Page 184 - A Call for a Turkish-Islamic Union

A CALL FOR A TURKISH-ISLAMIC UNION

When action follows consultation, all individuals will have

had an equal right to voice their opinions and then to consider the
matter from many different perspectives. This reduces the possi-
bility of error and, therefore, results in an agreed-upon and appro-
priate decision.
The most important aspect of consultation is that each repre-
sentative does his or her best to respect and understand the differ-
ent viewpoints. Their main concern is to find the right ideas, rather
than who proposed them. In other words, consultation's main pur-
pose is to make those decisions that are in society's best interest. Is-

lamic morality requires that Muslims not insist upon their own
views, but adopt the view that is closest to their conscience and jus-
tice. Muslims must refrain from the insistence and pride inherent in
thinking that "my views are the best, my views must be recognized
by all," for such behavior does not please Allah. Muslims must
know that that there is always someone who knows more than
they do, and that it would be a grave error to insist that their own

ideas are the best:
Over everyone with knowledge is a knower. (Surah Yusuf: 76)
The Islamic principle of consultation is a leading light for the
Turkish Islamic Union, which must be built on a political culture of
free speech without fear of recrimination, where their rights are
safeguarded, and where everyone's views are listened to with

equal respect. In this way, its member nations will develop soci-
eties in which people respect each other's views; where equality,
justice, and freedom rule; and where oppression and injustice are
eradicated. Such achievements will enable the Islamic world to
guarantee the Muslims' safety and happiness, and also will become
the driving force of our world's culture and civilization.

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