ISTANBUL — Many children who used to prefer playtime to praytime are increasingly being attracted to mosques, especially during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, thanks to comprehensive programs being prepared for them, including prizes.
Fatih Yalmez, 11, does not miss a single prayer at the Yeni Sahir mosque in the eastern city of Şanlıurfa.
He competes with grown-ups in coming early to the mosque to secure a place in the first row behind the imam, said to have special rewards from God.
"I love coming all the way to this mosque five times a day, though it's not very close to home" says a visibly excited Yalmez.
The 11-year-old is not only keen on performing the five congregational prayers but also tuning in to pos-prayer sermons and brief lectures.
"I really like the imam and his nice style is music-to-the-ear."
Creative
Iimam Yazar's daily sermons draw up to 150 children and youths.
Yalmez is not the only kid excited about going to the mosque.
Many children who used to lay near the mosque at the time of prayers or used to miss on some prayers are coming in droves.
"We have outlined a comprehensive program to draw children and youngsters to the house of God," said Mohamet Yazar, the imam of Yeni Sahir mosque.
"The young generation will be tomorrow's leaders and we want to link them to the mosque," he added.
Like many mosques across the country, Yeni Sahir mosque encourages youths and children to attend and contest in Qur'anic and hadith contests.
Yazar, whose daily sermons draw up to 150 children and youths, said they had to come up with some creative ways to attract children and fill their leisure time.
"We give some gifts to those who come for the five congregational prayers and those who have memorized some parts of the Qur'an and hadith."
This creativity is winning the hearts and minds of many.
"May room is now full of gifts like wrest watches, wallets and valuable religious books," boasts 11-year-old Yalmez.
"I share them with my brothers and my friends."
Wakeup
But it s not only children who are increasing attracted to mosque in secular Turkey young Turks are also tuning in.
"I'm always keen to perform my five daily prayers at mosques," said Mohamet Yasar, 20.
"When I pray at mosques, I feel an overwhelming sense of self-satisfaction and re-charge my battery," added an enthusiastic Yasar.
"I really found the peace of heart when I became a practicing Muslim."
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has dispatched hundreds of preachers and imams to mosques nationwide to cope with the growing number of the faithful who attend sermons following the Tarawih prayer.
"Youths are coming in droves to the mosques to attend post-prayer sermons and lessons," preacher Otman Unlu said.
"I'm approached by a growing number of curious youths who want to learn more about their religion."
Approximately 99 percent of Turkey's population are Muslim, the majority of whom are Sunni.
http://islamonline.net/English/News/2006-10/09/03.shtml