𝑂𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝐶𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑀𝑒𝑐𝑐𝑎
This thread seems like an attempt by Sufis and Tahrīris to attack the Saudi government while romanticizing the Ottomans.
We should follow the Sunnah and make duʿāʾ for our leaders. They’re not perfect, and we’re not here to defend their mistakes, but to uphold the Sunnah in how we address them. If we advise them, we do so privately, as the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whosoever wishes to advise the Ruler, let him not do so openly. Rather he should take him by his hand and take him into seclusion [and advise him]. So if he accepts that from him it is in his favour, and if he does not accept, then at least he has fulfilled his duty.”
Authentically reported by Imām Ahmad in al-Musnad, no. 15359, as-Sunnah, no. 1097 with al-Albānī’s checking
This applies to all Muslim leaders, not just those in KSA, but also in Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, Somalia, and elsewhere.
Some criticize the Mecca Clock Tower for its aesthetics or lack thereof, forgetting that the main purpose of Mecca is worship. The tower houses pilgrims, funds Haram maintenance, and eases access for millions. In a small city like Mecca, expanding upwards makes sense and supports making Hajj and Umrah easy and accessible.
You cite this document from Sultan Selim II (d. 982H) رحمه الله as if it holds the same authority as the Quran and Sunnah in prohibiting the clock tower. However, it’s simply a Muslim leader making regulations he deemed appropriate—may Allah reward him for his intention. But it’s not binding like the Quran and Sunnah.
It seems you're quoting this to also romanticize the Ottoman Empire's treatment of Mecca compared to its current custodians. While we should acknowledge the service the House of Osman rendered to Islam, defending Muslim lands, and successfully ending the Crusader threat—may Allah have mercy on them and reward them for their intentions—let's not overlook the wrongs they committed.
It’s interesting you mention Selim II, because what his grandfather Selim I (d. 926H) رحمه الله did in Mecca when the Ottomans first took control is a heartbreaking chapter in Mecca's history.
The historian of Mecca and contemporary eyewitness to the event itself, Jār Allāh ibn Fahd (d. 954H) رحمه الله, who recorded the beginning of his account of this historical event by saying:
“This month saw successive painful incidents and hearts were darkened; may Allah avert this from the Muslims... and during it, the Roman soldiers (Ottomans) arrived at the port of Jeddah from the sea...,”
Ibn Fahd describes his observations by saying:
“On Sunday, the thirteenth of the month (Ramadan) — some of the Roman (Ottoman) soldiers arrived in Mecca by the order of the deputy of Jeddah, Al-‘Ilā’ī ʿAlī al-Shāwūsh al-Rūmī. This caused great distress to the Sharif of Mecca, Abū Nūmī, and all its inhabitants, especially. They committed heinous acts in Mecca, such as attacking people’s homes, expelling them along with their families, seizing their belongings and destroying them, and occupying their homes in their place. The people cried out for help but found no one to aid them except Allah, the Most High. Their suffering increased, and every resident and traveler began to curse them... Then they continued with their misdeeds and openly engaged in immorality with women, taking goods from the market at a paltry price, and some did not give anything at all.”
Kitāb Nayl al-Munā
ʿAlī al-Sinjārī, a historian, (d. 1125H) رحمه الله said:
“When the mentioned soldiers increased in Mecca, they set up their banners in the Noble Mosque from the Bab al-Salām to the Bab ʿAlī. No one was spared from their harm; they attacked merchants' homes and some prominent people's houses, expelled their inhabitants, especially the women, violated the sanctity of the sanctuary, and harmed both the public and the private.”
Manāʾiḥ al-Karam