Harun Yahya

By: Harun Yahya

Human beings are the core element of this planet. All commercial, political, industrial, and artistic activities are carried out in this world because of us, human beings. The reason why this world exists and why it was created are ‘human beings’. Countries must prosper, industries, arts, culture and peace must flourish in the world not for a nation, a state, or a corporation, but basically for all human beings.

Politics is about exercising organized control over human communities. When we look at the practices however, politics has been perceived as a way to manipulate people towards some goals whereas ideally, it must be a way to ensure that each individual attains and enjoys the standards of life they deserve as a human being.

If politics can not accomplish this ideal aim, it is again because of the “human factor” involved in it. If a politician’s primary motive becomes some other concern rather than the well-being of his people, if some other agenda other than the ultimate good of the people are involved, then we can’t expect politics to fulfill its aim.

That is why ethical and moral values are vital in politics. People who have the power to shape this world are also human beings and like any other human being, both in their personal and political lives, they need the guidance of some ethical and moral values, which are essentially provided by the common core values of the three Abrahamic faiths.

The Abrahamic faiths have had a great role in shaping an outlook of life and people’s perceptions of culture and civilization. In this sense, a follower of a religion tends to see things through the perspective of religion. It has been observed that throughout history, faiths encouraged people to live in unity, peace and co-existence whereas religious fanaticism, ideological dissentions and political interests caused conflicts, hostility, violence and destruction.

A correct understanding and practice of religion, entirely purged from extremist and radical elements, is a sound way to build prosperous communities with members who can fully enjoy their civil liberties, democratic rights and everything a person needs to live as a human being. However for this to happen, there is something crucial: religion must never engage in any imposition over politics. Indeed, the warmth, affection and human aspect of religion must be a center of attraction for politicians that will engage their voluntary attention. Political leaders, policy makers and diplomats who put the human element at the core of their practices – with a perspective driven from the warmth of religion – will make a difference in their approach to problems and conflicts.

For instance, in international relations and diplomacy, instead of presenting lists of issues needing resolution dominated with technical and political aspects (i.e., visa questions) in a cold and distant matter, such diplomats would instinctively choose to come up with some positive proposals that will lay the ground for more comprehensive systems that will resolve all these issues together once and for all. Surely such an interaction would again stem from the perspective that the Abrahamic faiths would inspire.

That is because in the Abrahamic faiths’ approach, there is a focus on what unites, and not on what causes division. There is co-existence, collaboration and opting for the common ground for the sake of the good of people, and not separation, self-righteousness, or narrow self-interests. Such people of power who are inspired by the unifying power of religion will be far more prone to dialogue, empathy and reconciliation and would be more willing to agree on covering the gaps and divergences with an intention to establish peace.

In a policy dominated by the power of these virtues, lovelessness and egoism are replaced by love, affection and empathy, rendering the areas they have influence over livable places. The spread of such a perspective to all levels of governance, on the other hand, will change the face of diplomacy both on the national and international level.

It will not be the smartly devised political maneuvers based on strict interests that will change the world into a better one, but rather heart-warming visions dominated by aspirations for peace, equality and freedom for all people.

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The writer has authored more than 300 books translated in 73 languages on politics, religion and science.
He tweets @harun_yahya

 
 
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