August 5, 2020 – I learned with deep grief the news of the explosion in Beirut that killed more than a hundred people, injured thousands and caused hundreds of thousands to leave their homes.

I extend my condolences to those who lost their loved ones in the explosion and to all Lebanese people, and I wish quick recovery to the injured.

May God, the Most Compassionate, help the emergency and medical professionals who are attending to the injured. May God give strength during this difficult time to the people of Beirut who were harmed by the explosion and may He help them recover quickly.

While we don’t yet know the clear cause, this disaster should be considered as a warning to us regarding the value of human life and the measures to be taken to protect it.

I urge everyone to help the people of Beirut at this difficult time.

About Fethullah Gülen 

Fethullah Gülen is an Islamic scholar, preacher and social advocate, whose decades-long commitment to education, interfaith dialogue and altruism has inspired millions in Turkey and around the world. Gülen is the honorary chairman of the Rumi Forum, Washington, DC and the Intercultural Dialogue Platform, Brussels, Belgium.

About Alliance for Shared Values 

The Alliance for Shared Values (AFSV) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves as a voice for cultural organizations affiliated with Hizmet, a civil society movement inspired by prominent preacher and peace advocate Fethullah Gülen. The Alliance strives to promote peace and social harmony by helping reduce misinformation and false stereotypes about any or all ethnic, cultural and religious communities. To learn more about the Alliance, please visit www.afsv.org.

Media contact 

media@afsv.org

212-682-4278

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Statement in Turkish