmi Efendi, and finally talked about himself. By opening a window to Mehmed Hilmi Efendi’s life, we tried to present both his mystical and pre-sufism life. In addition, this paper tries to reveal how he interacted with his disciples and other people in his social and sufi life by mentioning his morals and character. This study particularly includes his irshaad activities in his sufi life, as well as, the karamah he showed. After introducing his life with all its aspects, we endeavor to explain his erudite words and mystical thoughts coming from deep inside of his heart to his tongue by opening a window to his world of mind and heart.

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