Gülen Institutions on the Passing of Fethullah Gülen
October 20, 2024
The institutions worldwide inspired by the teachings of Fethullah Gülen come together in mourning the passing of an extraordinary leader, visionary scholar, and tireless advocate for peace and education. Gülen, who passed away at 21:21 on October 20, 2024, dedicated his life to building bridges of understanding across cultures, faiths, and communities. His legacy is one that has touched millions across Turkey and the globe.
1. A Life Dedicated to Service
● Commitment to Education and Altruism:
● Fethullah Gülen believed in the transformative power of education. He saw education as the most effective tool for addressing societal issues such as inequality, extremism, and ignorance.
● Gülen encouraged the establishment of schools, tutoring centers, and scholarships to reach underserved communities, especially those in rural and economically disadvantaged areas.
● His vision has inspired the establishment of thousands of educational institutions worldwide, many of which offer free or heavily subsidized education to students in need.
● These institutions emphasize not only academic excellence but also the cultivation of strong moral character, social responsibility, and respect for diversity.
● Humble Beginnings and Global Reach:
● Born in Erzurum, Turkey, in 1941, Fethullah Gülen’s teachings began in local mosques and expanded into a global movement known as Hizmet (meaning “service”).
● Despite political challenges and personal persecution, Gülen’s ideas resonated with individuals seeking positive social change, leading to a worldwide network of educational, cultural, and humanitarian initiatives in over 160 countries.
● Altruism in Action:
● The Hizmet movement, inspired by Gülen’s philosophy, is known for its focus on giving back to society, providing humanitarian aid, and promoting civic engagement.
● Volunteers from the movement have provided aid in the aftermath of natural disasters, such as earthquakes in Turkey, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and the Ebola outbreak in Africa.
● Hizmet participants have established hospitals, health clinics, and relief organizations in regions suffering from conflict or poverty, helping bring essential services to those in need.
2. A Champion of Peace and Dialogue
● A Bold Stand Against Extremism:
● In a landmark moment, Fethullah Gülen was the first Muslim leader to publicly condemn the 9/11 terrorist attacks. His message of compassion for the victims and strong condemnation of violence in the name of religion was a clarion call for peace in a world grappling with extremism.
● His unwavering stance against all forms of violence, terrorism, and oppression has shaped the peace-oriented nature of the Hizmet movement, which strives to resolve conflicts through dialogue and education.
● Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue:
● Gülen was an ardent advocate of dialogue between people of all faiths, believing that understanding and empathy were the foundations for peaceful coexistence.
● He initiated and supported numerous interfaith platforms and conferences, bringing together religious leaders from Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and other faith traditions.
● His dialogue efforts culminated in a personal audience with Pope John Paul II, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of interfaith understanding.
● Gülen’s emphasis on building bridges between different cultures and faiths has inspired Hizmet institutions to establish intercultural dialogue centers worldwide, where discussions on peace, mutual respect, and shared human values take place regularly.
● Global Humanitarian Vision:
● Beyond interfaith dialogue, Gülen’s vision extended to broader humanitarian concerns. He believed that serving humanity, regardless of nationality, religion, or ethnicity, was a moral obligation for all people.
● His teachings have spurred countless initiatives addressing global challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and access to healthcare.
● Hizmet participants have been involved in large-scale humanitarian projects, from supporting Syrian refugees to providing disaster relief in Haiti and Nepal.
3. Legacy of Democracy, Human Rights, and Pluralism
● Champion for Democracy and Human Rights:
● Fethullah Gülen was a strong proponent of democratic values, pluralism, and human rights. He consistently spoke out against authoritarianism and advocated for freedom of thought, expression, and assembly.
● His belief that democracy and Islamic values are compatible challenged traditional notions of governance in many parts of the world, inspiring millions to pursue peaceful reform and justice.
● Gülen’s teachings have also highlighted the importance of upholding the rights of women and marginalized groups, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring that all members of society are treated with dignity and respect.
● Educational Institutions as Centers of Democratic Values:
● Gülen’s emphasis on democracy is reflected in the educational institutions inspired by his philosophy.
● These schools encourage critical thinking, open dialogue, and the development of civic-minded students who understand the importance of social justice, equality, and human rights.
● Many Hizmet schools have been recognized for their success in promoting multicultural understanding and producing students who excel academically while contributing to society with a sense of moral responsibility.
4. Inspiring Future Generations
● A Legacy of Service:
● Even in his later years, living in self-imposed exile in the United States, Gülen remained dedicated to writing, teaching, and inspiring future generations to engage in community service, dialogue, and peaceful action.
● His lifelong devotion to the ideals of peace, compassion, and mutual respect will continue to guide the institutions, organizations, and individuals who follow his teachings.
● Continued Commitment to Gülen’s Vision:
● As we mourn his passing, institutions associated with Fethullah Gülen reaffirm their commitment to his vision of a world where mutual respect, dialogue, and cooperation prevail.
● We will continue to advance his ideals of promoting access to education, fostering interfaith dialogue, and serving humanity through social and humanitarian efforts.
● Gülen’s teachings will continue to inspire countless individuals who seek to create a more just, peaceful, and compassionate world.
In this time of loss, the global Hizmet community stands united in their resolve to honor the legacy of Fethullah Gülen. His life’s work will continue to be a source of inspiration for all who believe in the power of education, dialogue, and service to transform societies for the better.
