Scandalous November 10 post from former Hagia Sophia imam Mehmet Boynukalın: Reactions poured in
Following the Kocaeli Mufti's Office's decision to have mawlid recited in mosques for Atatürk on November 10, former Hagia Sophia imam Mehmet Boynukalın reacted. Boynukalın stated, "It is not permissible to pray for mercy for non-Muslims."
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The Kocaeli Mufti's Office announced that it would have a Mevlid-i Şerif recited on November 10, the 87th anniversary of the passing of the founder of the Republic of Turkey, the Great Leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
It was announced that prayers would be held for Atatürk, martyrs, and veterans in all mosques across Kocaeli at 12:30 PM. This decision was declared in an official letter sent to district mufti offices with the signature of Kocaeli Provincial Mufti Mehmet Sönmezoğlu.
Reactions to the Kocaeli Mufti's Office's decision quickly became a topic of discussion. Former Hagia Sophia Chief Imam Mehmet Boynukalın stated in a post on his social media account, "It is not permissible to pray for mercy for a non-Muslim. All Islamic scholars have reached a consensus on this matter."
This post by Boynukalın caused a major backlash.
