The “Haramzadeler,” Morality and Justice!

Written by Kemal Albayrak, Member of Parliament for Kırıkkale in the 20th and 21st Terms and Founding Member of the AKP…

Now the issue is removing people from a WhatsApp group. Yet what if these people also formed a “Haramzadeler” (Scoundrels) group? They could tell one another how they stole, what methods they used, and how they built this system. Perhaps the models, schemes and skills of theft passed down from father to son would become examples for the so-called pious and vindictive younger generation!

Wealth comes from the state, positions of power and fathers; now it is our turn to steal! The mindset that says, “We have religion; we don’t need morality,” suits this mentality perfectly.

But let there be no mistake: One day, an independent judiciary will surely catch up with them!

The children of these scoundrels have also followed in their fathers’ footsteps. They have developed a taste for illicit dealings. At such a young age, there are banks, funds, drugs and intoxication… So, who is mentoring them?

It is as if someone has told them, “Well done! You have religion, so forget about morality!” And they have followed their fathers’ example. The religious authorities issuing convenient fatwas are ready, too!

They perform the pilgrimage in VIP jets, pose as pilgrims at the Kaaba, and have their associates in the funds… They sing and listen alike, as if all their sins could simply be wiped away!

This is what a system looks like when ostentation replaces morality and the exploitation of faith replaces genuine belief.

Then their paper representatives step forward and recite their well-rehearsed slogans:

“The flag will never come down, the call to prayer will never fall silent, and they will never divide us!”

But who is lowering the flag, silencing the call to prayer and dividing society? Isn’t it those who undermine public trust and exploit public resources and people’s religious sentiments?

The flag is ours, the call to prayer is ours, and this country belongs to all of us! Yet no sacred value can be used to cover up wrongdoing, evade accountability or deceive society.

Hiding behind religion, a political party or a position of power can never replace morality, honor and integrity. The excuses are ready, the slogans are ready, and the defenses are ready! But where is accountability?

Let us recall the message repeatedly emphasized by the late Yaşar Nuri Öztürk: Those who deceive people in the name of Allah!

Those who attempt to reform the world instead of correcting themselves should first look in the mirror. It is impossible to lecture others about righteousness without confronting one’s own shortcomings.

The following words, attributed to Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar, also resonate in the mind:

“Once a person becomes morally corrupted, there is no cure.”

Perhaps this is the real issue: Positions change, governments change, and fortunes change hands. But no system can endure where morality, justice and accountability are absent.

Let it not be forgotten: Faith should not serve as a cover for immorality; it should inspire people to question and examine themselves. Justice, too, must not be a standard applied only to others, but a principle that applies equally to everyone.

Because what this country needs is not more slogans, but honesty, justice and an independent judiciary capable of holding those in power accountable.