Dear Brothers and Sisters!
One of the important values of our religion, Islam, is undoubtedly the concept of “ma’ruf.” Meaning good, beautiful and beneficial deeds and behaviours that are in accordance with human nature and religion, ma’ruf is among the essential purposes for which the religion was sent. Goodness, beauty and truth are valuable principles that a person must practice first within themselves and then in their surroundings. Where goodness, beauty and truth do not prevail, “munkar”, which means evil, ugliness and falsehood, takes hold. Regarding what establishes goodness and evil, the Prophet (saw) stated: “Goodness is that which brings peace to your heart and puts your soul at ease; evil is that which troubles your heart and causes doubt within you, even if people give you a ruling about it.”[1]  This statement is a timeless definition, beyond place and history. What the Messenger of Allah (saw) emphasised is the conscience that Allah (swt) has placed in the hearts of people.

Dear Jama’ah!
Through the media, we witness the harsh reality of falsehood and evil, especially in Palestine. In the face of these scenes of brutality, humanity’s conscience bleeds and hearts ache with pain. Sadly, the wars and occupations of today, along with the violence they bring, show that evil is almost travelling across continents. The authorities of states and international organisations, who should prevent this brutality displayed before the world’s eyes, either remain silent or avoid taking effective action. This situation is clearly expressed in the verse: “They did not try to stop one another from the evil they used to do. How wretched was what they were doing.”[2]

Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Recently, the atrocities in Palestine, and specifically in Gaza, have become one of humanity’s most evident tests. The failure of governments to take effective action to stop this brutality has shocked people of all religions and cultures. Even the advances in science and technology are now being questioned for their contribution to human civilisation. The blood and tears of women, children and the elderly resemble the darkest periods of humanity’s past. The cries of the oppressed and suffering rise to the heavens. Yet, in response, people who set aside differences and follow the voice of their conscience work to take peaceful, nonviolent actions, efforts that can be described as a solidarity of goodness. People of various languages, religions and races have come together, competing to end the massacre in Gaza. The verse of Allah (swt), “Everyone has a direction to which they turn. So race toward all that is good. Wherever you are, Allah will bring you together. Indeed, Allah has power over all things”[3] seems to have come to life through this effort.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!
The “Sumud” Fleet, which set out solely with a conscience-driven mission to break the blockade of Gaza without serving any political or economic interests, has now become a source of pride for humanity and a beacon of hope for the oppressed. It has become a symbol of peace, conscience and compassion. It should be remembered that those who will stand against tyranny are not only the prayers of the oppressed but also the brave and determined steps of courageous people. As Muslims, we are grateful to those who participate in and keep attention on this civil resistance against brutality and massacre. May Allah (swt), the Lord of all worlds and the Most Merciful of the merciful, be the supporter and helper of Gaza and all oppressed and suffering regions. May He grant us days of peace and well-being. Ameen.

[1] Dârimî, Büyû’, 2

[2] Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:79

[3] Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:148

Khutba – English
Khutba – Turkish
Khutba – German
Khutba – Arabic
Khutba – French
Khutba – Dutch