By Grace Mubashir, New Age Islam
26 October 2024
Fethullah Gülen, the Turkish Islamic scholar, educator, and spiritual leader, passed away in October 2024 at the age of 83, leaving a profound legacy of interfaith understanding, religious tolerance, and commitment to global peace. For decades, Gülen was a prominent voice in fostering dialogue among diverse faiths and cultures, striving to build bridges of understanding in an increasingly divided world. His lifelong dedication to education, pluralism, and humanitarian service inspired countless individuals and established a global network of schools and peace-building initiatives, collectively known as the Hizmet (Service) movement.
Fethullah Gülen (April 27, 1941 – October 2024)
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Early Life and Spiritual Formation
Fethullah Gülen was born in the small village of Korucuk in Turkey's Erzurum province, where he was raised in a devout Muslim family. From a young age, Gülen demonstrated a keen interest in Islamic studies, Sufi thought, and spirituality. His early spiritual influences included prominent Turkish Sufi scholars, particularly Said Nursî, whose emphasis on peace, tolerance, and service became foundational to Gülen’s philosophy. By his teenage years, Gülen was already recognized as a talented preacher, known for his emphasis on inner spiritual development, moral integrity, and social responsibility.
Ordained as an official preacher within Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs in his early twenties, Gülen soon became known for his unique and forward-thinking approach to Islam, emphasizing love, tolerance, and dialogue as central tenets of faith. His teachings reflected an understanding of Islam as a faith of compassion and peace, which could coexist harmoniously with modernity and scientific progress.
Religious Activism and Emphasis on Pluralism
Gülen’s approach to Islam was marked by a commitment to pluralism and mutual respect. In his view, religious faiths shared a common purpose: to foster human dignity, moral integrity, and social harmony. Gülen believed that while faith is deeply personal, it should also serve as a catalyst for people of different beliefs to find common ground. This commitment to pluralism became the foundation for his life’s work, as he inspired his followers to prioritize dialogue over division and to embrace a global sense of unity.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Gülen became one of the most influential religious leaders in Turkey, known for his speeches, writings, and advocacy for inclusive, non-sectarian understanding of Islam. During this time, he developed an increasingly nuanced view of Islam’s role in a globalized world, one in which Muslims, Christians, Jews, and those of other faiths could live in mutual respect. This philosophy would shape the future of the Hizmet movement, encouraging followers to establish educational institutions and dialogue platforms that welcomed people of all backgrounds.
The Hizmet Movement: Education and Global Peace
Fethullah Gülen’s greatest contribution to the world was perhaps the educational network that emerged from the Hizmet (or "Service") movement. Gülen believed that education was the most powerful means of combating ignorance, prejudice, and extremism. He urged his followers to establish secular, high-quality schools where young people could develop a well-rounded worldview that embraced science, ethics, and critical thinking alongside cultural understanding.
Over the decades, Gülen-inspired schools spread to over 120 countries across the world, with notable presences in Central Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Unlike traditional religious schools, Hizmet institutions embraced a secular curriculum, providing students of diverse backgrounds with tools to succeed in the modern world while fostering values of empathy, tolerance, and social responsibility. Many of these schools also established programs that emphasized cultural exchange and cross-faith understanding, aligning with Gülen’s vision of global peace through education and dialogue.
In addition to formal education, the Hizmet movement encouraged social responsibility and humanitarian service as essential components of faith. Through philanthropic initiatives, Hizmet followers contributed to disaster relief, poverty alleviation, and other humanitarian efforts around the world. This commitment to serving humanity extended beyond religious or cultural boundaries, reflecting Gülen’s core belief that service to others was a universal duty, transcending any single faith or national identity.
Champion of Interfaith Dialogue
As an ardent advocate of interfaith dialogue, Fethullah Gülen made significant contributions toward building a more tolerant and harmonious world. He firmly believed that dialogue among faiths could foster a deep sense of empathy and understanding. To that end, Gülen sought to establish a culture of open dialogue and encouraged his followers to engage meaningfully with people of different religious traditions. His commitment to interfaith work was recognized internationally and manifested in numerous platforms and initiatives that brought people of diverse backgrounds together.
In 1998, Gülen met with Pope John Paul II, marking a historic moment for Muslim-Christian relations and highlighting his dedication to bridging religious divides. This meeting inspired similar interfaith initiatives, and organizations such as the Rumi Forum in Washington, D.C., the Journalists and Writers Foundation in Turkey, and other Hizmet-sponsored platforms became influential in promoting interfaith dialogue worldwide. These institutions continue to organize conferences, dialogues, and publications to build understanding among Muslims, Christians, Jews, and people of other faiths, demonstrating Gülen’s enduring commitment to peace and understanding.
Gülen’s interfaith advocacy also found support among academic circles, where his writings were studied and discussed. Scholars recognized him as a pioneer of interfaith understanding in the Muslim world, and his works on tolerance, dialogue, and non-violence have been translated into multiple languages and studied in universities globally. Gülen’s message resonated strongly with people of all backgrounds, reflecting a belief that religion should bring people together in compassion and shared purpose.
Vision for Peace and Tolerance
Throughout his life, Fethullah Gülen promoted a vision of Islam that valued peace and dialogue above all else. His teachings emphasized the importance of “greater jihad” — an internal struggle to overcome one’s ego and cultivate virtues like patience, humility, and forgiveness. Gülen believed that individuals could make significant contributions to society not through conflict but through personal integrity and ethical service.
Despite the conflicts and challenges he faced — particularly with the Turkish government, which accused him and his movement of political interference — Gülen consistently denied any involvement in political matters and reiterated his stance that Hizmet’s mission was solely educational and humanitarian. The Turkish government’s accusations reached a peak in 2016, following a failed coup attempt, after which Gülen, who denied any role in the coup, was exiled to the United States. Despite these challenges, Gülen’s ideas continued to inspire those who shared his commitment to peace and understanding.
A Lasting Legacy of Faith and Unity
Fethullah Gülen will be remembered as a man who dedicated his life to interfaith understanding, educational reform, and peaceful coexistence. His teachings continue to inspire people worldwide to pursue a vision of society rooted in compassion, humility, and service to others. Through the Hizmet movement’s schools, humanitarian initiatives, and interfaith platforms, Gülen’s vision has created enduring pathways for dialogue, understanding, and unity.
As the world continues to face complex challenges in fostering peace and tolerance, Gülen’s life serves as a powerful reminder that education, empathy, and dialogue are the most effective tools for achieving a harmonious and inclusive society. His legacy — captured in the words he often shared with his followers — speaks to a commitment to transcending differences and finding unity in shared values: “True human values are universal. Let us approach one another with compassion and understanding, for in each of us lies the spark of divinity.”
Gülen’s passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of those who followed his teachings and shared his dedication to interfaith understanding. His life’s work, however, lives on in the movement he inspired and in the countless individuals who have been touched by his message of peace, service, and global fellowship.
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A regular columnist for NewAgeIslam.com, Mubashir V.P is a PhD scholar in Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia and freelance journalist.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/obituary-fethullah-gulen-interfaith-global-peace/d/133555
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9:24 AM
Moderate Islamist here
