Muslims are Responsible for All Muslims in the World
According to this commandment of God, all Muslims need to ask sincerely for peace and happiness for their Muslim brothers. Without doubt, they will come up with various difficulties in this service. However, the solidarity and alliance among the Muslims will enable them to overcome such hardship together.
As we all know, there is a stirring in the Islamic world in the recent days: Military coups are taking place, there is strife and conflict; in brief, persecution against Muslims is spreading significantly. When we look at world media and review the headlines in newspapers, televisions and social media, everyone is searching for the perpetrators. It is an undeniable truth that the Islamic geography is impaired because of the unjust practices based on “Islamophobia”. Yet, do the Islamic countries have no share in the current turmoil?
How will the Islamic world benefit by complaining, bringing excuses, crying out that this is unjust treatment, or protesting and finding others at fault?
When will the Muslims comprehend that they are responsible for all Muslims and need to act in unity?
It is the Responsibility of Every Muslim to Protect Muslims Under Persecution
It is apparent that Muslims are being oppressed and in affliction in Palestine, Indonesia, East Turkestan, Patani, Egypt, Syria or in other parts of the world. Still, there are wars and civil uprisings in the majority of Muslim lands. Hundreds of thousands of unarmed civilians lose their lives in such conflicts, women are raped, tortured and millions of Muslims are deported from their homes and countries, mutilated, and lose their family members. Innocent children are targeted with bullets, babies slaughtered in cradles, and people trying to flee are permanently disabled when they step on mines planted here and there. People are subjected to unprecedented savagery, and tormented severely. Even as in incidents in Egypt, they are martyred ruthlessly while performing prayers. In many countries where Muslims are living, women and children are persistently oppressed and tyrannized. Muslim communities lose their independence one by one, and expect people of conscience to help them but they cannot make their voices heard.
Everyone is aware of these Muslims who are being martyred, because almost everyday it is possible to encounter images of these outcast people in destitute in newspapers and on television broadcasts. Many see the circumstances of these persons and pity them, but later on, when they change the channel or topic of discussion, or flip the pages of a newspaper, they forget the existence of such people. Or a majority of them never consider that they need to make efforts for saving these people from that affliction and Muslims are responsible for one another. By thinking wrongly, “While there are rich and powerful countries and leaders in the world, is it not my duty to save those people”, they push that responsibility onto others.
Such people may rather prefer standing back by saying, “I have no problems at home, nothing is wrong in my business, and children are fine at school”. However, such a mindset could only prevail in people who are passionately attached to this world, and only run after worldly interests in this transient and fleeting lifespan. Muslims should never forget that this oppression, of which he keeps silent and does not struggle against, could turn into a giant force and harm him drastically one day. He must be aware that not objecting to violence that does not harm him would be a remorseless act, opposite to a believer’s conscience. Particularly, ones who appear to be like “lions” in negligible matters suddenly leave aside all this responsibility to others when confronted with such important incidents instead of making efforts for the good pleasure of God; it would not be proper for a sincere and true believer to leave Muslims alone under persecution and watch these atrocities from the side and act through a mindset which says “Why should we have any concerns for that country, let us care about our own”.
Every Muslim of conscience should find it his responsibility to strive for saving these Muslims who are suffering under torment. Almighty God is informing us of this obligation for all Muslims:
“What reason could you have for not fighting in the Way of God – for those men, women and children who are oppressed and say, ‘Our Lord, take us out of this city whose inhabitants are wrongdoers! Give us a protector from You! Give us a helper from You!’?” (Surat an-Nisa, 75)
Responsible Muslims Should Criticize Themselves Regarding Problems in the Islamic World
Muslims need to think about these questions sincerely:
· As the “Islamic world” where did we make the mistake, what should we do from now on?
· How can we correct past errors? What should be our clear and well-defined steps?
· What could be the most precise solution that will provide progress in economic, political and social terms?
· Is there only prejudice against topics that Western communities are not pleased with? Are there aspects that could be found rightful?
· Does bigotry that is based on certain people’s lack of knowledge or insincerity play a role in this image?
· Do we possess the understanding of Islam based on love and peace that everyone was pleased with at the time of our Prophet (saas)?
· Since God informed Muslims to be united in the Qur'an, and revealed that if they do not act this way they would lose their spiritual strength and be oppressed and defeated, would this not make the Muslims liable because they are not in union but disintegration?
Responsibility of Muslims In the Face of Afflictions Should Be to Abide by the Path of God and His Messenger (saas)
The ones who suggest abstinence or temporary solutions based on violence should be aware that as long as they are ignorant to these incidents, the oppression over Muslims grows more because while innocent and helpless Muslims are being mass massacred with no reason, if other Muslims keep silent and only watch the atrocities, that would mean giving support to the wicked ones and persecutors. The ones who are impartial to brutality in order to preserve their own comfort would definitely not be hoping for being together with the ones who have persevered and been patient to this persecution and unlawfulness in the Hereafter.
Some of our Muslim brothers may have different viewpoints regarding the incidents in Islamic countries. A group of them consider retaliating against violence with violence. The ones who would like the public to confront forces of the state with knives or weapons to resolve this affliction should be aware that this mentality does not prevent any persecution. This cruelty will not end with street fights, looting, aggressive attacks or rage. The change that will occur based on violence would never grant the tranquility, peace and security which people long for and are in need of.
And some other Muslim brothers are inclined to think that by means of artificial solutions such as humanitarian aid, truces, humanitarian corridors or refugee camps, this oppression would end. Surely some success or improvement could be achieved with humanitarian aid yet, these would not provide a persistent or substantial solution. Helping others and covering all the needs of the weak and impoverished are the good morals God commands believers to in the Qur'an. However, this is not solely adequate as a solution to people’s problems. Who will distribute this humanitarian aid and how this would be accomplished, whether the interests of the people will be looked after are other dimensions of such efforts.
On the other hand, stability and order must be established in a country for the betterment of living conditions of people. This stability should predominate in all areas from the economy to social life. In that regard, some of the Islamic countries are in great disorder. To sum up, it would be a mistake to expect humanitarian aid to bring solutions, or for such minor help to bring about extensive results since God informed us of only one solution for entire believers and commanded them to be in unity:
Allah loves those who fight in His Way in ranks like well-built walls.(Surat as-Saff, 4)
It should never be forgotten that the only lasting and true solution will be achieved by following the path which God and His Messenger (saas) guide us.
It is very clear that establishing Islamic Union is urgent, so the ones who find this to be impossible or who do not strive for it should not forget that they are to be held responsible for their ignorance. They should not disregard the fact that accepting oppression actually means approving of it. Every Muslim who does not endeavor for Islamic Union is accountable for every drop of bloodshed, every demolished house, the martyred innocents and aggrieved ones living in starvation and poverty in this vast geography. The foundation of the Turkish – Islamic Union is the only solution that God guided us to in the Qur'an and our Prophet (saas) explained this with his hadith in great detail. Unity is an obligation according to the morals of the Qur'an, and division is unlawful.
The Only Solution is Turkish – Islamic Union for Having Peace and Tranquility Established in Muslim Countries
The most important and reasonable effort that Muslims should carry out is to institute “unity”. If the Islamic world wants to free itself from being directed from outside or intervened against in its internal affairs, or would like to gain independence economically from foreign countries or the system which obliges them to listen to the advice of global powers, it should establish unity right away. If a responsible Muslim is thinking that “We do not want to give in to the treacherous plans of dark circles that attempt to put off the rising star of Islam and take away the Qur’an from the hands of Muslims because of their disturbance of Islam’s spreading all over the world ”, then he must surely advocate Islamic Union. Even disbelievers come together in union with opposing ideas or philosophies for wrongdoing, mischief and turmoil and they are quite capable of finding the least mutual grounds for their selfish interests. If the Islamic world does not make an alliance within itself, God informs us that there would be mischief and turmoil in the land:
Those who disbelieve are the friends and protectors of one another. If you do not act in this way (be friends and protectors of one another) there will be turmoil in the land and great corruption. (Surat al-Anfal, 73)
What the Islamic world needs to do is not to allow any conflict between schools or races, and come together in union based on common ground, and to build the “Islamic Union” under the leadership of Turkey right away. This unity will be the means for the beauty of Islam to widespread in the entire region, for the problems to be resolved in itself and to prevent other countries from intervening in the internal affairs of Muslims; and all the conflicts between schools as well as civil wars and turmoil will end. The Turkish – Islamic world should never forget that they can only stand in unity as one body when it is integrated around one center. Just as our Master Bediuzzaman Said Nursi spoke of in The Flashes Collection (21st Flash), when there is “unity” the entire organs of the body is in comfort and functions like the gears of a factory in harmony and completion. In the good morals of Islam, one hand does not compete with another, one eye does not criticize the other, the tongue does not object to the ear, the heart does not divulge the error of the soul; on the contrary, all these complement and cover their deficiencies to provide for all their needs. In brief: the rights of the entire Islamic geography will be preserved, all discrimination, unjust practices and oppression will end, and an amazing political, social and economic power will arise.
It is not appropriate to be concerned with saving oneself, but far better to seriously strive for every other Muslim. Many Muslims read the stories of the prophets and the lives of the Companions in detail, and appreciate their personalities and superior morality, take examples from their courage, momentum, and undeterred character that withstand all kinds of hardship or difficulties. These blessed persons are notably valuable and selfless individuals who have been given the glad tidings of God’s good pleasure and Paradise. They have always been fearless for goodness and honesty throughout their lives. However, the responsibility of Muslims today is not only talking about their lives, but also taking them as examples and acting like them every moment. The responsibility of every conscientious Muslim is to strive for Islamic Union: This is the only solution that will not only bring peace and serenity to Muslim countries, but also to everyone. As how God creates, our Lord will definitely establish Islamic Union. What is important is to work for this commandment without losing time or self-inflicting more pain.
The coming together of Muslims in unity, and their saying, “In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful”, by seeking refuge in God from the accursed satan, will be a great pleasure as being the start of this obligation that Almighty God commanded. Our Lord reveals that entire Muslims need to be brothers and one community in the verses:
“This nation of yours is one nation and I am your Lord, so worship Me. But they disagreed and split into different sects. Each one will return to Us.” (Surat al-Anbiya, 92-93)
“Hold fast to the rope of God all together, and do not separate. Remember God’s blessing to you when you were enemies and He joined your hearts together so that you became brothers by His blessing. You were on the very brink of a pit of the Fire and He rescued you from it. In this way God makes His Signs clear to you, so that hopefully you will be guided. (Surat Ali İmran, 103)
Alawite, Sunni, Shia, Wahabi, Jafari or Muslims from all other schools should come to the realization that they are one another’s brother in religion; they should heed the cries of Muslims who are tortured and deported from their homeland, killed or mutilated, and comprehend that they have lost a great amount of time and should endeavor right away not to lose more. We should never forget that acting in unity and never separating is an obligation for every one of us as God’s commandment. It is clear that carrying out this commandment of God will be the best practice possible with the good pleasure of God.
