Incidents of violence

26.11.2004

Subject: Incidents of violence

We are observing with deep sorrow the conflict and lack of tranquility which directly affected the world peace for years in the Middle East, Balkans and Caucasia and which transformed, in our neighbor Iraq, into an unpreventable humanly disaster. The murdered innocent persons, the diminished families, the homeless and despair children, the attacked temples, the war which altered into brutality, the reciprocation of violence with violence, the extension of the fierceness as far as possible till it reach the women, children, human aids and everyone who exists in Iraq for honorable business are hurting the human race intensely and exposing its future to a grave pessimism. No any reason, what ever it is, can justify the shameful antagonism directed towards the basic merits of humanity and its rights and freedoms.

In spite of the awful experiences which the humanity has suffered during the last century, violence, terror, and wars did not come to an end. Using the temples, which outstandingly represent peace and soundness, out of their aim, destroying the common cultural heritage of the humanity in an irresponsible way, killing the children and the innocent people mercilessly, are not only humane shame but humanly crimes that must not be repeated during the current century.

The objective of the Islamic religion which was sent to mankind as a heavenly message and guidance is to realize order instead of disorder and enmity, establish peace and justice in place of hostility and oppression. The Quran has invited every believer to peace and urged the supporters of the Divine religions to harmony and reconciliation under the protection of the minimum denominator. (Al-i-Imran, 64)

The nations which share the same world had to behave with understanding and impartiality towards each other. All prophets had invited the people to live in peace and brotherhood and urged them to respect the basic rights. But these Divine principles were violated not only during the historical process but at present also due to some political and economic causes. That is why peace is breached in many of our regions at present.

The most recent incidents which were the cause of planting the seeds of hatred and resentment between the societies and supporters of different religions-cultures which is expected to continue for centuries, the violence and even the brutal scenes which escalated significantly, will remain as a terrible stain in the history of humanity and will not wipe away easily from our minds. This unfortunate situation will definitely create great difficulties for the Moslem, Christian and Jewish religious officials who struggle desperately to establish and sustain world peace and rot the peace volunteers as well.

In this context, we invite all religious leaders to be the initiators of peace, and appeal to the politicians to listen to them carefully. The defenders of the noble merits, like the basic rights and freedoms, coexisting together in peace, mutual respect and affection, dialogue and tolerance, should transmit these values urgently from the theoretical to the practical sphere. Those who are in power should particularly adopt a common attitude to prevent this dreadful violence, since human and historical responsibility entail the urgent cooperation to wrap up the wounds without delay. We invite everybody to common sense, and behave consciously and responsibly against all the incidents that might threaten the future of mankind.

The Presidency of Religious Affairs