Overview
Fethullah Gülen (b. 1938) is the founder of one of Turkey’s most expansive and faith-oriented Islamic movements. His significance in contemporary Islamic thought is marked by his prolific writing and teachings, which emphasize knowledge, tolerance, and justice as essential Islamic virtues.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: فتح الله غولن (Fathullah Gulen)
- Turkish: Fethullah Gülen
Biography
Fethullah Gülen was born in 1938 in Erzurum, Turkey. Emerging from a background deeply rooted in Turkish Islam, Gülen has become a leading figure in the promotion of educational and interfaith initiatives globally.
Core Virtues: Knowledge, Tolerance, and Justice
Gülen underscores three core Islamic virtues:
- Knowledge (‘Ilm): Gülen promotes education through the foundation of over two hundred private high schools and several universities worldwide.
- Tolerance (Tasâmuh): Encourages interfaith dialogues and religious coexistence.
- Justice (‘Adl): Advocates for justice in societal structures and institutions.
Movement and Impact
The Gülen Movement, also known as “Hizmet,” has established a dense web of networks around the world, engaging in a variety of sectors:
Education
Gülen-led initiatives have developed a plethora of educational institutions:
- Private High Schools and Universities: Over two hundred in more than thirty countries.
Media
Gülen has engaged in transnational media activities to empower Muslims by:
- Founding newspapers, TV networks, and online platforms to disseminate his ideas and promote civic engagement.
Social and Cultural Activities
- Cultural Centers: Promote intercultural communication and understanding.
- Interfaith Dialogues: Encourage peaceful coexistence among different religious communities.
Books for Further Study
- Toward a Global Civilization of Love and Tolerance by Fethullah Gülen
- Service (Hizmet): Understanding Fethullah Gülen’s Mission and Vision edited by Thomas Michel
- Turkey’s Future: What Fethullah Gülen Thinks (Defining Ak: A Challenge for Turks) by Fethullah Gülen
Takeaways and Conclusion
Fethullah Gülen’s influence reaches across continents through his expansive educational initiatives, media enterprises, and promotion of peaceful coexistence. His emphasis on knowledge, tolerance, and justice buttresses a modern Islamic movement that addresses both spiritual and practical concerns of Muslims worldwide.
In conclusion, Fethullah Gülen stands as a key figure in contemporary Islamic thought, with a comprehensive vision seeking global civilization rooted in Islamic virtues.
