Respected Muslims!

When we compare humanity to previous eras, we see that we have incredibly advanced both scientifically and technologically. With the development of transport means, we have now reduced what was once months of travel time to only a few hours. Just in recent history, mankind has stepped foot on the moon and has dispatched different shuttles to planets capturing the technological levels. In the field of medicine, from organ transplants to the decoding of genetic codes we have accomplished great achievements. Through mass communication, individuals from different civilisations and cultures can now better understand and draw near to one another. Discoveries that would have been considered a wonder a hundred years ago no longer amaze humanity and is now seen as a normal event.

Honourable Believers!

Despite this impressive development, it is sad to also observe that in the last century humanity has lived in a period dominated by tears, oppression, and bloodshed. According to official statistics, more than 90 million people lost their lives in world war 1 and 2.  Between 1945 and 2000, it is estimated that close to 50 million people lost their lives. Even today, in all four corners of the world with most of them in majority Muslim lands, places like Myanmar, East Turkistan, Yemen, Iraq, and Syria are still entangled in war, battles, and state oppression. The merciless deaths, rapes, and forced hunger that is taking place at the hands of people from different languages, religion, and ethnic groups have become standard news while also desensitising humanity.

Dear Congregation!

Our Lord – Most High – has drawn attention to the causes of war that have impacted humanity in the past and present.   In one particular verse in Surah al-Baqarah, Allah (swt) says: “When he leaves, he sets out to spread corruption in the land, destroying crops and live-stock- God does not like corruption.” We are witnessing the inadequacy by the holders of power on earth regarding the prevalent chaos that is taking place between individuals and societies. It is with grief that we witness the insufficient interference of the United Nations and their contribution to world peace.

Dear Brothers!

The beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ who was sent as a mercy to mankind summarises the characteristic that is specific to believers until the day of judgement through the following statement: “The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the people are safe, and the believer is the one who is trusted with the lives and wealth of the people.” May Allah make us from His trusted servants. It is not possible to witness the bloodshed that is taking place around the world and not feel uncomfortable. Consequently, as Muslims who understand and convey Islam to be a religion of peace, it is not conceivable for us to stand passive against the negative scene that is unfolding. Regarding the Muslims that show concern for the peace and security of mankind, Allah (swt) in the Holy Quran gives glad tidings through the following verse: “As for the abode of the Hereafter, We have reserved it for those who seek neither glory nor corruption in the earth; the ultimate good is for the righteous.” May Allah (swt) include us in the above-mentioned group that has received His glad tidings and may Allah (swt) protect all of the Ummah including Bosnia from all kinds of evil.

Khutba-Calling an End to Bloodshed