The "Al-Quds and Martyrdom" event, organized by the Oppressed Society (Mustazaflar Cemiyeti) and the Martyrs Caravan Platform, took place in Diyarbakır as part of Martyrdom Month commemorations in February.

Held in the spacious conference hall of the historic Saladin Ayyub Mosque in the bustling central Yenişehir district, the event attracted a large and diverse crowd. To accommodate cultural preferences, the proceedings were thoughtfully divided into separate programs for men and women, each focusing on the intertwined themes of martyrdom, jihad, and the enduring Islamic struggle, particularly in relation to Jerusalem and Gaza.

The women’s session commenced with a soulful recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, setting a reverent tone for the day. This was followed by a series of speeches delivered by female scholars and community leaders, who explored the deep spiritual and practical significance of martyrdom within the Islamic tradition. A central message resonated throughout the talks: jihad and the defense of the faith are not exclusively the domain of men. Instead, women were urged to embrace their vital role in shaping the next generation of believers, preparing their children—sons and daughters alike—for the sacrifices demanded by the Islamic cause.

Drawing on historical precedents, the speakers referenced inspiring examples from the time of the Prophet Muhammad, illustrating how women in early Islam supported the struggle through both direct action and the upbringing of courageous, faith-driven offspring. One speaker passionately declared: "It is our duty to instill in our children the love of Allah and the willingness to serve His path, just as the mothers of the Companions did centuries ago." The women’s program concluded with a brief yet poignant theatrical performance depicting the emotional and spiritual weight of martyrdom, followed by a collective prayer that echoed through the hall, uniting attendees in a shared moment of reflection and devotion.

Meanwhile, the men’s event opened with a stirring recitation of the Quran by Ömer Akgül, whose melodic voice captivated the audience. The atmosphere grew even more charged as hymn singers from Özlem Agency took the stage, their melodies weaving tales of sacrifice and resilience that stirred the hearts of those present. A slideshow presentation followed, projecting powerful images and narratives dedicated to martyrs who laid down their lives for the Islamic cause. Special attention was paid to the ongoing struggles in Gaza, where recent conflicts have claimed numerous lives, framing these individuals as modern exemplars of the timeless martyrdom tradition.

The highlight of the men’s program was an impassioned speech by Theologian Bayram Sönmez, a respected figure known for his deep knowledge of Islamic history and theology. Sönmez’s address centered on the meaning and significance of martyrdom, urging the audience to cultivate within themselves—and their children—the same unwavering desire for sacrifice that characterized the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad. He began by recounting moving anecdotes, such as Abdullah bin Jahsh’s prayer to be martyred in a manner that would leave his body dismembered as a testament to his devotion, and Abdulaziz Rantisi’s longing to meet his end under an Apache helicopter’s fire, a wish rooted in his leadership within Hamas.

"We are obliged to educate today’s youth in the way Allah and His Messenger intended," Sönmez proclaimed. "Just as the Companions raised their children and offered them to Allah in battles against the enemies of Islam, so too must we prepare our sons and daughters to stand firm." He invoked the story of Hazrat Sumayra, a mother who exemplified ultimate sacrifice: losing one son at the Battle of Badr, raising her remaining children to avenge the enemy Abu Jahil, and later sending her husband and two other sons to their deaths at Uhud. Sönmez challenged the audience to reflect on their own commitment, warning against the hypocrisy of praising martyrdom while shielding one’s own family from its demands. "If we guard our children’s blood as superior to that of other martyrs, how can we seek the intercession of the Prophet and his Companions on the Day of Judgment?" he asked pointedly.

A significant portion of Sönmez’s speech focused on the liberation of Jerusalem, specifically the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which he described as a sacred trust betrayed by Muslim complacency. "If we raise our children with the consciousness of Al-Aqsa, we know that Jerusalem will be liberated," he asserted. He lamented the tendency of some Muslims to disassociate from the Palestinian cause, with remarks like "It belongs to the Arabs" or, worse, "It belongs to the Jews," reflecting a abandonment of responsibility. In contrast, he noted how Greeks continue to name their children Constantine, clinging to memories of lands lost to Islamic conquests over 500 years ago, while Muslims risk forgetting their own blessed heritage as outlined in the Quran.

Sönmez called for a revival of this heritage, beginning in the cradle. "We must teach our children, even as they lie in swaddling clothes, that this land is ours—that we, or the generations after us, will free it from the Zionist Jews’ occupation," he said. He cited the examples of recently martyred Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Muhammad Dayf, alongside Abu Ubaydah’s declaration that no leader’s blood outweighs that of Gaza’s children or mujahideen. "If we deem our own children’s blood more precious than others’, we doom Islam to a dark future. But if we raise them to defend its honor, as Hazrat Sumayra did, one awakener can rouse a thousand sleepers," he added, painting a vivid picture of hope through sacrifice.

Turning to contemporary challenges, Sönmez addressed the massacres in Gaza, accusing Zionists of drawing strength from Muslim inaction. "The only thing we do is hold rallies, curse them, and go home," he said, frustration evident in his tone. He criticized the inconsistent application of boycotts against companies backing Israel, recounting how some Muslims "sip Coca-Cola with their doner bread" after pro-Palestinian demonstrations or justify working for such firms by claiming it’s their livelihood. "How can you fight them if you won’t stop funding them?" he demanded, challenging those who dismiss boycotts as insufficient without offering viable alternatives.

Sönmez also took aim at the leaders of Islamic nations, lamenting their excuses of unreadiness or unfavorable political conditions when pressed to aid Gaza’s jihad. "If the Zionists aren’t stopped today, tomorrow it will be other Muslim lands—and then what will we do?" he warned, suggesting that the current paralysis could embolden further aggression. Yet he struck a note of optimism, likening each martyr to a snowdrop heralding spring. "For Muslims, a martyr is never lost—there are martyrs after martyrs," he said, encouraging the audience to emulate the prayers of Rantisi and bin Jahsh, seeking martyrdom with bodies broken in service to Allah, a prospect he believed would strike fear into Zionist hearts.

The men’s program drew to a close with a final performance by Özlem Agency singers, whose hymns and melodies reinforced the themes of sacrifice and unity. Mullah Nazım Şimşek then led a heartfelt prayer, his words resonating with the crowd as they sought divine strength and guidance. The event left attendees with a powerful message: martyrdom is not merely a historical relic but a living call to action, demanding both personal resolve and collective responsibility in the face of modern trials.

The "Al Quds and Martyrdom" event in Diyarbakır thus served as both a tribute to fallen heroes and a rallying cry for the Muslim community, blending reverence for the past with an urgent plea for renewed commitment to the struggles of today and tomorrow. (ILKHA)