Turkish scholar urges Muslims to work for humanity

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) - A Turkish scholar on Thursday said Muslim youth should work together to serve humanity.

“Muslim is a subject, not an object and we are supposed to serve humanity,” Mehmet Gormez, former head of Turkey’s Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), told a conference, hosted by a group of students from South Asia, in Ankara.

He said Muslim youth should not get disappointed with the current circumstances and that they “need to embody certain types of freedoms”.

“Physical, political and civilizational; moral and consciousness, and ethical freedoms are basis to realize the human freedom,” said Gormez, who heads Ankara-based Institute of Islamic Thought (IIT).

He said: “Messengers of Allah are our best role models; read their biographies and those who want to affect change in the world order should read, know and follow Prophet Muhammad,” he said.

Founded in 2017, the IIT is engaged in research on Islamic studies.

Burhan Uddin, a researcher at the IIT, said that the institute offers different courses on morality, ethics, Islamic thought and methodology.

“Students come and attend the programs and are issued graduation certificates when they finish the courses,” he said.

This summer, he said, IIT is hosting a group of international students from U.K. for a workshop.

Mohammad Ashequr Rahman, a participant student said: “These scholars embody experience which is a leading light for youngsters like us.”

“Thus, it is important to listen to them and celebrate their work. People of such repute and intellect helps us to work on our personalities. As we go back to our countries, there will be huge responsibility on us,” he said.