“We are the followers of a faith that extends a helping hand to all humanity regardless of religion, language, race and partiality”.

President of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş participated in the "International Theology Program (ITP) Graduate Students Meeting" organized online by the General Directorate of Foreign Relations.

“Around 400 young people who graduated from International Theology Program are bringing Islam's life-giving message to humanity”

Expressing that the primary goal of the Presidency in the International Theology Program is to provide religious services to the young people who graduate from this program in the countries they come from, President Erbaş talked as “Praise be to the Almighty Allah (swt), The International Theology Program has produced over 1,000 graduates until this day. Currently, nearly 500 of our students continue their education in the International Theology Program. With our 400 young people who have graduated from this program, we are proud to be bringing the life-giving message of the clear and righteous religion of Islam to humanity in different parts of the world.”

“We are the heirs of a nation that has been there for those who have no one for centuries”

Pointing out that students of International Theology Program have a duty to explain Islam's message of mercy, the enlightened path, the dimension of knowledge and wisdom to the world by learning, President Erbaş continued his words as follows:

“No matter where you live, you should know the society we are in. You should take part in the work of the family, which is the core of society, and the youth, which is the hope of society. You must have something to say about the present and future of the society in which you live. You must struggle to make goodness prevail in all environments where you are present with the principle of 'enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong'. This ideal is a precious trust left to us by our faith and ancestors. This trust, this divine duty, is definitely on the shoulders of all of us with all its weight. Since we are members of a civilization that aims to make justice, mercy and goodness prevail on the world. We are the followers of a faith that extends a helping hand to all humanity regardless of religion, language, race, and partiality. We are the heirs of a nation that has been there for those who have no one, that has been the protector of the oppressed, the hope of the needy people, the refuge of the poor.”

“Policies of discrimination, marginalization and exclusion are being developed against Muslims”

Speaking about the attacks on Islam and its values in the Western world in recent years, President Erbaş used the following expressions, “Islam is going through a difficult period today, especially in the Western world. They are consciously trying to engrave the fear of Islam in the minds of Western peoples. Through this fear, policies of discrimination, marginalization and exclusion are being developed against Muslims. At this point, anti-Islamism has unfortunately reached alarming dimensions. In fact, Islamophobia is used as a screen under which certain interests hide their own interests and dark ambitions.”

“President Erbaş stated that they have great duties in terms of introducing the universal truths of Islam to humanity in regions where anti-Islamism is on the rise as a solution to Islamophobia, and that planned and effective studies should be carried out to eliminate prejudice, fear, and anxiety in these societies and to overcome the atmosphere of tension created with a healthy communication.

“Always build your lives and dreams on truth”

Advising the students to have big goals at the end of his speech, President Erbaş talked as “Never compromise on righteousness and direction as you make your way towards your goals. Always build your lives and dreams on truth. May the path you walk always be the straight path.”

Vice President of Religious Affairs Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selim Argun also attended the program.