People who want to spend their nights and days in worship have entered into seclusion in mosques that have been approved and prepared by the district muftis. These individuals lie down and fulfill their food needs in these mosques, participate in discussions, read the Quran, recite the prayer beads, and perform the late-night Tahajjud prayer.
The citizens staying in mosques have their meals provided by volunteers during the iftar and suhoor times. Deputy Mufti Yaşar Bolat stated that seclusion is entered into with the intention of getting closer to Allah, worshiping Him, and attaining maturity in faith. Bolat mentioned that it is known the Prophet Muhammad also entered into seclusion, which involves spending time in the mosque, abandoning certain lawful activities during the last ten days of Ramadan, and dedicating oneself to worship. It is a practice established in the Quran and the Sunnah where those who intend to enter into seclusion go to suitable mosques, stay inside, perform their worship, and stay detached from worldly matters.
Bolat mentioned that in Kayseri, out of the nearly 1430 mosques that are open for worship (excluding summer mosques), 87 of them allow for seclusion. He explained that the mosques are prepared for seclusion by the district muftis. Those who want to enter seclusion apply to the district muftis, and the officials of the mosques where seclusion is allowed are informed and provide assistance.
Mustafa Serbes, who entered seclusion in the cells of the historic Gülük Mosque, explained that they are in the mosque during Ramadan, known as the month of forgiveness, to benefit from the mercy of Allah. Serbes mentioned that the mosque was prepared for seclusion by the Melikgazi Mufti Office, and all kinds of facilities were provided. They emphasized the need to gather to benefit from the blessings of Allah and ask for forgiveness during Ramadan. Serbes also expressed their gratitude for the food donations they receive for iftar and suhoor.
Bekir Bilal, who has been entering seclusion at the Gülük Mosque since 2017, shared that they recite the Quran, perform the Tarawih and Tahajjud prayers, and strive to fulfill their worship with sincerity as a united community. They emphasized the importance of maintaining the practice alive by following the example set by the Prophet Muhammad. Bilal also acknowledged the support they receive from the mosque’s muezzins and teachers, emphasizing the unity and dedication they all have in performing their acts of worship within the mosque.
