The Presidency of Religious Affairs delivered a powerful weekly Friday sermon across mosques in Türkiye, titled “Gaza and Belief in Victory,” highlighting the strong parallels between the historic Battle of the Trench and the present struggle of Palestinians in Gaza.

The sermon emphasized faith, unity, perseverance, and moral responsibility as Muslims worldwide are called upon to support the oppressed.

The sermon opens by recalling the fifth year of the Hijrah, a critical period in Islamic history. After previous battles such as Badr and Uhud, Meccan polytheists prepared a massive assault on Madinah intending to obliterate the Muslim community. In response, Prophet Muhammad (saw) consulted his companions, and a strategic trench was dug around the city to repel the attackers.

The sermon recounts the symbolic moment when the Prophet personally struck a large rock that obstructed the digging effort, breaking it apart and providing a morale boost to the believers. Divine support and steadfast determination ultimately led to the enemy’s defeat, illustrating the timeless principle that unity, faith, and perseverance are the pillars of victory.

Drawing a direct connection to current events, the sermon describes Gaza as a modern-day battlefield. It condemns the systematic attacks on civilians, including mosques, schools, hospitals, and media personnel, framing them as acts of genocide that aim to eradicate an entire civilization.

“Just as the oppressors of Madinah sought to annihilate the early Muslim community, today tyrants are committing atrocities against the innocent people of Gaza,” the sermon reads. Despite overwhelming odds, Palestinian mujahideen are portrayed as modern-day defenders, courageously resisting while under siege, embodying the Qur’anic ideal of steadfastness in faith and perseverance: “Those who were warned, ‘Your enemies have mobilized their forces against you, so fear them,’ the warning only made them grow stronger in faith and they replied, ‘Allah ˹alone˺ is sufficient ˹as an aid˺ for us and ˹He˺ is the best Protector.’”

The sermon emphasizes that divine support accompanies those who remain steadfast on the straight path, citing the Qur’anic verse: “Allah will certainly help those who stand up for Him.”

The sermon stresses the importance of unity within the Muslim ummah. Whenever Muslims historically responded collectively to Allah’s call, aided one another, and upheld solidarity, they overcame immense adversities. Conversely, divisions, neglect of knowledge, and technological backwardness have historically led to oppression.

“Obey Allah and His Messenger and do not dispute with one another, or you would be discouraged and weakened. Persevere! Surely Allah is with those who persevere.”

The sermon calls on Muslims worldwide to rise above sectarian and ideological differences, to strengthen bonds of brotherhood, and to actively support humanitarian and solidarity initiatives for Gaza. It frames Gaza as a moral and spiritual test for the global community, asserting that humanity as a whole will either pass or fail depending on its collective response.

Ending on a note of religious devotion, the sermon invokes the supplication used by Prophet Muhammad (saw) during the Battle of the Trench: “O Allah, Who sent down the Qur’an and Who brings swift reckoning! Defeat the oppressor groups and scatter them in disarray!”

By connecting the historical struggle of early Muslims to the contemporary plight of Gaza, the sermon reinforces the principles of faith, moral courage, and active solidarity. It encourages not only prayers but also tangible action — humanitarian support, public awareness, and advocacy for justice.

Religious leaders across Türkiye are expected to highlight these themes during Friday prayers and in community outreach programs. Scholars and activists are calling for increased humanitarian aid, organized charity drives, educational seminars, and interfaith initiatives that emphasize solidarity with the oppressed.

The Presidency of Religious Affairs’ sermon serves as both a spiritual reminder and a political statement, urging Muslims to stand firmly with the people of Gaza while promoting unity, moral responsibility, and adherence to Islamic principles in the face of injustice. (ILKHA)