Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Our religion, Islam, commands unity and solidarity; creating relationships based on goodness, justice and morality with all members of society; living with love and respect; and treating others with compassion and mercy. It forbids turning away from one another, cutting off ties and connections, severing the bonds of brotherhood and engaging in any form of negative words or actions. In the verse we recited at the beginning of the khutba, Allah (swt) reminds us of this truth: “Believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. They establish prayer, give zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. It is they upon whom Allah will have mercy. Indeed, Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.”[1]

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

We are believers in the religion of Islam – those who have faith in the same god, worship Him, turn toward the same Qibla, take the same Book as our guide and devote our hearts to the same Prophet. As a society that believes in the Creator, we must fulfill His command of “unity, solidarity and mutual assistance” with full awareness, sincerity and obedience. Those who fulfill their duties perfectly will attain the goodness and happiness they hope. The real issue is for us to live in unity and harmony, to uphold humanity and to help one another in all good and righteous deeds. Our beloved Prophet (saw) said: “The believers, in their mutual love, mercy, and compassion for one another, are like a single body. When one part of the body is in pain, the rest of the body shares the distress with sleeplessness and fever.”[2]

With this analogy, our beloved Prophet (saw) emphasised that a society can only stand strong through the love, compassion and support people have for one another. He reminded believers of their responsibility to care for each other. Throughout history, what has united millions of Muslims as one body, what has ensured that aid is extended to the oppressed and the needy without questioning their religion or race, is faith in Islam, the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad (saw), the essence of Islamic brotherhood and the awareness of our shared cause. 

Dear Jama’ah!

In another hadith, our beloved Prophet (saw) said: “I advise you to stay with the community (ummah) and avoid division. Indeed, Shaytan is with the one who is alone but stays away from two people. Whoever desires the centre of Paradise should not separate from the community. Whoever is pleased with the good they do and saddened by their wrongdoing—that person is a true believer.”[3] Human beings are social creatures and, by nature, are obliged to live within a society. The most important source that defines our duties and responsibilities is our religion. A person who believes in Allah and the Day of Judgment—who is fully aware that they will be held accountable not only for their actions but also for the duties they neglected—will undoubtedly fulfill their responsibilities. And indeed, they must.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

As Islamic Community Millî Görüş (ICMG), we serve in many parts of the world through our mosques, educational and hifz institutions, humanitarian aid organisation and schools. By establishing the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity, we strive to provide the best possible service to people in every aspect of life. Let us encourage participation in this blessed journey by sharing our services and promoting being member to our branches and mosques. Let us not forget that, as our beloved Prophet (saw) said, “Whoever leads to goodness is like the one who does it.” May our Friday be blessed and may Allah’s mercy, blessings and forgiveness be upon us all.

Dear Jama’ah!

Hajj and Umrah are unique acts of worship that deepen the faith of believers, purify their hearts and bring them closer to Allah. Performing Umrah, especially during the blessed month of Ramadan, carries the reward of Hajj, as promised by our beloved Prophet (saw). Brothers and sisters who wish to spend Ramadan in Umrah should apply through ICMG to complete their registrations. Likewise, those who have not yet fulfilled their obligatory Hajj should seize this once-in-a-lifetime spiritual renewal opportunity and register now.

May Allah (swt) accept our intentions and acts of worship.

[1] Tevbe suresi, 9:71

[2] Buhârî, Edeb, 27

[3] Tirmizî, Fiten, 7, 465-466

Khutba – Spirit of Brotherhood and Solidarity