The Liberation Of Constantinople
LESSONS FROM THE ANNALS OF MUSLIM HISTORY #2
Constantinople, the formidable, impenetrable and great city of the first Christian Roman Emperor Constantine had been the capital of the Byzantine Roman Empire for 1123 years before the Muslim conquest on the 29th of May 1453 after a 53 day siege on the city by the Ottoman Caliph and Imām of the Muslims Muhammad Ibn Murād Khān Al-Fātih – rahimahullāh.
The 21 year Old Muhammad Al-Fātih was not the first Imām of the Muslims to have attempted the liberation of Constantinople. Two major attempts had preceded his. The Commander of the Believers Mu’āwiyah – radiyallāhu ‘anhu – and his succeeding Son Yazīd had both made attempts. Likewise, the Umayyad Caliph Sulayman attempted in 717.
But Allāh willed that its liberation be in the hands of the 21 year Old Khalīfah Muhammad Al-Fātih who was known for his piety, knowledge, bravery and love of Dīn.
He had laid a 53 day siege on the ancient city, with 50,000 soldiers, 70 cannons, 70 war ships and 20 galleys.
When in the end Allāh granted victory to Muhammad Al-Fātih and the Mujāhidīn fighters with him, he entered the city through the Topkapi Gate and rode immediately to the Hagia Sophia where he commanded that the city be not pillaged and the Adhān be recited at the City’s Main Cathedral.
But unlike Non-Muslim Conquerors of cities, Muhammad Al-Fātih commanded the settlement of Muslims, Christians and Jews in the City, he renamed it Islambul (the City of Islam), demanded the resettlement of 5000 households from across the Muslim World in the city, prohibited the maltreating of non-Muslim minority groups, and rebuilt the city’s formidable walls, citadels and learning centers.
Islambul (Istanbul) became the Capital of the Muslim Caliphate, the biggest center of learning in the entire world and the City of Heterogenous Culture.
That is what Islam brings to mankind: justice, peace, respect and harmony.
The Ummah today is in dire need of youths that will emulate Muhammad Al-Fātih in his bringing victory to the Muslim world.
Will you brazen up to be his like?
Bārakallāhu fīkum
Jazākumullāhu Khayran
