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Muhammed Fethullah Gülen is a Turkish Islamic scholar and thinker, a prolific writer and poet, and the spiritual leader of Gulen's movement. He is trained in Islamic theology.
Gülen is known as an ideologue of dialogue (especially interfaith dialogue) among different communities, cultures and nations, tolerance, and appreciation of diversity versus clash of civilizations. His influence extends beyond Turkey over parts of Central Asia, the Caucasus, and more recently over Europe and United States.
Gülen has written over 30 books and many articles about social and religious issues, art,science,music, sports and politics . He is fluent in Arabic and Persian. He has never been married.
Fethullah Gülen is easily the most influential Turkish Islamic figure of his generation, with at least several hundred thousand, more likely several million of adherents. Some secular groups in Turkey remain suspicious that his movement is designed to undermine the division of state and religion. Radical religious groups, on the other hand, object to his methods, such as his dialogue with Christians and Jews.
Biography
Fethullah Gülen was born in Pasinler, Erzurum, in eastern Turkey, in 1938. He had formal education for a short while, then completed primary Islamic education at home and at some informal educational institutions in Erzurum. He began a career as a government-payed preacher (the only legal position a preacher can hold in Turkey) in 1953, and in 1958 took a position as teacher in a mosque in Edirne. In 1966 he was moved to a post in Izmir. It was here that Gülen's audience base began to expand. He traveled the provinces in Anatolia and gave sermons in mosques, town meetings and coffee houses.
The range of his speeches was more versatile than that of most preachers; he talked about education, science, Islamic creationism, the economy and social justice. More broadly, he envisioned a society of devout Muslims who nevertheless would adopt modern methods and technical knowledge. His sermons were taped and distributed by a network of followers at a time when Islamic activities were viewed with suspicion.
During an era of military rule which began in 1971, Gülen was arrested and imprisoned for his religious activities for seven months while on trial, but found not guilty by the court and released under the condition of refraining from public lectures . He retired from formal preaching duties in 1981. Between 1988 and 1991, he gave a series of sermons in popular mosques of major cities, growing his movement.
In the 1990s, a time of rising Islamist sentiment, Gülen was refered to by varying groups and parties of the conservative Turkish establishment as an 'exemplary Muslim', who offered an acceptable sythesis beween state and Islamic values. His movement expanded drastically. He met leading Turkish and international figures: the Holy See's Ambassador to Turkey, the Patriarch of the Turkish Orthodox community, the Patriarch of the Turkish Armenian community, the Chief Rabbi of the Turkish Jewish community, as well as leading journalists, celebrities, and thinkers of varying views.
In 1998, amidst maneuvres over power and the question of Islamist influence between several political parties and the military, Gülen moved to the USA because of his health problems, and he is still living in Pennsylvania. Although he has been through some trials especially after the interruption of the democratic system, he has never been convicted of a crime and always found not guilty by the courts examining his case.
Philosophy and activities
Gülen founded his philosophy and ideas on faithful individuals, a healthy society and a strong state. In defining these, he mostly referred to Islamic sources. He further championed dialogue among communities and faiths, tolerance, and acceptance of others.
Theological aspects of his philosophy
Gülen's theological views are solidly within the Turkish Sunni mainstream and his approach is more of a practical or than a theological nature. Some key points are in the tradition of Said Nursi, whose movement he absorbed or reinterpreted.
In this era, Gülen says, the main problem stems from an individual lack of faith, and the notion that science contradicts religion, especially Islam. Both Nursi and Gülen argue that faith can be scientifically proven, and science benefits from or requires a moral foundation from religion. They argue that theological debate about detail has no place in a time where the survival of faith itself is endangered.
State and social issues
Islamic movements of the 20th century were usually strongly influenced by Arab or Iranian revolutionary tradition, where political or militarist organizations are integral components. While these movements have influence in Turkey as well, Gülen based his movement on faithful individuals with strong moral values. He rejects imposing Islamic rules and regulations on the people by a take-over of the state, unlike other movements. The sole aim of a person should be pleasing God. Gülen expects that Turkish Islamic tradition will be widely accepted and liked in the West.
Gülen's approach puts the emphasis on representing Islam in a good manner, rather than spreading the Islamic message to others, deviating from many Islamic scholars in that regard. Being a modern and perfect representative of true Islam at the universal level is considered to be the main aim in the movement. This approach will turn out to be the tool for conveying Islamic consciousness to new generations in schools and other institutions. Morals cannot and must not be taught but will be absorbed from the example of a virtuous teacher.
Gülen suggests to avoid confrontation with the state, and to respect the establishment. Globalization is a fact and should be encouraged: Open borders are beneficial for Islam, as Islam is complete and strong. There is nothing to fear and isolation will not work. The material and ideological dependence on the West must be overcome. The Muslim World in general, and Turkey and Turks in particular must claim their place and right in world politics and should become a dominant factor.
Engagement in politics is prohibited and considered evil. Worldly desires like wealth, office and money should be fought with a 'spiritual jihad'.
Obstacles should be avoided, not engaged, for societal peace. Conflicts should be examined and preferably avoided.Opponents of the movement should be approached nicely, disregarding their behavior.
High work ethics and efficiency is akin to prayer. Human and material sources of the movement should be used wisely and efficiently, this not only being an Islamic rule but also because donations of Turkish businessman being limited.
Cemaat (loose circles of organizations, connected by personal contacts and common belief) are the most efficient form of organization, both for personal spiritual welfare and societal aims.
Religion vs Science
Like Said Nursi, Gülen states that there are two types of rules humans must obey: The first set of rules are (seriat-i fitriye), natural laws. Science and technology are tools to understand these rules. The second set of rules (seriat) is found in religion. These and organize lifestyle, human interaction and the relation to God. Since the source of both types of rules is God, they cannot possibly contradict each other. (see also: Teleological argument) Muslims should strive to obtain worldly knowledge and practise their religion at the same time coherently. The perusal of science can give religious meaning to the individual. Gülen frequently refers to Nursi's 'religion without science is lame and science without religion is blind'. Other religions are considered allies in this endeavor.
Education
The movement's belief is that only through education, a better future for humanity can be established. Change in the modern world will have to come via participation of moral and successful individuals in the media, business, and -most importantly- education systems, not by confrontation and revolution. Education of the new generation is of paramount importance. Knowledge is key.
Gülen's movement
The main article can be found at Gülen's movement.
The movement which is based on Gülen's philosophy is generally called Gülen's Movement. It consists of hundreds of legally autonomous units, personally and ideologically connected by the leadership of Gülen. Most parts of the movement are run by volunteers.
Gülen's Movement puts strong emphasis on education and interfaith dialogue. The movement's belief is that only through education a better future for humanity can be achieved. The movement runs several hundred schools, mostly in Turkey and Central Asia. In these schools children from different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds are educated by mainly Turkish educators who are graduates from Turkish universities. The movement has a TV and radio station, several newspapers and magazines and publishers.
Works
Gülen has authored over 30 books and many articles on a variety of topics: social, political and religious issues, art, science and sports, and recorded thousands of audio and video cassettes. He contributes to a number of journals and magazines owned by his followers. He writes the lead article for the Fountain, Yeni Ümit, Sızıntı, and Yağmur, Islamic and philosophical magazines in Turkey. Some of his books are available in English, German, Russian, Albanian, Japanese, Indonesian, and Spanish.
Bibliography in English
Pearls of Wisdom, Emerald Hills of the Heart, Prophet Muhammed as Commander, Questions and Answers, Essentials of the Islamic Faith, The Infinite Light vol 1-2, Towards the Lost Paradise, Truth Through Colors, Muhammad: The Messenger of God, Questions and Answers about Faith, Towards the Lost Paradise, Key Concepts in the Practice of Sufism
Controversies
Gülen has supporters from a variety of religious and political camps; however, some supporters of laicism (separation of church and state) and other secular groups are suspicious of his final aim. They claim that Gülen is trying to establish an Islamic order. In addition to that, some radical religious groups claim that although Gülen is identified as a Muslim leader, his methods are contrary to Islam. In mid 90's, Gülen started to meet the leaders of different religions in both Turkey and outside. Secularists considered this as a means to increase his power and influence, and radical religious groups thought it as a service to Christianity and Judaism instead of Islam.
Gülen became a controversial figure in 1997, when a number of video cassettes with his sermons were broadcast on TV. The authenticity of the tapes is debated. Some of Gülen's supporters claim they were fabricated. Gülen explained that the footage in question was completely taken out of context; that the advice he was giving was to a group of official employees who felt marginalized by other groups within the state system that wanted them gone. Gülen said that he advised them that they should not relinquish their careers and posts out of religious fervour but that they should remain in order to do good for the people, even if this meant not practicing their religion in the open.
Gülen's appeal to various ideological strands in Turkey differs. His supporters probably once constituted the most influential Islamic movement (except the state) in Turkey both for its human and financial capital. His influence has declined relative to Islamist currents since. Various other shades of the Islamic movement and conservative segments of society are sympathetic to him. His detractors are mostly in the nationalistic wing of the secularists, critical of his alleged affinity for a theocratic society and his ties to the US. For the elites, the ranks are broken by certain liberals, who point out that Gülen's group has proven to be most willing to evolve.
Specifically worthy of mention is the ongoing tension between the Turkish army and Gülen's supporters. Due to its spearheading westernization and secularization since the late Ottoman era, and later founding the secular republic under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the army has always viewed Islamic movements with suspicion and since the 1980s has identified Gülen's group as a threat to the republic. The Turkish army has repeatedly alleged that Gülen tries to infitrate its ranks and pressured politicans to take action against Gülen. In response, Gülen has explained his intentions, praised the army publicly various times and attempted to allay its fears about the group's intentions. Recently, new administration of the military restricted itself to more democratic ways and as a result the tension fades.
See also
External links
Gülen's movement
Other sources
- Fethullah Gülen Conference
- Islam in Contemporary World: The Contribution of Fethullah Gülen
- Fethullah Gülen and his Liberal "Turkish Islam" movement
- Turkish Islam's Moderate Face
- The Gülen Movement: a modern expression of Turkish Islam
- BBC News: Army chief demands Islamist purge