The Gulen Movement: pioneers of interfaith dialogue

Churches Together in England

The most populous Muslim presence in the UK has its roots in the Indian subcontinent, and the nature of Islam in Pakistan, especially, has coloured British understanding of and approaches to Islam. This is to ignore the diversity of Islam, not only theological, but also cultural and geographical.

A very different model of Islam can be seen in the movement around Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish Muslim scholar,opinion leader and peace activist. Fethullah Gulen topped a 2008 poll of one hundred most influential public intellectuals (Foreign Policyand Prospect magazines). He has inspired a worldwide civil society movement to invest in intercultural dialogue as the basis for lasting peace. There are schools, universities, dialogue centres and charitable organisations across the world, which have been inspired by Fethullah Gulen’s philosophy. He teaches that we are human first, and only then Muslim or of any other religion and culture. He supports democracy, diversity, human rights, freedom of belief, and argues, unsurprisingly, that ‘No Muslim can be a terrorist and no terrorist a Muslim’.

Fethullah Gulen is an Islamic preacher and scholar, and author of over sixty volumes. Professor Paul Weller (Continuum, 2009) noted that ‘Fethullah Gulen does not teach a “liberal” or “modernist” version of Islam. Rather, his teaching offers a robust renewal of Islam that is engaged with the contemporary world. It is rooted in a deep knowledge of authentically Islamic sources.’

The Gulen movement has a presence in various centres across the UK, not least in London and West Yorkshire. The principal point of contact is through an educational charity, the Dialogue Society, which is always open to exploring partnerships with other institutions. The London base of the Dialogue Society hosts a variety of cross-cultural lectures and round-table discussions; the West Yorkshire presence includes a girls’ school in Bradford and a set of Ph.D. students in Leeds.

For Christian churches struggling to relate to Islam, the Gulen movement is a breath of fresh air. Here are deeply committed, prayerful, intelligent Muslims, wanting to dialogue, to listen as well as proclaim, promoting human values and engaging thoughtfully yet critically with Western society. This is Islamic bridge-building, seeking mutual understanding and, through understanding, making peace.

Clive Barrett, CEDO, West Yorkshire Ecumenical Council

Source:  http://www.gulenmovement.com/latest-news/146

Fethullah Gulen and Gulen Movement discussed at CSIS

[Fethullah Gulen | Gulen Movement | CSIS, Center for Strategic and International Studies]

Members of the Center for Strategic and International Studies gather in Washington... The topics discussed include: Gulen Movement and Fethullah Gulen.

The group's director Dr. Bulent Aliriza hosted the discussion... and says that the movement has grown rapidly... reaching out to the world for more than 40 years.

Aliriza added that the movement, led by Muslim scholar Fethullah Gulen, provides the basic philosophy of serving people in order to serve God.

Dr. Alp Aslandogan, who is a member of the board, says that the movement is especially important to the youth because they find that faith, spirituality and science can work together.

The Gulen Movement makes political choices by subject, values and attitudes rather than by political parties.

Members of the movement say they would like to see values such as being against corruption, democracy, and not abusing political power.

Dr. Alp Aslandogan added it was impossible to pronounce an exact number for the institutions of the movement because they are prevalent in the society and the donations are made locally depending on the amount of the need.

When asked why the Army was against such a movement, Dr. Alp Aslandogan explained that this was a simple case of over generalization rather than speaking in terms of the Turkish Army, we need to single out individuals within the institutions, as some high rank officers after their retirement speak about the positive effects of the Gulen Movement.

Source: http://gulen4worldpeace.blogspot.com/2012/08/fethullah-gulen-and-gulen-movement.html
Video Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nravVNEe484

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Followers of Fethullah Gulen seek to build up the human community

Prof. Leo Lefebure

Prof. Leo Lefebure of Georgetown University speaks at Annual Intercultural Shared Iftar (fast-breaking Dinner) held by Rumi Forum of Washington D.C.

According to him, we all can get so used to routines, and fasting exerts a call to attention for not only Muslims, but followers of other religious paths as well. He shares how Islamic faith calls him to stop and think "what do I worship functionally in my life?"
"In fasting, Muslims both give honor to God, they recall the events that led to the Qur'an, celebrate the Night of Power which took place during some evening in this month; and they also extend concern for others.

The Second Vatican Council, the leaders of the Catholic Church, expressed their respect for the Islamic tradition, and they singled out three practices of Muslims that resonate very deeply with the Catholic tradition: Prayer, fasting and almsgiving. And I like to think of those three together. We pray towards God -both Muslims, Catholics, followers of many other traditions as well-, we fast both in relationship to God and also in relationship to the needs of those who do not have enough to eat and drink -another theme that unites Muslims and Catholics.

In the opening of the document Church's Relation to the Other Religions, fathers of the Second Vatican Council said something that seems rather shocking, that seems completely counter-factual, they say 'There is one community among nations, among peoples.'... And on the one hand that is a deep theological affirmation that we share with Muslims and again with many other traditions as well. We have a common origin in God and a common final destination in God. But it is also a challenge: If we are this community in relationship to God, then we should live that way.

So the leaders of the Council pleaded with Muslims and Christians alike to forget the animosities of the past, and work together. This is what I've seen in practice with the members of Hizmet, followers of Fethullah Gulen, around the world in various places where I've been welcomed and hosted. In one situation after another, they are reaching out, looking for what values we share which are so much important than the areas which we differ, seeking to build up the human community."

Prof. Leo Lefebure concluded his remarks sharing how witnessing Muslim community around the world is a "profound challenge to him as a Catholic to reflect upon [his] own faith, and to work in shaping this one community in which we all share."

Source: http://www.gulenmovement.com/latest-news/145-followers-of-fethullah-gulen-seek-to-build-up-the-human-community

Video Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48ENQC1IdPU

Basic Characteristics of the Gulen Movement

Hizmet (Gulen movement) is a transnational civil society movement calling up everyone to collaborate around a common ideal of good work for humanity. The movement aims to facilitate an environment in which all can work together in a pluralist, peaceful, all-embracing spirit and voluntary altruism, regardless of subscription to a certain faith.

As a civil-based movement, it is not directed by any domestic or international organization, government, state, or political system or ideology thereof. It engages independently, legitimately, and non-politically.

Hizmet acts upon tolerance and love from a religious and cultural perspective; dialogue and accord (reconciliation) from a social perspective; aims to elevate individuals to higher personal development and education from a behavioral and (positive) action perspective. It’s a proactive and peaceful movement that promotes positive thinking and positive action, with no room for conflict and reactions.

Even though the movement has its origins in a framework of reference based on Islamic values, it is not a movement that espouses superiority through nationalistic or religious identities. It’s not Pan-Turkish or Pan-Islamist. It is not a religious sect, fraternity, or cult; nor is it an extension or a branch of any of the above. The movement celebrates the universal moral dynamics and values that were exemplified by the Sufis of the early Islamic history and continue to be universally appreciated today; nonetheless, the movement is by no means a Sufi order, either in its classical or modern definition. The movement encapsulates a faith-inspired peace-invoking service. It promotes universal values, superiority of the law and human rights along with freedom of belief, freedom of religion and freedom of expression.

The movement and those who are morally supportive of its services are respectful towards religious beliefs, values, and the universal ethical convictions. The common objective of the majority of the devoted volunteers is to serve humanity and thus seek God’s pleasure. The pivotal motivation of those volunteers who are not within the fold of this objective is to spread the universal morality and values so much so that they’re deeply rooted in societies with the hope they will pave the way for global peace.

The Hizmet movement comprises of volunteers, who with their profound sense of responsibility feel they need to contribute in solving the problems of their own societies and of the entire world. The ultimate objective in their contributions to the society is to attain God’s good pleasure based on the conviction that ‘service to humanity is service to God.’ However this generic principle will not remove the possibility of having individuals who are seeking to satisfy their senses and their desires and who are looking to financially capitalize on this social network, rather than seek God’s pleasure.

Source: http://www.gulenmovement.us/basic-characteristics-of-gulen-movement.html

Australian Catholic University, Fethullah Gulen International Scholarship

Funded by the International Student Scholarship funds, the Fethullah Gulen International Scholarship was established in 2012 to support international students undertaking postgraduate research in the broad area of Muslim-Christian relations within the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy.

1. The Scholarship has a value of between 50-100% of the recipient’s tuition fees for the minimum duration of the course, or pro rata if the recipient has partially completed their course.
2. The Scholarship is open to international students undertaking a postgraduate research program in the broad area of Muslim-Christian relationsin the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy at any campus of Australian Catholic University.
3. Applications must include:
• a written statement of approximately 500 words outlining how the applicant’s studies will foster dialogue, understanding and collaboration between Islam and Christianity; and
• evidence of acceptance into, or current enrolment in, a postgraduate research program within the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy.
4. Recipients are required to:
• submit an annual report on the progress of their studies (approximately 300 words) together with a supporting statement (approximately 300 words), indicating satisfactory progress, from their principal project supervisor to the Faculty Executive Dean;
• complete their studies in the minimum course duration; and
• remain enrolled in the program for which they were granted the scholarship. Withdrawal or an interruption to studies may result in the award being terminated.
5. The Scholarship will be awarded on the recommendation of a Selection Committee consisting of the Executive Dean, Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, Associate Dean (Research), Faculty of Theology and Philosophy and Director of Centre for Inter-religious Dialogue.

Notes:
The Selection Committee will not include a staff member who is supervising any applicants for the Scholarship. In the event that a Selection Committee member is the supervisor of an applicant, a substitute Committee member will be nominated by the Executive Dean.

The overall percentage value of the payment amount will be determined by the selection committee based on academic merit and strength of the application.

The Scholarship may not be awarded every year. Only one scholarship will be on issue at any time.

In the event that a student exceeds minimum course duration, an extension of the scholarship may be considered.

Source:  http://gulenmovement.com/latest-news/144-australian-catholic-university-fethullah-gulen-international-scholarship

Fethullah Gulen schools or Gulen-inspired schools?

First of all there no such definition as “Fethullah Gulen schools”. None of the schools have an official affiliation with Fethullah Gulen himself. There is no wayFethullah Gulen himself to involve in the establishment of such large number of schools which are scattered all over the world. And, it is humanly impossible to one person who lives in an isolated, remote region to manage the schools which are in different countries.

The missing part in this ordeal is not recognizing the influence of Fethullah Gulen in the world fast developing county, Turkey.

As the Turkish Secretary of State Davutoglu has mentioned, the biggest potential of Turkey is human capital. Turkey is not known for its everlasting natural resources. Turkey do not possess capital saving that was obtained through exploiting other nations. Turkey has not been known for its resources such as natural gas and oil as well. Nevertheless only one thing – the biggest resource of Turkey is the human capital – well-educated, young, and energetic but the most significantly human resource that is powerful belonging to their country, history and nation.

Fethullah Gulen has been extensively emphasising the importance of working hard to bring the society on to the higher levels of prosperity. In this bookPearls of Wisdom;

“Laziness and attachment to ease are among the major reasons for deprivation and humiliation. Inactive people who have abandoned themselves to (indolent) comfort one day will fall so low that they will expect even their basic necessities to be supplied by others.

For a human being, change and decay are usually slow and silent. Sometimes even a little heedlessness, a slight straying from the “caravan,” can cause a complete collapse and a total loss. However, because those who have fallen see themselves as still on the same line and in the same situation, they do not realize that they have plunged to the bottom of a deep well from a minaret-like peak.

Some people who leave the line of exertion and struggle with a feeling of guilt, which every fugitive and truant is bound to feel, are likely to defend themselves and criticize their friends who continue to serve. It is almost impossible for such people to escape their deviation and return to their original line.”[2]

People who were inspired by Fethullah Gulen have achieved autonomy from state power and has been able to play a significant role in society, the main characteristics of civil society organizations. Turkey is also a country which has undergone an economic transformation in recent years. And, the influence ofFethullah Gulen cannot be underestimated on this aspect of the Turkey’s economic growth.

In his book, Fethullah Gulen writes: “Those who want to reform the world must first reform themselves. If they want to lead others to a better world, they must purify their inner worlds of hatred and jealousy, and adorn their outer worlds with virtue. The words of those who cannot control and discipline themselves, and who have not refined their feelings, may seem attractive and insightful at first. However, even if they somehow manage to inspire others, which they sometimes do, the sentiments they arouse will soon wither.” [2]

In addition, thanks to the Turkey-EU Customs Union which came into force in 1996, Turkey has enjoyed customs-free exports to a market of over 500 million people. Apart from EU integration, Turkey is playing a leading role in several international bodies, such as the World Trade Organization, OECD, and Black Sea Economic Cooperation. Turkey has been promoting peace, stability, democracy and economic welfare in its region and beyond. Turkey is one of the three standalone countries, which was declared by the African Union as a strategic partner, after China and India, in January 2008. So far, development projects in 37 African countries have already been conducted. [3]. Turkey is a success story when the majority of the developed countries suffering from the economic turmoil. Today, Turkey is a secular state with no Islamic reference. It offers an open political space that allows for all political ideologies to compete free. [1]

Fethullah Gulen has been trying to encourage generations to come to improve themselves to better people to make their positive impact to the world around themselves... Fethullah Gulen wrote “ the generation who aim to give a better shape to the world should be equipped with mathematical thought. Mathematical thought implies a comprehension of the enigmatic connection between creation and the ‘laws’ of mathematics, and a discovery of the mysterious world of numbers. Without mathematics, it is not possible to perceive the mutual relations between man and things; it is mathematics which, like a source of light, illuminates our way along the line from the universe to life and shows us the depths of the world of possibilities beyond human imagination, thus enabling us to attain our ideals” [4]

Source:  http://gulenmovement.com/latest-news/143-fethullah-gulen-schools-or-gulen-inspired-schools

[1] http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Turkey-a-success-story-of-tripartite-coexistence-30181222.html

[2] http://en.fgulen.com/

[3] Mr Zafer Çağlayan, State Minister for Foreign Trade. http://www.biz-works.net/index.php5?&;;fl=y&pgid=ar&art=1001_08

[4] Towards the lost paradise