During his speech, Şimşek painted a vivid picture of the dangers that threaten this foundational institution, warning that attempts to undermine the family unit could spell disaster for societal cohesion.

Şimşek highlighted that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) placed a high value on marriage, promoting it as a pathway to half of one's faith. He urged Muslims to facilitate marriage among the youth to fortify family structures, arguing that this is essential to counter the spread of immorality and corruption, which he sees as deliberate attacks on family integrity.

He pointed out: "Recently, some circles have been consciously, programmatically, and organizedly doing all kinds of work to neutralize and damage the family institution in our country. We see this in the media from time to time." This statement reflects his concern over what he perceives as a well-orchestrated campaign against family values, particularly through media influence.

The Mullah emphasized the family's role as "the stronghold of a healthy society," stating that those who wish to disrupt societal order begin by targeting the family. "By destroying the family, they are trying to destroy the society," he warned, framing the family not just as a social unit but as a protective fortress for future generations.

Further, Şimşek drew upon Islamic teachings to advocate for early marriage and moral education within the family. He said: "Our Prophet gave great importance to the family. He always encouraged marriage," emphasizing that marriage is not just a union but a moral and religious obligation that helps in the spiritual and ethical nurturing of individuals.

To combat the threats, Şimşek proposed that marriage should be made accessible and less financially burdensome. He criticized current societal trends where materialistic demands like dowries might delay marriages, inadvertently aiding those who wish to corrupt societal norms. "As mothers and fathers, we need to make marriage easier... By delaying their marriage, we are putting them in danger," he remarked, calling for a societal shift towards prioritizing family over material gains.

He also stressed collective responsibility in protecting family values, saying, "Defending the family is not only the responsibility of the state but also the responsibility of the whole society." He called upon everyone from policymakers to religious scholars, and pious families to show sensitivity in safeguarding this institution.

Şimşek concluded with a stark warning about modern facilitations of immorality, describing how such paths are made more accessible, thus endangering societal morals. "Muslims, on the other hand, narrow the path that is halal... and with this, they actually help those who destroy the family," he stated, urging a reevaluation of how Islamic teachings on marriage and family are practiced in contemporary society.

This address by Mullah Beşir Şimşek not only serves as a call to action for Muslims to strengthen family bonds but also frames the family unit within a broader socio-religious context, advocating for a return to traditional values as a bulwark against modern societal decay. His words echo a clarion call for vigilance and proactive measures to ensure the family remains the cornerstone of a healthy, moral society. (ILKHA)