Honorable Muslims!
Al-Quds is a universal value that bears witness to the most deeply-rooted human heritage. It is the symbol of a stance that reflects faith, a direction aligned with the divine revelation, and a turn towards affection. It is an Islamic city, home to countless memories of many prophets. The first qibla of Muslims, al-Masjid al-Aqsa, is there. In the hadith I recited as I began the khutbah, Prophet Muhammad (saw) says, “Mounts are not saddled for except to travel to three masjids for worship: Al-Masjid Al-Haram, this Masjid of mine, and al-Masjid Al-Aqsa.” [1]
Dear Muslims!
Al-Quds is referred to as “dar al-salam (Jerusalem),” namely the land of peace. Al-Quds has been the symbol of freedom and justice under Muslim rule for centuries. It was ruled as land on which Muslims and all people of any faith could freely perform their worships and live in peace.
Since its invasion and occupation, however, al-Quds has lost its peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. Al-Quds is woeful. Overshadowed by conflicts, insults, and oppression, al-Masjid al-Aqsa is in sorrow. This occupation actually targets the unity, solidarity, and sacred values of Muslims. It prevents Muslims from worshipping in their own land and their own mosques. However, in the Holy Qur’an, it is stated of those who damage the masjids of Allah and prevent Muslims from worshipping, “And who is more unjust than those who prevent the name of Allah from being mentioned in His mosques and strive toward their destruction. It is not for them to enter them except in fear. For them in this world is a disgrace, and they will have in the Hereafter a great punishment.” [2]
Dear Believers!
To occupy Palestine and al-Quds means actually to prevent peace in the region and across the world by creating chaos. To fuel the turmoil and feed on war-waging means actually to turn one’s back on mercy, conscience, and compassion. To force Muslims out of al-Quds, a city that has throughout history embraced all humanity, means actually to disregard the laws, rights, and honor of all humanity.
As the cry-outs of the oppressed people reach the clouds, the only solution is for Prophet Muhammad’s ummah to come together and stand against the oppression and occupation. Only when they unite their faithful stances and capabilities will Muslims form the world’s fairest and most merciful force. They will be the shared hope of all humanity that is in search of fairness and trust.
Honorable Muslims!
Jerusalem (al-Quds) is an Islamic land and belongs to Muslims.
[1] Bukhari, Fadhl al-Salat, 1.
[2] Baqarah, 2/114.
FRIDAY KHUTBA OF TOKYO CAMİİ “AL-QUDS (JERUSALEM) IS AN ISLAMIC LAND AND BELONGS TO ISLAM“.(PDF)