The Halveti-Jerrahis & the legacy of Sheikh Muzaffer in North America

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the legacy of the Halveti-Jerrahi sheikh, Muzaffer Ozak, in North America. Following his death, the Order was split into the Nur Ashki Jerrahi Order and the Jerrahi Order of America, with the former reflecting a more “universalistic” orientation, and the latter a more “traditional” one. Which of the two more accurately embodied his legacy? In order to answer the question, the study draws from personal interview testimonies of Sheikha Fariha al-Jerrahi and Sheikh Muhamad Jamal al-Jerrahi (Gregory Blann), as well as from the teachings of Sheikh Muzaffer. This thesis demonstrates that Sheikh Muzaffer consciously fostered different interpretations of his teachings while also showing it was not his intention to have the Halveti-Jerrahi Order separated. Moreover, the study shows that he grew to embrace the more adaptive interpretations of his message over the more conservative, yet still legitimate perspective of traditionalists.