‘Our dreams rely on the past’
Earlier our slogan was, “the future is intertwined with tradition” and “those who do not repeat, cannot renew.” With steadfastness, we continue on this path of personal development. We strive to build our futures based on our rich traditions for it is within our broad history that we may find the horizon from which our future rises.
The thoughts and dreams we are having today have already been thought of, sometimes as broad in scope and lucidity. History is no doubt a reality written by those who have had the courage to dream. The real tragedy is not that one’s dreams may not come true, but losing the ability and will to dream for those fallen in history have been the very same people who have not thought. No doubt those who fail to dream too will vanish into history.
Those who uphold truth, who care for the truth and have the ability to encompass our past and present in order to make way and determine our future, have certainly not appeared for the first time. Under the vault of heaven there is no thought or dream which is unspoken of or whose grief is unfelt. Today, we the new generation intend to reacquaint ourselves with our vast history; educate ourselves on our past thoughts, morals and arts amongst the invaluable traditions we share.
Indeed, we must reacquaint and concern ourselves with our own history and affairs. For only the attainment of such knowledge will allow us to compare and thus pave the road for improvement. How can we expect to confront others without knowing ourselves? We are not a newly formed community. The civilisation which we represent has guided world history. Today, we must ask ourselves the fundamental question of whether or not we represent this renowned civilisation truthfully.
As Muslims living in Europe, we ought not to compromise our basic principles but instead, use our difference to an advantage. By blending our own values with that of European culture and arts in a healthy combination, we pay respect to the thought that the two are not mutually exclusive and can live side by side. Alas, once we are made aware of the benefits of this belief, we will no doubt bear witness to its boundless fruits and observe the emergence of a new and positive tradition.
Without wearying and tiring, we aim to demonstrate that we have not yet lost our memory and that we are nestled in our own culture and arts at UNIDAY 2011 in Bielefeld.
If you too are thirsty for knowledge and improving the circumstances of our generation, we shall meet you this spring for UNIDAY 2011.
Sincerely,
Celal Tüter
Chairman of IGMG Student Department