Hayreddin Karaman A Reference Point in Turkish Islam and his Influence in Europe

Hayreddin Karaman, “the muftī of muftīs (teacher of teachers),” is one of the most revered scholars in contemporary Turkish theology. This article argues that Karaman’s authority rests on three pillars: the applicability, and accessibility of his thought, the fruits of his perception of Islam, especially his approach tocontemporary issues using Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh). Karaman’s starting point is ijtihād,i.e., the possibility and even the necessity of independent reasoning. Karamanrelies on traditional literature and methodology that is applicable in the present. His solution-oriented mind seeks practical answers to how contemporary Muslims can live their religion and prosper in a non-Islamic public sphere. His work addresses the challenges of this sphere, including the concerns of contemporary Muslims. This study also uses particular findings of the fieldwork the author conducted in the Netherlands.