 |
| Fethullah Gulen |
In a speech published on herkul.org, a website that usually broadcasts his speeches, Gülen said: “A believer could be shaken, but he won't be toppled. This is how we should interpret this situation. One should be patient over tribulations.”
The government has finished work on the draft version of a law that foresees the closure of all kinds of prep schools, or dershanes, beginning with the 2013-2014 school year and imposing fines on those that continue to operate. The move is seen as a huge blow to free enterprise, and others have criticized the idea for its potential to block upward mobility in Turkish society.
According to the draft, prep schools will be given three years to become private schools. They are also prohibited from operating as study centers. If they don't transform themselves into private schools during this period, they will be closed down. A fine ranging from TL 500,000 to TL 1 million will be imposed on prep schools if they remain open. It also includes a provision which states that teachers from prep schools that close will be eligible to register with the Education Ministry for employment at state schools without the need to take the Public Personnel Selection Examination (KPSS), a national examination for employment with public agencies.
The debate over the elimination of dershanes is not a new topic in Turkey. State officials have mentioned such plans before, but the words have not turned into action thus far. Educators say the elimination of dershanes may sound like a relief for parents, but such a plan inevitably brings with it multiple questions.
When asked about messages on social media by teachers employed at prep schools opened by members of the Hizmet movement, in which they voice no concern over their future if the prep schools are shut down, Gülen expressed contentment. “I thank them. This shows the notion of hizmet [service] is firm in the minds of these friends. They seem to have made up their mind on what they will do. They have alternative options,” he noted.
Gülen also told his followers that if disbelievers or human and demon jinns are bothering them, this shows they are on the right path. “If you do not have earthly expectations and you even feel disgusted when you are offered a mansion in heaven in return for your service in this world, you are walking the right path. … If you are thinking and acting in this way, you are walking the right path. Keep walking,” he said.
“And if some people who attribute everything to themselves and their ego, their earthly interests, and who try to get something from this world are against you, this shows that you are walking the right path. If Pharaoh is against you, this means you are walking the right path. If Karun is against you, you are walking the right path,” he said.
He also urged unity among members of the Hizmet movement. “The devil is together with those who fall into division. It is together with tyrants. And whoever the devil is with, it is impossible for God to be with them,” he said.
Published on Today's Zaman, 15 November 2013, Friday
Related Articles
