Diyanet's Friday sermon: People continue to struggle for existence

In the Diyanet's sermon, the story of Prophet Muhammad caring for the three orphans left behind after the martyrdom of his cousin, Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, was recounted.

Regarding those who look after orphans, the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad was cited: "I and the person who takes care of an orphan will be like this in Paradise, side by side."

"People in Gaza and different geographies continue to struggle for existence"

In the sermon, "While one part of our spiritual geography is in flames, we may forget that oppression continues in another part. We may fall into the thought that oppression ends when screens stop reporting on it," the sermon stated. Noting that people in Gaza and various geographies are struggling for existence, the sermon added, "Every day, hundreds of children are either dying under the bombs of oppressors or are left as orphans." it was said.

The sermon referenced a child's words in the midst of war, "Children do not grow up around here," and stated, "Yet, it is clear that humanity cannot be at peace in a world where children cannot grow up and playgrounds have become graveyards." Emphasizing that orphans struggle to find a compassionate hand, the sermon highlighted that protecting, sheltering, and looking after orphans is the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad.

"It is within our power to be the voice of the oppressed"

The sermon stated that in addition to orphans left behind by relatives and neighbors, "orphans trying to hold onto life in oppressed geographies" must also be protected. Declaring that "compassion has no geography," the sermon stated, "To be an Ummah is to be one, to protect the bond of brotherhood. Perhaps today, we may not be able to stop wars. However, it is within our power to prepare for tomorrow and to reach the strength that will thwart the ambitions of the oppressors. It is within our power not to forget, not to become desensitized, and to be the voice of the oppressed."

Stating that orphans should not be left alone and drawing attention to the command "Do not mistreat the orphan," the sermon called on Muslims to open their homes and hearts to orphans, to become foster families when necessary, and to provide material and moral support. 

The sermon concluded with the Hadith: "The best house among the houses of Muslims is the house in which an orphan is treated well."