The Prophet’s Lovers Foundation organized a rally in Diyarbakır to denounce the vile and blasphemous attack on Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) by Leman magazine.

Held in front of AZC Plaza in the central Yenişehir district, the event sent a clear message: the 2 billion-strong Islamic Ummah, alongside all people of conscience in Turkey, will not tolerate insults to their sacred values. The Foundation condemned the magazine’s so-called “cartoon” as a deliberate act of Islamophobia, an affront not only to Muslims but to the shared dignity of humanity.

The rally, attended by community leaders, scholars, and devoted Muslims, began with a stirring address by Ömer Çelik, a board member of the Prophet’s Lovers Foundation. Speaking with passion and conviction, Çelik framed the offensive cartoon as “clowning, not art,” emphasizing that true artistry unites societies and respects their beliefs, rather than sowing division and hatred. “The artist is a unifier, not a discriminator; one who respects the values of the society, not one who spews hatred and mocks,” he declared. “Any other kind of art is called clowning, and those who do it are called clowns. A clown is not an artist.”

Çelik placed the attack in a broader historical and global context, noting that throughout history, enemies of Islam—from the polytheists of Mecca to modern-day powers of disbelief—have sought to extinguish the light of the Prophet (PBUH). He accused Leman magazine of being a tool in a calculated campaign by Islamophobic forces, including “missionaries and observers and their local servants,” to devalue Islamic sanctities in the eyes of the younger generation. “This trend, which started in Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, and other countries, has now infiltrated our Muslim country through some miserable people,” Çelik said, expressing dismay that such attacks have found a foothold in Turkey, a nation rooted in Islamic heritage.

Drawing parallels to historical and contemporary struggles, Çelik referenced the martyrdom of Imam Hussein in Karbala and the ongoing genocide in Gaza as examples of resistance against oppression. He reminded the crowd of the Turkish people’s courage during the 15 July 2016 coup attempt, when even “the drunkard of this country risked taking ablution and going under the tanks” to defend their faith and nation. “Millions in this country are ready to sacrifice their lives for the Prophet (PBUH),” he affirmed, warning that those who insult Islamic values under the guise of press or artistic freedom “will get nowhere.”

Following Çelik’s speech, Fatih Taş delivered a poignant press statement on behalf of the Prophet’s Lovers Foundation, opening with a verse from the Quran: “My Messenger! We have sent you with the religion of truth, both to give good news and to warn people. You are doing your duty properly; therefore, you will not be held responsible for those who are in hell!” With salutations and greetings to the Prophet (PBUH), Taş condemned Leman magazine’s publication as an act of Islamophobia, describing it as “an open attack on our holy ones” that targets not only Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Prophet Musa (PBUH) but the very essence of human dignity. “The immoral publications of this so-called cartoon and humor magazine are not acceptable,” he declared. “This attack is an attack on the Islamic world of 2 billion people and all the peoples living in Turkey.”

Taş emphasized that the magazine’s actions constitute a hate crime, exceeding all bounds of decency by depicting the Prophet (PBUH), the supreme leader of Muslims, in a disrespectful manner. “We do not accept and strongly condemn this attack on our holy ones, which we hold dearer than our lives,” he said, rejecting attempts to mask such insults as freedom of expression. “Those who carried out this dastardly attack should know that this saintly nation will never tolerate insults to our Prophet. This sick mentality must be held accountable before both conscience and law.”

The statement also addressed the broader context of global oppression against Muslims, particularly the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Taş detailed the staggering toll since October 7, 2023, noting that over 63,000 Palestinians, including 18,000 children, have been martyred by the Zionist occupation regime. “More than 42,000 children were orphaned, and 226 journalists were massacred to cover up the truth,” he said, describing the atrocities as a “black stain” on humanity’s history. He drew a powerful parallel to the tragedy of Karbala, commemorated on the upcoming 10th of Muharram, stating, “The thirst, hunger, suffering, and martyrdom experienced in the desert of Karbala are being relived in Gaza today.” Taş lamented the silence of the Ummah, whose hearts support Gaza but whose states’ resources bolster Israel, echoing the betrayal of Imam Hussein by those who stood with Yazid.

The Foundation called for urgent action, including the enactment of proposed laws to protect Islamic sanctities and address dual citizenship for Turkish citizens involved in Israel’s crimes in Gaza. Taş urged continued boycotts of products supporting the Israeli occupation, declaring, “Boycott is the biggest weapon in our hands.” He reaffirmed the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to the cause of Jerusalem, vowing to “defend it with determination until the Israeli occupation regime is poured into the sea and wiped off the map.”

The event concluded with a powerful message of solidarity with the people of Gaza and the mujahideen resisting occupation. “Greetings to the heroic people of Gaza, the leaders of Gaza, and those who stand firm against tyranny,” Taş said, as the crowd echoed their resolve to protect the honor of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and uphold the values of Islam.

The Prophet’s Lovers Foundation’s stand in Diyarbakır serves as a clarion call for Muslims worldwide to unite against Islamophobia, defend their sacred values, and demand justice for both their Prophet and their oppressed brothers and sisters in Gaza and beyond. (ILKHA)