Islam Abhors and Absolutely Condemns Terrorism

Foreign Policy magazine, a prominent American publication that focuses on global politics, has published an exclusive interview with Fethullah Gülen, a scholar of Islam, on its Web site, questioning Gülen on his views on terrorism, political ambitions and why his movement is so misunderstood.

Gülen had been selected by Foreign Policy readers as "the world's top public intellectual" in June. Asked how he felt when he learned about the results, Gülen said, "The voters were extremely kind in naming me the world's top public intellectual, a to which I can never see myself as entitled." He stressed that he had never imagined being or wished to be chosen as someone important in the world.

"I have always tried to be a humble servant of God and a humble member of humanity. The Quran says that humanity has been created to recognize and worship God and, as a dimension of this worship, to improve the world in strict avoidance of corruption and bloodshed. It requires treating all things and beings with deep compassion. This is my philosophy, which obliges me to remain detached from all worldly titles and ranks," he said, adding, "However, I am not indifferent to the appreciation of kind people."

In a rare interview, Gülen dismissed allegations that he has political ambitions. "The only thing on which I have always set my heart is being able to gain God's good pleasure and, therefore, trying to make Him known correctly and loved by humanity." He also argued that "Islam does not propose a certain unchangeable form of government or attempt to shape it." He noted, "Islam has never offered nor established a theocracy in its name."

Gülen also rejected the idea that he controls schools around the world based on a model he proposed. He explained that "his role in the opening of the schools has been to suggest and encourage opening them." Noting that the schools in question are found in over 100 countries, he said, "There must be many different companies that have opened and run them."

Gülen also talked about terrorism in his interview with Foreign Policy. "Islam abhors and absolutely condemns terrorism and any terrorist activity," he said, noting: "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 Quran threatens with hellfire."

Gülen lamented the centuries-long lack of scientific and technological development in the Muslim world. "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," he said. Attributing terrorism problems to ignorance, poverty and fear of others, he noted that "some people take advantage of the young and foolish."

"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," he emphasized.