The Prophet Lovers Foundation (Peygamber Sevdalıları Vakfı) organized an event in Istanbul’s Pendik district for 150 students who had recently embraced the Islamic obligation of hijab, encouraging them to uphold Islamic values of modesty, chastity and devotion to Allah.

The Prophet Lovers continue to organize programs across Türkiye under the theme “I Have Intended to Cover; Your Command is Upon My Head,” aiming to instill love for the Islamic obligation of hijab among young Muslim girls and encourage them to embrace it with faith and conviction.

As part of these efforts, the organization held a special program at Pendik Sahil Mosque in Istanbul for 150 students who had recently begun wearing the hijab.

The event opened with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an and featured addresses highlighting the spiritual significance of hijab, the preservation of Muslim identity, and the virtues of chastity and modesty in Islam.

Speaking at the program, theologian Rumeysa Demir emphasized that hijab remains a vital expression of Muslim identity and a commitment to the commands of Allah, despite continued challenges facing Islamic values.

Demir said that those who had opposed Islam and its sacred values throughout history had often targeted hijab as part of their efforts to undermine the identity of Muslim women.

“Being covered is valuable and important in this century and at this time, just as it has been in all times,” she said.

Describing hijab as a means of preserving dignity and safeguarding personal boundaries, Demir added: “Tesettür is knowing the boundaries of our private spheres that our Lord has ordained for us as the guarantee of peace and security. Tesettür is being free from every kind of corruption and evil and attaining true freedom, genuine liberties, and our real identities.”

She encouraged young Muslim women to regard hijab not merely as an outward practice, but as an expression of faith, dignity and submission to the commands of Allah.

Mehmet Göktaş, honorary president of the Prophet Lovers, delivered an address on the importance of iffet (chastity) and hayâ (modesty), describing the preservation of Islamic morals as one of the most significant struggles facing humanity.

“The most important war in the world is the war between the well-mannered and the ill-mannered, between those who are married and those who are not, between those who have homes and those who do not,” Göktaş said.

“The greatest war in the world right now is the war you are waging. We do not know where goodness lies. In Gaza, 75,000 of our people have been martyred, yet Allah will bring 750,000 people, or even more, into His religion,” he added.

Göktaş attributed the enduring strength of the Muslim community to the faith, steadfastness and exemplary conduct of Muslim women, girls and mothers who strive to live according to Islamic teachings.

Highlighting the patience and faith of Palestinian families who have endured immense suffering in Gaza, he referred to parents who respond to the loss of their children by remembering that all people belong to Allah and will return to Him.

He said such steadfastness reflects the depth of faith and the willingness of believers to remain committed to their religious values despite hardship and sacrifice.

“That is why the most important war being fought in the world is the war of propriety and modesty. Today Islam is represented by propriety and modesty. By God, those who remind people of Islam right now are our pure-faced girls,” Göktaş said.

He underscored the role of Muslim girls in embodying Islamic values through their faith, modesty and commitment to their religious identity.

The event continued with a theatrical performance, poetry recitations and a crown-placement ceremony honoring the newly veiled students. Gifts were also presented to the participants in recognition of their commitment to the Islamic obligation of hijab.

The program concluded with a prayer, bringing together participants in an atmosphere of faith, sisterhood and devotion.

Through its nationwide initiatives, the Prophet Lovers organization seeks to encourage young Muslim women to embrace hijab with understanding and conviction, while promoting the Islamic virtues of modesty, chastity and moral integrity. (ILKHA)