Islamic scholar calls on Muslims to pray for Turkey

ISTANBUL

Hürriyet photo

Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has called on Muslim communities worldwide to pray against misfortunes and troubles, especially in Turkey, according to Herkül.org, a website close to the movement.
 
Gülen said people would be praying for the "safety and good fortune" of Turkey and of the world.
 
The Turkish religious leader, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, called on all his followers to pray for an end to polarization in Turkey and recent fighting between militants and the military that has left scores dead.
 
"If my voice could reach [far enough], if my fame could suffice – I would ask all those who will be addressing followers from mosques in Turkey to pray as if you are praying for rain to overcome these troubles," Gülen was quoted as saying.
 
"We have many negative things coming up from left and right," Gülen said. "One-hundred people dead crush 1,000 households if each of the dead have touched 10 families in their lifetimes. You should not underestimate that. You should never normalize that. Even if it happens everyday, you should treat it as an important event."