THE MİʿRĀJ EVENT CONSIDERED AS THE SOURCE OF CEM AND SEMAH IN ALEVISM AND THE FORTIES (KIRKLAR) CEM

Abstract

This article aims to deal with the cem which is the main form of worship in Alevism, the Semah as an inseparable part of the cem, and in this context, the cem of the Kırklar or the Kırklar Council considered to be the source of cem and semah. The study focuses on some important issues in the Miʿrāj event and in the Kırklar Council. In Alevism, how the Prophet Muhammad’s ascension took place, who invited the Prophet and what happened during this journey, how he stopped by the Forties Council after the journey, what was discussed there, how the semah was performed, and what happened during the semah, are explained in the article. Cem is very important for Alevis who are loyal to Hz. Ali, and a vital element for their worships. While going to cem, Alevis perform ablution and wear clean clothes. While entering the cem square, a prayer is made at the door and entered without stepping on the doorsills. Cem takes place under the leadership of the worship leader called Dede. Cem worship cannot be started until the resentment is resolved. If there are any resentful and offended people in cem session, they come to Dede and they are reconciled. It is because in cem, no one can be resentful and offended or in a fight with anyone. With the instrument played by zākir and his sayings, miʿrājlama and elegies, people in cem completely distance themselves from the outside world and their desires, and become closer to Allah. In the miʿrājlama, the Prophet Muhammad’s ascension to the sky, his entrance to the Kırklar Council, his participation in the semah with the Kırklar are described and some parts are partially animated by people in the cem. Semah is one of the twelve services. Semahs, which are usually performed towards the end of cem rituals, are performed for Allah. Both during the semah and at the end of the semah, the Dede emphasizes that the semah is actually a sacred return, not a game, but a part of worship, by saying, “For Allah, not for watching”. During the cem worship, the Dede’s words such as “Let our semah be the Kırklar Semah”, “Let our cem be written to the cem of the Kırklar” show the importance and sanctity of the Kırklar Council for Alevis.