HÜDA PAR (Free Cause Party) Chairman Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu delivered a powerful message on Islamic unity and solidarity during an iftar program organized by the party’s Istanbul Provincial Presidency.

The event, held as part of the party’s annual Ramadan tradition, gathered a large audience, including representatives from various non-governmental organizations, jurists, educators, journalists, writers, scholars, and opinion leaders from across the Islamic world.

The evening commenced with a recitation of the Holy Quran, setting a solemn and reflective atmosphere before Yapıcıoğlu addressed the attendees. In his speech, he underscored the significance of unity both within Türkiye and the broader Islamic world, stressing that Islam has been the foundation of the ummah’s cohesion for over a thousand years. He warned against external forces that seek to sow discord among Muslims and called for renewed efforts to strengthen brotherhood and justice within the Islamic community.

A Call for Unity Amid Global and Regional Challenges

Yapıcıoğlu highlighted the importance of addressing both domestic and international challenges faced by Muslims today. While Türkiye’s political discourse has largely focused on counterterrorism and strengthening national security, he emphasized that broader regional issues—such as the ongoing crisis in Syria, the situation in Palestine, and conflicts in other parts of the Islamic world—must not be overlooked.

“For a long time, Türkiye’s political agenda has been dominated by discussions of security and national unity, but we must not forget the struggles of our brothers and sisters in Syria and beyond,” he stated. “The forces of global imperialism continue to manipulate power dynamics, imposing systems where only strength determines the rule. This is particularly evident in the Islamic world, where external powers seek to create divisions and conflicts for their own gain.”

Warning Against Imperialist Influence and Division

Yapıcıoğlu strongly criticized the role of foreign powers in shaping the fate of Muslim-majority nations, stating that their interference has historically led to suffering, occupation, and division. He reminded the audience that a century ago, Muslims fought tirelessly to free their lands from colonial rule, yet imperialist forces have continued to exert control through political, economic, and ideological means.

“Racist imperialism is not, and will never be, a friend to any of us,” he declared. “After gaining independence from colonial rule, many of our nations fell into the hands of leaders who prioritized their own interests over those of their people. This has resulted in a great mental occupation—one where the ummah is divided, and artificial borders keep us apart.”

He warned that these external forces are now seeking to redraw boundaries in the Muslim world, escalating conflicts and exploiting divisions to maintain their dominance. He urged Muslims to be vigilant and recognize these manipulations for what they are—attempts to weaken Islamic unity and sovereignty.

Prioritizing the Interests of the Ummah Over Personal Gains

A key theme of Yapıcıoğlu’s speech was the need to prioritize the collective interests of the ummah over personal or factional gains. He cautioned against internal rivalries and short-term political ambitions that could undermine the broader cause of Islamic unity and justice.

“If each group, each community, each party only focuses on its own narrow interests and asks, ‘What do I gain?’ we risk collective failure,” he warned. “We must look at the bigger picture and place the well-being of the ummah above all else. Only through unity and cooperation can we overcome the challenges before us.”

He also emphasized the importance of solidarity with oppressed Muslim communities worldwide, including those in Syria, Palestine, Sudan, and Egypt. He called on Islamic leaders and nations to take a more active role in supporting these communities, rather than leaving them vulnerable to imperialist forces and local tyrants.

Islam as the Foundation for True Justice and Stability

Regarding the ongoing conflict in Syria, Yapıcıoğlu expressed hope that the fall of the long-standing Baath regime would mark the beginning of relief for the oppressed. However, he cautioned that mere political change would not be enough to ensure lasting peace and justice.

“In order to prevent further conflicts and oppression, a new system must be established—one that guarantees justice and security for all people,” he stated. “This system cannot be based on Western models or secular ideologies. Only Islam can bring true justice and peace. It is the only system that has historically united the ummah and ensured fairness for all.”

He stressed that any attempts to impose secular or nationalist governance models would only deepen divisions and lead to further instability. Instead, he called for a return to Islamic principles in governance, law, and social organization.

Strengthening Brotherhood to Ensure Long-Term Peace in Türkiye

Turning to Türkiye’s internal challenges, Yapıcıoğlu welcomed recent steps taken to eliminate terrorism but cautioned that simply ending armed conflict would not be enough to heal societal divisions. He emphasized that the long-standing brotherhood between Turks and Kurds has been rooted in Islam, and any deviation from Islamic principles has led to discord.

“For a thousand years, Islam has been the glue that held Turks and Kurds together in these lands,” he reminded the audience. “But when our governments and societies moved away from Islam, our brotherhood was wounded. These wounds have festered for decades, and we cannot heal them simply by silencing weapons. We need to address the root cause and strengthen our foundation of Islamic brotherhood.”

He warned that addressing terrorism without acknowledging its deeper causes would only provide a temporary solution. Instead, he called for a comprehensive effort to restore social harmony based on Islamic values.

“It is not enough to suppress violence—we must foster genuine unity and justice. That requires looking at one another as brothers and sisters, treating each other with mercy, and ensuring that our actions align with the principles of Islam,” he said.

A Vision for a Unified Islamic Future

Yapıcıoğlu concluded his speech with a call to action, urging all segments of society to embrace Islamic brotherhood as the key to sustainable peace and justice, both within Türkiye and across the Muslim world.

“The road ahead is not easy, but we must not waver in our commitment to unity and justice,” he said. “Let us remember that every attack on Islam, every attempt to divide us, is ultimately an attack on our brotherhood. We must resist these forces by holding onto our faith and supporting one another.”

He expressed hope that, through renewed dedication to Islamic values, the Muslim world could overcome its current challenges and emerge stronger and more united.

“May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to follow Islam in its fullest sense, to see the sun of Islamic justice rise in our lands, and to bring peace and prosperity to our people,” he concluded. (ILKHA)