Destimâl-i Şerif is a ceremonial cloth made of silk fabric that held a significant place in the Ottoman court protocol, particularly within the tradition of sacred relics. It was used to carry or make contact with the Sakal-ı Şerif—the revered beard hair of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The term derives from Arabic, combining “dest” (hand) and “mâl” (cover or cloth), and can be interpreted as “the sacred cloth held by the hand.”

Destimâl-i Şerif also served an intermediary role during religious ceremonies, especially during public visitations of the Sakal-ı Şerif. It enabled the faithful to express their reverence and devotion by allowing them to touch the relic in a respectful and ritualized manner.

^{Destimâl-i Şerif (TRT Haber)}

Historical Background

The practice of using the Destimâl-i Şerif developed following the sanctification of personal relics associated with the Prophet Muhammad in the Islamic world. Within the Ottoman Empire, this tradition was formalized through a specific court protocol. The Sakal-ı Şerif (the Prophet’s beard hair), preserved in the Hırka-i Saadet Dairesi (Chamber of the Holy Mantle) in Topkapı Palace, was publicly displayed during the last ten days of Ramadan. During these visitations, the faithful did not touch the relic directly; instead, they expressed their reverence through the intermediary of the destimâl, a ceremonial cloth. This practice served both to preserve the sanctity of the relic and to maintain cleanliness and ritual order.

Architectural and Ceremonial Context

The Hırka-i Saadet Dairesi in Topkapı Palace was the central location for the use of the destimâl. During the final ten days of Ramadan, visits to the Sakal-ı Şerif were conducted with a structured ceremonial order, welcoming everyone from high-ranking state officials to the general public. Each visitor would hold a destimâl in their right hand, gently touch the reliquary containing the Sakal-ı Şerif, and then bring the cloth to their face—touching it to their eyes, forehead, or lips—while offering a silent prayer. Every participant was given one destimâl, often embroidered, which they would keep as a keepsake.

Symbolic and Spiritual Significance

The Destimâl-i Şerif was more than a physical cloth; it served as a tangible symbol of religious devotion and collective identity. In Ottoman society, the practice reinforced a sense of communal belonging within the ummah and allowed individuals to establish a spiritual connection with the Prophet. Moreover, this tradition contributed to the broader Islamic culture of sacred relics and became an established devotional practice grounded in respect and reverence.

^{Destimâl-i Şerif (The Republic of Türkiye Directorate of Communications)}

Contemporary Presence

Today, the tradition of the destimâl continues, particularly during Sakal-ı Şerif visitations held in various mosques throughout the month of Ramadan. In certain mosques in Istanbul, the Sakal-ı Şerif is displayed in specially designed reliquaries, drawing significant public attention. During these visitations, the use of the destimâl remains customary—often crafted from cotton or silk fabric, sometimes adorned with prayers or Qur’anic verses.

Additionally, museums in Turkey exhibit embroidered destimâls from past centuries, offering insights into the spiritual and ceremonial dimensions of Ottoman religious culture.