On our fourth day here (Tuesday 20th) we were taken on a special trip to a favorite spot of our host. He took us to a city south of Istanbul which contains something well known and much sought after by some Muslims from around the world. In this particular area the tombs were not just a part of the daily routine, they were the main attraction. People stream in from everywhere around, both locals and foreigners.

At first we were highly suspicious as to the validity of such practices regarding visiting gravesites and worshipping there. After all, one of the most important things which Islam calls for is direct worship to Allah the Almighty alone and not through any intercessors or mediators. If this was the case, then of course we would not want any part of it. 

We became quite pleased to learn that although a few ignorant people do come and pray to their so-called 'saints' and 'holy men', for the most part everyone was appalled at such behavior and would have no part in it. The idea established be our beloved prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, with regard to visiting the graves and giving 'salams' (greetings of peace be upon you) to the inhabitants of the graves and recalling to mind that it will only be a short time before we to will come here not as visitors but as residents.

Remembrance of death is an important part of the development of faith and belief in Islam and should always be a part of our daily thinking. After all, if you are remembering your own mortality and the Day of Judgment which shall quickly follow, then you would be more careful in how you behave and act throughout your day and throughout your life.

We did come across one issue that we thought was worth following up on. That is the idea of the large tombs and grave markers everywhere you look. Back in the states this is a major issue and we try our best to discourage family members from erecting these structures on the graves. On this issue the local people seemed unfamiliar with what we were saying and looked at us as the strange ones.

The answer did not come right away. Sometimes you have to be patient and keep on searching. After all this is how I came to Islam as well. Patience and prayer - it works every time. 

Sure enough the answer came as Asif and I were walking along the back aisles of the grave park. There were hundreds and hundreds of tombs with markers of huge sizes. Some were taller than a human and were written in Arabic, while others were written in modern Turkish language. The dates were clear and some were in the Arabic (Hıjrah) calendar and others were in both Arabic and Gregorian (Christian Era).

While we were trying to estimate the dates on the tombs, it became evident that they were almost all after the year 1925 (C. E.). What is the significance behind this, you ask? 

While it is true that the major attractions are the ancient graves of those who conquered Constantinople and others who were famous individuals who sacrificed much for Islam, the majority of graves surrounding these were prominent people of only the last 70 years.

Now if we stop and think about it, in 1923 the Ottoman Empire was lost completely and Kamal Pasha (Atta Turk) did away with all of the scholars and teachers of knowledge in Islam. He had them hung and forbid any teaching of Islam anywhere. The mosques were used as stables for horses and the people were left without teachers and without places of worship.

It seems that there has always been certain highly respected and loved leaders, fighters and teachers in the history of the Ottoman Empire (now Turkey). 

 We met 2 young men from Algeria who looked as though they might have completed ummrah (the lesser pilgrimage to Mecca) and were now going to visit a few more Muslims before going back home. 

Just a note:
We met them again the next day at the Topkapi Palace at Dhuhur time. They like us were very much interested in seeing all the artifacts of Islam.

Too bad that they would not let us see the Holy Quran. But then it was the will of Allah.

Still though, it made me sad. I wanted so much to be able to say to all my former Christian preachers that I had actually seen the source for my religion.

Hamdulilah.

Sprays to the sky

May Allah Grant Mercy to all those Muslims who have gone before us and grant guidance to all the Turks and to all of us and have mercy on us, Ameen.

And may Allah Grant that the Khalıfat that we lost in years gone by, be restored and that the true PEACE OF ISLAM shall rule all the creation of Allah, Ameen.

Is the mystery starting to clear up now? 

Because the people still wanted a connection with their religion and it's heroes and teachers, the only place left was the cemeteries and grave yards. And without people of knowledge they fell into error as regards the structures which are permitted and not permitted according to Islam.

Obviously the orders of Sufism prevailed along with the Whirling Dervish. But for them gravesite worshipping presented no problem as they feel that they are in touch with their Sufi Masters even after death.

While I'm sure that there are many Muslims today who would not accept this as justifiable behavior on the part of the Turks. I would like to remind myself and all of us that sometimes people react under conditions in different ways that look to others as though they are not on the right path. Yet I was assured again by a large notice posted outside the mausoleum of one great martyr of Islam that 
(plus or minus translation):

THE RELIGION OF ISLAM DOES NOT APPROVE OF WORSHIPPING THE DEAD. 
PRAYERS ARE OFFERED FOR THEIR PEACE IN PRESENT CONDITION AND SUCCESS ON DAY OF JUDGMENT.
AND REMEMBRANCE THAT DEATH SHALL OVER TAKE US ALL ONE DAY.

Fountain Glows

Families have been making trips to visit these places for many years.