March 13, 2020 – I extend my condolences to those who lost their loved ones due to the Coronavirus that has spread around the world and resulted in the deaths of thousands. I pray for the speedy recovery of those who are ill.

I trust the public health officials, who are trying to keep this outbreak under control, to take effective precautions based on scientific data and experiences gained from previous outbreaks.

As part of our civic and human responsibility, each of us should comply with the guidance and advice from medical experts and public health officials in our countries.

Our human consciousness requires us to empathize with those who are suffering, regardless of where they are in the world, share their pain and do whatever is in our power to help alleviate the suffering.

To take precautions for preserving public health is a form of active prayer. One other important thing we can do is to knock on the door of the God of all humanity with a grieving heart through our supplication.

Both active prayer through taking precautions and our supplications to God are our duties as His servants.

Therefore, I urge everyone to pray for the health and safety of humanity at this difficult time.

May God, the Most Compassionate, save humanity from this pandemic, cure those who are ill, and give perseverance to those who lost their loved ones. May He help all those who are fighting against this pandemic including healthcare workers, state officials, and volunteers.

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 Peace Islands Institute, New York.

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.

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