US-based Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, whose views inspired the Gülen movement, popularly known as the Hizmet Movement, has condemned a terrorist bomb attack that took place after a concert at the Manchester Arena killing 22 people and injuring 59 others on Monday night.
In a written statement issued by the New York-based Alliance for Shared Values, of which he is the honorary president, Gülen said the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), which claimed the credit for the attack, continues to be a scourge on society, propagating senseless, appalling violence and terrorism.
“I am deeply saddened by the bombing that took place at a concert at Manchester Arena in Manchester, England on May 22. I condemn this brutal assault in the strongest terms, and extend my deepest condolences to the 22 victims – some of whom, unthinkably, are innocent children – who lost their lives and the 59 others who were injured, as well as their families and loved ones. The Islamic State claimed credit for the attack and continues to be a scourge on our society, propagating senseless, appalling violence and terrorism.
“It is heartbreaking that a concert, a joyful event meant to bring people together to enjoy music and friendship, so quickly devolved into a scene of violence, chaos and terror. As I have said before, any attack on the sanctity of human life is an attack against humanity. There is no justification for such an atrocity and I will continue to denounce without hesitation any use of violence to promote an agenda – whether religious, political or ideological.
“As disturbed as I am by this vicious act, I pray to God, the Most Compassionate, for the quick recovery of those injured and that he may lead the victims of this tragedy, and indeed our global community, to a place of peace and harmony,” the statement said.