On 15 July, a date that still resonates in the hearts of Muslims worldwide, we gathered to hear Sheikh Mehmed Küçük explain why this day stands for a “last fortress” of Islam. In his sohbet he traced a line of three “lions” whose courage and sacrifice echo across fourteen centuries, from the early companion Umar ibn al‑Khattab to the modern martyr Ömer Halisdemir.
The First Lion: Umar ibn al‑Khattab, the Early Defender
Sheikh Mehmed recalled the early days when the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught in secret, in the house of Dhul‑Rukmān. It was then that the young Umar came forward. He had once set out to kill the Messenger, was stopped by divine intervention and transformed into Umar al‑Farūq, the steadfast guardian whose name later stands among the al‑Khulafāʾ al‑Rāshidūn in golden script. He asked the Prophet: “Why do we hide Islam?” The answer was clear: the truth must be proclaimed openly, before the Quraysh could silence it.
The Second Lion: Umar ibn Abd al‑Azīz, the Model of Justice
Moving forward in history, Sheikh Mehmed turned to the reign of Caliph Umar ibn Abd al‑Azīz. His era is remembered through the image of wolves and lambs living side by side, a symbol of unparalleled justice: the powerful were not allowed to prey on the weak, because true leadership protects the vulnerable. His life ended through poisoning by a servant, yet, the Sheikh reminded us, martyrs “never truly die; they remain alive in the divine presence,” as the Qur’an promises for those who fall in Allah’s way.
The Third Lion: Ömer Halisdemir, the Contemporary Martyr
The third lion is Ömer Halisdemir, whose sacrifice during the events of 15 July last year embodies the same spirit. Sheikh Mehmed recounted his dream in which thirty birds lifted him skyward, promising that he would rise higher than anyone before. The next day he confronted the forces seeking to topple the state and was martyred; thirty bullets were found in his body, a symbolic fulfilment of the 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 matter alone. It concerns every Muslim, because when the last stronghold of faith falls, the very idea of the Ummah is endangered. The three lions teach that each generation must be ready to stand for truth, justice and unity, in the early days of Mecca as in modern Istanbul.
As members of the Royal Ottoman Society, we are invited to let their example shape our daily lives: to speak openly for what is right, to protect the vulnerable and to remain steadfast when darkness approaches.
If you feel called to walk this path, join our community or one of our live meetings, where seekers can take Bayʿah and travel the spiritual path together.
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