Dear Brothers and Sisters!

This blessed Friday we are in is also the 10th day of Muharram. On this day, Adam (a.s.)’s repentance was accepted and Nuh (a.s.) was saved from the flood and the believers accompanying him. Ibrahim (a.s.), who was thrown into the fire of the cruel Namrud, was protected by the grace of Allah (swt), Musa (a.s.) was saved from the oppression of the Pharaoh and Yusuf (a.s.) was saved from prison. Today, Ayyub (a.s.), who is also an example of patience against troubles and calamities, has recovered from his illnesses. In addition, the 10th of Muharram is the day when Hussein, the precious grandson of the Prophet (saw), was martyred in Karbala, one of the most painful disasters in the history of Islam. This evil massacre continues to burn the hearts of every Muslim, regardless of sect, even after centuries. We can only overcome this disaster that history has imposed on the Ummah by taking lessons from the incident and increasing our unity.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

The greatest message this glorious day has given us is that for a Muslim, the unity and well-being of the ummah is one of their greatest life goals. Allah (swt) warns us in the Qur’an as follows: “And do not be like the ones who became divided and differed after the clear proofs had come to them. And those will have a great punishment.”[1] Let us be compassionate and merciful to one another so that new tragedies do not occur today. Let’s unite our hearts. Let’s make room for each other in our hearts, let’s connect our lives with love. Rasulullah (saw) said; “Do not hate one another, and do not be jealous of one another, and do not desert each other, and O, Allah’s worshipers! Be brothers.”[2] Let’s unite around Islamic values ​​that will lead us to success in the world and the hereafter. Let’s tolerate each other and love for the sake of Allah (swt).

Dear Jama’ah!

In the early days of Islam, it was compulsory to fast on the Day of Ashura before Ramadan fasting became compulsory. After the fasting of Ramadan was made compulsory, this fast became an extra act of worship. In this respect, the most acceptable fasting after Ramadan is the one held on the 10th of Muharram, that is, on the day of Ashura. Because the Messenger of Allah (saw) said, “The most valuable fasting after Ramadan is fasting in the month of Allah, Muharram.”[3] The hadith reveals the value of this fast.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

All the prophets we mentioned at the beginning of our khutba are a link in the chain of Islamic prophets mentioned in the Qur’an. Their struggle for “tawhid” sets an example for us Muslims, who are the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (saw). First and foremost, we must apply the ethics of Islam, which are essential to the concept of Tawhid to our own selves. In social life, we should strive to spread Islam’s invitation to goodness, beauty and truth to humanity. As Muslims, we will undoubtedly be held accountable for ourselves on the Day of Judgment. However, Allah (swt) will also hold us accountable for our responsibilities towards those around us.

May Allah (swt) grant us the opportunity to reach the consciousness of the Day of Ashura, to strengthen our unity and solidarity, and to attain Allah’s forgiveness. Ameen.

[1] Surah Âl-i İmrân, 3:105

[2] Buhârî, Edeb, 57

[3] Ebû Dâvûd, Sıyam, 55

10 Muharram: Day of Ashura