Friday Khutba of Tokyo Camii “Exploitation Of Religion”

Friday Khutba of Tokyo Camii
January 23, 2026
Exploitation Of Religion

Dear Believers!
Our sublime religion, Islam, rejects extremism. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) stated in a hadith, “O people! Beware of exaggeration in religious matters, for those who came before you were doomed because of exaggeration in religious matters.”¹ Islam calls upon Muslims to follow the middle path and to lead a balanced life.

Esteemed Muslims!
Those who exploit religion present themselves as if they are the sole representatives of the faith. They confine Islam within the limits of their own ideologies. In order to support their views, which are not based on authentic religious knowledge, they detach the Noble Qur’an and the Sunnah from their true meanings and resort to arbitrary interpretations. They do not hesitate to dismiss hadiths in order to legitimize their divisive and exclusionary rhetoric. The Holy Qur’an reveals the true nature of these groups, who present themselves as reformers and defenders of tawhid, with the following words: “When they are told, ‘Do not spread corruption in the land,’ they reply, ‘We are only peace-makers!’ Indeed, it is they who are the corruptors, but they fail to perceive it.”²

Honorable Believers!
According to Islam, no one can place themselves in the position of Allah or His Messenger. No one has the authority to issue rulings on behalf of Allah and His Messenger. No one can disregard the religious and historical legacy inherited from our tradition. No one can regard themselves as the sole representative of the religion. No one can claim that the absolute truth belongs to them alone. No one can cast a Muslim out of the circle of faith by accusing them of shirk or disbelief, or harm their life, property, or honor.

Noble Muslims!
Unfortunately, today Muslim societies are confronted with a dangerous mindset that views Islam as its own exclusive domain and excludes anyone who does not align with it. These deviant groups, who seek to confuse the minds of Muslim youth through digital platforms and attempt to associate the religion of peace, Islam, with violence, have now become a global problem. We must ensure that our youth acquire authentic religious knowledge through proper methods and approaches, and from officially qualified individuals. We must preserve and uphold our Islamic tradition, which originates from the Noble Qur’an, the Sunnah, and our civilization. We must not forget that those who inflict the greatest harm upon Islam and Muslims are those who exploit our religion, our values, and our sacred concepts.

[1] Ibn Majah, Manasik, 63.
[2] Baqarah, 2/11-12.

Friday Khutba of Tokyo Camii “Exploitation Of Religion” PDF