Friday sermon focuses on Manifest

The Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) addressed the group Manifest—which is currently under investigation for "lewd acts" and "exhibitionism"—in its Friday sermon without mentioning them by name. The sermon included warnings against behaviors that do not align with societal values within the framework of Islamic morality.

"CHASTITY AND MODESTY MUST NOT BE ELIMINATED"

In the relevant section of the sermon, titled "Our Prophet and Family Morality," attention was drawn to behaviors that undermine chastity and modesty. Diyanet stated that actions such as adultery, which harm society and corrupt generations, should not be legitimized. Furthermore, warnings were issued against presenting behaviors like nudity and exhibitionism as if they were a normal part of life.

The sermon highlighted that the portrayal of harmful habits such as alcohol, gambling, and substance abuse, as well as illicit relationships and divorce, as ordinary occurrences is dangerous from a societal perspective. Diyanet opposed the normalization of such behaviors.

"ADULTERY, ALCOHOL, AND GAMBLING ARE FORBIDDEN"

Reminding the public of the prohibitions in the Islamic religion regarding these issues, Diyanet issued a warning stating, "Adultery, alcohol, and gambling are major sins forbidden by our religion." The sermon recalled God's explicit prohibitions on these matters, citing the verse, "Do not approach adultery. Indeed, it is an extremely ugly act and a very evil path."

WHAT HAPPENED?

An investigation had been launched into the members of the group Manifest over allegations that they committed the crimes of "lewd acts" and "exhibitionism" due to footage from a concert.

Following their testimonies before the duty magistrate, judicial control measures and a travel ban were imposed on the group members.

The group, consisting of 6 young women, was forced to cancel all concerts on their Turkey tour following these developments.

News Source: 12punto