08/07/2026
Tonight I prayed Maghrib at Yıldız Hamidiye Mosque in Istanbul, commissioned by Sultan Abdul Hamid II in 1886.
The beauty of this masjid is breathtaking. Every arch, every detail reflects excellence, craftsmanship, and a deep love for the masaajid. Preserved with remarkable care for over a century.
But as moved as I was by its beauty, the sadness that followed was greater.
When the adhan was called, I was expecting visitors as is the case in landmark masājid, but only six of us stood behind the Imam.
A masjid built to welcome generations... yet only a few honoring the call.
This speaks loud to the sad state of the Ummah, beautified on the outside, yet hollow within.
The Prophet ﷺ warned us of this day. When asked about وهن — that love of the dunya and hatred of death — he described a people who are many in number yet weak, like the foam of the sea.
Not weak in resources. Not weak in appearance. But WEAK IN HEART.
I greatly felt the weight of those words.
May Allah fill our masājid with worshippers, keep our hearts attached to them, and make us among those who consistently answer His call.
اللهم أعمر مساجدنا بالطاعة، وأصلح قلوبنا، واجعلنا من أهلها.
آمين.
Istanbul | Turkey | Muslim Travel | Masjid | Ottoman History | Sultan Abdul Hamid II | Salah | Islamic Architecture | Ummah
![[FACES OF SAMARKAND] Something about this land made me want to pause, look closer, and document what I saw. The faces. T...](https://img3.schoolandcollegelistings.com/482/705/1473152614827052.jpg)
