On 15 July, a date that still reverberates through the hearts of two‑billion Muslims worldwide, we gathered to hear Sheikh Mehmed Küçük illuminate why this day stands as a pivotal “last fortress” for Islam. In his heartfelt sohbet he traced a line of heroic figures—three “lions” whose courage and sacrifice echo across fourteen centuries—from the earliest companion Omar bin Al‑Khatab to the modern martyr Ömer Halis Demir.
The First Lion: Omar bin Al‑Khatab, the Early Defender
Sheikh Mehmed began by recalling the secret early missions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) when preaching was conducted quietly in the house of Dhul‑Rukmān. In those clandestine gatherings a young Omar emerged—so bold that he once set out to kill the Messenger, only to be stopped by divine intervention and transformed into “Umar al‑Farūq,” the steadfast guardian whose name later appears among the Ḥulafāʾ al‑Rašīdīn in golden script. He challenged the Prophet: “Why do we hide Islam?” The answer was clear—truth must be proclaimed openly, even before the Quraysh could silence it.
The Second Lion: Omar bin Abd al‑Azīz, the Model of Justice
Moving forward fourteen hundred years, Sheikh Mehmed highlighted the reign of Caliph Umar bin Abd al‑Azīz. His era is remembered for a striking image of wolves and lambs living side by side—an emblem of unparalleled justice. When predators threatened the meek, Omar intervened, proclaiming that true leadership protects the vulnerable. Though his life ended tragically through poisoning by a servant, the Sheikh reminded us that martyrs “never truly die; they remain alive in the divine presence,” echoing the Qur’an’s promise about those who fall in Allah’s way.
The Third Lion: Ömer Halis Demir, the Contemporary Martyr
The final lion of this lineage is Ömer Halis Demir, whose sacrifice during the events of 15 July last year embodies the same spirit. Sheikh Mehmed recounted Demir’s dream in which thirty birds lifted him skyward, promising that he would soar higher than anyone before. The following day he confronted the forces seeking to topple the nation, was martyred, and thirty bullets emerged from his body—a symbolic fulfillment of his vision. As the Qur’an (Al‑Baqara 2:154) assures, those who die in Allah’s cause are “alive” with Him.
Why 15 July Matters for All Muslims
Sheikh Mehmed stressed that this date is not a Turkish concern alone; it touches every Muslim because when the last stronghold of faith falls, the very concept of Ummah is endangered. The bravery of these three lions teaches us that each generation must stand ready to defend truth, justice, and unity—whether in Mecca’s early days or in modern Istanbul.
We are invited, as members of the Royal Ottoman Society, to let their examples inspire our own daily practice: speaking openly for what is right, protecting the vulnerable, and remaining steadfast when darkness approaches. May their legacy guide us toward a renewed sense of purpose on the path of Sufism and Ottoman heritage.
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