The Reconfiguration of Shi‘Ite-Imami Messianic DiscourseInto a New Religion in the Age of Digitalization: The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light

Abstract

This article examines the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, a new religious movement that emerged in the context of 21st century globalization and digitalization. While the movement draws its origins from the Twelver Shīʿa tradition, it has evolved to transcend conventional doctrinal boundaries and has come to self-define as a “new religion”. In this respect, it aligns more closely with the category of New Religious Movements as defined by the sociology of religion, rather than being classified as a sect within Islam. The theological foundation of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light is based on the Twelver Shīʿa doctrine of occultation. According to this doctrine, Ahmed al-Hasan and Abdullah Hashem are regarded as figures symbolizing the return of the Hidden Imam Mahdi. The scripture, entitled The Goal of the Wise The Gospel Of the Riser of the Family of Mohammed, is claimed to have been revealed by God. It is asserted that this text constitutes the doctrinal foundation of the new religion. This scripture incorporates fundamental doctrines such as the Seventh Covenant, transmigration of souls (tanāsukh), and the Divine State of Justice, while also incorporating contemporary themes such as extraterrestrials to appeal to modern spiritual seekers. The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light’s creedal structure is predicated on the belief that all preceding religions, including Islam, have been distorted, and that God has revealed a new and final message to guide humanity until the end of time. The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light has rapidly garnered attention due to its unconventional spiritual discourse. In conclusion, the Ahmadiyya Peace and Light offers a compelling and unique perspective on both Islamic sectarian history and the study of contemporary New Religious Movements.

Keywords

• History of Islamic Sects
• Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light
• Age of Digitalization
• Ahmad al-Hasan
• Abdullah Hashem

Project Number

1059B192202209

Dijitalleşme Çağında Şiî-İmâmî Mehdici Söylemin Yeni Bir Dine Evrilmesi Ahmedi Barış ve Nur Dini

Abstract

Bu makale, 21. yüzyılda küreselleşme ve dijitalleşmenin etkisiyle ortaya çıkan Ahmedi Barış ve Nur Dini’ni ele almaktadır. Hareket kökenini İmâmiyye Şîası’ndan almasına rağmen zamanla geleneksel sınırları aşarak kendisini “yeni bir din” olarak tanımlamıştır. Bu yönüyle, İslam içi bir mezhepten çok din sosyolojisinin tanımladığı New Religious Movement/Yeni Dini Hareket kategorisine daha yakındır. Ahmedi Barış ve Nur Dini’nin temel esası, İmâmiyye Şîası’nın gaybet inancına dayanmakta; Ahmed el-Hasan ve Abdullah Haşim, gaybetteki İmam Mehdi’nin dönüşünü sembolize eden figürler olarak kabul edilmektedir. Allah tarafından verildiği iddia edilen Bilgenin Gayesi Al-i Muhammed’in Kaiminin İncili adlı metin, bu dinin inanç sistemini şekillendirmektedir. Bu yeni kutsal kitap, Yedinci İlahi Ahit, tenasüh ve İlahi Adalet Devleti gibi temel inanç esaslarıyla birlikte modern dönem insanının dikkatini çekecek uzaylılar gibi ilginç konuları içermektedir. Ahmedi Barış ve Nur Dini’nin akidevî anlayışı, İslam dâhil önceki dinlerin tahrif edilmesinden dolayı Tanrı’nın insanoğluna kıyamete kadar devam edecek yeni bir mesaj gönderdiği düşüncesi üzerinden inşa edilmektedir. Ahmedi Barış ve Nur Dini, modern dönem insanına yeni bir spiritüel esrime alanı sunmasıyla kısa sürede dikkat çekmiştir. Tüm bu yönleriyle, bu yeni din hem İslam mezhepleri tarihi hem de New Religious Movement/Yeni Dini Hareketler literatürü için önemli ve özgün bir inceleme alanı sunmaktadır.

Keywords

• İslam Mezhepleri Tarihi
• Ahmedi Barış ve Nur Dini
• Dijitalleşme Çağı
• Ahmed el-Hasan
• Abdullah Haşim

Supporting Institution

TÜBİTAK

Project Number

1059B192202209

Ethical Statement

Çalışmanın akademik etik ilkelere bağlı kalınarak hazırlandığını taahhüt ederim.

Thanks

Bu çalışmadaki veriler, Tübitak 2219 Yurtdışı Araştırma Bursu ile 1059B192202209 nolu proje kapsamında Amerika George Mason Üniversitesi’nde gerçekleştirilen araştırmalar sonucunda elde edilmiştir. Tübitak’a projeme verdiği destekten ötürü teşekkürü borç bilirim.

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