Promoting peace, harmony: Turkish scholar for interfaith, intercultural dialogue

Niagara Educational Services Instructional Co-ordinator Dr H Ali Yurtsever laid stress on holding interfaith and intercultural dialogues across the globe to promote peace and harmony. There are a lot of misconceptions about Muslims, which are needed to be addressed and dialogues with non-Muslims are the best way to preach them the true spirit of Islam," the Turkish scholar said this while addressing a colloquium at the Government College University Lahore.
The colloquium was aimed at discussing the thoughts of noted Turkish-based Muslim Scholar Fathullah Gulen on his initiative 'Civic Services without Borders'. Addressing a large gathering at GCU Lahore Dr Yurtsever, a research scholar, also highlighted the importance of inter faith dialogues in Pakistan to end conflicts among the people of various sects, saying that ignorance, poverty and disunity are the three biggest enemies of Muslims.
According to Fathullah Gulen, love and tolerance are the most essential spiritual sources, which can prevent both social and individual conflicts before they are born.
Terror cannot survive in a society, in which individuals have accomplished their inner peace, accept others as they are, with their personal thoughts and values and respect their individuality. In reply to a question, Dr H. Ali Yurtsever said that for Muslims the democracy is most viable political system in the present times, as it does not clash with the preaching of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
"Democracy is a process of consultation and the Prophet (PBUH) promoted consultation in all the matters of His life," he added. He said that Fethullah Gullen has not left these principles as unattainable theories. He has actively participated in promoting dialogue, raising strong breakwaters against huge waves of social conflicts.
Educational institutions established by thousands of his admirers, interfaith and intercultural dialogue meetings and award ceremonies have proved to be concrete steps taken to promote world peace. Dr H. Ali Yurtsever also discussed the issue of conflict between reasoning and faith in detail. GCU Philosophy Department Chairperson Professor Mirza Ather Baig also spoke on the occasion.