A two-week Islamic educational program organized for children by the  the Prophet Lovers Association in Mardin has concluded with a spiritually uplifting final ceremony, bringing together hundreds of children around the message of prayer, worship and devotion to Allah.

The "Life Is Beautiful with Prayer” program, organized by the Mardin Lovers of the Prophet Association to nurture children’s love for prayer and instill a lasting awareness of worship, concluded with a well-attended final program in Mardin’s Artuklu district.

The closing ceremony was held in the garden of the Şakir Nuhoğlu Mosque at 15 July Park, bringing together large numbers of boys and girls from central Mardin and surrounding districts.

The program reflected the association’s efforts to introduce children to prayer from an early age and help them understand that salah is not merely an obligation, but a source of spiritual strength, peace and closeness to Allah.

Children March Toward the Mosque With Prayer Rugs

The final ceremony began with a meaningful walk from 15 July Park to the Şakir Nuhoğlu Mosque complex.

Wearing skullcaps and carrying their prayer rugs, the children walked together toward the mosque while chanting slogans emphasizing the importance and beauty of prayer.

Upon reaching the mosque, the children performed congregational prayer, creating a deeply moving scene as rows of young worshippers stood shoulder to shoulder.

After completing the prayer, the children proceeded to the area where the final ceremony was to be held and took their places in an orderly manner.

The enthusiasm and participation of the children from Mardin and neighboring districts were particularly striking.

Program Opens With Quran Recitation

Hosted by Muhammed İdris Ergin, the program began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Yusuf Nas.

The ceremony then featured presentations of Quranic verses and Prophetic hadiths in three languages, along with nasheeds, songs, poetry recitations and various theatrical performances prepared by the children.

One of the notable performances was an oratorio commemorating the leaders of Hamas who were killed. The children themselves actively participated in the various performances, demonstrating what they had learned during the two-week educational program.

The atmosphere throughout the gathering was marked by faith, devotion and a strong sense of community.

“If We Abandon Prayer, We Wither Like a Tree Without Roots”

Süleyman Tuna, who addressed the gathering, spoke about the meaning and importance of prayer in a Muslim’s life and delivered messages to both children and parents.

Drawing an analogy between prayer and the roots of a tree, Tuna emphasized that just as a tree cannot remain green without roots firmly planted in the soil, a believer’s spiritual life is weakened when prayer is abandoned.

“For 15 days, you have learned prayer, perhaps the most important act of worship among your duties toward Allah,” Tuna said.

“Prayer is like the soil for us. If we abandon prayer, we wither like a tree whose roots have been pulled from the soil. Our lives become disordered and deteriorate.”

Tuna also recalled the beginning of revelation to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), noting that the first revelation began with the command “Read” and that the Prophet was subsequently taught ablution and prayer by Angel Gabriel (peace be upon him).

“First faith, then prayer,” Tuna said, stressing the central position of salah in the life of a believer.

“We Will Run to Prayer So That Our Battery Is Recharged”

Tuna also spoke about the five daily prayers and the spiritual strength they provide to believers.

Recalling the difficult period faced by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) before the Hijrah, including the persecution of Muslims and the deaths of Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) and Abu Talib, Tuna explained how the journey of Isra and Mi'raj brought spiritual consolation and included the obligation of the five daily prayers.

“Our Prophet was going through an extremely difficult period,” Tuna said. “Few believed in him, his loved ones had passed away, and the Muslims were being oppressed.”

He continued:

“Allah gave him prayer so that he could find relief and his heart could be revived. Prayer was once again given during the Mi'raj.”

Tuna then used a modern analogy that resonated particularly with the young audience, comparing prayer to recharging a mobile phone.

“We go to school and return exhausted. As soon as we get home, we throw down our bags and shoes and rush either to food or to bed. Why? Because we are tired; our battery is running out.”

“When a phone’s battery dies, what do we do? We immediately look for the cable and plug it in to charge. Our lives are the same. As we become tired, our strength is depleted. Like a device whose battery has died, what should we immediately run to? Prayer.”

“We will run to prayer so that our battery is recharged, so that we are revived and come to ourselves again.”

“The Best Way to Give Thanks to Allah Is Through Prayer”

Tuna also reminded the children of the countless blessings bestowed upon humanity by Allah and emphasized the importance of gratitude.

“Allah has given us the heavens, the earth and everything between them,” he said.

“If He had not given us eyes, could we see the sky? If He had not given us a nose, could we smell the rose or the tree? No. He has surrounded us with blessings. So what should we do? We should give thanks. And what is the most proper way of giving thanks? It is prayer.”

He stressed that the purpose of the program was not merely to teach children how to perform prayer, but also to help them understand its profound place in the life of a Muslim.

Tuna called on parents to attach greater importance to their children’s religious and spiritual education and to help them develop a lifelong love for worship.

Children Showcase What They Learned

Following two weeks of intensive religious education, the children had the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills during the final ceremony.

Their collective prayer, followed by nasheeds, songs, poetry and other performances, drew considerable attention from those attending the event.

The sight of young children standing together in prayer, carrying their prayer rugs and participating enthusiastically in religious activities reflected the central message of the program: that faith and worship can become a source of strength, discipline and spiritual beauty from childhood.

The spiritually uplifting gathering concluded with a supplication led by Yusuf Açılan.

Through the “Life Is Beautiful with Prayer” program, the Prophet Lovers Association sought to plant the seeds of prayer and devotion in the hearts of a new generation, reminding children and families that a life connected to Allah is a life enriched by faith, purpose and spiritual strength. (ILKHA)