In the verse I have recited, Our Almighty Lord enjoins, "And never think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them for a Day when eyes will stare [in horror]."[1]
In the hadith I have read, our Prophet (s.a.w.) says, "...Be afraid of the curse of an oppressed person because there is no screen between his invocation and Allah."[2]
Brothers and Sisters!
Al-Quds is an ancient city of the humanity. It is a blessed, sacred and celestial town. It is a sacrosanct place. It is forbidden to violate its honor or to harass its safety. This holy city – the first qiblah of Muslims –has been home to many prophets in the past. The land of al-Quds bears dear memories of many prophets.
Masjid al-Aqsa, one of the oldest and most precious mosques in the world, is also al-haram al-sharif. This noble masjid hosted our Prophet, and has sent him off for Mi'raj.
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Al-Quds has been the symbol of a firm stand on faith, a resolute approach, and an affectional loyalty to the sacred throughout the history of Islam. Just as Mecca and Madinah are the soul and love of Muslims, al-Quds is the blood flowing in our veins. Al-Quds is the keystone in the "building of unity" of the Ummah.
Al-Quds is not an ordinary land. Al-Quds and Masjid al-Aqsa are entrusted to us by Our Prophet. Al-Quds does not only belong to people living in Palestine and its surroundings, but it is also the apple of our eyes as all Muslims in the world, and a common value for the humanity. Today, however, al-Quds is a test of conscience, law and morality for the Muslims and humanity.
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Called "Dar as-Salam" throughout history, meaning the center of peace and tranquility, al-Quds is facing a barbaric invasion today. People living in al-Quds and its surroundings are being exposed to oppression and violence, and are being subjected to inhumane practices. Tens of innocent people bearing nothing but faith and courage in their hearts have been brutally murdered before the eyes of the entire world in the Gaza, on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan. In the land of prophets, guns do not cease to fire, and continue spreading blood, tear and tribulation.
The duty on each of us in this test of al-Quds is to not condone these atrocities, and to not yield to oppression and injustice in whichever part of the world, and on whomever it is being committed. It is to not remain silent when people's freedom to life and faith is inhumanely bereaved, and the adhan is silenced in the city blessed with Revelation. Today, our noble nation will take sides with the oppressed against the oppressors, as it has always done. But history will keep these flagrant attacks as a disgrace in its memory, and those threatening peace and tranquility will be sooner or later punished.
Honorable Believers!
Let us learn from these calamities, oppression and suffering befalling upon our brothers and sisters, the Islamic world and all innocent humanity. Let us strengthen our brotherhood in faith with the awareness of Ummah. Let us seek ways to overcome difficulties together. Let us not give a chance to the movements of dissension threatening our unity and harmony, and weakening our strength. Let us not refrain from telling the truth in the faces of those oppressors who turn our region into the land of blood and tears. Let us be on the side of mercy with all we have both materially and spiritually. Let us keep alive the awareness for al-Quds, for faith and for justice.
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
In this holy month, on this holy day, at this holy place, let us open hands for praying to our Lord and implore: O Allah! Have mercy for our brothers and sisters who are martyred in Gaza. O Allah! Unite our hearts in this season of peace in Ramadan, the month of mercy. Never let pull apart our ties of love with Masjid al-Aqsa. Keep alive our trust, love and faith in each other.
O Allah! Bestow upon us vision, foresight and wisdom! Do not let us be of the band of oppressors even for a blinking of an eye! Do not let us be of those who remain silent to injustice, lawlessness and cruelty! O Allah! Do not give a chance to those attempting to invade Masjid al-Aqsa! Help our Muslim brothers be freed very soon, of the predicament they are in! Destine us to uphold justice as a mighty Ummah again! O Allah, accept our prayers!
________________________________
[1] Ibrahim, 14/42.
[2] Bukhari, Zakat, 63; Muslim, Iman (Faith), 29
General Directorate of Religious Services