This article examines the touching story of Mustafa Sabi Dede’s longing for Medina, his journey for ʿumra, his unwavering devotion to the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him), and his extraordinary life that ended in Jannat al-Baqiʿ. It includes a recollection by Mahmud Sami Kirazoğlu, the grandson of Sami Efendi.
Mustafa Sabi Dede’s Longing for Medina: A Touching Story
The story of Mustafa Sabi Dede is filled with devotion and unwavering iman (faith). A moving narrative unfolds, with his heart yearning for the sacred lands and culminating in a journey to Medina.
The Dream of Visiting Medina
Mahmud Sami Kirazoğlu recalls a remarkable incident during the expansion works at the Quba Mosque in Medina in 1984. He tells the story of a man named Remzi from Samsun:
- The man was 95 years old
- He had no children and lived alone
- He was the maternal uncle of his mother (the paternal uncle of his father)
This self-sacrificing man spent his life yearning for the sacred lands. He burned with the desire to touch the soil of Medina, but felt that his time was running out.
Turning the Dream into Reality
Remzi sought help to fulfill the old man’s wish. Various means were explored, including arranging a special invitation or sending him on a ʿumra journey.
Due to his age, it was impossible to obtain a work permit, and a commercial visa was also unattainable. The solution came in the form of a heartfelt supplication: “Perhaps we can arrange a special invitation for him, or bring him for ʿumra, and by trying every legitimate means, find a way for him to stay.”
A Journey Nourished by Love
The news reached Samsun, and the old man was filled with joy. However, his impatience led him to declare that he would depart for ʿumra immediately. Despite those who tried to dissuade him, he insisted. Eventually, arrangements were made and a group set out by bus.
As they approached Medina, the group eagerly awaited their arrival. The reunion was filled with emotion—embraces, kisses, and heartfelt expressions of joy. It was as if seeing him brought them closer to Allah.
Life in Medina
Mustafa Dede settled comfortably in Medina. His grandson Remzi stayed with him. The group did their utmost to spend time with him, to make dua (supplication), and to care for him:
- Gentle soups were prepared for his nourishment
- Doctors regularly checked his health
With the desire to follow the sunnah of the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him), Mustafa Dede wished to work at the Quba Mosque. A special back support was made so he could carry stones, and he worked with devotion and joy.
Respect for the Prophet
He longed to walk with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and requested a wheelchair, but said, “I would rather crawl to the presence of the Messenger of Allah than approach him sitting!”
A Devotion Beyond Measure
His religious zeal, unwavering determination in worship, love, consciousness of tawhid (the oneness of God), refined manners, and taqwa (God-consciousness)—all were extraordinary. It was as if he belonged to another realm.
Journey to Mecca
When the time for ʿumra came, they planned to stay in Mecca for nine days. They sought permission to visit with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), but parting was difficult.
One Last Blessing
They continued their journey by car, following the bus. Reminding him of a similar experience he had with his mother Bedia, Mustafa Dede seemed unable to settle comfortably in the car.
Arrival at the Kaʿba
Upon reaching Mecca, they approached the Kaʿba. Mustafa Dede held onto the railings and recited supplications from the depths of his heart:
“I have not come empty-handed to where I go,
O my Lord! I bring with me my sins!
Mountains cannot bear this heavy burden;
I have brought it with great difficulty!”
Then, as he pressed against the Ḥajar al-Aswad (the Black Stone) and began to circumambulate the Kaʿba, he recalled a supplication his father had made:
“O my Lord! You know what my servant Mustafa desires, You know what is needed for him!”
The Final Farewell
As they departed from Medina, Mustafa Dede turned to them with a touching expression: “My place is here!”
An Unexpected Transformation
When they returned to Samsun, it was discovered that the wrong body had been brought back—a man from India. This unexpected event revealed a divine wisdom and fulfilled Mustafa Dede’s wish to be buried in Jannat al-Baqiʿ beside the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
A Divine Plan
The group continued their journey, performing the Hajj rituals for Mustafa Dede and later hosted his family. This story is a reminder of the power of devotion and the realization of dreams through divine intervention.
Lessons from the Story
This event demonstrates the principle of attraction and repulsion in matters of love. Just as beautiful places attract the worthy, so too does Medina draw sincere believers. The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Medina is like a pair of bellows: it expels its impurities and purifies what is good.”
Allah bestows blessings according to the sincerity of intention. The heartfelt wish of a pure heart is not rejected by His grace.
The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “A person will be with those whom he loves.” This story is an extraordinary manifestation of this prophetic hadith, showing how love overcomes even death and leads to companionship in the hereafter.