Fethullah Gülen and Gülen Movement on Global Issues and Serving Humanity

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What does Gülen believe to be the main problem in the world?

Fethullah Gülen believes that the main problem in the world is lack of knowledge, and related problems concerning the production and control of knowledge.

Producing, maintaining and disseminating knowledge can only be truly achieved through education, but not by party politics. Education is the key to becoming a better, productive and beneficial individual, whether one is Muslim or not. He believes also that the sciences, humanities and religion enhance and complement one another rather than compete and clash. The effectiveness and spread of the Gülen-inspired schools within and outside Turkey are evidence of the success of Gülen’s educational philosophy. This philosophy urges personal enlightenment and lays equal stress on the inculcation of ethical values and a sound training in the secular sciences.

By “civilization” Gülen means a renewal of individuals and society in terms of ethical conduct and mentality. Gülen cultivates a holistic peace through his non-violent lifestyle, the condemnation of terrorism and violence, and his contribution to the mobilization of a movement for spiritual and social change in the world.

Gülen motivates people for purposes other than those imposed by dominant interest groups. He speaks for freedom of speech and consolidation of democratic institutions so that vested interests will not be able to bend to their own goals and vested interests the many and varied values and meanings held by all the members of society. He calls for the discussion and redefinition of many social and cultural objects. Accepting the plurality of meanings in the way advocated by Gülen suits the true nature of civilization and a civilized human being. It is to be hoped that his understanding and efforts will inspire many more to work to find a way out of global crises and conflicts.

Which issues do Fethullah Gülen and the Gülen Movement address?

Fethullah Gülen has spoken and written on a wide range of matters – the individual, government, democracy, religion, culture, diversity, integration, alienation, the past and future, tradition and modernity, ethical values, education, tolerance, conflict or co-operation on current events, and so forth.

He speaks and writes about issues such as the analysis of Turkish social structure, religious consciousness and the place and role of Turkey within international community, and Turkey’s right to have a peaceful and constructive say in international affairs.

Gülen’s style of speech and the way he handles these themes is special. He dwells more on what should be rather than what is. He deals with problems or crises that are plaguing Turkey, not specific people, parties or the State. Gülen discusses these issues in a simple but profound way for the common/greater good.

The Movement addresses these ‘hidden’ issues in ways that focus collective attention on the critical choices that society needs to discuss and decide, without being ideological. It seeks to educate people through valid projects with flexible strategies.

What does Fethullah Gülen see as the best way to serve humanity?

Fethullah Gülen argues that because now we live in a global village, the best way to serve humanity is to establish dialogue with other civilizations, to come together on some common ground, with mutual understanding and respect, and thus to work for peace, the co-operation of diverse peoples, and the prevention of the predicted clash of civilizations.

Fethullah Gülen has stressed this consistently in his writing: ‘We can, by coming together, stand up against those misguided souls and skeptics to act as breakers, barriers if you will, against those who wish to see the so-called clash of civilizations become a reality.’

How does Fethullah Gülen encourage people to serve humanity?

Fethullah Gülen encourages people to serve humanity through education, intercultural and interfaith activities in formal and institutionalized efforts and projects.

These services can reduce the gaps between people and nations and establish bridges for the common good and peace. He has explained that society’s three greatest enemies are ignorance, poverty, and internal schism, which knowledge, work-capital, and unity can eliminate.

Ignorance is the most serious problem, and it is defeated through education, which has always been the most important way of serving others. Education is the most effective vehicle for change – regardless of whether it is in Turkey or abroad, and whether or not people have systems working or failing – as the solution of every problem in human life ultimately depends on the initiative and capacities of human beings themselves. Poverty is mitigated through work and the possession of capital, justly deployed in the service of others; and internal schism and separatism are vanquished by striving, through forbearance, tolerance and dialogue, for unity.

These principles apply equally outside Turkey as within it. The Movement’s non-violent and peace-making approach and vision have been widely acknowledged and appreciated.