On December 16th 2015, Fethullah Gülen wrote a groundbreaking article in the French newspaper Le Monde.
In honor and memory of 9/11 memorial day in the USA, we share with you the meaningful message of peace by Fethullah Gülen.
Muslims, let us critically examine our understanding of faith
The True Faith Scale Is Sensitive to the Protection of Human Life
It’s difficult for me to put into words my sadness at the brutality of ISIS and similar terrorist groups. The fact that these groups conceal their perverse ideologies while carrying out terrorist acts disturbs me, as do 1.5 billion Muslims. Our duty as Muslims is, on the one hand, to work hand in hand with everyone else to save humanity from this scourge of terrorism, and, on the other, to attempt to rectify this situation that has been thrown in the face of our religion.
Theoretically, we can claim identity with a few words and symbols. The sincerity of such a claim can only be measured by loyalty to the core values of identity. The measure of true faith lies not in slogans or clothing, but in sensitivity to principles such as the protection of human life and the well-being of every person.
As Muslims, we must unconditionally reject the totalitarian ideology that terrorists seek to spread, and instead foster an inclusive, diverse, and rich way of thinking. Our humanity is more important than our ethnic, national, or religious identities, and such barbaric acts harm the spiritual essence of humanity. The French citizens who lost their lives in Paris, the Shiite Muslim citizens of Lebanon who died in Beirut the day before, and the Sunni Muslims who died at the hands of the same terrorists in Iraq are, above all, human beings. Civilization cannot progress unless we approach the suffering of every person suffering with empathy, regardless of their religious or ethnic identity, and strive to alleviate that pain with equal commitment.
MUSLIMS SHOULD CONSCIENTIALLY GIVE UP CONSPIRACY THEORIES
As Muslims, we should stop sheltering in conspiracy theories that prevent us from facing our own problems and making a concerted examination of conscience: have our societies become vulnerable to recruitment by totalitarian groups due to factors such as latent tendencies toward tyranny, physical violence, neglect of young people, and a lack of balanced education? Have we not prepared the ground for people living in a vacuum to despair and seek alternatives because we cannot establish basic human rights and freedoms, the rule of law, and an open mindset?
IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO CURSE TERROR
The recent tragedy in Paris reminded us once again that both our religious scholars and ordinary Muslims must unconditionally reject and condemn these brutal attacks, which are presented as if they were religiously related. However, denial and condemnation are no longer enough. In Muslim societies, terrorist efforts to recruit young people must be combated intelligently through an alliance of state institutions, religious leaders, and non-governmental organizations. Projects must be developed that address all the factors underlying terrorist recruitment efforts and encompass the entire community.
We must create an infrastructure that detects young people in limbo early in our society, prevents them from seeking dangerous adventures, and supports families with counseling and other services. We must establish positive relationships with the countries of our citizenship, have a seat at the tables where counterterrorism plans are developed, and express our opinions. We must teach our youth how to express their opinions democratically. Instilling democratic values at an early age in school curricula is crucial for future generations to develop a healthy mindset.
Historically, such tragedies have led to overreactions. Anti-Muslim and anti-religious rhetoric, along with excessive state surveillance of Muslim citizens for security reasons, can do more harm than good. Muslim citizens in Europe desire to live in peace and quiet. Despite these negative conditions, Muslim citizens should cooperate more closely with their own states and contribute to the development of integration policies that facilitate the better integration of their co-religionists into society.
As Muslims, we should take this opportunity to review and self-critique our understanding and practice of Islam in light of the characteristics of our century and the interpretations made during that time. This does not mean breaking with Islamic tradition; on the contrary, it means becoming aware of our possible contradictions, ridding ourselves of them, and recovering the spirit and essence of the Quran and Sunnah, to which our believing predecessors always aspired.
WE MUST MARGINALIZE RADICAL INTERPRETATIONS OF RELIGION
We must marginalize interpretations of our religious sources that serve other purposes, separating them from what has been and will be. Muslim scholars, intellectuals, and the intelligentsia should encourage a holistic approach to religious resources. We must be able to review regulations issued in past periods when political and religious affiliations did not converge and conflicts persisted.
Holding fundamental beliefs does not mean dogmatism. It is possible and essential to revive the freedom of thought that has ensured Muslims’ renaissance while remaining faithful to the spirit of religion. Only in such a climate can we effectively combat radicalism and terrorism, which escalate into violence.
IT IS BARBARISM THAT IS IN CONFLICT WITH THE CIVILIZATION OF HUMANITY, NOT DIFFERENT CIVILIZATIONS AMONG EACH OTHER
Unfortunately, I note with regret that the idea of a clash of civilizations has been revived in some places after recent events. I don’t know if those who first proposed it had any foresight or prescription. However, it is certain that such language is now merely grist to the mill of terrorist organizations. I want to make this clear: the situation we face is not a clash of civilizations, but a clash of barbarism with the entire civilization of humanity.
MUSLIMS SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST TERROR
As Muslim citizens, we have a responsibility to be part of civilization, even if we live in difficult circumstances. If we want to defend the rights and freedoms of Muslims and contribute to the peaceful and harmonious life of all people, regardless of their beliefs, we must address terrorism in all its political, economic, social, and religious dimensions. By making efforts as trustworthy individuals, rejecting and marginalizing radical interpretations of religious sources, vigilantly monitoring their influence on young people, and beginning to teach democratic values at an early age, we can combat terrorism and the totalitarian ideologies that represent it.
Fethullah Gülen passed away on October 20th 2024, but his memory and wisdom live on. We kindly invite you to read an article by Jakov Nagen, which he wrote as a farewell to Hocaefendi.
