Even though the movement has its origins in a framework of reference based on Islamic values, it is not a movement that espouses superiority through nationalistic or religious identities. It’s not Pan-Turkish or Pan-Islamist. It is not a religious sect, fraternity, or cult; nor is it an extension or a branch of any of the above. The movement celebrates the universal moral dynamics and values that were exemplified by the Sufis of the early Islamic history and continue to be universally appreciated today; nonetheless, the movement is by no means a Sufi order, either in its classical or modern definition. The movement encapsulates a faith-inspired peace-invoking service. It promotes universal values, superiority of the law and human rights along with freedom of belief, freedom of religion and freedom of expression.

Sacred, Secular, Twin Tolerations and the Gülen Movement

Dr. Ihsan Yilmaz* Until the late 1970s and early 1980s, a relatively widespread consensus had existed in the sociology of religion discipline over the privatization of religion. Some…

Gülen-linked media and institutions – Reaching out to larger global audience

Graham E. Fuller The Gülen movement shows great skills in the spread of its commercial and financial institutions and in the use of modern media to reach to…

The Gulen Movement: An Islamic Response to Terror as a Global Challenge

As regards tolerance and forgiveness, Gulen explains how true Muslims should behave towards the ‘other’ expecting nothing in return for their humane behavior. Against this conduct based on…