Curious to uncover a story woven with faith let’s explore the Enes Bin Malik Cami. It stands as a testament to devotion in Istanbul. This mosque offers more than just a place of worship. It has a story rooted in Islamic tradition.
Enes Bin Malik Cami is located in the Arnavutköy district. This area adds a layer of local charm to its spiritual significance. The mosque serves the Fatih neighborhood. It is a focal point for the community’s religious life.
Let’s talk about Enes bin Malik. He was a prominent figure in Islamic history. Enes bin Malik was born ten years before the Hijra. That is around 612 AD. The Prophet Muhammad gave him the nickname Abu Hamza. This was because of his fondness for a sour type of broad bean. He served the Prophet Muhammad for ten years. He earned the title “Hadim al-Nabi” meaning “Servant of the Prophet”.
Enes’s mother, Umm Sulaym embraced Islam early. She faced opposition from her husband Malik bin Nadr. Malik went to Sham and died there. Enes had notable relatives. His brother Bara bin Malik was one. Umm Haram was his aunt. His uncle Anas bin Nadr and stepfather Abu Talha were also important figures.
When Prophet Muhammad migrated to Medina, Enes was about ten. His mother or stepfather entrusted him to the Prophet’s service. Enes remained with the Prophet for a decade. He witnessed key events. These included the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah and the Conquest of Mecca.
After the Prophet’s death, Abu Bakr considered sending Enes to Bahrain as a tax collector. Umar supported this decision. He believed Enes’s youth wouldn’t hinder his duties. During Umar’s rule, Abu Musa al-Ashari took Enes to Basra. There, Enes taught prayers and Islamic law. He lived in Damascus for a while. Later, he settled in Basra.
Enes participated in the conquest of Tüster during the Iranian wars. He escorted the captured governor, Hurmuzan, to Umar. Despite facing challenges under some Umayyad caliphs, Enes remained a respected figure. Hajjaj once punished him unjustly. However, Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan intervened. He restored Enes’s property and honor.
Enes bin Malik died in Basra. He was over 100 years old. He was the last of the Prophet’s companions to pass away there. Some say he died at 103 years old in 711-712 AD. Others suggest different years.
Prophet Muhammad often visited Enes’s house. He would eat there and lead prayers. This showed the Prophet’s affection for Enes’s family. The brotherhood ceremony between the Muhajirun and Ansar took place in their home. This highlights their standing among the Prophet’s companions.
The Prophet Muhammad prayed for Enes. He asked for a long life, many children and wealth. It is said that Enes lived for over a century. He saw more than 120 descendants. His garden was said to bear fruit twice a year. When drought struck, Enes prayed for rain and it came.
Enes was a prolific narrator of hadith. These are accounts of the Prophet’s sayings and actions. He is among the seven “muksirun” who transmitted many hadith. His narrations provide insights into the Prophet’s teachings. They also reveal his interactions with people. Enes shared stories of the Prophet’s kindness. He also spoke of his tolerance towards children.
Enes tried to live according to the Prophet’s example. Abu Hurairah said that Enes’s prayer resembled the Prophet’s. Enes missed the Prophet greatly after his death. He longed to see him in dreams. Enes always kept a stick and a hair from the Prophet with him. He asked for these to be buried with him. He also treasured a glass cup that the ruler of Egypt gave to the Prophet.
Now as we stand before the Enes Bin Malik Cami. We can appreciate its connection to a rich history. It reminds us of Enes bin Malik’s devotion and service to Prophet Muhammad. The mosque is a place of worship and a link to Islamic heritage. It connects the community to a legacy of faith.