Immigrants To The United States

"Many Hizmet participants, including me, once supported the ruling party’s agenda, including the 2005 opening of accession negotiations with the European Union. Our support then was based on principle, as is our criticism today. It is our right and duty to speak out about government policies that have a deep impact on society. Unfortunately, our democratic expression against public corruption and authoritarianism has made us victims of a witch-hunt; both the Hizmet movement and I are being targeted with hate speech, media smear campaigns and legal harassment."

"For the past 50 years, I have been fortunate to take part in a civil society movement, sometimes referred to as Hizmet, whose participants and supporters include millions of Turkish citizens. These citizens have committed themselves to interfaith dialogue, community service, relief efforts and making life-changing education accessible. They have established more than 1,000 modern secular schools, tutoring centers, colleges, hospitals and relief organizations in over 150 countries. They are teachers, journalists, businessmen and ordinary citizens."

"Turkey’s rulers have not only alienated the West, they are also now losing credibility in the Middle East. Turkey’s ability to assert positive influence in the region depends not only on its economy but also on the health of its own democracy."

"The core tenets of a functioning democracy — the rule of law, respect for individual freedoms — are also the most basic of Islamic values bestowed upon us by God. No political or religious leader has the authority to take them away. It is disheartening to see religious scholars provide theological justification for the ruling party’s oppression and corruption or simply stay silent. Those who use the language and symbols of religious observance but violate the core principles of their religion do not deserve such loyalty from religious scholars."

"Like all segments of Turkish society, Hizmet participants have a presence in government organizations and in the private sector. These citizens cannot be denied their constitutional rights or be subjected to discrimination for their sympathy to Hizmet’s ideals, as long as they abide by the laws of the country, the rules of their institutions and basic ethical principles. Profiling any segment of society and viewing them as a threat is a sign of intolerance."

"Speaking against oppression is a democratic right, a civic duty and for believers, a religious obligation. The Quran makes clear that people should not remain silent in the face of injustice: “O you who believe! Be upholders and standard-bearers of justice, bearing witness to the truth for God’s sake, even though it be against your own selves, or parents or kindred.”"

"It is deeply disappointing to see what has become of Turkey in the last few years. Not long ago, it was the envy of Muslim-majority countries: a viable candidate for the European Union on its path to becoming a functioning democracy that upholds universal human rights, gender equality, the rule of law and the rights of Kurdish and non-Muslim citizens. This historic opportunity now appears to have been squandered as Turkey’s ruling party, known as the A.K.P., reverses that progress and clamps down on civil society, media, the judiciary and free enterprise."

"Turkey’s current leaders seem to claim an absolute mandate by virtue of winning elections. But victory doesn’t grant them permission to ignore the Constitution or suppress dissent, especially when election victories are built on crony capitalism and media subservience. The A.K.P.’s leaders now depict every democratic criticism of them as an attack on the state. By viewing every critical voice as an enemy — or worse, a traitor — they are leading the country toward totalitarianism."

"The latest victims of the clampdown are the staff, executives and editors of independent media organizations who were detained and are now facing charges made possible by recent changes to the laws and the court system. The director of one of the most popular TV channels, arrested in December, is still behind bars. Public officials investigating corruption charges have also been purged and jailed for simply doing their jobs. An independent judiciary, a functioning civil society and media are checks and balances against government transgressions. Such harassment sends the message that whoever stands in the way of the ruling party’s agenda will be targeted by slander, sanctions and even trumped-up charges."

"We are not the only victims of the A.K.P.’s crackdown. Peaceful environmental protesters, Kurds, Alevis, non-Muslim citizens and some Sunni Muslim groups not aligned with the ruling party have suffered, too. Without checks and balances, no individual or group is safe from the ruling party’s wrath. Regardless of their religious observance, citizens can and should unite around universal human rights and freedoms, and democratically oppose those who violate them."

"Turkey has now reached a point where democracy and human rights have almost been shelved. I hope and pray that those in power reverse their current domineering path. In the past the Turkish people have rejected elected leaders who strayed from a democratic path. I hope they will exercise their legal and democratic rights again to reclaim the future of their country."

"In this regard, both Muslims, powerful states and international organizations have duties. First of all, Muslims need to stop blaming the foreign policies of Western countries on the issue of terrorism and do some self-reflection. We need to question why there are so many young people among us who fall into the trap of terrorists. As Muslims, it is our duty to provide young people with a good education based on both religious and positive and humanitarian sciences, to include universal human values ​​in the education curriculum, and to ensure that human rights and freedoms are fully experienced in our societies. The duty of powerful states is to not see the problem of terrorism as a security problem that can be solved only by military and intelligence measures, but also to take steps regarding its political, economic and sociological aspects. They should take steps to ensure faster integration of Muslims living in their own countries and determine their foreign policies by valuing the lives of people living in other countries as much as they value the lives of their own citizens. The responsibility of international organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union is to take measures to protect fundamental human rights and freedoms all over the world and to impose sanctions to stop the terrible human rights violations of the country administrations that oppress their own people."

"I condemn the military coup attempt in Turkey in the strongest terms. Governments should be changed through fair and free elections, not by force. I pray for Turkey, the Turkish people and everyone in Turkey right now. I pray to God that this problem will be resolved in the fastest and most peaceful way."

"Voices of concern about this shady character are quickly muffled by his vast network of public relations and legal professionals. He has established a false façade that he is a moderate at odds with Turkey’s leader."

"The forces of radical Islam derive their ideology from radical clerics like Gülen, who is running a scam. We should not provide him safe haven. In this crisis, it is imperative that we remember who our real friends are."

"I pray for mercy and forgiveness from God Almighty to those who lost their lives in this tragic incident, patience and fortitude to those who lost their relatives, speedy recovery to our injured citizens, and safe rescue of our citizens waiting to be rescued under the rubble."

"The primary bone of contention between the U.S. and Turkey is Fethullah Gülen, a shady Islamic residing in Pennsylvania whom former President Clinton once called his “friend” in a well circulated video."

"Gülen portrays himself as a moderate, but he is in fact a radical Islamist. He has publicly boasted about his “soldiers” waiting for his orders to do whatever he directs them to do. If he were in reality a moderate, he would not be in exile, nor would he excite the animus of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his government."

"I believe that our nation will take care of our earthquake-affected citizens who are homeless, homeless and in need of all kinds of assistance in this snow and winter, with a spirit of mobilization. I wish patience, strength and fortitude to the search and rescue teams responding to the disaster."

"I learned with deep sorrow that the 7.7 magnitude earthquake centered in Kahramanmaraş shook the provinces of Hatay, Adana, Gaziantep, Malatya, Kilis, Adıyaman, Diyarbakır, Şanlıurfa and Osmaniye, as well as some regions of our neighbor Syria, that many of our people died and that there were people waiting to be rescued under the rubble."

"I offer my condolences to our nation, especially to the relatives of those who lost their lives."

"For those of us who have closely studied the careers of Seyed Qutb and Hasan al Bana, the founders and followers of the Muslim Brotherhood, Gülen’s words and activities are very familiar."

"Disasters and calamities remind us not only to take all kinds of precautions within the framework of the reasons, but also to help each other in a spirit of unity, to lend a hand to those in need, and to pray to God Almighty to protect our country and all humanity from all kinds of disasters."

"May God Almighty have mercy on those who lost their lives in this tragic incident; I hope that those whose property and property were damaged will be able to quickly compensate for their losses, and I hope that it will give strength and fortitude to the rescue teams responding to these fires. May God protect our country and all humanity from all kinds of disasters."

"Gülen’s vast global network has all the right markings to fit the description of a dangerous sleeper terror network. From Turkey’s point of view, Washington is harboring Turkey’s Osama bin Laden."

"Each of us should take the extra time and space afforded by the pandemic's social distancing measures as an opportunity for further examination of our connection with God, our families and our core values. This time offers a mandatory retreat from the busy nature of our daily lives and a chance to turn toward God, deepening our faith, knowledge and practice. I hope that imams will offer reminders about these opportunities to their congregations."

"This period also forces us to rely on the internet and the technologies built upon it. Our young generations have been well-versed in these technologies ahead of their parents. Throughout history, messengers of God and those who strive for the enlightenment of humanity always used the available cultural tools and practices to spread their messages. We also must take this time to connect with our communities in new ways, including making our spiritual resources accessible to younger generations using their language and their familiar technologies."

"The challenges of responding to the pandemic and altering our lives might push some of us to seek people to blame or to criticize. As we enter Ramadan, it is paramount that we devote ourselves to helping those in need, rather than finding others to blame. Even as people, groups or nations with whom we have had past differences may be suffering, each of us must reject as inhumane the thought that anyone deserved a calamity."

"Perhaps the most difficult obligation for many, though, will be forgoing the long-planned gatherings of the season, in order to comply with precautions issued by authorities. But following these measures is a duty of our citizenship and a necessity of our social responsibility to respect God’s laws in the universe. For instance, the Prophet Muhammad — whose belief and trust in God was beyond description — even advised quarantining a town in the event of an infectious disease."

"Even as the world grapples with COVID-19, the yearly rituals of Ramadan will continue. Throughout the holy month, most of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims will fast between dawn and sunset, spend time in Quranic recitation, self-reflection and prayer in an effort to become closer to God, and give thanks for our blessings. But this year, the prescribed exceptions from fasting for young children, travelers, pregnant mothers and anyone who is sick will now be extended to those feeling symptoms of COVID-19."

"And this year, our prayers will include special emphasis on the health care workers, emergency workers and other essential employees who are on the front lines of the fight to protect our communities. In the eyes of God, saving human lives and benefitting humanity are most noble endeavors: The Quran likens saving a life to saving the whole of humanity, and the Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be God’s peace and blessings) says that the best of humans are those who benefit other humans."

"I learned with great sadness about the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh region."

"Our obligation to help and support those in need also takes on added meaning this year as our neighbors and communities face sickness, grief, economic hardship and the loneliness of self-isolation."

"Turkey's democracy may be in a coma due to the current regime, but I remain hopeful. Oppression has never been long-lasting. I believe Turkey will one day return to the path of democracy. However, certain measures must be taken to ensure democracy takes root and endures."

"First and foremost, the education curriculum must be overhauled. Topics such as equality of citizens before the law and fundamental human rights and freedoms should be introduced to young people as early as primary school so that they can become guardians of these values ​​as they grow up. Second, a new constitution is needed that protects the fundamental human rights enshrined in the United Nations Human Rights Convention and allows neither the minority nor the majority to tyrannize over others, but rather one that embraces freedom. Civil society and a free media should also be protected in the constitution as counterweights to government abuses of power. Third, opinion leaders must emphasize democratic values ​​through their rhetoric and actions."

"The Muslim holy month of Ramadan will be different this year. Around the world, mosques will be closed, when they would normally have worshipers spilling out onto the street. Extended families will remain apart, when they would typically gather for Iftar to break the fast and share homemade treats. And shopping malls, cafes and streets will be eerily quiet, when they would normally come alive after dark."

"Democracy and human rights are currently suspended in Turkey. As a predominantly Muslim country, it appears to have missed a historic opportunity to achieve democracy at European Union standards."

"I wish God's mercy to the martyrs who lost their lives in these clashes, and I wish patience and fortitude to their families and all the people of Armenia and Azerbaijan."

"I learned with deep sorrow of the terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, which resulted in the deaths of 49 people and the injuries of 20. I strongly condemn this heinous attack and pray that God Almighty has mercy on the innocent victims, grants patience to their families, and grants a speedy recovery to the injured."

"Ramadan still began on Thursday evening, though, and in the early hours on Friday morning, households gathered, as they have for centuries, to share a sleepy suhur — the pre-dawn meal."

"A society's leaders are like cream on a liquid. The essence of liquid is the essence of cream. The cream of milk comes from milk, the cream of yogurt from yogurt, and the cream of alum from alum. The leaders of a society, while perhaps not always with 100% accuracy, reflect the beliefs and values ​​of that society as a whole. I hope and pray that the recent tragic events in Muslim-majority countries will lead to a collective awakening and lead to democratically minded leaders and governments that defend both free and fair elections and all fundamental human rights and freedoms."

"Fleeing ongoing persecution, thousands of Hizmet volunteers have sought refuge in various countries around the world, including France. Wherever they go, their role is to integrate into society and live lawfully, contribute to solving social problems, and actively fight against the spread of radical interpretations of Islam in Europe."

"A campaign of judicial persecution continues in Turkey, based on criminalizing people for sympathizing with a person or group. The number of victims of this campaign is increasing daily. More than 150,000 citizens have been unjustly dismissed from their jobs, more than 200,000 arrested, and more than 80,000 imprisoned. Those targeted in this politically motivated persecution who attempt to leave the country are even denied this fundamental human right, recognized by the United Nations, because their passports have been revoked."

"Since its founding in 1923, the Republic of Turkey has been making slow, if unstable, progress toward democracy, despite being plagued by military coups. The current government's policies are eroding Turkey's international reputation and pushing it into the category of countries hostile to freedoms and notorious for imprisoning citizens who exercise their democratic right to criticism. Those in power appear to have exploited international diplomatic relations, mobilizing all diplomatic missions, the state's human capital, and financial resources to harass, monitor, and kidnap Hizmet movement volunteers worldwide."

"The witch hunt targeted all forms of dissent, especially members of the Hizmet movement, a movement dedicated to peace and tolerance. Environmental protesters, journalists, academics, Kurds, Alevis, non-Muslims, and some devout Muslim groups critical of Erdoğan's actions also suffered from this policy. People's lives were devastated by unjust dismissals, arrests, imprisonment, torture, property theft, and numerous other atrocities."

"Democracy has been implemented in many different ways around the world. The democratic ideal underlying these diverse practices—that is, the non-oppression of one group by another—is also an Islamic ideal. The basis of the concept of equal citizenship in law is to cherish every human being as a generous being created by God and to respect them as a work of art. Considering all of this, participatory democracy or a republican form of government is more compatible with the spirit of Islam than monarchy or oligarchy."

"Turkey's current government resembles more of an oligarchy than a democracy. How did it become this way?"

"By seizing control of the state, placing capitalists under tutelage, and rewarding his inner circle, President Erdoğan has led Turkey, once a promising democracy, down the wrong path. To manipulate public opinion to consolidate power, he has declared me and the Hizmet movement enemies of the state and blamed me for all the evils that have befallen the country in recent history. This is a typical example of scapegoating an individual or group."

"In Turkey, it has recently been observed that citizens have been very passive in conveying their democratic demands to their leaders. Concerns about economic stability may be cited as an underlying reason for this. However, if we look back from the current situation, we can see that there is also a historical reason for this."

"Expressing oneself against oppression is a democratic right, a civic duty, and a religious obligation for believers. The Quran states that people should not remain silent in the face of injustice: “O you who have believed, be upholders of justice and bear witness to the truth for Allah, even against yourselves, your parents, and your relatives” (4:135). Exercising one's fundamental freedoms, especially the freedom to live and express oneself according to one's beliefs or outlook, provided that it does not harm others, constitutes a true human being. Freedom is a right bestowed upon humanity by God, and no one can take it away. A person deprived of their freedom is not living a truly human life. Contrary to the claims of political Islamists, Islam is not a form of government or an ideology related to governance; it is a religion. It may preach certain principles related to governance, but these principles constitute a very small percentage of the totality of its preached principles. Reducing Islam to a political ideology is a great crime against the spirit of Islam."