Here's a Powerful Muslim Leader Who Condemns Terrorism

I am frequently asked why Muslim leaders don't condemn Terrorism.

Actually they do.

A powerful example is a statement made by Fetullah Gulen to Foreign Policy Magazine after he was voted onto the list of the world's top public intellectuals.

Mr. Gulen is the central figure in a moderate Islamic movement in Turkey that bears his name. For many years he has been a highly respected preacher at mosques in his native land.

Mr. Gulen is a Sufi, a member of a form of Islam that is highly mystical and that embraces peace. In his interview in Foreign Policy he was asked directly about the problem of Islamic terrorism. Here are the question and his response.

Foreign Policy Magazine: You preach a moderate, tolerant Islam. What do you think causes terrorism?.

FG: Islam abhors and absolutely condemns terrorism and any terrorist activity. I have repeatedly declared that it is impossible for a true Muslim to be a terrorist, nor can a terrorist be regarded as a true Muslim. Terrorism is one of the cardinal sins that the Koran threatens with hellfire.

It is a fact that Muslims have lagged behind in science and technology for the last few centuries. The Muslim world suffers from internal divisions, antidemocratic practices, and the violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms. But Muslims have never been and never can be so base as to expect any solutions to their problems through terror.

[Terrorism] is formed of certain fundamental problems, [including] ignorance, poverty, and fear of others. Some people take advantage of the young and foolish. They are manipulated, abused, and even drugged to such an extent that they can be used as murderers on the pretext of some crazy ideals or goals.

To defeat terrorism, we must acknowledge that we are all human beings. It is not our choice to belong to a particular race or family. We should be freed from fear of the other and enjoy diversity within democracy. I believe that dialogue and education are the most effective means to surpass our differences.

Here's a link to Mr. Gulen's web site:

en.fgulen.com/