Nearly 1,400 years ago, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed that his cloak, which he wore on the night of Isra and Mi’raj (the Night Journey and Ascension), be given to the Yemeni Tabi’i, Uwais al-Qarni. After Uwais was martyred in the Battle of Siffin, the cloak was inherited by his brother, who then passed it down through generations. Eventually, the cloak found its resting place in a mosque in Istanbul known as the Sacred Cloak Mosque (Hırka-i Şerif Camii).
Every year, approximately one million Muslims visit this mosque to see and seek blessings from the sacred cloak, which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) wore during his ascension to the seven heavens. The mosque experiences its peak visitor numbers on Laylat al-Qadr, when access to the cloak is granted until dawn. On other days, visiting hours are restricted.
Let us explore this historical mosque—where is it located? Who built it? How did it come to house the Prophet’s blessed cloak? And why did the Prophet choose Uwais al-Qarni as its recipient?
The Sacred Cloak Mosque in Istanbul
The mosque derives its name from the noble cloak of the Prophet (peace be upon him), which it was specifically built to protect. The Turkish word Hırka means “a woven woolen robe” or “a cloak.”
The Sacred Cloak Mosque (Hırka-i Şerif Camii) is situated in the Fatih district on the European side of Istanbul. It was commissioned by Sultan Abdul Hamid I in 1851 and took four years to complete. The mosque’s architecture deviates slightly from traditional Ottoman styles, as an Italian architect collaborated with Ottoman engineers in its design.
To preserve the sacred relic, the mosque was built with a separate prayer hall and a dedicated section for the cloak’s display. Initially, access to the cloak was restricted to the ruling elite and religious scholars.
Preserving the Prophet’s Cloak
When the mosque was constructed to house the sacred relic, the cloak was stored in a sealed chest, inaccessible to the public. However, this changed when Sultan Abdul Hamid II came to power. He ordered that the cloak be unveiled only during the month of Ramadan, allowing people to witness the revered garment while maintaining its sanctity. The mosque itself, however, remained open for prayer throughout the year.
Today, visiting the mosque and gazing upon the cloak remains a cherished Ramadan tradition among Turkish Muslims.
Over time, parts of the cloak suffered damage due to past preservation methods. This necessitated expert restoration to prevent further deterioration. The cloak, composed of linen, cotton, and silk, is now stored in a climate-controlled glass case with specific humidity and temperature levels to ensure its long-term preservation.
It is noteworthy that since the construction of the mosque over 160 years ago, the sacred cloak has never been removed from its designated chamber.
Following tradition, the cloak is displayed from the first Friday of Ramadan until the end of the holy month, allowing visitors to witness this invaluable relic.
How Did the Cloak Arrive in Istanbul?
For centuries, the sacred cloak remained within the lineage of Uwais al-Qarni. It was passed down through 59 generations of his brother’s descendants.
But why did the Prophet (peace be upon him) bestow his cloak upon Uwais?
The story narrates that Uwais al-Qarni lived during the Prophet’s time but never met him in person. He traveled all the way from Yemen to Madinah in hopes of seeing the Prophet (peace be upon him). However, upon arriving, he discovered that the Prophet was away on the Tabuk Expedition. Obligated to return to Yemen to care for his ailing mother, Uwais departed without meeting the Messenger of Allah.
Before his passing, the Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed Ali ibn Abi Talib and Umar ibn Al-Khattab to deliver his cloak to Uwais al-Qarni, fulfilling the divine trust.
Uwais later traveled to northern Iraq and fought in the Battle of Siffin (657 CE) alongside Ali ibn Abi Talib, where he was martyred. His brother inherited the cloak, and from there, it was passed down through generations.
Historical accounts suggest that Uwais’ descendants eventually migrated from Kufa to Anatolia. In the era of Sultan Ahmed I, the family was summoned to Istanbul, where the sacred cloak was formally received and honored.
Another historical account suggests that Sultan Selim I brought the cloak to Istanbul in 1516, keeping it in a designated chamber until a special mosque was constructed to house it permanently.
The Sacred Cloak Mosque remains one of Istanbul’s most revered Islamic landmarks, attracting believers from around the world to witness a tangible piece of the Prophet’s legacy. Guarded with utmost care, the cloak continues to symbolize the deep spiritual connection between Muslims and their beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
