Thousands gathered at Station Square in Gaziantep to attend a deeply spiritual and politically charged Mawlid al-Nabi event organized by the Prophet’s Lovers Foundation under the theme “Resistance Leader Prophet Muhammad.”

The gathering, marked by passionate speeches, recitations, and a collective atmosphere of reverence and solidarity, underscored the central message of reviving the prophetic legacy of resistance against oppression and injustice.

The event, hosted by Recep Fidancı, began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Ahmet Hayta, setting a solemn tone for the day. Muhammad Ata Yaçin, President of the Gaziantep branch of the Prophet’s Lovers Association, opened the event with remarks emphasizing the need for spiritual renewal and communal unity.

Prominent theologian Yusuf Tutak followed with a speech that highlighted the enduring relevance of the Prophet’s mission and called on Muslims to embody his courage and steadfastness in times of hardship.

In a powerful keynote address, Mehmet Beşir Şimşek, President of the Prophet’s Lovers Foundation, elaborated on the event’s central theme. “This year, we chose the title ‘Resistance Leader Prophet Muhammad’ because of two critical reasons: first, to recall this often-neglected aspect of our beloved Prophet’s character, and second, because our Ummah is facing an unprecedented level of weakness and fragmentation in modern history.”

Şimşek lamented the state of the Islamic world, asserting that never before has the Muslim Ummah fallen into such humiliation, where its pleas are ignored and its suffering, especially in Gaza, continues unabated despite widespread outcries. “Gaza has been burning for nearly two years, yet the world remains silent. Where are the champions of human rights? Where is the outrage from those who claim to protect women and children?” he asked.

Large banners bearing the words "Welcome to Gaziantep Mawlid Area" in Turkish, Arabic, English, and Kurdish (Kurmanji and Zazaki) decorated the square, symbolizing unity across ethnic and linguistic lines. The Palestinian flag was waved alongside the Tawhid flag, and posters of figures like Qassam Brigades Spokesman Abu Obeida and the historic conqueror of Jerusalem, Saladin Ayyubi, adorned nearby buildings—further linking the spiritual gathering to ongoing resistance movements.

Şimşek issued a heartfelt appeal to the leaders of the Islamic world: “O leaders of Muslim countries, enough deception! Enough betrayal! Do not abandon your people. Stop pretending diplomacy will save Gaza. Israel did not even flinch at the condemnation of 57 Muslim states.”

He pointed to Quranic verses as the foundation of the Ummah’s response to aggression. “Allah commands us: ‘Fight those who fight you collectively,’ not to seek help from those who oppress us. The Prophet’s path was one of strategic resistance, not submission.”

The speech also addressed the complicity of global powers, particularly the United States and European countries, in the destruction of Gaza. “From day one, they stood with the tyrant Netanyahu. Their aid is not humanitarian—it is ammunition,” Şimşek declared.

A significant portion of his speech centered on the urgent need for Muslims to reawaken the spirit of jihad—not only in a militaristic sense, but as a total commitment to justice, sacrifice, and standing firm against tyranny. “We must return to the Quran, the Sunnah, and the example of Rasulullah ﷺ as our roadmap to liberation.”

Şimşek harshly criticized those who hide behind political interests and national strategies while failing to act decisively for Gaza. He cited the verse: “If your fathers, sons, spouses, wealth, trade, or homes are dearer to you than striving in the path of Allah, then wait for Allah’s punishment.” He warned that no excuse or political calculus can justify turning a blind eye to the suffering of fellow Muslims.

He ended with a sobering quote from a Palestinian scholar following the “Aqsa Flood” resistance operation: “If the martyrdom of over 50,000 Muslims, the destruction of entire cities and mosques, and the killing of women and children hasn't awakened the Ummah, then there's nothing left to say.”

The Ummah,” Şimşek concluded, “must act. We can no longer afford to be spectators. May Allah free us from this humiliation and grant us the strength to stand with our brothers and sisters. Let us not merely cheer ‘Shoot, Hamas, shoot!’ but rather ask ourselves, ‘Why are we not fighting? Why are we not sacrificing?’ The path to dignity lies in action, not applause.”

The event concluded with the heartfelt prayer of Molla Nezir Özdemir, asking Allah for victory for the oppressed, unity for the Ummah, and the revival of the prophetic model of resistance.

The Prophet's Lovers Foundation reaffirmed its dedication to fostering awareness and activism, ensuring the Prophet’s message of resistance and justice remains alive in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. (ILKHA)