Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Our world has reached the height of science and technology, yet sadly we are still witnessing terrible atrocities that were rare even in ancient times. In lands such as Palestine and East Turkestan, the oppressed and downtrodden have been drowned in blood and tears within their own homelands. Regardless of whether they are women, children or the elderly, people are being forced from their homes, and those who resist are condemned to hunger and death. In Gaza, more than 60,000 people have been killed in bombings, while over 10,000 remain missing beneath the rubble. Hundreds have already died of starvation, and the number of wounded has reached around 150,000. These figures continue to rise with every passing minute. This brutality, which the United Nations report has described as a war crime, has undoubtedly turned into the crime against humanity of our century.

Dear Jama’ah!
Of course, large groups of people around the world are raising their voices against these injustices. People of conscience are exercising their democratic rights by holding mass protests and strongly condemning the brutality. As Muslims, we sincerely appreciate the people of diverse languages, faiths and backgrounds who stand in solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters. These humanitarian and moral responses renew our hope for the future of humanity at a time when human values are being so severely eroded. However, what truly pains us is the silence of the countries and international organisations that have the power to intervene. They take no initiative and act as if they do not see the massacres.

On top of that, they try to present themselves as working for peace on earth, which reminds us of the verse: “When they are told, “Do not spread corruption in the land,” they reply, “We are only peace-makers!”[1]

Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Our religion, Islam, warns all of humanity about corruption that causes such suffering and disasters. Corruption, which means spreading conflict and mischief, has been, and continues to be, one of the greatest tests for individuals and societies alike. Allah (swt) addresses all of humanity, saying: “Do not spread corruption on the earth after it has been set in order. Pray to Allah with fear and hope. Indeed, Allah’s mercy is very close to those who do good.”[2] Corruption damages human relationships on an individual level and leads to endless wars at the societal level. Though oppression and corruption may seem strong for a time, justice ultimately prevails, and the wrongdoer can never escape. That is why, as narrated from Abu Musa al-Ash‘ari, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “Allah grants respite to the oppressor, but when He seizes him, He will never let him go.” [3]  This emphasises the inevitable downfall of tyranny and corruption.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail from Spain on August 31 to challenge the blockade of Gaza, stands as a symbol of peaceful resistance, uniting people of diverse faiths, languages and cultures from across the world. Carrying with it the hopes of peace, it sails toward Gaza to break the chains of oppression. History will forever honour, in golden letters, those who refused to remain silent in the face of such injustice. We pray to Allah (swt) that this flotilla arrives safely at its destination and succeeds in lifting the blockade.

[1] Surah Al-Baqarah, 2/11

[2] Surah Al-A’raf 7/56

[3] Müslim, Birr, 61

Khutba – english
Khutba – turkish
Khutba – german
Khutba – arabic
Khutba – french