Fethullah Gülen

Fethullah Gülen’s Educational Philosophy

Fethullah Gülen’s Educational Philosophy

Fabio Vicini When Gülen criticizes traditional forms of Islamic education for not having been able to adapt to modern conditions, he expresses something more than a simple dissatisfaction with old methods of teaching. Instead he blames other Islamic scholars because…

Fethullah Gülen and Said Nursi

Fethullah Gülen and Said Nursi

Greg Barton Gülen is generally seen to draw directly on the intellectual heritage of the influential and greatly loved Sufi scholar and writer Bediuzzaman Said Nursi. And indeed, an examination of Gülen’s writing reveals it to be substantially built upon…

Fethullah Gülen and the Concept of Responsibility

Fethullah Gülen and the Concept of Responsibility

In all this Gülen remains rooted in tradition but offers a view of responsibility that goes beyond simple adherence to codes or ethical principles. The significant principles are universal and therefore need the exercise of agency, accountability, and limitless liability if they are to find meaning in practice. Hence, for Gülen responsibility finds its base in relationships, primarily with God.…

Is Fethullah Gulen an Imam?

Is Fethullah Gulen an Imam?

Recently, especially in the western media, Fethullah Gulen has been called an ‘imam’. Is Fethullah Gulen an ‘imam’ or is this a misleading title? The 60 minutes TV show described Gulen as an ‘imam’. However, 60 minutes is not the…

Is Fethullah Gülen an Islamist?

Is Fethullah Gülen an Islamist?

Fethullah Gülen refutes in his speeches and writings Islamist claims for an Islamic political platform: “Islam does not propose a certain unchangeable form of government or attempt to shape it. Instead, Islam established fundamental principles that orient a government’s general character, leaving it to the people to choose the type and form of government according to time and circumstances.”…

What is Fethullah Gulen’s understanding of democracy?

What is Fethullah Gulen’s understanding of democracy?

Fethullah Gülen directly criticizes Islamist political thought in his many books and articles and argues in favor of democracy and the modernization and consolidation of democratic institutions in order to build a society where individual rights are respected and protected. He carefully makes clear his position that some forms of democracy are preferable to others and is cautiously optimistic about its development.…

Why do you stay in America?

Why do you stay in America?

I am seized with anxiety. Regardless of when, or if, I return to Turkey, those who have created controversy, made allegations, signed the execution of my death sentence [so to speak], will do so again the very same day I return. I made the logical choice and stayed here. I stayed despite myself. I stayed by burying the longing in my chest.…