Friday Khutba of Tokyo Camii “Gaza, Humanity’s Trial of Honor”

Honorable Muslims!
In the Holy Qur’an, our guide to life, there are numerous stories filled with wisdom and lessons. One of these is the story of Ashab al-Ukhdud (the People of the Ditch). In the noble verses I recited at the beginning of my khutbah, this tyrannical group is described as follows: “Condemned are the makers of the ditch—the fire ˹pit˺, filled with fuel—when they sat around it, watching what they had ˹ordered to be˺ done to the believers, who they resented for no reason other than belief in Allah—the Almighty, the Praiseworthy—˹the One˺ to Whom belongs the kingdom of the heavens and earth. And Allah is a Witness over all things. Those who persecute the believing men and women and then do not repent will certainly suffer the punishment of Hell and the torment of burning.”¹

Dear Believers!
The Ashab al-Ukhdud of today are the Zionist oppressors. These bloodthirsty criminals, driven by madness, are committing the most ruthless massacre in human history in Gaza, sparing neither women, children, nor the elderly. They defy the entire world by leaving our brothers and sisters to die, deprived of even a morsel of bread or a drop of water. They are trying to force them either to surrender or to abandon their homeland. However, let it never be forgotten: even if the oppressors devise their plots, it is Allah Who utterly destroys their plans. Though the occupiers may draw their maps, the ultimate decree belongs solely to Allah.

Esteemed Muslims!
From the past to the present, believers have often been subjected to oppression. Many prophets and their followers were besieged and tortured by tyrants. Today, in Gaza, a handful of believers are standing firm with faith, patience, and dignity against the Zionist oppressors and all the evil forces that support them. Indeed, the noble verse is perfectly clear: “How many times has a small force vanquished a mighty army by the Will of Allah! And Allah is ˹always˺ with the steadfast.”² History surely testifies that the Qabils have lost while the Habils have prevailed. The Nimrods have been defeated, while the Ibrahims have triumphed. The Pharaohs have fallen, while the Musas have been victorious. Abu Jahls and Abu Lahabs have perished, while the Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) and his ummah have prevailed. Today, too, our brothers and sisters in Gaza will also prevail, and the oppressors and their supporters will surely be defeated, inshallah.

Dear Believers!
Today, Gaza is not only a place of trial for Muslims but for all of humanity. Gaza is humanity’s test of honor. Therefore, regardless of religion, race, or color, it is everyone’s responsibility to stand against this oppression and strive to make our world a land of peace and justice. Otherwise, no one on earth will be safe. In the hadith I recited at the beginning of my khutbah, the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “When the people see the wrongdoer, and they do not stop him (from doing wrong), then it is soon that Allah shall envelop you in a punishment from Him.”³

Honorable Muslims!
In a world where oppression and injustice have reached their peak, it is our duty to grow stronger in every field—knowledge, science, and technology—both materially and spiritually. It is our duty to stand firmly united, to embrace unity, and to avoid all forms of division and discord. It is to persist without weariness or fatigue, and, guided by our Lord’s command, لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللّٰهِۜ “Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy”⁴ to increase our support and prayers for our brothers and sisters. However, prayer and aid alone are not enough; boycotting the products that sustain the oppressor’s economy is also a requirement of our faith and our humanity. Our choices in commerce are not merely economic decisions; they are moral and conscientious stances. Let us not forget: through the efforts of honorable and conscientious people across the world, the oppressors will surely be brought to ruin, and the believers will undoubtedly be victorious.

[1] Buruj, 85/4-10.
[2] Baqarah, 2/249.
[3] Tirmidhi, Tafsir al-Qur’an, 5.
[4] Zumar, 39/53.

Friday Khutba of Tokyo Camii “Gaza, Humanity’s Trial of Honor” PDF