Fethullah Gulen Tolerance, Dialogue and Peace
Centre for Hizmet Studies from London underlined Fethullah Gulen`s and thus, Hizmet`s approach to countering and rooting out violent extremism,first from Islam`s theological perspective
According to Fethullah Gulen, the means and end must both be legitimate in Islam, which incidentally and additionally requires that it is also in accordance with the law of the land. This means that you cannot reach holy ends by unholy means, not through any kind of pragmatic expediency or necessity. As a result, in the eyes of Fethullah Gulen, there is no distinction between suicide bombs in London, Tel Aviv or Istanbul. Since according to the Qur`an, the unjust killing of one person is a grave sin, it cannot be employed for any Islamic aim.
In addition to reprehensible violence of indiscriminate killing, violent extremism and terrorism, Fethullah Gulen offers a rethinking on the less clear forms of state-declared war. He argues that while legitimate states may continue to have the right to arm for deterrence, they cannot and must not wage war in an attempt ‘to serve religion’ by for example ‘conquering’ lands as was done in the past.
According to Fethullah Gulen, those wishing to serve religion, including legitimate states, cannot do so through war, combat and violence, but can only do so by appealing to the mind and reason of the civilized world.
Fethullah Gulen
He stated the same sentiments in a recent Op-Ed to the Wall Street Journal where he emphasized that “terrorism is a multifaceted problem, so the solutions should address the political, economic, social and religious layers. Approaches that reduce the problem to religion do a disservice to at-risk youth and the world at large. The international community would do well to realize that Muslims are the primary victims of terrorism—both literally and symbolically—and they can help marginalize terrorists and prevent recruitment. That’s why governments should avoid statements and actions that result in the alienation of Muslims.”
Furthermore to the theological and foundational basis for Fethullah Gulen’s rejection of violent extremist ideology, he also responded to more specific interpretations of the Qur’anic command to engage in war and the contested innocence of civilians. According to the Qur`an Islamic rules on warfare include a prohibition on starting hostilities, a command to accept any ceasefires offered by the enemy and to only fight in accordance with all the rules on warfare.
The Qur’anic verse from al-Baqara (2:19), “kill them wherever you encounter them…”, is often used by religious extremists to justify violence against followers of other faiths. However, this verse refers to a very specific context in which the early Muslim community faced persecution and even death from polytheist tribes who had broken treaties with the Prophet Muhammad and his followers. Unfortunately, religious extremists and critics of Islam alike often seize upon this verse to promote an image of a violent, uncompromising faith.
After a thorough read of the surrounding verses and the historical context within which it was revealed makes it clear that this verse commanded fighting against those already engaged in war against Muslims and that even fighting in this context was bound by Islamic rules on warfare.
Before taking out a single verse of its original context and using to justify violence, it is equally important for present-day Muslims to take care to take into account other Qur’anic injunctions, which include peace, love and tolerance for one’s neighbor demonstrating that peace is default in Islam and that war is the exception.
Fethullah Gulen concludes his recent Op-Ed to the Wall Street Journal by paving a way forward: “Muslims have historically added much to the flourishing of human civilization. Our greatest contributions were made in eras when the faith cherished mutual respect, freedom and justice. It may be immensely difficult to restore the blotted image of Islam, but Muslims can be beacons of peace and tranquility in their societies.”
