Semerkand İngilizce Dergi Sayı: 25 - Ocak 2024

In its January edition, Semerkand Magazine delves into a critical discussion on "Oppression," providing profound insights for its readership.

Authored by Ali Yurtgezen, the article examines the complex nature of oppression – one of the hallmarks of the warped mentality adopted by those unperturbed by the idea of causing pain and grief to others. It opens with a poignant reminder of the recent atrocities inflicted by Zionist Israel upon the Palestinian people. The article offers an in-depth exploration of the concept of oppression as outlined in the Quran and Hadiths. Highlighting a worrying trend, the article points out the systemic nature of modern-day oppression. It portrays how contemporary colonialism has morphed into a global menace, orchestrated by a tyrannical and unrestrained elite. The article goes beyond mere condemnation of oppressors, probing into broader questions: why are Muslims frequently victimized? How is oppression more than just a trial for the oppressed? It also stresses the imperative for Muslims fighting oppression to adhere to moral and ethical guidelines.

Some of the striking passages from the feature article are as follows:

"The heart of an oppressor is a dark, cold place devoid of humanity. Such a heart is effectively non-existent. One without a heart lacks faith, and without faith, there are no morals, mercy, love, or compassion. With no room in their dead hearts for mercy for others, and as such, having no connection to the mercy of Allah themselves, all they have to rely on is their own atrocities. This is why they can’t even imagine being able to secure a place for themselves in this world without inflicting pain and misery on others.

(…) Since oppression is a manifestation of heartlessness and, therefore, of a lack of faith, no believer can be an oppressor. Muslims cannot cause grief and anguish to others, nor can they be indifferent to the proverbial knife being twisted in others’ wounds. They know that no reason can legitimize oppression. Even when fighting the most vehement and vile oppressors, one shouldn’t lose sight of the imperative of remaining within legitimate boundaries.

(…) Oppression is one of the most severe evils, and often, we content ourselves with just detesting it when we could do more. Since detesting evil is a sign of being at the lowest rung of faith, we need to strengthen our faith to do more because standing against oppression is a matter of faith before it is a matter of ability."

The lead article titled, "To Whom Does Honor and Nobility Belong?" this month is about the true owners of nobility and honor, strength and courage.

The article reminds us that although the disbelievers and hypocrites appear strong, they are cowards and weak, while Muslims are owners of dignity and honor, courage, and strength because of their faith.

Semerkand English Magazine January 2024 issue also features articles and various other sections such as “Lisanu’l-Hal” by Eser Sazak, “The Noblest Generation” by Taha Yıldız, “Halal Rizq” by Mükerrem Mete, “Reflections From the Age of Bliss” by Burak Derin, “They Ask You About the Orphans” by Nuri Keskin, “Muslim Manners in Speech” by Ahmet Nafiz Yaşar as well as a calendar section including reminders about the upcoming holy days and months.