In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
The Religious Authority, Grand Ayatullah H.E. Sayyed M. H. Fadlullah delivered the two Friday prayer sermons at the Imamain Al-Hassanain Mosque on Ramadan 29, 1423 AH / December 6, 2002 AD. Several prominent religious scholars, dignitaries, officials, and thousands of believers attended the Jumu’a prayer. (Edited version of the Sermons)
The First Sermon
In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Jerusalem (Quds): The Unity of Messages and Messengers
The last Friday of the Month of Ramadan is a day for all Muslims worldwide to remember Jerusalem. But it is not merely a festival where people feel their duty is done by the day's end. When Imam Khomeini chose this day, he intended to ensure Jerusalem stays in the conscience of Muslims. It represents a spiritual meaning that opens onto the history of all messengers and the evolution of divine messages.
This day also carries a political meaning. It recalls the historical injustice that has befallen the Holy City since the time of the Crusades.
The issue of Jerusalem must remain the main concern for Muslims, especially Palestinians. They must not be distracted by details like the separation wall or settlements. The Americans and Israelis aim to postpone the issue of Jerusalem until the "final status" negotiations. Their goal is for the Zionists to create new facts on the ground, leaving nothing left to negotiate.
The Night Journey
The Messenger's miraculous night journey to Jerusalem suggests, as mentioned in the Quran:
"Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing." Surah Al-Isra' (17:1)
This indicates that the Prophet was sent to all humans. To live the history of all heavenly messages shows that Islam contains them all. That is why the Quran stresses belief in all messengers.
"Say, 'We have believed in Allah and in what was revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Descendants, and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.'" Surah Al-Baqarah (2:136)
The journey from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem shows a connection between what was revealed in both mosques. The Sacred Mosque was built by Ibrahim (a.s.), while the prophets of Al-Aqsa Mosque are his grandsons. Thus, Ibrahim constitutes the link between both mosques through Allah's Message.
In addition to Islamic teachings calling for Muslim unity, the Quran also instructs us to resort to dialogue with all people, irrespective of their religion.
"And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them..." Surah Al-Ankabut (29:46)
"Say, 'O People of the Scripture, come to a word that is equitable between us and you - that we will not worship except Allah and not associate anything with Him and not take one another as lords instead of Allah.' But if they turn away, then say, 'Bear witness that we are Muslims [submitting to Him].'" Surah Ali 'Imran (3:64)
As Muslims, we should open up to all who adhere to other religions. Even if we differ on certain doctrines, we should resort to dialogue to reach mutual understandings and continue discussing our differences.
Why Was Jerusalem Lost?
In the political sphere, which is also a matter of faith, we must think about why and how we lost the Holy City. Research centers, in particular, must study this.
What were the circumstances that led to the political and military weakness that contributed to this outcome? What led to the loss of Jerusalem in 1967?
Were the Arabs who took part in that war prepared? Did they plan ahead? What about the international conditions and plots masterminded by the US, in which even the Soviets took part?
Then there were the emotions and excitement with which the war was anticipated. Did they play a part in the Arab defeat, since they lacked any real planning?
We must study all this, as well as the current state of the Arab and Muslim nation. We must understand the international environment that has made the Palestinian cause part of a "war on terrorism" and no longer a fight for freedom. The nation must understand the reasons for its defeats to achieve future victories. We live in a world that no longer respects principles and values in its political or security relations.
We must step out of our state of indifference. We must end the attitude some have sunk into, saying, "What is happening in Palestine and Jerusalem has nothing to do with us."
Our arrogant enemies consider us united. They believe that if they defeat us on one front, they impose defeat on all of us. If we achieve victory on one front, they will turn that victory into a defeat, as they did after the 1973 war.
Jerusalem: The Road to Unity
Allah wants us to be one nation. No one can feel free and dignified if his nation is not free or dignified. The first condition for observing Jerusalem Day is to be unified under the cause of Jerusalem. It is not merely a mosque or a city. It represents every cause associated with Islam, both religiously and politically.
The division of the Jews into various sects does not deter their unity against us. So why do we not stand united to defend ourselves? We must isolate all those who wish to preoccupy us with marginal disputes, for they represent the fifth column for Zionism and international arrogance.