FRIDAY KHUTBA of TOKYO CAMII ”RAMADAN AND SOLIDARITY”
”RAMADAN AND SOLIDARITY”
Dear Muslims!
In the verse I have recited, our Lord Almighty (swt) states, “The believers, both men and women, are guardians of one another.”
In the hadith I have read, our Prophet (saw) says, “Whoever relieves a Muslim of some worldly distress, Allah will relieve him of some of the distress of the Day of Resurrection.”1
Dear Muslims!
The Islamic civilization is a civilization of solidarity. Believers are the representatives of this civilization on earth. Indeed, our sublime religion, Islam, enjoins us to keep the sense of solidarity alive at all times. Allah the Almighty (swt) states, “Cooperate with one another in goodness and righteousness.”2 And our beloved Prophet (saw) describes us as follows: “A believer to another believer is like a building whose different parts enforce each other.”3
Dear Believers!
As the Presidency of Religious Affairs, we highlight an important theme during the month of Ramadan every year. This year’s theme is set as “Ramadan and Solidarity”4 to increase social awareness about the disasters we have suffered. We will do our best to support our brothers and sisters in distress. Insha Allah, we will build permanent homes for our disaster-stricken brothers and sisters in need through our zakat and other voluntary donations.
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Let us heal our wounds together by seizing the opportunity of the spiritual climate of Ramadan. May our bonds of love, compassion and affection grow stronger. Let us experience the joy and blessings of suhoor and iftar together. Let us share love and affection. Let us relieve sadness and sorrow. Let us build bridges of zakat and sadaqah. May generosity surround us, and may stinginess be far away from us. Let us make our brotherhood everlasting, and spread goodness together. May peace and security prevail all around us. May the spirit of solidarity and cooperation be our guiding principle. May the month of Ramadan be blessed for all of us.
[1] Tawbah, 9/71.
[2] Abu Dawud, Adab, 60.
[3] Ma’idah, 5/2.
[4] Bukhari, Salah, 88.
