Indialogue Foundation vehemently condemns and denounces ISIS (Islamic State of Syria and Iraq) terrorist group, their false representation of Islam, and killings of innocent people. People all over the world are stunned by the brutality, violence and atrocities being carried out by this terror outfit against Christians, Shias, Kurds, Yazidis, Turkmens and other minority communities in the region. We hope the international community will come together — united in the power of our respective faiths and in our respect for humanity — to stop ISIS from killing any more people. We are all part of the same human family. Let us mourn together and, once we have summoned our resolve, let us act as one. We express our heart-felt sympathies and solidarity with the survivors of those whose near and dear ones have been mercilessly killed, and the tens of thousands of Iraq’s minorities who have been dispossessed, forced to flee their homes and are now living in extremely difficult circumstances.
Fethullah Gulen Statement Condemning ISIS
New York, August 22, 2014: “I deplore the brutal atrocities being committed by the ISIS terrorist group hiding behind a false religious rhetoric and jointhe 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.
ISIS members are either completely ignorant of the spirit of Islam and its blessed 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.
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, including the abuse of religion to help fuel conflicts, are either false or deceitful. 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.
I send my heartfelt 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.“
Source: www.afsv.org/press-releases/
About Gulen: Fethullah Gülen is a Turkish Muslim scholar, thinker, author, poet, opinion leader and educational activist. Fethullah Gülen promotes cooperation of civilizations toward a peaceful world. Fethullah Gülen has been actively promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue for over a decade, starting long before the tragedy of 9/11. Fethullah Gülen promotes the cooperation of civilizations as opposed to clash, through dialogue, mutual understanding and gathering around shared values. Fethullah Gülen sees science and faith as not only compatible but complementary. He therefore encourages scientific research and technological advancement for the good of all humanity. He is well-versed in the leading thinkers of the Western tradition and can converse with them comfortably through his writings and addresses. Fethullah Gülen recognizes democracy as the only viable political system of governance. He denounces turning religion into a political ideology, while encouraging all citizens to take an informed and responsible part in political life of their country. The most striking feature of Fethullah Gülen’s life is the fact that his vision and ideas have not remained rhetorical but instead have been realized globally as civic projects. By some estimates, several hundred educational organizations such as K-12 schools, universities, and language schools have been established around the world inspired by Fethullah Gülen and sponsored by local entrepreneurs, altruistic educators and dedicated parents.