When a guest visited the Ottoman Turks, they would present them with both Qahwa (traditional coffee) and plain water. If the guest reached for the water, they understood that the guest was hungry, so they would arrange an excellent meal. But if the guest reached for the Qahwa, they knew that the guest had no need for food. If yellow flowers were seen placed outside a house, it meant that there was a sick person inside; you were expected not to make noise outside the house because of the patient, and you were welcome to visit them. And if red flowers were placed outside the house, it was a sign that a mature/eligible young woman lived there, so street slang or inappropriate remarks should not be uttered around the house, and if you wished to bring a marriage proposal, you were welcome. There used to be two types of door knockers (hammer-like) outside the house: one large and one small. If the large knocker was struck, it indicated that a man had come to the house, so the man of the house would go out. And if the small knocker sounded, it was known that a lady was outside, so the woman of the house would open the door to welcome her. The Ottoman Turks' manner of giving charity (Sadqah) was also remarkable: their wealthy individuals would go to vegetable vendors or shopkeepers and open an account in their own name. Whenever a needy person came to get vegetables or rations, the shopkeeper would give them grain and vegetables without taking any money, and without revealing who would pay for it. After some time, the wealthy person would pay the amount and clear the account. If an Ottoman Turk's age exceeded sixty-three (63) years and someone asked them, "What is your age?", out of respect and modesty for the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), they would not say, "My age has exceeded sixty-three years." Instead, they would say, "Son, we have crossed the limit." What respect, what deep love these people had! What excellent habits they possessed! This was the reason why the non-Muslim world allied with the traitors of the Ottoman Empire to tear it into pieces. My heart desires to share this post with every Muslim so that all Muslims can read their history and adopt these principles once again, Insha'Allah. May Allah Almighty grant us all the ability to walk on the Straight Path (Sirat-al-Mustaqeem). Ameen.
