Conclusion Remarks
1. Religions are essentially non violent. What makes them apparently violent are distorted interpretations of religious texts or the instrumentalization of religion for worldly gains. All acts of terrorism perpetrated in the name of religion should be categorically condemned.
2. Jihad is striving in the path of God in the broadest sense. It can therefore mean to pursue the welfare of all humanity and promote the peaceful coexistence of people and of universal human values.
3. e overwhelming consensus of Muslims throughout the centuries is that the primary objectives of Islam are: the promotion of peace, justice, the sanctity of all life and the natural world, the safety of all people and their rightful property, and an unquali ed commitment to the principle of human dignity. Positions contrary to these primary objectives—especially e orts at stirring up con ict and discord based on deviant interpretations of the sacred texts—directly contradict the spirit of Islam.
4. Terrorism and suicide attacks are criminal acts against Muslims and non-Muslims.
5. To counter violent extremism, it is critical to foster a culture of democracy and universal human values, especially as foundational principles of civic life and educational curricula at all levels.
6. As part of this e ort, Fethullah Gülen and the Hizmet Movement make valuable contributions to world peace and against violence. 7. People of all backgrounds—particularly Islamic scholars—must take an unequivocal stance against violent extremism.
