Renowned Islamic scholar, teacher, and da'wah leader Muhammad Sudan was remembered with deep respect and heartfelt prayers on the 11th anniversary of his passing.

A special commemoration was held at his gravesite in the historic Mardin Kapı Cemetery, in the Sur district of Diyarbakır, bringing together scholars, students, and admirers of his legacy.

Muhammad Sudan, who passed away on April 10, 2014, after a prolonged illness, dedicated his entire life to the service of Islam. From his mosque-centered educational efforts in the 1990s to his decade-long imprisonment for his Islamic activities, Sudan remained unwavering in his commitment to spreading the teachings of the Qur'an and reviving the prophetic spirit of the mosques.

This year's commemoration, like those in previous years, began after the afternoon prayer with the recitation of the Holy Qur'an by Ammar Zeren. The recitation of Surah Yasin set a solemn tone for the gathering, as those present reflected on Sudan's spiritual and scholarly contributions.

Following the recitation, Mullah Remzi Uçar, a board member of ITTIHADUL ULEMA, delivered a powerful speech recounting the life, struggle, and enduring influence of Muhammad Sudan. Uçar described Sudan as a man who not only taught the Qur’an with his words but also lived it through his actions.

“He showed us how to revive the mission of the Masjid al-Nabawi in the 20th century,” Uçar said. “In a time when people debated whether or not to attend the mosque, he was busy building communities within them, teaching children and youth the book of Allah, and guiding generations toward righteousness.”

Uçar emphasized Sudan’s deep understanding of the mosque's prophetic mission as a center of worship, knowledge, and social revival. Through his tireless work, Sudan transformed countless mosques into active centers of Islamic learning, where the Qur'an and the Seerah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) were studied with devotion.

Thousands of students, according to Uçar, were directly impacted by Sudan’s teachings and spiritual example. “He was not a man who simply narrated knowledge,” Uçar noted, “He was a man who lived knowledge. His life itself became a book from which others learned.”

The commemoration also highlighted Sudan’s remarkable personal sacrifices. Uçar spoke of Sudan's financial selflessness, noting that he donated all his possessions for the cause of Allah. “He exemplified the verse, 'The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a grain that grows seven ears, in each ear a hundred grains.' He lived these verses with sincerity,” Uçar said.

Even during his imprisonment, Sudan's commitment did not wane. Fellow prisoners recalled how he would deliver Qur'an lessons throughout the day, even when physically weakened. “If he was not lifted up after sitting, he would teach until evening,” one said. This echoed the legacy of scholars like Imam Shafi’i, who were known for spending entire days immersed in the teaching of sacred knowledge.

Uçar concluded his speech with a heartfelt appeal to the attendees, especially the younger generation, to protect and live the legacy left behind by Muhammad Sudan. “Are we living this legacy? Are we teaching our children the meaning of belief and mission as he did?” he asked. “Let us be among those who safeguard this trust, who live it, and who continue to carry this noble torch.”

The commemoration ended with collective prayers for Sudan’s soul and for the continued success of those striving in the path he paved. Attendees left with a renewed sense of duty and inspiration, reminded of the power of one man’s life dedicated entirely to the cause of Islam.

Muhammad Sudan is remembered not just for his scholarship, but for his sincerity, his endurance through hardship, and the transformative impact he had on the hearts of thousands. May Allah have mercy on him and accept his sacrifices. (ILKHA)