İskeçe and Gümülcine muftis issue Mawlid al-Nabi messages
In their messages, both muftis emphasized the continuing relevance of the Prophet’s teachings, particularly on justice, compassion, brotherhood, morality and social solidarity, while also addressing challenges facing Muslims and the Western Thrace Turkish Minority.
Trampa: Mawlid al-Nabi is an opportunity to renew our commitment
Mustafa Trampa, who also chairs the Consultative Council of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority, described Mawlid al-Nabi as an opportunity not only to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad but also to renew commitment to his example and moral teachings.
Referring to the Qur’anic description of the Prophet as a “mercy to the worlds,” Trampa said humanity continues to face problems including war, violence, oppression, discrimination, selfishness, weakening family ties and moral and spiritual uncertainty.
He argued that the Prophet’s emphasis on mercy, justice, trust, integrity and brotherhood is particularly important in the present day.
Trampa called on members of the community to reflect the Prophet’s example in their family lives, relationships with children and young people, neighborhood relations and wider social interactions.
He also emphasized the responsibility of families and the community to help children and young people navigate what he described as a growing crisis of values in the modern information and communication environment.
Call to strengthen community unity
Trampa encouraged the Western Thrace Muslim Turkish Minority to preserve unity and solidarity, strengthen bonds of brotherhood and pass religious and national values on to future generations.
He also called for the principles of human dignity, security, justice and trust emphasized in the Prophet’s Farewell Sermon to become lasting values in everyday life.
Concluding his message, Trampa prayed for peace and well-being in the Muslim world and for those suffering from conflict and oppression, particularly in Palestine and Gaza.
Şerif: The Prophet’s example remains essential today
Gümülcine Mufti İbrahim Şerif also emphasized the importance of Mawlid al-Nabi as a time to remember the birth and mission of Prophet Muhammad.
According to Şerif, the Prophet transformed a society characterized by injustice, social disorder and violence by promoting monotheism, justice, brotherhood, peace and solidarity.
Şerif highlighted the Prophet’s emphasis on qualities including honesty, kindness, reliability, justice, tolerance and generosity, while opposing violence, revenge, theft, lying, slander and other behaviors harmful to individuals and society.
He also pointed to the Prophet’s approach toward non-Muslim communities, arguing that his treatment of different religious and cultural groups demonstrated that diverse communities could coexist while maintaining their identities.
“Remembering the Prophet means following his example”
Şerif stressed that Mawlid al-Nabi should not be limited to religious ceremonies, readings and traditional celebrations.
He argued that the deeper purpose of commemorating the Prophet’s birth is to remember his universal message, moral character, justice and integrity, and to renew the determination to apply these principles in daily life.
According to Şerif, understanding Islam also requires understanding the Prophet’s role in explaining and putting the Qur’anic message into practice, making his Sunnah an essential reference for Muslims.
He concluded by praying that Mawlid al-Nabi would help Muslims better understand and follow the Prophet’s example, bring relief to those suffering injustice and strengthen the unity and solidarity of the Western Thrace Muslim Turkish Minority.
Mawlid al-Nabi will be observed on the night connecting August 24 to August 25, 2026, according to the messages.
