Attacks on Muslim Minorities Commonplace in Many Countries: Erdogan
“Differences should not be an obstacle to love and brotherhood,” he said in an address.
He said just like the direction of the Qibla -- the direction that a Muslim takes when praying -- is same, the hearts of all Muslims are also same despite them being in different locations around the world.
Erdogan said attacks on Muslim minorities had become commonplace in many countries.
“Today, attacks on Muslims and refugees have become commonplace in many states that practice democracy and law,” he said, according to Anadolu Agency.
He added that Muslim homes and workplaces as well as places of worship have been targeted by racist and fascist groups almost on a daily basis.
The Turkish leader mentioned the fact that several anti-Muslim attacks have been reported in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and France.
“Muslim women are being harassed on streets, at workplace just because they wear headscarves.
“The western world wants to defend its own ideology and way of life through anti-Islamism.
“Islam, which is the only religion that can respond to the depression of modern people, is being given labels through pre-planned terrorists,” Erdogan said.
Do not allow 'hypocrisies'
He added that terror groups like Daesh, Boko Haram, and Al Shabab were harming Muslims as well as giving an opportunity to anti-Muslim circles.
The countries that press Muslim states on minority rights do not see ethnic cleansing of Muslim minorities in many African and Asian countries, according to Erdogan.
"We should not allow these hypocrisies to keep us from our path and our righteous struggle,” he said.
“Muslims have no problem in living together in peace with other religions and never have (had any such problems) throughout history,” he added.
He urged Muslims to continue their struggle against “double standards”.
