Mehmed Refik Efendi
Profile summary
Highlights
Born in 1814 in Rogatica, also known as Çelebipazarı, in Bosnia, Mehmed Refik Efendi belonged to the Haciabdiç family. After his father’s early death, he went to Sarajevo, where he continued his education while working as a clerk in the court.
Mehmed Refik Efendi came to Istanbul in 1833, continued his studies around the Fatih Madrasa, and received ijazah from the scholars of the period. When his father-in-law Ispartalı Hüseyin Efendi was appointed judge of Damascus, he spent some time in Damascus, where he became interested in the works of Muhyiddin Ibn al-Arabî.
Serving in the Meşihat office, Mehmed Refik Efendi was appointed fetva emini at a young age. He held posts such as judge of Eyüp and Varna, inspector of pious foundations, Anatolian kazasker, and member of the Meclis-i Ahkâm-ı Adliyye.
In 1866, during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz, he became Şeyhülislam and served in this office for about two years. He was also known for his work in which he added references from books of Islamic law to the fatwas of Şeyhülislam Feyzullah Efendi.
Şeyhülislam Mehmed Refik Efendi had a mosque and primary school built in his birthplace, Rogatica; among the people, this complex was known as “Şeyhislâmiyye.”
Mehmed Refik Efendi died on 26 Muharram 1288 (19 April 1871) and was buried in the Fatih Mosque Cemetery near the Tomb of Mehmed the Conqueror.
Epitaph
"All that is upon the earth shall perish." (Rahman 26) A Fatiha for the soul of Hacı Mehmed Refik Efendi, former Şeyhülislam and one of the renowned muftis, and for the souls of all believers. Monday, 17 April 1871.
The leader of the jurists, the famous Bosnian mufti, has departed; he was placed in the earthen chest with Fatihas. O Fazıl, read the date of death with sincerity. Offer a Fatiha to the soul of our master Refik. 1871.
The soul of the former famous mufti Refik Efendi flew from this world to the Paradise of the Exalted Lord. What a good friend he was; alas, he has left us. That sacred falcon opened its wings toward reunion and flew away. Of good character, chaste, a true jurist and wise, he was at the summit in every branch of knowledge and spiritual understanding.
His morals were beautiful and every state of his was worthy of praise. May Allah have mercy on that peerless person. The work of that servant of the sacred law, that giver of the fatwa of truth, was to guide his family and friends. The noble al-i aba helped compose the chronogram: "Refik Efendi has gone to the court of the Immortal Allah."
A Fatiha for his/her soul