President of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş participated in 2nd International Symposium on Islamic Culture and Civilization held by the Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (IHH) and Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality with the title “Qurbani”.

Giving a speech at the opening ceremony of program held in the International Congress Centre of Kocaeli, President Erbaş said by indicating that in the centuries when the principles of Islam were applied and in the periods when Islam prevailed, there were no oppression, “Since Islam is a system that prevents oppression and stands by whoever the oppressed are, whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims. Islam is the name of the religion sent to all the prophets since the Prophet Adam.”

Pointing out that qurbani worship was ordered to all prophet starting from Prophet Adam, President Erbaş used the following expressions,” You know the story of Prophet Adam’s two sons, oneness and piety extent of qurbani is described in the Holy Qur’an. In the story of Prophet Abraham and Prophet Ishmael, the submission extent of qurbani worship is described. There is great wisdom in the background of all of them. Therefore, qurbani worship is the symbol of oneness, piety and submission.”

Stating that three extent of qurbani worship in general framework should be taken into account in terms of understanding it, President Erbaş continued his words as follows:

“First of all, qurbani worship with its individual extent is the sign of obtaining love and consent of Allah (swt), and be honoured by Allah’s (swt) mercy and forgiveness. With qurbani worship, a believer acknowledges that the Almighty Allah (swt) is over all authorities, praises Him, and comprehends the truth of existence.

There is a second extent which is very important. This is the social extent. It is to reinforce social peace and trust by helping and sharing. Solidarity strengthens feelings of love and respect among different sections of society.

The third is universal extent. Qurbani worship is a strong ground of oneness which brings those who believe in oneness together in the same feelings and behaviours.”

“Turkiye Diyanet Foundation carries the generosity of this nation”

Pointing out that 150 countries could be reached with one qurbani thanks to the foundations, President Erbaş talked as “Turkiye Diyanet Foundation carries the generosity of this nation, carries the greatness of this state and shows how full of love and affection this nation is, and makes the promotion of it.”

Reminding this hadith of our Beloved Prophet (saw), “Muslims are one body of a person”, President Erbaş talked as “Just as all organs are disturbed when there is pain or ache in one part of the body, a problem that happens to Muslims wherever they are in the world should disturb their brothers and sisters.

President Erbaş expressed his thanks to the partners holding the symposium by wishing that program would contribute to goodness at the end of his speech.

In addition to President of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş, Governor of Kocaeli Seddar Yavuz, Mayor of Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality Tahir Büyükakın, Rector of Kocaeli University Prof. Dr. Sadettin Hülagü, Chairman of High Board of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. Abdurrahman Haçkalı, Provincial Mufti of Kocaeli Sinan Cihan, many academicians and student attended the program.