What is behind Hizmet-affiliated schools?

Taha Akyol, Hurriyet

What is behind the schools affiliated with the Hizmet [Gülen] movement that have been established around the world?

What is the power behind these schools, the first of which was opened in Azerbaijan in 1991? As this is an issue with a social basis, we have to look through the sociological lenses. Sociologist Max Weber argued that Islam is a religion that does not allow for “the spirit of capitalism,” earthly values. Consequently, Muslim societies are bound to be underdeveloped in the capitalist era. The late professor Sabri Ülgener, on the other hand, criticized this view and noted several verses from the Quran that promote trade. Today, with a broad group of Muslim businessmen and traders, we realize Ülgener was right. The Muslims of today have realized that Islam does not ban earthly values; on the contrary, it urges Muslims to mingle with other people, including non-Muslims, and to get involved in earthly businesses as long as their money is honestly earned. This mentality is what is behind the Turkish schools everywhere in the world.

Published on Today's Zaman, 03 May 2012, Thursday