As a Sufi Education Method SOHBET -An Interdisciplinary Approach-
Sufism is a discipline that provides moral purification and aims to raise a perfect human being based on the Book and the sunnah, which are the fundamental sources of Islam. Although it is a discipline with a heavy empirical aspect, it is necessary to mention that sufism, which has become institutionalized over time with its schools, works and orders, has a unique systematics and literature. Sufism began to be institutionalized starting from the sixth century of the Hijra.
Different educational methods are used in religious order education. Sohbet is also an important educational method used by religious orders. In fact, sohbet is not only a si education method. Face-to-face education, with its different forms and application methods, is the basic educational method of many sciences.
In general terms, sohbet is based on the principle of two or more people talking to each other. In spiritual education, sohbet is one of the methods used to touch the soul and heart of a person. Since sohbet is one of the most important training methods of the Prophet, it has also found an important place in sufism.
Concepts such as guidance, preaching, and commanding the righteous, forbidding the wrong, are in some ways similar to sohbet. Although these and similar practices are based on the principle of speaking, the depth, trustworthy environment, and flow of blessing in the sohbet may not be at the same level in all of them. For this reason, its area of use and benefits are also widespread. However, in order to obtain the benefits of sohbet to the maximum, there are certain points that the people who conduct and listen to the sohbet should pay attention to. On the other hand, the content of the sohbet and the environment of the conversation also have a great effect on the outcome of the sohbet.
In Sufism, different educational methods with the same purpose have been used in addition to sohbet. Some practices such as rabita, silence, halwat, and seclusion sometimes appear as complementary and sometimes as alternative educational methods to achieve the desired goal of the sohbet.
People who continue the sohbet as a part of sufi education should be willing and prepared before coming to the sohbet. In addition to this, there are certain etiquettes that must be observed during the conversation. By observing each of these, the benefit obtained from the conversation increases.
Keywords: Sufism, gabfest, friendship, guidance, seyr u sulûk