Concerns, the Community [Gulen Movement] and response

Hüseyin Gülerce

Any reference to “the Community” in Turkey prompts people to think of those who have adopted Fethullah Gülen’s advice, his style and his method in serving this religion.

The word “community” refers to a religion formation and therefore, is accompanied by an implication of organization. The problems or concerns about the Gülen movement can largely be attributed to this implication and the perceptions resulting from it.

The Gülen movement as a religious community is perceived as the source of great concerns, worries and fears because it reminds people of the existence of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), and the two are associated with one another. Particularly after the start of the Ergenekon case, certain groups are provoking the groups who are distant to the religion and religious groups, saying: “The Community is taking over the police department and the judiciary. They have grown excessively. They are everywhere. What will be the outcome of this development?” This discourse is disseminated by certain media organizations. Thus, even the people who approve of this movement and have been supporting it for many years can be confused. Even they may start to ask themselves, “What if these rumors are true?”

The Gülen movement is not an organization, as misleadingly implied. Of course, a worldwide movement that has become recognized in different places throughout the world can be carried out only through consultation and organized efforts. Can dormitories, schools, hospitals or universities be established on their own? Can scholarships be provided to thousands of people without some organization? Can dialogue centers or schools be opened in 160 countries around the world? This is a voluntary movement, being conducted by a number of associations, foundations and companies which are all audited by the state institutions. And this audit is a thoroughly conducted one. Just remember the February 28 process.

But this movement is not an organization. If it were an organization, this would imply an unchanging hierarchy, lending one’s reason to a higher authority, that is, a culture of allegiance. But such a mentality is not compatible with Islam or being a Muslim. Every person is a different kingdom. Every believer is a world apart, although they are nurtured from the same source. “Every human being is a single-copy book.” Yet, Islam also fosters solidarity, cooperation and consultation. Islam urges people not to live alone, but to be with God among other people.

In short, this movement and Gülen’s advice “to bring to existence a resurrection by sticking to our roots of meaning” have been found to be reasonable by millions of people. This reasonableness should be underlined. Indeed, the important thing is that an idea is adopted by a nation. If our nation had not had trust in Gülen and his friends and thousands of volunteers, and if they had not found their services useful, the Volunteers’ Movement would not continue to exist, would it? If this movement had not been a social peace project, it would not have attained social appeal and approval, would it? If Mr. Gülen’s message, “Turkey cannot attain its due position in the world without going everywhere,” had not sounded reasonable to people, would the epic stories of achievements be a reality in 160 countries around the world? It is no surprise that these people share many of the same feelings and ideas in different places and adopt the same service models and conduct similar activities. There is no organization, but a drive to earn God’s consent in moving toward the same goal in a brotherly manner. If a center is to be sought, then there are thousands of centers in five continents.

Yet there is also a human aspect of the volunteers’ movement. Mr. Gülen says, “As one performing services and trying to earn their hearts, one should not tempt them to commit sins.” Thus, it is very important that volunteers refrain from making other people envious and also that they avoid misunderstandings

This movement has been found to be reasonable and acceptable all around the world. Therefore, if there are those in this country who disapprove of this movement, we should question ourselves. Why are we being misunderstood or misperceived? We must try to find this out.

Published on Today's Zaman, 20 November 2010, Saturday