Today, the Friday sermon in all Turkish mosques focused on the importance and virtue of the “Night of Innocence” or the night of the middle of Shaban.
It stated, “Tomorrow evening we will realize the blessed night of innocence, which is good news of the advent of Ramadan.” We thank God and praise Him until the praise reaches its peak for bringing us to this holy night. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, the Chosen One. And a blessed night of innocence in advance.”
She added, “The Night of Innocence means evaluating our lives; It reminds us to stay away from all kinds of words and actions that are not in line with the purpose of our creation. It teaches us to stay away from all kinds of anger, grudges, hatred and envy that harm our brothers, our unity and our solidarity. It tells us that those who cover up people’s mistakes and faults will receive countless blessings from God, as the noble verse states: “So whoever pardons and makes amends, his reward is with God.”
She continued, “The Night of Innocence is the night of repentance and forgiveness, and repentance means not insisting on sin: it is to feel remorse for our mistakes and shortcomings and to resort to repentance and forgiveness from our Most Merciful Lord.” Where he says in the noble verse (O you who have believed, repent to God in sincere repentance. Perhaps your Lord will atone for you your evil deeds and admit you to Gardens beneath which rivers flow).”
She added, “Let us seize this holy night as an opportunity to open new, clean pages in our lives.” Let us stay away from what is forbidden and from eating away at the rights of people and the common people, which is the biggest obstacle between us and our Lord. No matter the extent of our sins, let us not lose hope in God’s mercy. Let us not forget the following hadith from our Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, “God is more happy with the repentance of one of you than he is with his lost item if he finds it.”
She pointed out that “the Night of Innocence is also the Night of Supplication, and it is the essence of slavery and worship.” Prayer is a unique blessing that gives us the strength to resist life’s various difficulties. Supplication is for the servant to present his condition to his Lord, accept his inability, and resort to His grace and mercy. God Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an (Call upon Me, I will respond to you), and our Prophet, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, tells us that God Almighty addressed His servants on the Night of Innocence, saying (Who will call upon Me, that I may respond to him? Who will ask of Me, that I may grant him? Who will seek My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?).”
She added, “So let us pray and pray to our Lord sincerely on this holy night.” We hope for reward from God Almighty, and we pray to God to grant our parents, husbands, children, relatives, neighbors and friends health and safety. Let us pray for the survival of our state, the peace of our nation, and the unity and solidarity of the nation of Muhammad, and do not forget to pray for our brothers and sisters who are groaning under the oppression of the oppressors all over the world, especially in Gaza and East Turkestan.”
She stressed that “in order to be among those who attain acquittal, we must strive to be among the believers mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah.” Let us obey the commands of our Lord and avoid His prohibitions with all the strength we are given. Let us stay away from all kinds of evil and injustice. Let us mend broken hearts, end quarrels and grudges, and forgive those who have rights over us. Let us continue to extend a helping hand to the oppressed and displaced, support them in their just causes, and continue the boycott against the oppressors and their supporters.”
He stated at the conclusion of the Friday sermon, “On this occasion, we wish from God Almighty that the Night of Innocence will be a good night for our beloved nation, the nation of Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, and all of humanity.” I pray to God Almighty to achieve victory for all the oppressed, especially Gaza and East Turkestan.”
