28.02.2025 11:41
The first-ever hatimli tarawih prayer will be led by 35 distinguished hafiz at the Sultanahmet Mosque. The imam of Sultanahmet Mosque, Recai Albayrak, stated that "35 different imams will lead the prayer starting this Friday, performing four rakats each day and reciting one page in each rakat. Due to Ramadan being 29 days this year, we will read 2 juz on the last day."
Before the terawih prayer, which will start today, the mosque is being prepared for the month of Ramadan with cleaning and maintenance, and posters prepared for the first hatim terawih have also been hung. Recai Albayrak, who returned to serve as an imam at the Sultanahmet Mosque after serving as a mufti for 25 years, shared his thoughts on the terawih prayer and the excitement he feels.
"HATIM TERAWIH IS A SUNNAH"
Albayrak stated that the terawih prayer is a voluntary prayer consisting of 20 rakats performed after the evening prayer, and he noted that hatim terawih is also a sunnah. He mentioned that many mosques in Istanbul and throughout Turkey perform hatim prayers, saying, "I had previously served as an imam at this mosque a long time ago. We wondered, 'Could terawih prayer be performed with hatim in Sultanahmet, in a grand mosque?' There has always been a desire in my heart. With the opening of the Hagia Sophia Mosque for worship, we found it appropriate to realize this. Because a normal terawih can be performed there. We thought it would be beautiful in the mosque that was built as a tribute to it." he expressed.
"EVERYONE WILL LEAD 4 RAKATS AND READ A PAGE IN EACH RAKAT"
Emphasizing that there will be a very different atmosphere and beauty in the mosque this Ramadan, Albayrak continued his words; "This will be realized with the leadership of our esteemed hafiz from Istanbul. There will be 35 different imams, including names that are well-known not only in Istanbul but perhaps throughout Turkey and the world. Our brother, who has achieved success in various competitions and is famous for his recitation of the Quran, will be here. Starting this Friday (today), there will be a total of 35 people, with 5 each day. Our previous Istanbul Mufti, Mehmet Emin Maşalı, will also be here. Everyone will lead four rakats and read a page in each rakat. Due to Ramadan being 29 days this year, we will read 2 juz on the last day."
"PEOPLE WILL GAIN REWARD"
Albayrak explained that they are working to reflect the beauties of the Quran during the month of the Quran, stating that a very beautiful atmosphere will be created in the mosque. He expressed that they are expecting Istanbul residents to come to the Sultanahmet Mosque throughout the month of Ramadan, saying, "People are listening to some of our teachers and hafiz on television and various media outlets, and they certainly enjoy it. But they will have the chance to listen to our 35 hafiz live throughout Ramadan. They will both perform hatim terawih and listen to the entire Quran in the form of additional surahs. They will gain the reward for that." he said.
RETURNED TO SULTANAHMET AFTER 25 YEARS
Albayrak also shared his decision to return to the Sultanahmet Mosque, where he previously served as an imam from 1986 to 1998, after serving as a mufti for 25 years, stating; "As a family, we carry out the duty of the mihrab. After my time as a mufti, I always had a desire in my heart. The inspiration I received from the Sultanahmet Mosque has always been within me. I thought about returning. With the guidance of our President of Religious Affairs, I returned here. I experienced that joy again. My Lord has granted me this beautiful happiness."