Notable sermon from the Diyanet

The Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), in a Friday sermon prepared following recent incidents involving violence among children that resulted in death and shocked the public, called for social unity against the dangers threatening society. The sermon emphasized the rise in peer bullying, involvement in crime, and drug use among young people.

In the sermon, prepared in the wake of incidents such as the killing of 14-year-old Ahmet Minguzzi and 17-year-old Atlas Çağlayan by their peers, the following statements stood out: “This mindset, which considers using drugs and entering and exiting prison as an accomplishment, is becoming more visible among our youth. Violent movies, TV series, games, and digital media are paving the way for these incidents to become even more widespread.”

The sermon stated that all institutions of society, including families, schools, and mosques, have important duties. It was pointed out that the development of a communication style among young people devoid of love and respect leads over time to rude, hurtful, and even dangerous behaviors.

Noting that the pressure and violence exerted by young people against their peers can lead not only to verbal but also physical harm, and even loss of life, the sermon stated: “This evil trait, which we encounter as peer bullying, has gone far beyond mocking and saying hurtful words, and has turned into physical violence and even taking lives.”

At the same time, the danger of the spread of a mindset among youth that prioritizes “wearing the same type of clothing, having the same appearance, getting involved in crime, using drugs, and seeing being released from prison as a source of pride” was addressed. It was stated that this situation is further supported by content in the digital world that romanticizes violence.

Emphasizing that love and respect are fundamental in human relationships, the sermon stated that in societies where these values are lost, unrest, exclusion, and oppression increase. It was noted that societies where violence replaces compassion and hatred replaces affection cannot achieve prosperity.

The following expressions were used in the advice given to young people:

“You must be more careful against those who want to exploit your emotions to make you a tool for their own evil, darken your dreams, and steal your hopes. Serving Allah, respecting your family, and being useful to humanity should be your goals. Do not forget that a future cannot be built with fear, pressure, and violence. As our beloved Prophet (pbuh) said, 'A believer is friendly. There is no good in a person who does not establish closeness with people and with whom closeness cannot be established.' Bullying is not strength, but weakness. Mocking is not entertainment, but shamelessness. Taking a life is not prestige, but hellfire. My young brother! Kindness and grace suit you, not bullying.”

Stressing the importance of all segments of society uniting against the problems threatening the future of young people and the importance of families and institutions acting with responsibility, the sermon concluded with the statement: “We must act together against bullying that harms the sacred life and lineage of human beings. We must fulfill our responsibilities properly to build a society where goodness and mercy prevail, and the security of life and property is ensured.”

News Source: 12punto