Fethullah Gülen is one of the most influential Islamic scholars of the modern era. Known for his moderate interpretations of Islam and advocacy for education, interfaith dialogue, and peace, Gülen has garnered global recognition. This Fethullah Gülen biography explores his life, teachings, and the profound influence of his movement, often referred to as the Gülen or Hizmet Movement.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Background
Fethullah Gülen was born on April 27, 1941, in the small village of Korucuk, near Erzurum in eastern Turkey. Coming from a devout Muslim family, he was introduced to Islamic teachings at a young age. His father, Ramiz Gülen, was an imam, and his mother, Refia, played a significant role in his early education, teaching him to read the Qur’an before he attended school.
At a young age, Gülen became deeply interested in Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam focused on spiritual closeness to God. This early exposure to Islamic scholarship and mysticism laid the foundation for his future teachings, where he emphasized both spirituality and active engagement in the modern world.
Education and Spiritual Formation
Fethullah Gülen’s formal education in Islamic sciences began when he moved to Erzurum for religious training. He studied under prominent Islamic scholars of the time, which shaped his understanding of faith, ethics, and social responsibility. In his late teens, he became a licensed preacher, following in his father’s footsteps.
In the 1960s, Gülen began his career as an imam for Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs. During this period, he developed a unique approach to Islamic education, blending traditional Islamic values with modern scientific knowledge. Gülen’s sermons attracted large audiences, and his message of compassion, service to others, and tolerance resonated with many across Turkey.
The Birth of the Gülen Movement
The Emergence of Hizmet
By the 1970s, Gülen’s influence grew, leading to the establishment of what is now known as the Gülen Movement or “Hizmet,” which means “service” in Turkish. Fethullah Gülen’s biography is closely intertwined with this movement, which focuses on education, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian efforts.
The movement began with the establishment of educational institutions. Gülen encouraged his followers to open schools that would offer both a modern and moral education. These schools were not limited to religious teachings but also emphasized science, mathematics, and other secular subjects, aimed at nurturing well-rounded individuals who could contribute to society.
Over time, the Gülen Movement expanded globally, with educational institutions, dialogue centers, and humanitarian organizations in over 100 countries. This global reach has made Gülen one of the most influential Muslim thinkers of the 21st century.
Key Principles of the Gülen Movement
The Gülen Movement is built on several key principles that reflect Fethullah Gülen’s teachings:
- Education: Education is central to Gülen’s philosophy. He believes that knowledge—both religious and secular—is essential for individual and societal development. The schools inspired by the Gülen Movement aim to promote intellectual and moral growth.
- Service (Hizmet): Another core principle is serving humanity. Gülen emphasizes selfless service as a way to contribute to society and fulfill one’s moral obligations.
- Interfaith Dialogue: Gülen is a strong advocate for interfaith dialogue, believing that understanding and respect between different religious communities are crucial for global peace.
- Peaceful Coexistence: Gülen preaches peace, tolerance, and respect for all people, regardless of faith or background. His message of moderation contrasts sharply with extremist interpretations of Islam.
Teachings of Fethullah Gülen
Philosophy of Education and Modernization
Fethullah Gülen’s biography is often associated with his vision of education as a path to both spiritual and material success. He argues that Muslims should not reject modernity or scientific knowledge. Instead, Gülen advocates for a balanced approach where one can maintain a strong religious identity while embracing the benefits of modern science and technology.
In his writings and speeches, Gülen often quotes the Qur’an and Hadith, illustrating how Islamic teachings support the pursuit of knowledge. He believes that ignorance is one of the biggest challenges facing Muslim communities, and education is the key to overcoming it.
Spirituality and Sufism
Gülen’s spiritual philosophy is deeply influenced by Sufism. He emphasizes love, compassion, humility, and service to others as central tenets of the Islamic faith. His approach to Islam focuses on inner purification, spiritual growth, and living a life dedicated to higher moral values.
While not formally associated with any specific Sufi order, Gülen’s teachings align with the spiritual and ethical dimensions of Sufism, encouraging a deep, personal connection with God.
Interfaith Dialogue and Global Peace
One of the most notable aspects of Fethullah Gülen’s biography is his commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue. Gülen believes that mutual understanding and dialogue between different religions are essential for fostering peace in an increasingly interconnected world.
Through his movement, Gülen has supported numerous interfaith initiatives, including conferences, dialogues, and publications that bring together Muslims, Christians, Jews, and people of other faiths. His efforts in this field have garnered international recognition and praise, particularly in regions where religious conflict has been prevalent.
Gülen has consistently denounced violence in the name of religion, advocating instead for peaceful dialogue and mutual respect. This perspective positions him as a leading voice against religious extremism.
Influence and Global Impact
Expansion of the Gülen Movement
The global influence of Fethullah Gülen is evident in the expansive network of institutions linked to the Gülen Movement. These include schools, universities, dialogue centers, and humanitarian organizations that operate in more than 100 countries. The schools, often referred to as “Gülen schools,” have earned a reputation for academic excellence and fostering a sense of global citizenship among their students.
One of the movement’s primary goals is to bridge the gap between the East and the West, promoting understanding between cultures through education and dialogue. The Fethullah Gülen biography is inextricably linked to this vision of building a more connected and harmonious global society.
Media and Business Networks
Beyond education, the Gülen Movement also has a strong presence in media and business sectors. Media outlets such as the newspaper Zaman and the television station Samanyolu were initially linked to the movement, offering a platform for promoting Gülen’s moderate views on Islam and modernity.
Many businesspeople who are inspired by Gülen’s teachings have formed networks to support the movement’s educational and humanitarian goals. The movement’s success in creating self-sustaining institutions has been a testament to its widespread appeal.
Controversies and Exile
Opposition and Political Challenges
Despite his global influence and peaceful message, Fethullah Gülen has been a controversial figure, particularly in his native Turkey. In the early 2000s, he faced accusations from secular authorities who were suspicious of his growing influence and the movement’s power. However, the most significant controversy in Fethullah Gülen’s biography arose following the 2016 attempted coup in Turkey.
The Turkish government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, accused Gülen and his followers of orchestrating the coup attempt. Gülen, who has been living in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999, denied any involvement and condemned the coup. Despite his denial, the Turkish government labeled the Gülen Movement as a terrorist organization, leading to a crackdown on its institutions in Turkey.
Life in Exile
Since leaving Turkey in 1999, Fethullah Gülen has lived in Pennsylvania, where he continues to write and speak on Islamic issues. Although he remains far from his homeland, his influence endures through his followers and the global network of institutions linked to his teachings.
Legacy and Future of the Gülen Movement
Enduring Influence
Despite the controversies surrounding his movement, Fethullah Gülen’s legacy is likely to be remembered for his contributions to education, interfaith dialogue, and global peace. His emphasis on knowledge, service, and peaceful coexistence continues to inspire millions around the world.
As the Gülen Movement adapts to changing political landscapes, its commitment to Gülen’s core values remains strong. The enduring relevance of his teachings, especially in promoting harmony between faiths and cultures, ensures that Fethullah Gülen’s biography will continue to influence future generations.
This comprehensive Fethullah Gülen biography highlights the life, teachings, and far-reaching influence of one of the most significant Islamic thinkers of our time. His movement’s global footprint and advocacy for education and dialogue reflect his lasting impact on both Muslim and non-Muslim communities alike.
