Abstract:

The aim of this research is to determine religious, spiritual and moral effects of religious groups on women. A semi-structured interview technique, as one of the qualitative research methods was used in this study. The research sample included 40 women who affiliate to different religious groups in İstanbul. Four religious groups were identified; the sect of menzil, İsmailağa religious community, Süleyman Efendi religious community and the sect of Rifaî and ten participants were chosen from each. According to the results derived from the study, religious groups found to have a significant effect on their followers in terms of religion, spirituality and morality. The study also demonstrated that obedience to groups has become more crucial in time and members do not tend to question their religious group and practices.

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