In his November 1, 2024, Friday sermon at the Memphis Islamic Center, Yassir Fazaga discussed the upcoming U.S. elections, stating that politicians dazzle constituents with their speech. He referred to Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, as one of the "most beautiful" Gazan leaders, praising his demonstration of what it means to die honorably. Fazaga claimed that people regard Sinwar as a hero and a legend, noting that he "walked the walk and talked the talk." He compared Gazan leaders to American politicians, who, in his view, use "false speech" and spread corruption once elected. The sermon was streamed live on the YouTube channel of the Islamic Center of Memphis, Tennessee.
Yassir Fazaga: "I want you to think of the politicians. They dazzle you with their speech, because they are good, they are skilled.
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"We don't believe that politics is a dirty game. We don't believe that. We believe that politics is a beautiful game, but many times there are dirty players in that game.
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"In Gaza, we just saw one of the beautiful – if not the most beautiful – Gazan leaders. We have seen these people sell their own selves for the sake of their people to please Allah. May Allah have mercy on his soul, oh, Lord of the Universe. You know, this idea of living like a man and dying like a man.
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"And this man has demonstrated what it means to die honorably, and that it is to live my life fighting you, and the very last action in my life was an act of rebellion. Do you know how many people nowadays look at somebody like Sinwar and they say that man is a legend. The man is a hero, the man is brave – he not only talked the talk, but walked the walk.
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Our religion is telling us, don't be mesmerized, dazzled, impressed, fascinated by these [politicians'] false speech – it is nothing but speech. Because we know that the minute these people prevail, they have one thing in mind and that is to spread corruption and bring to an end progeny.
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"[We have] corrupt politicians, dumb politicians sending smart bombs, and when you look at the options that we have nowadays – I cannot describe it in socially acceptable words."