In his Friday sermon titled "Good News of Mercy and Peace: Surah Inshirah," President of Religious Affairs Ali Erbaş addressed the congregation at the Hagia Sophia Mosque.
The sermon contained several key messages:
"It was during the early years of the prophethood of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). The polytheists in Mecca were subjecting Muslims to increasing pressure and cruelty, making life unbearable for believers. At this difficult time, Almighty Allah, who has given us many pieces of good news and wisdom, revealed Surah Inshirah. When this sura was revealed, our Prophet (peace be upon him) felt joy and relief, giving the glad tidings that our Lord would certainly grant ease and tranquility after every difficulty.
Today, I would like to convey the messages of Surah Inshirah, which bring comfort to the hearts and instill hope in believers, to all our brothers and sisters who face oppression and injustice worldwide, especially in Palestine:
We firmly believe in the omnipotence of Allah. He surrounds us with His mercy and compassion. It is He who will alleviate the tightness in our chests and bring peace to our hearts. God Almighty will lift the heavy burdens from us and deliver us from all difficulties and hardships.
Indeed, we believe that after every sadness, there will be joy, and after every trouble, there will be relief. For God Almighty has never abandoned the prophets and the believers. He has never left them at the mercy of oppressors and enemies. He saved Noah from the flood's destruction, Abraham from the fire of Nimrod, Moses from Pharaoh's oppression, and Joseph from the darkness of the dungeon. And, ultimately, He rescued our Prophet (peace be upon him) from the various torments and tortures of unbelievers and opened many doors of conquest for him.
As the verses state, laziness and carelessness do not befit us. A believer cannot be irresponsible, negligent, or complacent. He strives to live, sustain life, and disseminate truth, justice, and mercy until goodness prevails on earth. A believer conducts all of his actions with the consent of Allah in mind. Drawing strength from his faith, he does not lose hope in the face of difficulties. With the hope that they preserve their independence and their future.
Today, one of the greatest atrocities in human history is unfolding in Palestine, particularly Gaza. Innocent people, including infants, children, women, and the elderly, are brutally killed. Houses, mosques, schools, and even hospitals are mercilessly bombed. A grave crime against humanity is occurring before the eyes of the entire world. Thousands of innocent lives are lost, and the world, which seems to have lost its compassion and conscience, watches this genocide unfold. The race, language, and religion of the oppressed are not considered. We call upon all of humanity to stand with the oppressed against the oppressors.
Our Prophet (peace be upon him) stated in a hadith: 'Oppression is pitch darkness for the oppressor on the Day of Judgment.' The trials that Muslims are enduring today will undoubtedly come to an end, and the oppressors will face a bitter outcome, both in this world and the hereafter. With the help of Allah, the believers will surely prevail. The challenging times we are experiencing are the heralds of new resurrections.
As long as we, as Muslims, act in unity and solidarity. Let us cement our brotherhood and love. Let us be compassionate to one another, wise and strong against the enemy. Let us not lose hope in God's mercy. Let us fulfill our responsibilities to our Lord, our fellow believers, and humanity. Let us hope that our Lord will relieve our difficulties and transform our trials into blessings. May He make us leaders and exemplars for humanity once more."
