Fethullah Gulen Tolerance, Dialogue and Peace
From the 7th to 17th centuries, Muslim Civilization stretched from southern Spain to China. Not only Muslims, but scholars of many faiths built on the ancient knowledge of the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Persians, and others, making breakthroughs that paved the way for the Renaissance. Yet, it has been about 5 centuries since that golden age has closed. What could be done to change the face of this era in Muslim Word is the topic of one of the writings of Mr. Gulen titled “to change the face of the era“. Actually, he has been talking, writing and acting on the issue of growing a golden generation for his entire life. We can say that he dedicated himself to achieve this goal.
Golden Generation conference was held in Corum (1977), and Ideal Generation symposium was held in Zonguldak (1975), which are available online at nil.tv. We can say that these conferences are organized especially to reach people who do not visit mosques. Because, meanwhile, as a preacher, he has been giving services regularly at mosques. In these talks, Gulen emphasizes the concept of attitude and character, and he states that we should evaluate individuals based on their personalities rather than their names or titles. What makes difference is not the religion that one belongs to, instead its the attributes that one has. And he particularly promotes several values:
a) Love: Being generous not only to the friends but also to the enemies. All creatures are ontologically equal, and our mission is to establish peace in the universe.
b) Action: Conquering one’s self and devotion of helping others. This can only be achieved by being pleased with suffering.
c) Self questioning: Controlling own position and questioning of one’s self. Self awareness and consciousness.
In this post, I would like to particularly talk about some of his ideas to change the face of the era. He first states that the knowing his religion to the extent of the basic fundamentals is a must for him. In Islam, these are six articles of beliefs and the five pillars. Knowing these and worshiping accordingly is a must for every single Muslim. What is more, he also states another must is learning medicine, engineering or other natural sciences -at least- in the perspective of Istihsan. Muslim scholars may use this word to express their preference for particular judgements.
To be able to stand on its own feet, a nation need to possess the skills of science and technology. He follows with the institutions ignored after rephrasing the saying of Bediuzzaman, which is like the summary sentence of the essay:
“The religious sciences are the light of the conscience, and the modern sciences are the light of the reason. The truth becomes manifest through the combining of the two. The students’ endeavor will take flight on these two wings. When they are separated it gives rise to bigotry in the one, and wiles and skepticism in the other.”
