The Social Thought of Hajj Kak Ahmad (Sheikh)

A Content Analysis Study of Two Volumes of His Book (Al-Maktoobat)

Abstract

Kak Ahmed Sheikh is one of the most influential figures of the nineteenth century in Sulaymaniyah. As a religious scholar and adherent of the Qadiriyya order, he sought to put his analysis of Islam at the service of society in order to implement social reforms. No other figure had undertaken such a systematic and purposeful effort before him. Hajj Kak Ahmed's time was contemporaneous with the Enlightenment movement in the Arab world and also coincided with the end of the Ottoman Empire in the region. Furthermore, his period of social reform efforts coincided with social and political revolutions, as well as the emergence of sociology and social theories in Western countries.

The primary objective of this study is to analyze the content of two of the four volumes of Hajj Kak Ahmed Sheikh's book, "Maktubat," in order to explore this figure's social thought in Kurdish society. Since Hajj Kak Ahmed Sheikh is a well-known figure in society, and no sociological studies have been conducted on his ideas, this study will be of great scholarly importance. This study before you; A qualitative study using qualitative methods to understand the social dimensions and roots of the thought of Hajj Kak Ahmed Sheikh, who sought to steer society in a better direction. The study's significant findings indicate that although Kak Ahmed Sheikh had a religious background, he can be considered a social reformer. He championed social issues such as illiteracy, social justice, political power, education, and family and women's issues.