"Verily, Constantinople will be conquered!"

والصَّلَاةُ والسَّلاَمُ عَلَى سَيّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ أَشْرَفِ اْلمُرْسَلِيْنَ وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ الطَّيّبِيْنَ الطَّاهِرِيْن

The city of Constantinople, known today as Istanbul in Turkey, was established in the seventh century BCE. One of its most distinguishing features is its unique strategic location between Europe and Asia. In 330 CE, Constantinople became the capital of the Byzantine Empire, serving as its seat of power for approximately eleven hundred years until it fell to the Ottomans, who were the only ones able to conquer it.

The Fortification of Constantinople

Constantinople was a fortified city, surrounded by formidable walls. Its inhabitants equipped it to withstand prolonged sieges by the most powerful armies. Even their drinking water supply was secure enough to meet their needs without interruption. Its natural geography of seas and straits further bolstered the city's defences, making it difficult to conquer.

However, the eternal and unchanging will of Allah cannot be impeded. God Almighty prepared the means for its conquest, including men whose determination soared above the highest fortresses and whose weapons crushed the mightiest armies. Among these men was Sultan Mehmed Khan, known as Mehmed the Conqueror. His conquest of Constantinople stands as one of the greatest triumphs. Even the enemies stood bewildered and astonished at the magnitude of what they witnessed.

Prophetic Glad Tidings

Imam Ahmad in his Musnad and Al-Hakim in his Mustadrak conveyed with a sound chain of narration that the Messenger of Allah said, "Verily, Constantinople will be conquered and what a wonderful leader will her leader be, and what a wonderful army will that army be."

Over the years, the determination of the Muslims surged as they strove to achieve this prophetic gladtiding. Eventually, this formidable city fell at the hands of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, who secured victory and the fulfilment of this prophecy.

Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror

His steadfast adherence to the Maturidiyy creed of ‘Ahlu s-Sunnati wa l-Jama^ah further fortified him. Raised on the principles of jihad and chivalry, he became an unparalleled leader, combining knowledge and action, strength and wisdom, embodying qualities seldom united in a single individual.

Allah has ordained the world to operate through causes and effects, with everything occurring by His divine decree. Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror acted accordingly, preparing his equipment, organizing his army, and planning meticulously. Then, like a lion, he leapt forward with unique resolve and enduring wisdom, ultimately achieving victory.

Among his military preparations, he ordered the construction of cannons and increased their number. These included large and unprecedented cannons used to demolish the fortress walls. Each cannon weighed approximately eighteen thousand kilograms, and the weight of a single cannonball was about seven hundred kilograms.

He then reinforced his naval fleet with additional ships and devised a plan to besiege the city from as many directions as possible. He supplied his army with the necessary equipment and provisions, and appointed capable commanders who had been trained in the same principles of knowledge, wisdom, strength, and bravery as the Sultan himself.

Perseverance and Determination

Despite many days of siege with no tangible progress and significant sacrifices, including the martyrdom of those digging tunnels, the determination of the Sultan and his army remained stronger than the fortresses and more resilient than any discouragement. Their resolve only grew firmer. Seeking refuge in God, the Sultan was inspired to transport ships overland to bypass the chains blocking the strait. He presented this plan to his army, and they worked through the night to drag the ships to the other shore, taking advantage of the enemy's inattention in this area. This brilliant and determined manoeuvre led to the city's eventual conquest.

After many days of besieging the city with no tangible progress and despite the immense sacrifices made, including the martyrs of the tunnels and others, the resolve of the Sultan and his army proved stronger than the fortifications and more resilient than any despondency. Their resolve and determination only grew firmer. Seeking divine guidance, the Sultan was inspired to transport the ships from one bank to the other to bypass the chains that had blocked the strait, a weak point in the defences. He instructed his army to work through the night, dragging the ships to the other shore until they were successfully landed. With a brilliant strategy and great resolve, exploiting the enemy's lapse in vigilance on this side, the grand conquest was achieved.

Sultan Mehmed II passed away on the night of Friday, the fifth of Rabi^uni l-‘Awwal in the year 886 AH, after a reign of thirty-one years. Remembering the heroes of Islam and their accomplishments teaches us valuable lessons. Today, more than ever, we need to unite under the banner of truth and the creed of ‘Ahlu s-Sunnah, nurturing leaders through righteous and steadfast Islamic education, so they can serve their communities and enhance the stature of our nation among the nations of the world.