August 22, 2014

Islamic scholar Gülen rebukes ISIL over 'brutal atrocities'

Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has strongly condemned a campaign of violence undertaken by the self-proclaimed Islamic State, sending his condolences to its victims as well as the slain American journalist.

Gülen said in a statement on Thursday, released by the Alliance for Shared Values, an umbrella body of instutitions linked to the Gülen movement, that he "deplored the brutal atrocities" by the terrorist group "hiding behind a false religious rhetoric." He joined the "people of conscience" from around the world in calling for these perpetrators to immediately cease their "cruel and inhuman acts."

"Any form of attack, suppression or persecution of minorities or innocent civilians is an act that contradicts the principles of the Qur’an and the tradition of our Prophet upon whom be peace and blessings," Gülen said.

He noted that the terrorists are either "completely ignorant" of the spirit of Islam and its messenger, or their actions are designed to serve their individual interests or those of their "political masters."

"Regardless, their actions represent those of a terrorist group and they should be labeled as such and be brought to justice," he added.

According to Gülen, the goal of religion is to establish peace based on universal human rights, rule of law and high human values in the world. Any interpretations to the contrary, he continued, including the abuse of religion to help fuel conflicts, are either false or deceitful. He stated that in true Islamic thought based on its core principles, every mean to a legitimate end should also be legitimate itself. "To think or act otherwise is nothing but Machiavellism," he said.

The Islamic scholar sent his condolences to the families and friends of the deceased in Iraq and Syria, and to the family and friends of the slain journalist James Foley.

"May God give them patience and perseverance, and alleviate their suffering. I pray for the immediate release of other hostages and ask God, the Merciful to lead us all into a world of mutual respect and peace. I invite everybody to join together in this prayer," Gülen concluded.

Published on Today's Zaman, 22 August 2014, Friday

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