Fethullah Gulen Tolerance, Dialogue and Peace
In the last 102. issue of the bi-monthly Fountain, which is a magazine dedicated to scientific and intellectual thought, I read an interesting article titled “Right vs Might” written by Turkish Muslim scholar, author and intellectual Fethullah Gulen. In this article he discussed an issue the importance of which has become more acute than ever: the relationship between being right and being might. In the world we live in people possessing more power and strength are considered to be always right. We observe it so often that it has become a norm and even an accepted truth. In his article Fethullah Gulen challenges this way of thinking and makes people understand that, in fact, being right does not depend on being physically, financially or politically powerful.
Fethullah Gulen began this article by explaining where the ‘axiom’ that “right is equal might” originated from. The root cause of such way of thinking is the belief that human beings are nothing more than animal species. People possessing such belief do not care about their spirituality or their soul and for them it is perfectly normal to destroy or give harm to weaker ones. This idea was mainly derived from the natural selection theory developed by Charles Darwin. Natural selection could be considered an acceptable truth in the kingdom of plants, fishes or animals; however, when this theory is applied to humanity, it leads to disastrous consequences. According to this belief, who is right fully depends on who is might. In other words, “whoever has a strong body or fist, whoever has the better command of written or spoken expression, or whoever has good relations with the upper level of society, are viewed as being right and are even praised. And whoever is weak, whoever lacks power, financial means, and sycophancy - they are always mistreated and scorned.”
Fethullah Gulen explained how and when this belief started to exist. The first time the belief “right is equal might” appeared was the time when the notion of ‘right’ and understanding of freedom were abused. After that they spread the world under the guidance of industrial revolution and technologies that appeared as its result. Because ‘non-developed’ countries welcomed industries and technologies they also had to accept the beliefs that came together with them. In such a way, people gradually and naturally went astray and accepted bad morals.
Fethullah Gulen also traced how the belief “right is equal might” has changed over centuries. In the past, oppression and cruelty came from a few individuals, while now the masses of people are oppressors. “Instead of the cruel individuals of the past, there are networks of cruelty all around. Nowadays, they cheerfully show up in society, revealing their ill-fated and debauched faces. During this festivity, neither the cry of the oppressed is heard, nor does anybody speak up.” So, as we can see, this belief has become more widespread and even more accepted today than it was centuries ago.
As this belief took firm place in our lives, it is believed that good doctor is the one who attracts more patients to his office, a good lawyer is the one who defends anyone whether he is really guilty or not, good engineer is the one who makes any projects to fill his pockets, etc. As for people who care about the rights of others the same way they care about their own – they are regarded crazy and stupid.
If we want to get rid of such false beliefs we need to stop caring only after our carnal desires and material wealth. “How laudable are these people in service of Truth, who have been purified while flowing toward eternity, who smile at their fortune with gratitude, and who seek the Creator-the source of all beauties-through the tongue of the fish in the ocean and the gazelle on the plain, and who are enraptured with the pledge of eternity!”
http://fountainmagazine.com/
