Erdogan Rejects So-Called ‘Moderate Islam’ as Western Tool to Weaken Muslims
Last month, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, vowed to restore "moderate” Islam to the kingdom.
The Persian Gulf monarchy currently follows a Salafist or Wahhabi version of Islam that is often described as being "ultraconservative".
In what appears to be a direct reference to Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Erdogan denounced the so-called "moderate” interpretation of Islam in a speech delivered at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Women’s Advisory Council on Friday.
"The term ‘moderate Islam’ is being lathered up again. The patent of moderate Islam belongs to the West. There is no moderate or immoderate Islam; Islam is one. The aim of using such terms is to weaken Islam,” Erdogan said in Ankara.
"Perhaps the person voicing this concept thinks it belongs to him. No, it does not belong to you,” he added, recalling that he was "asked about ‘moderate Islam’ at meetings in the European Parliament many years ago.”
The thrust of Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030, is to socially transform Wahhabism. Starting in the summer of next year, women in Saudi Arabia will be permitted to drive. In the new year, women would also be allowed to attend sporting events as the monarchy continues to usher in its liberalization reforms.
Last month the Prince unveiled a plan to construct a $500-billion state of the art city across its borders into Jordan and Egypt. The new mega-city is to be erected with the aim of diversifying the Arab country’s economy and reducing its dependency on oil.
"They say we will return to moderate Islam, but they still don’t give women the right to drive. Is there such a thing in Islam? I guess they will give this right when they turn to the moderate one,” Erdogan said Friday.
The Turkish president also lashed out against the EU for approving a series of so-called "burka bans” introduced in recent years, calling it a "discrimination against Muslim women.”
"Headscarves are gradually being banned in EU states with the public - personal space trick, attempting to bar Muslim women from entering social life. Attempts to incarcerate Muslim women in their homes is spreading like a virus," Erdogan said.
"Those who are teaching us lessons on human rights are unfortunately applauding as the most basic human rights are being trampled in their countries," said Erdogan.
Source: RT
