Xavier@xavierjp__
As much as I enjoyed my time in Türkiye, exploring its rich history, being hosted by its hospitable people, tasting its lovely food and witnessing its amazing architecture
As a Muslim, I have to be objective
I was saddened to see so many graves within the boundaries of mosques. I visited suleimaniye mosque as part of my tour of Istanbul and upon entering was going to pray Tahiyyatul masjid, but right outside the window next to the mimbar you can see dozens and dozens of graves and mausoleums so big they could be mistaken for masajid themselves
I was saddened to see practices in the masajid that are not upon the Quran and sunnah
People hanging up 🧿 amulets in their shops or outside their flats believing it’ll keep them safe
Others trying to sell key rings or plaques with ayaat written on them, stating that these talismans will protect us and ward off evil
I was saddened that at night the masajid would be closed so you could not do itikaf overnight; but if you wanted to drink and dance with women, then bars/clubs were open
And it was sad seeing how secularised and liberal many Turks have become
Those who don’t fast
Those who don’t pray
Those who are what you would call “culturally Muslim”
They are not a small minority, trading their Muslim heritage for western hedonism and values in the name of “progress”
Allah’s aid is sought
One particularly sad event
I was in a famous mosque, Fajr prayer was done and the sun had not long risen,
A few metres behind me, a woman removed her hijab whilst she was inside the mosque
Note that this was outside of tourist visiting hours
I assumed it was because she was adjusting it
A few minutes go by and she’s still got her hair out. So I politely ask her to cover her hair
A few more minutes go by and she’s still got her hair out, so I go to her and ask her again to cover her hair as this is a mosque and it’s about showing respect
It is well known even amongst non Muslim tourists that women should cover their hair when visiting mosques
But She gives me a dirty look, kisses her teeth in arrogance and (in Turkish) says “I know I know, you said it already” in a mocking tone
The lack of respect was astounding
Not for me
Not even for herself
But for Allah, IN A MOSQUE
Was very sad to see
Even some of the Turkish brothers I met in the mosques would lament the state of Islam and Muslims in the country
May Allah guide the people and rulers of our nations, protect us from shirk and innovation and enable us to stand for and spread tawheed for Allah’s sake alone
