Page 102 - A Call for a Turkish-Islamic Union

A CALL FOR A TURKISH-ISLAMIC UNION

It must be
stated here that the di-
versity found in the Islamic
world, as well as the existence
of various schools of Islamic
thought, is not an issue in

this regard. Likewise, unity
does not equal the same prac-
tice or system. Rather, this diversity
must be united under the umbrella of faith and
on the basis of mutual compassion and solidarity. Dif-
ferences of thought, practice, or point of view are normal and
common in all societies. Islamic morality requires that Muslims
never forget that they are all brothers and sisters, irrespective of
their differences. Whatever the race, language, nation, or branch

of Islam one might follow, all Muslims are brothers and sisters.
Therefore, such differences must be appreciated as a source of
richness instead of as a source of potential conflict and fragmen-
tation. Such a mistaken view only diverts one's attention from the
real issues and delays urgently needed and important preventive
action.
Subsequent chapters will deal with the need for a Turkish Is-

lamic Union and what it will mean for world peace from eco-
nomic, sociological, and political perspectives. However, first we
must investigate the process that led to the Islamic world's disin-
tegration and how this development can be reversed.

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