[Khutbah – Friday Reflection] Fundamental Concepts Every Muslim Must Embrace

Praise be to Allah (swt) and peace be upon the Prophet Muhammad (saw).

"Those who do not judge by what Allah has revealed are indeed disbelievers." Surah Al-Mā’idah (5:44)

The Ummah is in anguish. The Ummah is ablaze. In Gaza, entire families have vanished under the rubble. Mosques, universities, and hospitals have been destroyed. The number of orphans has surged. The cries of mothers still echo. The silence of the martyrs weighs heavily.

This is not merely a humanitarian tragedy; it is a political catastrophe.

Since the abolition of the Khilafah in 1924, the Muslim world has become fragmented, divided into weak nation-states led by regimes loyal to Islam's enemies. Where we once formed a united Ummah led by a single leader, we are now over 50 scattered fragments, each flag defending borders drawn by colonial powers.

Gaza is not an isolated crisis; it is a reflection. From Kashmir to East Turkestan, from Sudan to Syria, we witness oppression, betrayal, and occupation.

But a new voice is rising: "Where is the Ummah?" "Where is the Khalifah?" "Where is our honor?"

"O you who believe! Respond to Allah and the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life, and know that Allah intervenes between a man and his heart, and that to Him you will be gathered." Surah Al-Anfal (8:24)

Millions are awakening. Yet, emotion alone is insufficient. We must be guided by certainty, not by slogans.

It is urgent for the Ummah to return to the clear concepts that every Muslim must understand, believe in, and share. These are rooted in the Qur'an and the Sunnah, not in opinion.

Firstly, Islam is both spiritual and political; secularism is kufr (disbelief). Islam governs all aspects of life, not just prayer and fasting, but also law, governance, economy, and justice.

Secularism, the separation of religion and politics, is kufr, a rejection of Allah's sovereignty.

It is time to recognize that colonization imposed upon us a secular vocabulary, secular thought, and practices that relegated the deen (religion) to the background.

"O you who believe! Enter into Islam in its entirety, and do not follow the footsteps of Shaitan, for he is indeed a declared enemy to you." Surah Al-Baqara (2:208)

Consider an ant colony. It demonstrates remarkable organization, created by Allah (swt) to teach and educate us. The colony survives due to its organizational qualities and discipline. It relies on each individual's understanding of their role within the colony. Without waiting for orders, the colony operates in a disciplined manner, like the mechanism of a watch, pursuing its role for the collective good.

However, the colony also depends on a characteristic that should fascinate and educate us. Its survival also relies on a few exploratory individuals who leave their comrades in search of other food sources. Without these explorers, the food source will quickly be depleted, leading to famine and the colony's demise.

"It is not for a believing man or woman, once Allah and His Messenger have judged on a matter, to have any choice in their affair." Surah Al-Ahzab (33:36)

Let us reflect on the Muslim society, observing Islamic institutions and the activities of Muslims. Returning to the ant colony, it depends on two functions: structure and order, and then those who innovate and explore, risking their lives for the benefit of the community.

Be opinion leaders, those who act in accordance with Allah's (swt) order, sharpening their way of thinking, adopting critical thought. Be among those who take a critical stance against indoctrination, against dullness, and against ignorance.

The second concept: the system of governance in Islam is the Khilafah – other systems are considered disbelief. Allah has legislated only one system: the Khilafah. It implements Sharia, unites the Ummah, liberates occupied territories, and spreads Islam throughout the world.

Democracy, monarchy, dictatorship: all systems that confer sovereignty to man are forbidden.

"Indeed, the only religion accepted by Allah is Islam (submission to the Almighty)." Surah Aali Imran (3:19)

"Whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted from him, and he will be, in the Hereafter, among the losers." Surah Aali Imran (3:85)

Palestine must be liberated – neither negotiated nor managed. Its liberation is an obligation (fard) and not a political choice.

"It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth, to prevail over all religions, however much the polytheists may dislike it." Surah At-Tawbah (9:33)

Another fundamental concept: authority belongs to the Ummah – not to families, tribes, political parties, or colonizers. In Islam, leadership is held by the Ummah – through bay'ah (oath of allegiance), not by blood ties or foreign approval.

"Their affairs are managed by mutual consultation." Surah Ash-Shura (42:38)

The current regimes governing Muslims were established by colonial powers, serve foreign interests, and do not govern according to Islam. They must be intellectually and peacefully overthrown and replaced by the Khilafah, which governs according to the Qur'an and the Sunnah, and represents the will of the Ummah.

"Do not think that those who disbelieve can escape from Allah's authority on earth. The Fire will be their refuge. What a horrible destination!" Surah An-Nour (24:57)

It is time for us to adhere to the principle that the Muslim Ummah is one – nationalism is haram. Islam does not recognize flags and borders that divide the believers. We are one Ummah, one body, one cause.

"Indeed, your Ummah is one Ummah, and I am your Lord – therefore worship Me." Surah Al-Anbiya (21:92)

Waving the flag of Palestine should only be seen as an identification with the struggle to liberate Muslim territories and not in favor of nationalism. Palestine is not a Palestinian issue. It is an Islamic issue, a duty for the entire Ummah.

Another principle that Muslims should renew their conviction in: Islam must be brought to the world – to guide humanity once again. Islam is not reserved for Muslims: it is the ultimate message for humanity.

We must convey it, not only through words but also through a state that applies and spreads its justice.

"It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to make it prevail over all religions." Surah At-Tawbah (9:33)

This is our path to honor. Not just protest. Not just sorrow. But certainty, vision, and action, anchored in the Qur'an and the Sunnah.

"You are the best community that has been raised for mankind, because you enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah." Surah Aali Imran (3:110)

May Allah guide us and support us.

Mosadeq Sahebdin