Speaking at the 9th Conference of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ministers in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Erbaş condemned the genocide and called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
The religious leader's remarks underscore the deep-rooted concern within the Muslim world over the plight of Palestinians. Erbaş positioned the conflict as a battle between good and evil, highlighting the targeting of innocent civilians, particularly children, as a gross violation of human rights. His call for united action against the "occupying Zionists" reflects a growing sentiment among Muslims worldwide that the international community has failed to adequately address the crisis.
Erbaş's speech extended beyond the immediate conflict, touching on broader societal issues. He emphasized the importance of religion as a source of guidance and purpose, arguing that a loss of faith contributes to societal ills. Islam, he asserted, is a religion of peace, justice, and compassion, and the Prophet Muhammad is a model of leadership and morality.
The Diyanet president also warned against the growing secularization of society and the erosion of traditional values. He criticized the exploitation of freedom of expression to denigrate Islam and incite hatred, arguing that such actions contribute to global instability.
Erbaş's address serves as a reminder of the influential role religious leaders can play in shaping public opinion and mobilizing support for humanitarian causes. His call for unity and his condemnation of the violence in Gaza are likely to resonate with Muslims around the world, potentially inspiring greater activism and advocacy for the Palestinian people.
Ultimately, the success of Erbaş's appeal will depend on the ability of Muslim leaders and organizations to translate their words into concrete actions. Whether or not they can effectively mobilize the Muslim world to exert meaningful pressure on the international community remains to be seen. (ILKHA)