The eighth edition of the Islamic Scholars Meeting, organized by ITTIHADUL ULEMA, kicked off at the union's headquarters in Diyarbakır with a focus on "Guiding the Islamic Awakening".

HÜDA PAR Chairman Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu delivered a keynote speech during the event, emphasizing the pivotal role of scholars in guiding the Islamic Ummah through its challenges.

In his address, Yapıcıoğlu began by recognizing the historical significance of scholars in shaping the destiny of the Islamic Ummah. He stressed that correctly diagnosing the root causes of the Ummah's troubles is the first step toward finding a cure. With conviction, he declared, "Undoubtedly, the biggest responsibility in this regard falls on the ulema, those who will guide the Islamic awakening are the scholars."

The program commenced with a recitation of the Holy Quran, setting the tone for the day's discussions. Following this, Mullah AbdulKuddus Yalçın, standing in for Mullah Enver Kılıçarslan, President of ITTIHADUL ULEMA, took the stage. He candidly spoke about the challenges and difficulties faced by the Islamic Ummah, highlighting the urgency of addressing them.

HÜDA PAR Vice President Mehmet Eşin also addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of unity and solidarity among the Ummah in these turbulent times. He remarked: "Now, more than ever, we need to stand together as one, transcending our differences for the greater good of the Ummah."

Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu, the Chairman of HÜDA PAR, took the podium to share his insights on the current state of the Islamic world and the role of scholars in guiding its future. He began by extending warm greetings to attendees from various parts of the Ummah, acknowledging the significance of their presence.

"I appreciate and congratulate ITTIHADUL ULEMA for organizing the meeting," Yapıcıoğlu began. "In the history of Muslims, especially since the passing away of the Messenger of Allah (saw), whenever the Islamic Ummah has been in trouble, whenever it has come to a dead end, it has entered the path of direction again thanks to the initiative and guidance of the ulema."

He continued: "Therefore, it is extremely valuable to organize such gatherings today when the Islamic world is struggling with various crises. On this occasion, I sincerely appreciate and congratulate Seyda Anwar Kılıçarslan, the esteemed chairman of ITTIHADUL ULEMA, who organized the 'Scholar Meeting,' and all those who organized, presented, and supported this precious event. May Allah make your efforts fruitful and may He make us all successful in His path."

Addressing the diverse audience, Yapıcıoğlu expressed his respect and affection for those present and those following the event remotely. He went on to discuss the pressing issues facing the Islamic world today, particularly the influence of Western civilization and modernism over the past two centuries.

"The modern paradigm emanating from the West is affecting our pure and clean faith, our individual and social life, our identity, and our generations in many ways and poses a serious danger," Yapıcıoğlu cautioned. "We are going through a very critical period in which most people have forgotten the purpose of their creation, lost their goals and direction, and are in danger of losing their human and Islamic values."

The HÜDA PAR Chairman stressed the importance of addressing this negative trend and finding reasonable solutions to the problems and troubles faced by the Ummah. He expressed gratitude for the scholars, institutions, and communities worldwide that share these concerns and are actively working to uplift the Islamic Ummah.

"Despite all the difficulties, those who focus only on the direction and do not leave the field of struggle and do not give up will benefit from this work even if they do not reach the targeted result," Yapıcıoğlu asserted. "Because the whole point is to stay on the right path. This is the real success and victory."

He went on to discuss the exploitation of Islamic lands by imperial powers, who continue to plunder both underground and above-ground resources. Yapıcıoğlu painted a stark picture, saying, "Millions of Muslims who are deprived of using their own resources in their own homelands are dying in the grip of hunger, famine, and misery. This poverty and destitution cannot and must not continue any longer."

Recognizing the divisions within the Islamic world due to ethnic and sectarian affiliations, Yapıcıoğlu emphasized the need for unity. "Muslims should consider the problems among themselves as their own internal issues and unite their forces and means for the establishment of an order based on rights and justice by taking a total front against external enemies and attacks. The biggest responsibility in this regard falls on the ulema again."

He then drew inspiration from history, particularly the anniversary of Saladin's conquest of Jerusalem on October 2nd. Yapıcıoğlu highlighted the parallel between the political situation of the Islamic world during Saladin's time and the challenges faced today.

"The Islamic world was bleeding from fragmentation and conflict," Yapıcıoğlu noted. "The method of struggle of Saladin-i Ayyubî, the conqueror of Jerusalem, and the perspective of Mawlânâ Hâlîd-i Baghdâdî's guidance and invitation are exemplary for us. These two examples show that a multifaceted and disciplined working system between the ummah and the ulama, the people of knowledge and the masses of the people achieved good results."

He continued: "A new awakening and revival are also possible if the ulema and the ummah act together in the right direction. The scholarly knowledge of the ulema, combined with the strength and determination of the ummah, will lift the Islamic Ummah from where it has fallen."

Yapıcıoğlu delved into the multifaceted challenges faced by Muslim societies today, including political instability, variations in beliefs, thoughts, and practices, and a deep degeneration within societies. He emphasized the need for a solid faith based on the Quran and the authentic Sunnah, as well as a moderate thought and consistency in discourse and actions.

Furthermore, he called for the active involvement of scholars in guiding rulers for the peace, prosperity, and spiritual development of Muslim societies. "The Ulema should take an active role in guiding the rulers for the peace and prosperity of Muslim societies and their material and spiritual development," he urged.

Yapıcıoğlu stressed the importance of understanding both historical and contemporary contexts. "For the cadres who will guide the Islamic awakening to build the future, it is essential that they have the competence to respond to the current conditions and needs by reading yesterday and today well," he said.

He painted two stark paths ahead for the Islamic world, one marked by global humiliation and division, and the other by justice, unity, and glory. Yapıcıoğlu expressed hope for the latter, emphasizing the need to break down mental and emotional barriers to focus on the right direction.

"As HÜDA PAR, we have made it the main goal of our politics to re-establish justice in every field with our human-centered understanding," Yapıcıoğlu declared. "We endeavor to take the initiative in all the issues that our country, the Islamic geography, and humanity suffer from, and to support every activity that is for the good and benefit of the ummah, especially the work of the ulema, with all our strength."

In his closing words, Yapıcıoğlu once again congratulated those involved in the organization of the meeting, expressing hope that the discussions would contribute to positive outcomes for the Ummah. "May Allah Almighty make all the works we have done and will do in accordance with His will. May He make us all successful in our good works," he concluded. (ILKHA)