FRIDAY KHUTBA OF TOKYO CAMII “BEING A FAMILY WITH INTACT VALUES IN A DIGITALIZED WORLD”

Honorable Muslims!
In the verse I have recited, our Lord Almighty (swt) states, “And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.”[i]

In the hadith I have read, our beloved Prophet (saw) says, “Marriage is part of my sunnah. Whoever does not follow my sunnah has nothing to do with me.”[ii]

Dear Believers!
Our sublime religion, Islam, commands us to build a family through legitimate marriage act. It recommends us basing our family life on such values as justice, compassion, love, respect, and trust. Islam never permits actions that lead to illegitimate affairs, immodesty, indecency, and unpleasantness. It does not approve any union that is not based on a legitimate marriage act.

Dear Believers!
We live in a time when the digital world is developing at a dizzying rate. Sometimes, we lose sight of our values due to the allure of the virtual world. Our relationships grow more virtual as our connection to offline world is lost. In fact, sometimes smartphone screens and online platforms become our best friends. We choose to withhold our care, love, and affection from our family, which is a source of grace, tranquility, and affection. While connecting with people on the other side of the world, we become estranged from our parents, spouses, and children, with whom we share the same dinner table.

Dear Muslims!
Today, when perceptions win over the truth and humanity is compelled to go through transformations that are antithetical to human nature, it is incumbent upon us to take a posture based on our national and spiritual values against the hardships of the digital world. We need to ensure that the caring, loving, compassionate, merciful, and affectionate family structure of our Prophet (saw) prevails in our homes. Let us not forget that values education begins in the family. We can establish a strong and peaceful family only by upholding our national and spiritual values.

^[i] Rum, 30/21.
^[ii] Ibn Majah, Nikâh, 1.

FRIDAY KHUTBA OF TOKYO CAMII “BEING A FAMILY WITH INTACT VALUES IN A DIGITALIZED WORLD”.(PDF)