In mosques across Türkiye today, the Friday sermon focused on the profound role Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) plays in shaping the moral and spiritual character of Muslims.

The central message conveyed to worshippers was the importance of faith, worship, and good morals as key elements in constructing a Muslim’s personality. The sermon also emphasized the need to emulate the Prophet’s example to counter modern societal challenges.

One of the central themes of the sermon was the transformative power of faith. It was emphasized that faith is not just a verbal expression, but the essence that enhances and beautifies a Muslim’s actions and behaviors. The sermon reminded believers that faith serves as a source of strength, enabling them to overcome life’s difficulties, turning fear into courage, and sorrow into joy. It also fosters unity, transforming enmity into brotherhood.

The faithful were reminded that, as the most precious of all creation, humans are endowed with gifts such as reason, free will, and faith. These qualities, the sermon stressed, should be used to build a moral identity based on values such as justice, mercy, and truthfulness, all of which are guided by the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Worship was described as a vital component of a Muslim’s identity, serving as both a form of gratitude for Allah’s blessings and a reminder of the purpose of human creation. According to the sermon, worship strengthens willpower, protects against evil, and draws believers closer to Allah. Worship was framed not as a narrow concept limited to ritual prayers, but as any sincere act performed for Allah’s pleasure, reinforcing that all aspects of life can be turned into acts of worship when done with sincerity.

Muslims were encouraged to prioritize worship despite the demands of daily life, whether in work, education, or family obligations. Citing the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) example, who maintained devotion to worship even during hardship, the sermon underscored the importance of prayer and submission to Allah as integral to a balanced and fulfilled life.

The sermon also placed significant emphasis on the moral dimensions of personality construction. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was highlighted as the exemplar of the highest moral standards, with truthfulness, honesty, compassion, and mercy identified as key traits to be emulated by Muslims. The sermon explained that good morals not only shape personal behavior but also serve as the foundation of a peaceful and harmonious society. It stated, "Good morals are the measure of faith and wisdom," urging believers to rejoice in doing good and to feel sorrow over wrongdoing, as this reflects the essence of faith.

In an era marked by growing selfishness, materialism, and ignorance, the sermon lamented the erosion of knowledge, wisdom, and virtue in society. This decline was linked to increasing violence, individualism, and societal disunity, which particularly affects the youth. Worshippers were reminded that the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) offer guidance in combating these modern challenges and in building a just and moral society.

The sermon concluded with a call to action, urging Muslims to adopt Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) teachings as a source of strength in facing contemporary problems. By building their personalities with faith, shaping them through worship, and perfecting them with good morals, Muslims can stand firm against injustice, resist oppression, and pursue righteousness in their daily lives. This, the sermon affirmed, is the path to personal fulfillment and societal harmony, in line with the ultimate goal of achieving the honor and reward promised by Allah.

Finally, as the sermon wrapped up, an important reminder was issued regarding the extended pre-registration period for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, encouraging congregants to complete their registration before the deadline.

This collective message of spiritual fortitude, moral integrity, and social responsibility was delivered across mosques in Türkiye, resonating with Muslims in their ongoing efforts to navigate life’s challenges by embodying the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). (ILKHA)