Fatwa #1357912 October 2005New Zealand
I have heard that there is a hadeeth predicting the capture of Constantnople by Muslims
Question
I have heard that there is a hadeeth predicting the capture of Constantnople by Muslims, which states, "truly what a wonderful leader will her leader be [Mehmet Fatih Sultan - Allah be well-pleased with him -], and truly what a wonderful army will that army be!" Many history books state that Sultan Mehmet instituted a law by which any Sultan acceding to the Ottoman caliphate had to kill all of his brothers, to avoid succession battles to the throne. Is this story true? What have Muslim scholars and historians say about this issue?
Answer
The conquest of Constantinople has been predicted in numerous Ahaadith.
However, the assumption of Mehmet Fatih Sultan being the one referred to in
the Hadith you quote is a bit far fetched. Reason being that this conquest
which has been predicted is predicted to happen at a time close to that of
the appearance of Dajjaal and the descent of Sayyiduna Eesa (Alayhis salaam)
and Mehmet Fatih Sultan passed away many year ago already. (See Sahih Muslim
vol.2 pg.191 - 192)
We are unable to confirm the incident you have quoted.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Moulana Muhammad ibn Moulana Haroon Abbassommar
FACULTY OF SPECIALTY IN HADITH
CHECKED AND APPROVED: Mufti Ebrahim Desai
However, the assumption of Mehmet Fatih Sultan being the one referred to in
the Hadith you quote is a bit far fetched. Reason being that this conquest
which has been predicted is predicted to happen at a time close to that of
the appearance of Dajjaal and the descent of Sayyiduna Eesa (Alayhis salaam)
and Mehmet Fatih Sultan passed away many year ago already. (See Sahih Muslim
vol.2 pg.191 - 192)
We are unable to confirm the incident you have quoted.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Moulana Muhammad ibn Moulana Haroon Abbassommar
FACULTY OF SPECIALTY IN HADITH
CHECKED AND APPROVED: Mufti Ebrahim Desai