Anti-Capitalist Muslims
The Anti-Capitalist Muslims[2] (Turkish: Antikapitalist Müslümanlar), also known by their official name Association for Struggle Against Capitalism[3] (Turkish: Kapitalizmle Mücadele Derneği), is a Turkish Islamic left-wing political organisation. They advocate a spiritual form of socialism,[4] believing that the teachings of the Qur'an and Muhammad are not only compatible with, but actively promote the leftist principles of equality and distributism, drawing inspiration from the early Medina welfare state. They openly challenged right-wing Muslims to read the Quran and, as they put it, "try to disprove the fact that it is leftist".[5] They have on several occasions actively clashed with the Turkish police.[6][7] The association initially gained fame for their involvement in the Gezi Park protests.[8][9]
Association for Struggle Against Capitalism Kapitalizmle Mücadele Derneği
Antikapitalist Müslümanlar
Antikapitalist Müslümanlar
2012
All property belongs to God alone
Ideology[edit]
İhsan Eliaçık, the group's leader, believes that it is mandatory per Quranic verse 4:136 for all Muslims to donate everything they do not use.[10] He stated in an interview that he believes the Islamic duty is not just caring for the poor, but overthrowing the "capitalist devilish system" that he thinks makes them poor,[9] "just like the Islamic prophets overthrew the devilish systems of their times".[4] He continued by saying that they want a world without exploitation and privileges.[1]
He claimed that many use Islam to advance their interests, and countries such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Afghanistan all interpret Islam with an "extreme understanding".[1] When asked about secularism, he stated that Classical secularism excludes the holy book; and an alternative way can be found.[1]
He advocates for a "borderless world of peace".[11] On evolution, he commented that it is a matter for science to discuss, not religion, and that Islam will never be proven wrong anyways.[12] On polygamy, he stated that the verses about polygamy are widely misunderstood and that Islam is strictly against the practice.[13][14]
He has been accused of being a communist, he responded to these claims by saying that they criticize capitalism on its essence while they criticize socialism by method. He says, while they agree with the fundamental teachings of socialism, they criticize the practical implementations, such as the political experiences of the Soviet Union.[1]
The organisation has various slogans, some of which are: