Reaction from theologian Cemil Kılıç to the Umayyad Mosque: They curse Hz. Ali, why is such a place being turned into a symbol?

As debates regarding the Syrian War and subsequent developments remain on the agenda, a notable statement has come from theologian and author Cemil Kılıç. Questioning why the Umayyad Mosque is being turned into a symbol, Kılıç stated, "This is a place where curses were historically recited against Hz. Ali during Friday prayers."

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Reaction from theologian Cemil Kılıç to the Umayyad Mosque: They curse Hz. Ali, why is such a place being turned into a symbol?

Theologian and author Cemil Kılıç drew attention to the historical context of the Umayyad Mosque in a post he shared on the social media platform X, expressing his reaction.

In his post, Kılıç addressed the controversial role of the Umayyad Mosque in Islamic history and said:

“The Umayyad Mosque is a place where curses were recited against Hz. Ali during Friday prayers and the congregation would say ‘amen.’ It is a place where the severed head of the Prophet’s grandson, Hz. Hussein, was displayed to the public and humiliated. Why do some people make this mosque such a symbol? What would the Messenger of Allah feel if he were alive?”

This post drew attention in connection with the recent developments in Syria.

President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had said in a speech in 2012, one year after the start of the Syrian civil war, "God willing, we will recite the Fatiha at the tomb of Saladin Ayyubi and perform our prayers in the Umayyad Mosque."

Most recently, with the capture of Damascus by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the 61-year-old Baath regime came to an end and President Bashar al-Assad left the country. Following these developments, National Intelligence Organization (MİT) Chief İbrahim Kalın traveled to Damascus for a notable visit.

Footage of Kalın entering the Umayyad Mosque was shared. Kalın also performed prayers at the mosque, and footage of these moments was provided by sources close to the AKP.

This visit by Kalın was interpreted as a new message regarding Turkey's Syria policy. The Umayyad Mosque holds a controversial significance in terms of Islamic history.

The mosque was used as a tool for political propaganda during the Umayyad period and is particularly remembered for expressions directed at Hz. Ali and his family.

The symbolic value attributed to the Umayyad Mosque by officials of the Republic of Turkey leads to different interpretations in both domestic and foreign policy.

While Cemil Kılıç's post resonated on social media, the assessments made in a historical and religious context also brought about debates.

News Source: 12punto