ʿAbd al-Ḥayy al-Urdanwī and His Manuscript “Fatḥ al-Bayān Li Ḩuṣūl al-Naṣr Wa al-Fatḥ Wa alAmān”; An Introductory Study

Abstract

Abd al-Ḥayy al-Urdanwī and his manuscript “Fatḥ al-Bayān Li Ḩuṣūl al-Naṣr Wa al-Fatḥ Wa al-Amān” represent a significant scholarly endeavor, delving into the realms of Sufism, Quranic exegesis, and Ottoman intellectual history. This manuscript, written in the 12th century Hijri, illuminates the scholarly rigor and spiritual depth of ʿAbd al-Ḥayy al-Urdanwī, a distinguished figure in the Geluti Sufi order. Born in Edirne and nurtured in a family renowned for its spiritual and scholarly contributions, ʿAbd al-Ḥayy was profoundly influenced by his father, ʿIbrāhīm Saajilī, and the broader Sufi teachings and practices of the Geluti tradition. His scholarly journey was marked by a deep engagement with Islamic sciences, leading to his authoritative role in the Geluti Sufi order. His manuscript, “Fatḥ al-Bayān,” serves as a testament to his scholarly and spiritual legacy, offering insights into the Quranic Surah al-Fath. The work encapsulates a blend of Quranic exegesis, spiritual reflections, and the sociopolitical milieu of the Ottoman era, aiming to bolster the morale and spiritual resolve of Muslims, especially during the military campaigns of Sultan Mustafa II. ʿAbd al-Ḥayy’s exegesis reveals his methodological adherence to the Hanafi school of thought, while also engaging with a wide array of Islamic scholarship. His work is characterized by a harmonious integration of Quranic exegesis, Hadith interpretations, and Sufi mysticism, reflecting a comprehensive approach to understanding and conveying the divine message. The scholarly value of “Fatḥ al-Bayān” extends beyond its immediate historical context, offering a window into the intellectual and spiritual landscape of the Ottoman Islamic scholarship. It stands as a monument to ʿAbd al-Ḥayy’s erudition, embodying the synthesis of rigorous Islamic scholarship and profound Sufi spirituality that marked the Geluti tradition. Through this manuscript, ʿAbd al-Ḥayy alUrdanwī’s legacy continues to enlighten and inspire, bridging the realms of the past and the present in the ongoing journey of Islamic intellectual and spiritual exploration.