Dear Brothers and Sisters! 

The pilgrimage (Hajj) is not only an act of worship for us believers but also a spiritual journey. Hajj is performed at specific times and places as prescribed by Allah (swt). It is observed in the regions of Mecca, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah on the 8th, 9th, and 10th days of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah. This truth is expressed in the Qur’an as follows: “Hajj is (in) the well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein (by entering the state of Ihram), there is (to be for him) no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do – Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah. So fear Me, O you of understanding.”

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

This verse reminds us that Hajj is not only a physical act of worship but also a process of spiritual purification. Hajj teaches us to live peacefully with others and to abstain from some things that are permissible in daily life because Allah has commanded it. Hajj is a way to draw closer to Allah, to earn His pleasure and to cleanse ourselves of our sins. Hajj is an opportunity for each of us to explore our inner world, to reflect and to repent.

Dear Jama’ah!

As our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw) stated: “When a believer chants the ‘Talbiyah’ during Hajj, meaning when they respond to Allah’s call by saying ‘Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk’ (Here I am, O Allah, here I am), even the stones, trees, and soil on earth join them.” This illustrates the holiness and universal dimension of Hajj. During Hajj, we do not walk alone; we take a step towards Allah along with the entirety of creation.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Hajj brings together the rich and the poor, the white and the black, the great and the small. It is a precious time where everyone wears the same attire, shares the same emotions and engraves in our minds and souls that everyone is equal before Allah (swt). This reminds us of the insignificance of worldly differences and that we are all one before the one God. Superiority is measured only by our relationship with Allah and our sense of responsibility. The measure of this is “taqwa” (piety), and the one who measures it is Almighty Allah.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

The moments when we stand at Arafat and seek forgiveness for our sins, contemplate and become aware at Muzdalifah, and stone the devil at Mina teach us the shortness of life, the power of repentance, and the importance of patience and perseverance. Hajj also grants us the spirit of struggle, determination and the strength to resist the whispers of Satan. Hajj teaches us to die before we die, to detach from worldly attachments and to walk in the footsteps of our Prophet Muhammad (saw) on the path he showed us.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Let us not forget that Hajj is not just an opportunity to become a pilgrim, but also to remain one. Let us carry the beautiful qualities we acquire during Hajj into our daily lives afterward. Let us keep our souls clean, just as we purified them during Hajj, in the homes, societies and cities we return to. Let us strive to remain pilgrims until death, so that both ourselves and others may benefit from the gains of the Hajj pilgrimage. As a wise person once said, “Prayer begins when you leave the mosque, fasting ends when Ramadan is over, but Hajj begins when you return from Mecca.”

May Allah (swt) accept the pilgrimage, worship, and service of all the pilgrims in Mecca. May He open the ways for our brothers and sisters who have not yet been able to perform Hajj, granting them the opportunity to go to Hajj and become pilgrims. May He bless us and all pilgrims with a share of the spirituality of Hajj. May He grant us the grace to keep the spirit of Hajj alive in our hearts and actions throughout our lives. Ameen.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

As Muslims living in Europe, we face common challenges. Issues such as halal slaughter, headscarf bans, the rise of right-wing populism, and attacks against Muslims are among the most pressing. In this regard, it is crucial for us to participate in the European Parliament elections taking place in European Union member states from June 6th to June 9th. Let us actively shape decision-making bodies and use our votes.

Furthermore, a tragic incident occurred recently in the city of Mannheim, Germany, which deeply shook the public. A reckless individual attacked a person in the street and a police officer who intervened with a knife. The police officer was critically injured and sadly passed away later. We extend our condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.

On the occasion of this tragic event, we reiterate and declare once again: as IGMG (Islamic Community Milli Görüş), we condemn all forms of violence, regardless of its source or target. We stand against any action that disrupts the peace of society and strive with all our might for a peaceful community. This is both a requirement of our humanity and our faith as Muslims.

¹ Surah Al-Baqarah 2:197

² Tirmizî, Hac, 14; İM2921 İbn Mâce, Menâsik, 15

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