The Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) delivered this week’s nationwide Friday sermon in mosques across Türkiye, focusing on the theme: “There is blessing in unity, and mercy in brotherhood.”

The sermon highlighted the importance of maintaining social and spiritual cohesion, faith-based solidarity, and the preservation of national and religious values.

The sermon cited verses from the Holy Qur’an emphasizing the significance of unity among believers. One of the passages referenced stated: “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 address also quoted hadith from Prophet Muhammad (saw): “Do not cut off relations with one another, do not turn your backs on one another, do not bear grudges against one another, and do not envy one another. O servants of Allah! Be brothers.”

According to Diyanet, the sermon stressed that brotherhood in Islam is a bond that extends beyond family or social connections, uniting Muslims across different languages, cultures, and regions. The sermon encouraged believers to cultivate virtues such as compassion, mutual support, generosity, and patience, while avoiding envy, hostility, and divisions.

The sermon also included references to Türkiye’s historical achievements, noting that unity and cooperation have been central to the nation’s success in key moments.

Diyanet emphasized that maintaining unity and brotherhood remains important for contemporary society. The sermon encouraged citizens to respect differences, see diversity as a strength, and work collectively to raise future generations who are knowledgeable, morally upright, and aware of their national and religious heritage.

The sermon also paid tribute to martyrs and veterans, honoring their sacrifices in defending the homeland and preserving the nation’s values. Prayers were offered for the wellbeing of living veterans and for mercy upon those who passed away.

Furthermore, Diyanet called on citizens to avoid behaviors or actions that could harm the spirit of unity and solidarity. The address highlighted that the nation’s cohesion depends on shared moral, spiritual, and national values.

The sermon concluded by reiterating the importance of continuing faith-driven unity and cooperation, preserving Türkiye’s historical and cultural heritage, and upholding the principles of brotherhood and solidarity in everyday life.

The nationwide Friday sermon was broadcast across mosques and media outlets, reflecting Diyanet’s ongoing efforts to guide citizens in matters of faith, social responsibility, and national unity.

The full text of the sermon is a s follows:

THERE IS BLESSING IN UNITY, AND MERCY IN BROTHERHOOD

Honorable Muslims!

In the verse I have recited, our Almighty Lord (swt) states, “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.”

In the hadith I have recited, our Prophet (saw) says: “Do not cut off relations with one another, do not turn your backs on one another, do not bear grudges against one another, and do not envy one another. O servants of Allah! Be brothers.” 

Dear Believers!

One of the values taught to us by our Prophet (saw), who was sent as a mercy to the worlds, is brotherhood. This brotherhood is the brotherhood of faith, which unites people of different languages and colors around the same belief and ideals. At the heart of this brotherhood lies the awareness of being servants of the Almighty Allah and the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw). In this brotherhood lies the endeavor to be united, to act as one, and to stand strong; there is no pursuit of self-interest or competition for superiority. In this brotherhood, there is unity and collective harmony—never division or discord. In this brotherhood dwell such noble virtues as love, compassion, sharing, and mutual support; there is no place for hatred, enmity, violence, or hostility. 

Esteemed Muslims!

This understanding of brotherhood, rooted in faith, has kept us united as a nation for centuries. Our noble ancestors, who wholeheartedly believed in the verse, “... You will have the upper hand, if you are ˹true˺ believers.” , triumphed through this bond of brotherhood in Malazgirt, in the conquest of Istanbul, and in Çanakkale. These lands, watered with the blood of martyrs, have become our homeland until the Day of Judgment through the spirit of brotherhood during the War of Independence.

Dear Believers!

Allah the Almighty (swt) states in the Holy Qur’an as follows: “O believers! If you stand up for Allah, He will help you and make your steps firm.”  Inspired by this verse, our nation has carried the banner of Islam for centuries and has served humanity. Our nation has always stood by the oppressed and has strived to uphold the truth, to spread justice and goodness throughout the world. So long as we continue this noble effort, Allah the Almighty (swt) will never leave us helpless or forsaken. Our forefathers, who held firmly to the verse,   اِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ اِخْوَةٌ “The believers are but one brotherhood.” , overcame every hardship together, shoulder to shoulder. They sacrificed their lives without hesitation, never relinquished even an inch of their land, and never allowed a heathen to ever lay hand on the bosom of our temples. So long as we uphold this spirit of unity and solidarity, the adhan will never cease in the skies of our blessed homeland, and our glorious flag will never fall.

Dear Muslims!

Let us avoid every word and deed that may harm the spirit of brotherhood we learned from our Prophet (saw) and inherited from our ancestors. As a nation united by the same faith, history, and ideals, let us regard our differences as a source of richness. Let us strive to raise generations firmly devoted to their heritage and values, equipped with both morality and knowledge for the sake of our independence and future. Let us safeguard the national and spiritual values that define who we are.

On this occasion, we commemorate with mercy and gratitude our honored martyrs who entrusted these lands to us with their lives, and our heroic veterans who have passed on to the Hereafter. We pray to our Almighty Lord for health and peace for our veterans who are still with us. May the Almighty Allah perpetuate our unity and solidarity and preserve our state and nation. (ILKHA)