The Davet ve Gençlik Hareketi (Invitation and Youth Movement) gathered hundreds of Muslim families at Roboski Park in Diyarbakır's Kayapınar district, reaffirming its commitment to raising a generation devoted to Allah (SWT), attached to the Qur'an and the Sunnah, and equipped with sound Islamic morals in the face of the moral challenges confronting today's youth.

The family gathering, held in an atmosphere of brotherhood (ukhuwwah), faith, and remembrance of Allah, combined educational activities, recreational programs, and Islamic guidance aimed at strengthening the bonds between Muslim families and nurturing children upon iman, taqwa, and righteous character.

As part of its ongoing da'wah mission, the movement continues to organize similar events throughout Diyarbakır, providing families with opportunities to gather in environments where Islamic values are promoted and where children can grow spiritually while enjoying wholesome activities.

Before the official program began, children participated in various educational games and recreational activities prepared by volunteers. Following Salat al-Maghrib, the gathering commenced with a beautiful recitation from the Holy Qur'an, followed by heartfelt anasheed performed by the movement's nasheed group, reminding attendees of their duty toward Allah, His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), and the Ummah.

"Raise Your Children Among the People of Iman and Righteousness"

Delivering the keynote address, Mehmet Fatih Varol reminded parents that one of their greatest responsibilities before Allah is to protect the fitrah, faith, and morality of their children.

He warned that while parents play the primary role in raising their children, companionship has a profound influence on a young person's faith and character.

Quoting the noble hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), Varol said:

"A person follows the religion of his close companion, so let each of you carefully consider whom he befriends."

He also reminded the audience of Allah's command in the Holy Qur'an:

"O you who believe! Fear Allah and be with those who are truthful." (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:119)

Varol urged parents and educators to ensure that children are surrounded by believers known for their sincerity, honesty, righteousness, and fear of Allah.

"Our children are not shaped only by our words," he said. "Much of their character is formed by those they accompany. Therefore, let us strive to keep them in the company of people of iman, taqwa, and noble character. Just as we carefully choose what enters our homes, we must be equally careful about who enters the hearts and lives of our children."

Instilling Love for Allah and His Messenger

Varol stressed that Muslim parents should cultivate in their children a sincere love for Allah (SWT) and His beloved Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) through everyday interactions.

"When you take your child for a meal," he said, "tell them, 'Today I am treating you for the sake of Allah,' or, 'This gift is given out of love for the Messenger of Allah.' In this way, every blessing becomes a reminder of our Creator and strengthens a child's attachment to Islam."

Speaking about the hijab, Varol described it as a divine command and an honour bestowed upon believing women.

"When encouraging our daughters to wear the hijab, let us remind them that it is a symbol of dignity, modesty, and obedience to Allah—a blessed trust preserved through the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)."

Warning Against the Fitnah Targeting Muslim Youth

Varol also warned that today's youth are increasingly exposed to fitnah through immoral influences, harmful ideologies, and addictive substances.

Referring to recent incidents reported in several Turkish cities, he called upon Muslim families to remain vigilant.

"There are those who seek to corrupt our children, distance them from their religion, and drag them toward addiction and moral decay," he said. "It is therefore an obligation upon parents to safeguard the amanah that Allah has entrusted to them by strengthening their children's faith, connecting them to righteous companions, and keeping them close to the Qur'an, the masjid, and circles of Islamic knowledge."

He concluded his speech with a heartfelt du'a, asking Allah Almighty to preserve Muslim children and youth from the trials of the end times.

"We ask Allah (SWT) to protect our children, our youth, our families, and the entire Ummah from every fitnah—both open and hidden—and to make them among His righteous servants who uphold His religion with sincerity and steadfastness."

Celebrating the Journey Toward the Qur'an

Following the speeches, a ceremony was held for children who had successfully completed their introductory Islamic education and were beginning their journey of learning the Holy Qur'an, a milestone warmly celebrated by their families.

The gathering concluded with a traditional Karagöz and Hacivat performance, followed by a joyful halay, as families departed with renewed determination to raise a generation firmly rooted in Islam, devoted to the Qur'an and Sunnah, and committed to serving Allah and the Muslim Ummah. (ILKHA)