“Giving Consent to Oppression is Also Oppression”
Dear Muslims!
Today, we are going through a severe test as individuals, societies, and humanity. The values that make us human, such as rights, law, morality, conscience, and compassion, are being trampled on by the occupying oppressors and their supporters. Our Palestinian brothers and sisters have been condemned to live under oppression, captivity, and persecution in their own homeland for almost a century. Today, before the eyes of the world, a massive genocide is taking place in Gaza that involves women, children, and the elderly.
Honorable Muslims!
The ruthless criminals perpetrating this unprecedented genocide draw their courage from the silence and disorganization of the ‘ummah of the Prophet Muhammad (saw). However, our sublime religion, Islam, calls us to unity. It invites us to be united and to act together. It calls us to unite not only our prayers, but also our knowledge, strength, and material and spiritual resources.
O People!
This atrocity is a common problem not only for Muslims, but for all humanity. Standing by, and even supporting the murders that are being committed before the eyes of the world is a shame for all humanity. Because the oppressors, who consider themselves superior to other human beings and see the earth as their private property, are targeting not only the future of Muslims, but of all humanity.
Wherever oppression is committed, it is our responsibility as all of humanity to say stop to the oppressor. For giving consent to oppression is also oppression.
We believe that these difficult days will surely come to an end. The oppression of the oppressors will surely end, the oppressed will smile, and the victory will be for the believers.
I would like to conclude my khutbah with the following verse: “Our Lord! Shower us with perseverance, make our steps firm, and give us victory over the disbelieving people.”1
[1] Baqarah, 2/250.
Friday Khutba of Tokyo Camii “Giving Consent to Oppression is Also Oppression”(PDF)