The founder of the Muslim movement Hizmet, which aims to work for the common good, Fethullah Gülen, also responded to the recent terrorist attacks in Europe. In it, he expresses deep sorrow that those who perpetrated these crimes have justified this with Islam and shouted religious slogans.
Fethullah Gülen, who lives in the US to oppose President Erdogan, points out that Muslims can express their concern about disrespecting the Prophet Muhammad judicially. Violence must never be excusable, Gülen was clear. His statement was summed up by the representative of the Association of Intercultural Dialogue Furkan Guner.
“Every human being is precious and every life is sacred, regardless of their beliefs. Taking a human life so easily cannot be justified by humanity or Islam.” The statement emphasizes that violence committed based on religious beliefs is contrary to the values of Islam. They are convinced that such atrocities are a clear indication that the perpetrator did not understand the Prophet’s message and, at the same time, a sign of disrespect for his legacy.
“On the occasion of this sad event, I once again condemn all forms of terrorism, regardless of who the perpetrators are and what their intentions are,” Guner quoted Gülen as saying. He is a representative of an association that originated from the Gülen movement. About 50 of them live in Slovenia, having fled Turkish repression. Their main goal is to work for the common good.
Positive news about cooperation between Christians and Muslims is also coming from Iraq. Asianews reports on how a group of young Muslim volunteers is cleaning and repairing Christian churches in Mosul after members of the Islamic State left their destructive mark on them. So far, only about fifty Christian families have returned to Mosul, but several hundred come to the city every day from the Nineveh Plains and other Christian villages to work or study.
Fethullah Gülen’s full statement condemning and expressing condolences in connection with the murders in France
I recently learned of the brutal murder of Samuel Paty in a Parisian neighborhood, which saddened me greatly. I was also shocked by the news that three people were brutally stabbed to death while praying in their place of worship in another French city. I would like to say sincerely that I was even more saddened by the fact that those who committed these crimes justified their actions with Islam and shouted religious slogans.
It is understandable that Muslims, who believe in and respect the prophets, starting with the Prophet Adam, expect others to also respect the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and are offended by statements and images that are insulting to him. However, there are legitimate, humane, diplomatic, and judicial ways through which we can express our concerns. Violence can never be justified.
Every human being is precious and every life is sacred, regardless of one’s beliefs. Taking human life so easily cannot be justified by humanity or Islam.
Furthermore, cruelty and violence are not the ways of the Prophet, regardless of the reason, even if such violence is committed out of religious beliefs; it is contrary to the fundamental values of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad always responded with compassion and gentleness to those who insulted and harassed him, and he strove to eliminate hatred.
Such instances, when someone commits such atrocities, are a clear indication that the perpetrator has failed to understand the Prophet’s message, which embraces all of humanity with compassion. At the same time, such acts are an expression of the deepest disrespect for his legacy.
On the occasion of this sad event, I once again condemn all forms of terrorism, regardless of who the perpetrators are and what their intentions are.
These attacks prove once again that we long for the days when we can all embrace each other, regardless of differences in belief, language, or skin color, days when everyone can approach everyone else with compassion and respect. I express my condolences to all the loved ones of those who lost their lives in the attacks and share the pain of the French people and all those who consider themselves members of the human family.
