Abstract:

The concept of Ahl as-Sunnah, which is used to describe the vast majority of Muslims, has been interpreted in different ways by different Islamic segments. The difference in the meanings attributed to the word "sunnah" in the concept composition can be seen as the reason for this diversity. This concept, which points to an important situation such as the distinction between right and wrong, has been adopted by Islamic groups and can be used from time to time to exclude those who think differently from themselves. Prof. Dr. Muammer Esen, in his work titled "The Formation and Development Process of the Concept of Ahl as-Sunnah", criticized this exclusionary meaning of the concept, along with he included how this concept emerged in the historical process. The work that we will examine in this article has an important place in terms of shedding light on the historical background and different definitions of the concept of Ahl as-Sunnah.