Prominent Islamic figures from across the Muslim world gathered at a major Mawlid al-Nabi celebration organized by the Prophet Lovers Foundation (Peygamber Sevdalıları Vakfı) in Diyarbakır’s Nevruz Park, delivering strong calls for Muslim unity under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

The event, held under the theme “Our Leader of Unity and Salvation, Prophet Muhammad,” drew large crowds despite rainy weather, with participants from various segments of Turkish society joining scholars, politicians, and civil society representatives from Palestine, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and beyond.

Speakers repeatedly highlighted the gathering itself as a living example of the unity the Ummah desperately needs in the face of global challenges, particularly the situation in Palestine and Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Marwan Abu Ras

Marwan Abu Ras, Hamas MP and scholar who attended at the invitation of HÜDA-PAR and İTTİHADUL ULEMA, described the day as one of the blessed days of Allah.

“Despite the rain, men and women are coming in large numbers to celebrate the birth of the Prophet and at the same time demand the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque,” Abu Ras said. “Just as they unite in commemorating the Prophet’s birth, they are also united in the cause of Al-Aqsa’s freedom.”

He praised the event’s theme as “an honorable call for unity against Zionists and their supporters,” adding that a true leader is one who unites the Ummah, guides it toward salvation, and mobilizes resistance against aggression.

“Liberation is only possible through the Ummah becoming one again,” Abu Ras stressed. “We are one Ummah. Our leader is one: Muhammad (peace be upon him). Our book is one: the Qur’an. And our Lord is one.”

Muhammad Ilhami

Muhammad Ilhami, a member of the Political Bureau of Egypt’s Meydan Movement and board member of the International Committee for Supporting the Prophet, expressed satisfaction with the annual event’s scale and relevance.

“Salvation cannot be achieved otherwise. For this Ummah, there is no salvation in this world or the Hereafter except under the guidance of the Prophet and through becoming one united Ummah again,” Ilhami said.

He pointed to major global power blocs such as China, India, the EU, the United States, and Russia, noting they target a fragmented Muslim world. “This Ummah cannot unite without the banner of the Prophet. No other force can unite Javanese, Malays, Indians, Bengalis, Arabs, Kurds, Persians, and Moroccans except the message brought by Prophet Muhammad.”

Rashid Kawsar

Rashid Kawsar, Vice President of the Bangladesh Islamic Development Organization, described the gathering as “a great meeting of those who love the Prophet” and said the chosen theme was “very meaningful” at a time when the Islamic Ummah needs unity and leadership more than ever.

Dr. Mahmoud Ashour

Dr. Mahmoud Ashour, a Syrian scholar from Hama who spent 25 years in prison, emphasized returning to the Prophet’s morality as the path out of the Ummah’s crises.

“Today, Syria is in a better situation, and we hope it continues to improve,” Ashour said. “The main theme of my remarks is the unity of Muslims. We are in great need of unity today.”

He outlined two essential steps: returning to the religion of Allah and the morals of the Prophet, and achieving unity among Muslims. “Just as enemies unite against us in Syria, Palestine, Türkiye, Iraq, and elsewhere, we must also unite against them. Through unity, we can defeat their plans and protect our lands, religion, and honor.”

Organizers and participants expressed hope that such events will multiply, strengthening bonds across the Muslim world and reinforcing collective commitment to shared causes. The large turnout in Diyarbakır was widely viewed as a powerful demonstration of devotion to the Prophet and aspiration for renewed Islamic solidarity. (ILKHA)