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Türkiye's Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) dedicated this week's Friday sermon to Gaza, describing the ongoing genocide as "humanity's test" and calling on Muslims to stand with the Palestinian people through solidarity, remembrance and a principled boycott against oppression.
Published under the title "Gaza: Humanity's Test," the sermon marked the third anniversary of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood and stressed that the suffering in Gaza is not only a tragedy for Palestinians but also a moral test for the conscience, justice and dignity of all humanity.
"The genocide in Gaza continues"
The sermon said that, three years after the genocide began, mosques, homes, schools and hospitals in Gaza continue to be bombed, while civilians—including children, women, the elderly and people with disabilities—remain the targets of relentless attacks.
It stated that the cries rising from Gaza continue to shake the conscience of all those who uphold justice, compassion and human dignity, while growing international calls for an end to the violence and unrestricted humanitarian assistance demonstrate that "human conscience has not died."
The sermon also recalled the Qur'anic verse: "How many a small company has overcome a large company by permission of Allah. And Allah is with the steadfast."
"Do not forget Gaza"
Describing Gaza as "the name of a historic resistance that raises the banner of humanity's honour," the sermon said Palestinians are being tested through patience, sacrifice and steadfastness, while Muslims elsewhere are being tested by whether they remember Gaza and support its people.
It urged believers to continue standing with Palestinians by sharing their resources, remaining sensitive to their suffering and refusing to allow the humanitarian crisis to fade from public attention.
Boycott presented as a moral responsibility
The sermon also encouraged Muslims to regard their purchasing power as an important means of responding to injustice, describing boycott as "a conscious and moral stance against oppression" rather than a temporary reaction.
It further cited Qur'anic verses calling on believers to defend the oppressed and support those who seek justice.
Call for Muslim unity
Concluding with verses from the Qur'an and a hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the sermon stressed that unity among Muslims is essential for defending the oppressed.
It expressed hope that through solidarity and mutual support, justice would prevail for oppressed people, particularly those in Gaza and East Turkistan, while reminding believers that Muslims are called upon to protect and support one another in times of hardship.(ILKHA)
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