Fethullah Gulen Tolerance, Dialogue and Peace
There are various reasons why terrorism develops in certain parts of the world and may spread to other places. In many cases, socioeconomic factors play a role in the emergence and spread of violent ideologies. Some of these harmful movements make effective use of religion as well in mobilizing the disenfranchised, poor and ignorant masses with a history of political and social grievances. Unfortunately terror does not stay where it starts and could reach into our peaceful societies in the US.
Current situation in the Middle East, where the so-called ISIS is wreaking havoc is creating a negative image and a vicious cycle for the region and for the future of Islam. Among many other things, violence against minorities and peoples of other faiths, cruel treatment of women and beheadings of people as revenge are creating their desired fearful effect. The perpetrators of these heinous actions are using a religious rhetoric to gain legitimacy and supporters. This method is working well in countries like Nigeria, Iraq and Syria, where it is easier to abuse religious motivations due to political grievances and related socioeconomic factors.
The terrorist ideology does not always stay where it started. It could find its way to creep into our societies via technology. There have been young people from US that joined or attempted to join the ranks of terrorist organizations in Syria, Iraq or Somalia. We had Boston bombings and other attempted terrorist plots in the past that were linked to radical groups and ideologies. These actions were aimed at sowing fear into our hearts and threaten the peace of our nation. Though not without problems, US has usually been a diverse and inclusive country. Muslim immigrants have been always welcome just anybody else in settling down and living their life style. In fact Muslims persecuted by heavy handed secularist approach of their own governments or Muslims who were not welcome because they belonged to a different sect or school of thought in their own countries were welcomed into the US and they were allowed to practice their religion without any social or political repression. Taking advantage of these opportunities Muslims prosper in this country just as any body else. They have been peaceful and contributing members of our society. Although majority of the Muslims espouse a peaceful way of life in harmony with their neighboring communities, the unfortunate incidents of recent radical events making it difficult Muslim communities and their leadership.
The burden of preventing our youth from falling victim to ill intentioned messages of violence is on each individual Muslim and Muslim community as a whole. Establishing healthy relations with local and federal law enforcement to develop strategies against the spread of extremist ideologies as well as creating institutions within the community that can counter these messages and offer healthy outlets is essential.
At this stage existence of legitimate leadership examples from an Islamic point of view is very important[1]. One such example is Fethullah Gulen and the Gulen movement, aka Hizmet.
One of the major peaceful movements that originated from Islamic traditions is Gulen movement. Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish Islamic scholar who currently resides in US, was chosen to 2013 TIME 100 most influential people list owing to his moderate standing and advocacy of peace and tolerance. When he started as a state preacher in 1960s, Fethullah Gulen appealed to the religious tendencies of Mosque congregations to channel their efforts and resources towards social service projects. He was very well rooted in the traditional Islamic knowledge, which gave him legitimacy as a religious figure but he was able to redirect people’s enthusiasm to establish a civic and social movement.
Inspired by Said Nursi, Fethullah Gulen identified three problems in the world[2]: poverty, ignorance and enmity. Character formation and community building[3] through educational activities, relief organizations, media organizations and dialog activities was the response Fethullah Gulen developed against these ills. His compassionate and loving understanding of Islam as well as positive engagement with the modernity is the best response against extremism. Gulen is well rooted in Islamic tradition[4] and he deeply cares about the future of whole humanity. He shows this affection towards all creation by encouraging turning the faith into service. He asks people what he does:
Those fortunate ones whose actions reflect their spirit’s obedience always seek to please the Creator and humanity, and continue to acquire praiseworthy virtues. Finally, their altruism has reached such a level that they can forget their own needs and desires for the sake of others’ happiness.[5]
Living Islam in this way coupled with his strict condemnation of terrorism[6] and violence makes Fethullah Gulen an exemplary leader in preventing violence and homegrown terrorism. Hizmet’s reliance on volunteerism and private resources makes it more appealing in this regard. Without the help of governments private citizens are mobilized towards the betterment of community by Gulen’s philosophy and methods. The movement must be applauded and highlighted so that its example and voice can overcome the extremist and violent ideologies.
[1] http://www.fethullah-gulen.org/op-ed/review-contributions-gulen-movement.html
[2] http://www.fethullah-gulen.org/op-ed/three-greatest-enemies-ignorance-poverty-and-disunity.html
[3] http://en.fgulen.com/conference-papers/323-gulen-conference-in-indonesia/3729-thomas-michel-the-thinking-behind-the-gulen-inspired-schools
[4] http://www.gulenmovement.us/new-islamic-movements-and-amodern-networks-the-case-of-the-gulen-movement.html
[5] http://en.fgulen.com/about-fethullah-gulen/as-a-teacher/809-the-balance-between-the-physical-and-the-spiritual
[6] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/emre-celik/fethullah-gulens-message-_b_5837680.html
