Semerkand English - August 2025

في هذا العدد

In its August issue, Semerkand English presents the Feature Article titled “Where Does Tasawwuf Stand in Our Lives?” In this thoughtful piece, writer Murat Hafızoğlu emphasizes that religion is not confined to mosques or ritual acts such as prayer and fasting alone. Rather, he underlines that religion encompasses the entirety of life. Viewing Tasawwuf as the "heart of the religion," Hafızoğlu explores the deep connection between Sufism and Islam, inviting readers to reflect on where Tasawwuf truly stands in their own lives and encouraging a fresh, more nuanced perspective. This month’s issue also features: “Lisanu’l Hal” – a reflective column offering selected Sufi quotes that speak from heart to heart, “Reflections from the Age of Bliss” – highlighting the lives of lesser-known Companions of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), “Reclaiming Our Understanding of Tasawwuf” – a scholarly article by Prof. Dr. Dilaver Selvi that redefines how Tasawwuf should be properly understood today, “From Ancient Persia to Modern Iran” – a concise and objective historical analysis by Murat Derin, “The Little Thing in the Bigger Picture” – an intellectual essay by Halil Akgün that offers philosophical insight into life’s often overlooked details, “The Divide Between Modesty and Modernity” – a compelling reflection on the meaning of hijab and the mindset every Muslim woman should embody in navigating between faith and modern life.