Greg Barton
Abstract
The Gülen movement, or hizmet, is often misunderstood, and this is in large measure because it is unlike anything else in the Muslim world, though the Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama mass-based organisations of Indonesia do bear some resemblance.
However, there is no good reason to limit comparisons to the Muslim world. As a social movement motivated by religious values and the ideals of selfless service, engaged in philanthropic endeavour and active in the civil sphere, the Gülen hizmet deserves comparison with other such movements around the globe. This paper looks outside the geographic and cultural context of the Muslim world to demonstrate that the Gülen hizmet shares much in common with many Western, Christian, philanthropic initiatives in education and public discourse of the past three centuries, particularly in North America.
August 27, 2011
August 26, 2011
Gulen Movement: Global Frontier to Ceaseless Activism
Stuart William
A programme on BBC Radio 4 called the Gulen or Hizmet movement the world’s “most successful Islamic movement”. It is indeed remarkable for its vision, its activities and the dynamism of its volunteers. Two characteristics of the Movement in particular strike one immediately, namely its global orientation and its ceaseless activism.
A programme on BBC Radio 4 called the Gulen or Hizmet movement the world’s “most successful Islamic movement”. It is indeed remarkable for its vision, its activities and the dynamism of its volunteers. Two characteristics of the Movement in particular strike one immediately, namely its global orientation and its ceaseless activism.
August 25, 2011
[RAMADAN NOTES] Different levels of fasting
Kerim Balcı
Muslim scholars differentiate between three levels of fasting. The first level is that of the common people, which entails abstaining from eating, drinking and sexual activities during daytime hours. The second level is that of the elite in which people ensure all organs of the body refrain from any kind of sin. The third level belongs to the elite of the elite, who must keep the soul, mind and heart clear of all thoughts and feelings that could distract one from God.
Muslim scholars differentiate between three levels of fasting. The first level is that of the common people, which entails abstaining from eating, drinking and sexual activities during daytime hours. The second level is that of the elite in which people ensure all organs of the body refrain from any kind of sin. The third level belongs to the elite of the elite, who must keep the soul, mind and heart clear of all thoughts and feelings that could distract one from God.
August 24, 2011
Exhibit lets Iraqi women tell stories of heartbreak and hope
Abe Levy
During two recent summer research trips to northern Iraq, Sister Martha Ann Kirk gleaned the perspectives of more than 140 Iraqi girls and women living in this violence-wracked corner of the world.
She took photos and notes, sat in living rooms, broke bread and walked neighborhoods to understand and document their experiences.
During two recent summer research trips to northern Iraq, Sister Martha Ann Kirk gleaned the perspectives of more than 140 Iraqi girls and women living in this violence-wracked corner of the world.
She took photos and notes, sat in living rooms, broke bread and walked neighborhoods to understand and document their experiences.
August 23, 2011
Nation Signs Education Related Deal With Turkish Organization
All Africa Global Media via COMTEX
Mogadishu - The ministry of education for the transnational federal government of Somalia has disclosed it had signed an education related deal with Nile Organization which is from Turkey.
Mogadishu - The ministry of education for the transnational federal government of Somalia has disclosed it had signed an education related deal with Nile Organization which is from Turkey.
August 22, 2011
Turkey, South Africa agree to waive visas, draft free trade agreement
Today's Zaman
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu said on Sunday that Turkey has reached an agreement with South Africa to mutually waive visa requirements and increase bilateral visits, with an aim toward enriching diplomatic and trade ties, as he announced plans for a visit to South Africa by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the coming months.
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu said on Sunday that Turkey has reached an agreement with South Africa to mutually waive visa requirements and increase bilateral visits, with an aim toward enriching diplomatic and trade ties, as he announced plans for a visit to South Africa by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the coming months.
August 21, 2011
For Muslim couple in Alabama Ramadan means fasting, then feasting, as all over the world
Roy Hoffmann
MOBILE - In south Alabama, as in their native Turkey, Ümit and Gülcan Gunebir observe Ramadan with prayer and fasting.
During each of the 30 days of the religious observance — this year, Aug. 1 – Aug. 30 — the couple rise before dawn in their west Mobile home, eat breakfast, then do not let food or drink pass their lips until sundown.
MOBILE - In south Alabama, as in their native Turkey, Ümit and Gülcan Gunebir observe Ramadan with prayer and fasting.
During each of the 30 days of the religious observance — this year, Aug. 1 – Aug. 30 — the couple rise before dawn in their west Mobile home, eat breakfast, then do not let food or drink pass their lips until sundown.
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