Support for the process along with aphorisms

Ekrem Dumanlı

…In reference to the power and influence of a statement, wise people in the past offered a definition of remark consistent with the requirements of the time and the place. The author of “Muhakemat” (The Reasonings) adds two elements in his review of the elements of speech: those who say the words and the person who these words are addressed to. This is the core of the matter. Who says the words and to whom they are said. Every remark made by friends and brothers whose hearts are filled with love for humanity and for the nation becomes more important and valuable. Therefore, who made the statement should be considered first and then their constructive efforts should also be taken into account.

Sadly, I have to ask this question: How do some Muslims and believers tolerate grave remarks against Islamic scholars? Why would not some of my brothers who became uncomfortable just because I called a narcissistic man a “wannabe Stalin” raise similar objections when a great scholar like Bediüzzaman or a renowned Muslim thinker like Fethullah Gülen is insulted? What is the reason for this love for Abdullah Öcalan? True, the process should be supported; and we are doing our best to do so. But this does not necessarily mean that we should deliberately choose not to hear delirious remarks by a megalomaniac.…

Excerpted from the author's column published on Sunday's Zaman, 10 March 2013, Sunday