Sultan Muhammed Al-Fatih

This is a story that should be told to every young child, obviously after telling the stories of the Final Messenger & his companions. This is a real life story of a great leader of the Muslim ummah, who came to rule a vast Islamic empire (khilafah) at the young age of 22. He is recognized for Conquering Constantinople and freeing its Christian subjects, from an oppressive king who lived a lavish life style on the taxes of his subjects while people were left begging on the streets of this great city, which is presently known as Istanbul.

Al Firdous LTD

• Dr Ali Muhammad As-Salaabi

Sultan Muhammad Al-FatihDr Ali Muhammad Al-SalaabiThe Prophet PBUH is reported to have said:"Constantinople (today known as Istanbul) will be conquered by the hands of a man, so blessed be the leader of that conquest, and blessed be that army!" The city of Constantinople was enlightened and blessed with Islam on 855 Hijri (1453 CE). That conquest which proved to be one the greatest in military history. Constantinople was regarded as one of the most important and largest cities in the world. It was established in 330 CE, becoming the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Its previous capital was Rome, however, due to its natural strategic position and manmade defences, Constantinople became the new capital. It was surrounded by water on three sides, and was protected by a wall on the forth side. Due to its excellent natural strategic defence, the city was almost impossible to conquer. The above Hadith narrated became an inspiration and motivation for many Muslims to attempt to conquer the city, as they desired to be that blessed army with that blessed leader. Although famous companions and leaders were able to conquer the surrounding cities, they were never able to conquer Constantinople itself, despite numerous attempts. The attempts to lay siege on Constantinople were therefore halted for 700 years after 155 Hijri, as it seemed impossible. That honour was to be given to a man known as Muhammad II, al-Faatih.الفردوسAL-FIRDOUSISBN 1-874263-04-3AL-FIRDOUS LTD.9 781874 263043Table of ContentsIntroduction.5Chapter OneThe Rise of the Ottoman State and its Conquests.25Uthman, the Founder of the Ottoman State27The First Research: 'Uthman, the Founder of the Ottoman State27The Second Research: Sultan Arukhan bin 'Uthman..........71The Third Research: Sultan Murad the First....79The Fourth Research: Sultan Bayazid the First......91The Fifth Research: Sultan Muhammad the First.101The Sixth Research: Sultan Murad the Second..107Chapter TwoThe First Research: Sultan Muhammad al-Faatih.115The Second Research: The Spiritual Liberator of ConstantinopleShaikh Ak Shamsuddin145The Third Research: The Effect of the Liberaton of Constantinople upon the European and Islamic World............ 153The Fourth Research: The Reasons behind the Liberation ofConstantinople.....159The Fifth Research: The main attributes ofMuhammad al-Faatih181The Sixth Research: Some of his public works187Summary197Conclusion.....2053