Turkish Retired Imam Dies During Farewell Prayer Before Umrah Journey ISLAM GLOBAL NEWS | TURKIYE By Islam Global News Editorial Desk KONYA, TÜRKİYE | November 8, 2026 A tragic incident occurred at Konya Airport in Türkiye when a 68-year-old retired imam died after collapsing during a farewell prayer shortly before travelling to Makkah for Umrah. The deceased was identified as Abdullah Özkan, a retired imam from the Beyşehir district of Konya. He was accompanying a group of approximately 180 Umrah pilgrims preparing to depart for Saudi Arabia. What Happened at the Airport? According to Turkish media reports, the group gathered at Konya Airport at around 2:00 a.m. on November 6 after completing their travel formalities. Wearing the white Ihram garments, Özkan led a farewell prayer for the pilgrims before their journey to the holy cities. He recited the Islamic declaration of faith, the Talbiyah and blessings upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Witnesses said his voice suddenly weakened while he was reciting the final blessings. He then collapsed forward, prompting fellow pilgrims to rush to his assistance. Emergency Medical Response Airport medical personnel immediately provided first aid and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Emergency services subsequently transported him by ambulance to Selçuk University Medical Faculty Hospital. Despite medical efforts, Özkan was pronounced dead at the hospital. Some Turkish media reports attributed the incident to a suspected heart attack. However, the precise medical cause of death had not been officially established in the reports available. Colleague Remembers His Final Moments İsmail Gümüş, a colleague who had worked with Özkan for approximately 15 years, said that he had not noticed any signs of illness before the incident. Gümüş recalled that Özkan had completed the farewell prayer and was reciting blessings upon the Prophet when his voice weakened and he fell forward. Enes Aktaş, the mufti of Beyşehir, paid tribute to Özkan, describing him as a respected religious figure who had served the local community for many years. Funeral Held in Beyşehir Following his death, funeral prayers were held at Çarşı Mosque in Beyşehir on Friday, November 6. Abdullah Özkan was subsequently buried at Beyşehir Cemetery. Family members, fellow religious officials, colleagues and local residents attended the funeral. His death deeply saddened the approximately 180 pilgrims who had gathered for the Umrah journey. A Tragic Loss Before a Journey of Worship The incident has drawn attention among Muslim communities because it occurred just before Özkan's planned journey to Makkah. His death is a reminder of life's uncertainty and the importance of remembering Allah. May Allah forgive Abdullah Özkan, grant him mercy, and give patience and strength to his family and loved ones. Ameen.