A Critical Detail in Relations Between Russia and the Muslim World
A short article in a Turkish newspaper mentioned a lawsuit filed in Russia against the Risale-i Nur Collection, written by one of the greatest Islamic scholars of the last century, Bediüzzaman Said Nursi.
The article took me by surprise because the Risale-i Nur collection is a commentary on the Qur'an and moral values and does not promote or encourage hostility in any way. The Risale-i Nur collection, new editions of which have been published for 70 years, is legal in Turkey and has readers in just about every Muslim country. It's hard to imagine that this publication would be the subject of a legal action, alleging that it teaches a divisive creed and insults disbelievers in Russia. Nonetheless, it appears that a lawsuit has been filed against a collection that is highly regarded by Muslim scholars, and if indeed there is a lawsuit, then certainly there must be a mistake or misunderstanding.
Russia's wise political tactics in recent years have paved the way for Muslim support. There are several reasons for Russia's political moves. The first and foremost is that Russia would like to win the support of millions of Muslims living in and around Russia. Russia has even announced its desire to join the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). While Russia's membership in the OIC will strengthen Russia's strategic hand, it would also contribute to world peace.
After the Cold War, new political equations were created, and new political jockeying after the sept/11 incidents created a rift between the Muslim world and the West. Almost all the Western states, in particular the United States, have employed pre-emptive measures against Islamic groups. Although the concerns behind the measures were valid and understandable, some of those suffering from the new policies were obscure and innocent Muslims who were also opposed to the terrorist groups and supported the fight against terror. Under the climate of fear produced by sept/11, a person identified as Muslim automatically drew suspicion. However, one must understand that the Muslim world, in general, condemns both terrorist activities and oppressive policies. There are a large number of Muslims who believe a double standard has been applied to them. After the West toughened its policies against Muslims, Muslim countries were forced to seek new and trustworthy countries to fulfill their economic and educational needs. That is why Turkey has recently enjoyed capital flow from the Middle East. Russia, like Turkey, is another country that can get capital flow from Muslim countries. But first, Russia has to show that its courts protect international investments and that there is no double standard or discrimination against Muslims. That said, it's hard to understand why a lawsuit has been filed against the Risale-i Nur collection, a series of Qur'anic commentaries that are highly regarded in the Muslim world, read by a community which has no involvement with criminal activity.
I suspect the case is a result of miscommunication or misinformation. The error can be rectified if the prosecutor or court would consult with the mufti of Russia or Al-Azhar University, the most prestigious school of Islamic learning, as I am certain they will provide positive references. The Religious Affairs Directorate (Diyanet) in Turkey has clearly stated that the Risale-i Nur does not contain any criminal elements and the IRCICA (Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture) and the OIC can confirm that the collection strictly promotes compassion and peace. These prestigious institutions will also warn that such a lawsuit will lead to confusion in the Muslim world.
The article in the Turkish newspaper itself contained incorrect information. I think that crafty and mischievous groups in Turkey which aim to ruin Turkey's relations with Russia are providing misinformation. The article claimed that Fethullah Gülen was implied in the lawsuit. Everyone knows that Mr. Gülen is intimately familiar with the Risale-i Nur, yet it would be unfair to describe or classify Mr. Gülen as a "Nurcu" because he has read a wide collection of Islamic sources and has cited them in his sermons, conferences and books. In fact, Mr. Gülen has a deep knowledge of Western philosophy and literature as well. While labeling him as a Nurcu is a falsehood, claiming that he was contacted before the lawsuit was filed is ludicrous.
I reiterate my suspicion that there is a marginal group in Turkey determined to undermine Turkish-Russo relations, with false information to Russia. The Turkish public is wise and can discern that these people have ill intentions. They have not and will not heed such fabrications.
Both Turkish-Russo relations and Turkish-Middle East relations are important. However, there are special interest groups that disparage these relations. They are disturbed by the friendship between the citizens and the governments and want these relations to deteriorate. We cannot allow them, because Turkey and Russia have already lost too many opportunities in the past to establish good relations. Russian leaders, in particular Putin, as well as the leaders in the Muslim world are aware of this. It is important that we do not allow anyone to cast a shadow on this relationship.
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