A memorial held at his graveside in Şanlıurfa commemorated Abdusselam İrdem, who was detained in 1993 and died after days of severe torture in police custody in Diyarbakır.

A memorial program was held at the graveside of Abdusselam İrdem in Apaydın (Heqêç) village in the Hilvan district of Şanlıurfa to mark the anniversary of his death, honouring his devotion to Islam, steadfastness under torture and selflessness toward his companions.

İrdem was detained on October 15, 1993, and killed after days of severe torture while in police custody in Diyarbakır.

The program was attended by HÜDA PAR Şanlıurfa Provincial Chairman Faruk Polat and members of the party, alongside men and women who gathered to remember İrdem and pray for him.

The memorial began with a recitation from the Holy Quran. Molla Sinan Önel then delivered a speech recounting İrdem’s life, religious devotion, courage and commitment to the Islamic cause.

Önel said İrdem had placed worship at the centre of his life from an early age, recalling that he would rise for the night prayer even when he was only four or five years old.

“Even at the age of four or five, he would rise for the night prayer (tahajjud). He observed the Monday and Thursday fasts, performed the dhikr assigned to him, attended the mosque, and recited the Quran,” Önel said.

“From a young age, he sought to know his Lord and fulfil his servitude in the best possible way,” he added.

Önel also highlighted İrdem’s discipline and commitment to his responsibilities, citing accounts from people who had shared his detention in Diyarbakır Prison.

“When obedience was mentioned, the name of martyr Abdusselam came to mind,” Önel said. “He was never seen objecting to any duty assigned by the Islamic community or showing disobedience to any responsibility given to him.”

He further recalled İrdem’s courage during confrontations with groups he described as “apostate organisations,” as well as disputes at mosques and schools.

According to Önel, those who knew İrdem closely remembered him as someone who stood firm in the face of intimidation and refused to abandon his convictions.

Reflecting on İrdem’s final days in custody, Önel said that, despite the severe torture inflicted on him, he remained steadfast in his faith.

Önel recalled that İrdem repeated “Ahad, Ahad” — meaning “One, One” and affirming the oneness of Allah — along with declarations of faith and “Allahu Akbar.”

He drew a parallel between İrdem’s steadfastness and that of Bilal al-Habashi, the companion of Prophet Muhammad who endured torture for refusing to renounce his belief in the oneness of Allah.

“He had submitted himself to his Lord. He knew that this worldly life is temporary and the Hereafter is eternal. He never surrendered to disbelief,” Önel said.

“Under the most severe torture, nothing left his lips concerning Islam, sacred values, or his fellow activists that could please the oppressors,” he added.

Önel also described İrdem as a person who consistently put the needs of his companions before his own, despite living in poverty.

“When the name of martyr Abdusselam is mentioned, the concept of ‘fana fi’l-ikhwan’ — putting one's brothers before oneself — comes to mind. He preferred his brothers over himself,” Önel said.

He recalled that İrdem would carry a small amount of money so he could truthfully say he had some when others offered him assistance, rather than feel that he was becoming a burden. He would also pass on gifts he received to people he believed were more in need.

Önel said İrdem had made significant personal sacrifices for the cause he believed in, setting aside opportunities for a different future while still very young.

“At only 20, in the prime of his youth, he pushed aside the pleasures of this world and all the possibilities open to him for the sake of Allah’s cause,” Önel said.

He noted that İrdem could have pursued university studies and marriage, but instead chose to devote himself to his religious convictions and the Islamic cause.

Concluding his address, Önel urged young people to take İrdem’s life as an example of faith, courage, perseverance and devotion.

The memorial program concluded with a collective prayer. (ILKHA)