Hundreds of girls and children who have begun wearing the hijab, accompanied by their families, attended a program organized by the Prophet Lovers Foundation (Peygamber Sevdalıları Vakfı) in Diyarbakır to mark their commitment to Islamic dress.

The event, titled “I Have Intended to Observe the Hijab — Your Command Is Above My Head,” was held at the Hazreti Süleyman campus in the city’s historic Sur district, drawing a large gathering of families and community members.

Before the program, hundreds of children gathered at the historic Ulu Mosque and marched toward the event venue, carrying placards and Tawhid flags while chanting slogans in support of the hijab.

The program began with a recitation of the Holy Qur’an, followed by welcoming remarks and performances of hymns and religious songs.

‘You are among those Satan fears most’

Mehmet Göktaş, honorary president of the Peygamber Sevdalıları Foundation, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the religious significance of the hijab and praising the girls for their commitment to Islamic values.

Göktaş described what he characterized as a broader struggle over religious values and said the girls’ public display of their faith carried significance beyond the ceremony itself.

“There is such a great war in this world that it is far greater than the war some people imagine,” he said, arguing that the struggle was not fought with weapons but through competing values and ways of life.

Addressing the girls directly, he said: “You are the ones Satan fears the most, the ones the friends of Satan hate the most — you are the most beautiful soldiers of Allah.”

Göktaş said the sight of girls wearing the hijab in streets, public spaces and schools reminded people of Allah. He also stressed that Islamic dress should not be regarded as an insignificant religious obligation, but as a command with an important place in Islam.

Referring to the Qur’anic account of Adam and Eve, he highlighted the significance of clothing and modesty in Islamic teachings, saying that clothing provides dignity and protection.

Diyarbakır campaign inspires other cities

Göktaş said initiatives organized in Diyarbakır had begun inspiring similar activities elsewhere in Türkiye, with girls in other cities looking to the participants as an example.

He compared the spread of the hijab campaign to the expansion of events commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), saying that the initiative was reaching communities across the country.

“The people there look at you, admire you, and take you as a model,” he said, adding that the marches and gatherings were encouraging Muslims in other cities to organize similar events.

According to Göktaş, the campaign had grown beyond a local initiative and was becoming part of a broader effort to encourage religious awareness among young people.

Göktaş urges girls to continue their efforts

Göktaş also told the participants that their initiative could inspire others to follow the same path, referring to the Islamic teaching that those who establish a good practice can share in the reward of people who follow it.

He cited a saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) concerning the reward of those who introduce a good practice in Islam, while warning that the same principle carries consequences for those who introduce harmful practices.

“You are currently performing a duty much greater than we imagine,” he told the girls, praising their participation and encouraging them to remain committed to their faith.

Following Göktaş’s address, scholars who had travelled to Diyarbakır for the 11th Scholars’ Gathering organized by İTTİHADUL ULEMA visited the event site.

The scholars greeted the children from the historic Diyarbakır city walls and witnessed the ceremony attended by hundreds of girls who had begun wearing the hijab. (ILKHA)