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Fethullah Gülen : Books and Articles

"Be tolerant; enjoin what is right; and avoid the ignorant". (Quran;7:199)



Muhammed Fethullah Gülen (born 27 April 1941) is a Turkish preacher, former imam, writer, and Islamic opinion leader. He is the founder of the Gülen movement (sometimes known as Hizmet). He currently lives in a self-imposed exile in Saylorsburg,Pennsylvania, United States. He is accused by Erdogan for behind the failed coup in Turkey, which he denies.

Gülen teaches an Anatolian (Hanafi) version of Islam, deriving from Sunni Muslim scholar Said Nursî's teachings. Gülen has stated that he believes in science, interfaith dialogue among the People of the Book, and multi-party democracy. He has initiated such dialogue with the Vatican and some Jewish organizations.

Gülen is actively involved in the societal debate concerning the future of the Turkish state, and Islam in the modern world. He has been described in the English-language media as "one of the world's most important Muslim figures." However, his Gülen movement has been described as "having the characteristics of a cult" and its secretiveness and influence in Turkish politics likened to "an Islamic Opus Dei". In the Turkish context, Gülen appears as a religious conservative. 
The Gülen movement has millions of members in Turkey, as well as many more abroad. Beyond the schools established by the Movement members, it is believed that many of the members hold positions of power in Turkey's police forces and judiciary. The movement controls the widely-read Islamic conservative Zaman newspaper, the private Bank Asya, the Samanyolu TV television station, and many other media and business organizations, including the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON). Gülen affiliates claim the movement is "civic" in nature and that it does not have political aspirations.

Split with Erdoğan: In March 2011, the Turkish government arrested the investigative journalist Ahmet Şık and seized his book The Imam's Army which is on the Gülen movement. Despite Gülen's and his followers' claims that the organization is non-political in nature, analysts believe that a number of corruption-related arrests made against allies of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reflect a growing political power struggle between Gülen and the prime minister.These arrests led to the 2013 corruption scandal in Turkey, which the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP)'s supporters (along with Erdoğan himself) and the opposition parties alike have said was choreographed by Gülen after Erdoğan's government came to the decision early in December 2013 to shut down many of his movement's private Islamic schools in Turkey.

The Erdoğan government has said that the corruption investigation and comments by Gülen are the long term political agenda of Gülen's movement to infiltrate security, intelligence, and justice institutions of the Turkish state, a charge almost identical to the charges against Gülen by the Chief Prosecutor of the Republic of Turkey in his trial in 2000 before Erdoğan's party had come into power.Gülen had previously been tried in absentia in 2000, and acquitted in 2008 under Erdoğan's AKP government from these charges.


In emailed comments to the Wall Street Journal in January 2014, Gülen said that "Turkish people ... are upset that in the last two years democratic progress is now being reversed", but he denied being part of a plot to unseat the government. Later, in January 2014 in an interview with BBC World, Gulen said "If I were to say anything to people I may say people should vote for those who are respectful to democracy, rule of law, who get on well with people. Telling or encouraging people to vote for a party would be an insult to peoples' intellect. Everybody very clearly sees what is going on."
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fethullah_Gülen]
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F
ethullah Gülen is an authoritative mainstream Turkish Muslim scholar, thinker, author, poet, opinion leader and educational activist who supports interfaith and intercultural dialogue, science, democracy and spirituality and opposes violence and turning religion into a political ideology. Fethullah Gülen promotes cooperation of civilizations toward a peaceful world, as opposed to a clash: [Source: http://en.fgulen.com/about-fethullah-gulen/introducing-fethullah-gulen]
“Be so tolerant that your bosom becomes wide like the ocean. Become inspired with faith and love of human beings. Let there be no troubled souls to whom you do not offer a hand and about whom you remain unconcerned.” (Fethullah Gülen, Criteria or Lights of the Way. London: Truestar.)
Mr. Fethullah Gülen and the civil society movement inspired by his views, which is known as the Fethullah Gülen movement, are significant and deserve attention for the following reasons:
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  1. Powerful but reclusive Turkish cleric (BBC Interviews Fethullah Gulen) - YouTube

    www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QqrYLoGIzU
    Jan 27, 2014 - Uploaded by Gulen4WorldPeace
    By Tim Franks. BBC Newshour, Pennsylvania Speaking to the BBC's Newshour, Fethullah Gulen said: "It ...
Fethullah Gulen among TIME Magazine's "World's 100 Most Influential People" for 2013 - YouTube






  1. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NlIibvIsMM

    Apr 19, 2013 - Uploaded by Gulen4WorldPeace
    Fethullah Gulen | Gulen Movement | TIME Magazine | NEW YORK | World's 100 Most Influential ..
  2. ---------------------------------------------------------------
  • Fethullah Gülen’s Authority and Impact: Mr. Fethullah Gülen is known and respected among Turkish Muslims as well as Muslims from around the world as an authoritative mainstream Muslim scholar of the Sunni tradition, to which 87–90% of the world’s Muslim population belongs. He is also a thinker, a poet, a prolific author, an educational activist and an opinion leader. His readership in Turkey is estimated at several million. His influence outside Turkey is growing daily as his works are translated into many languages including English, Arabic, Russian, German, Spanish, Urdu, Bosnian, Albanian, Malay and Indonesian. In addition to printed publications, his ideas are accessible to an ever increasing world population through private radio and television networks sympathetic to his views.
  • Public Stance against Violence, Terror and Suicide Attacks: Fethullah Gülen has been recognized for his consistent stance against the combination of violence and religious rhetoric. More specifically,
  • He was the first Muslim scholar to publicly condemn the attacks of 9/11 (in an advertisement in the Washington Post).
  • He helped publish a scholarly book on the Islamic perspective on terror and suicide attacks, condemning such acts on humanitarian and religious grounds.
  • He did not express these views only to Western readers but voiced them in mosque sermons with congregations of thousands of Muslims.
  • He unequivocally rejects suicide attacks.
  • He has given interviews to Turkish, Japanese, Kenyan and American newspapers in which he categorically condemned the use of political, ideological and religious reasons to justify acts of terror.
  • He has appeared on numerous national television shows publicly condemning such acts.
  • Pioneer in Interfaith Dialogue: Fethullah Gülen has been actively promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue for over a decade, starting long before the tragedy of 9/11. In Turkey, he has been credited with bringing about a positive atmosphere in relationships between the majority Muslim population and the various religious minorities such as Greek Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, Catholic, and Jewish communities. Outside Turkey, his ideas on interfaith dialogue have inspired many to establish organizations engaging in dialogue with the same objectives of mutual understanding, empathetic acceptance, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation. His efforts for dialogue and tolerance were recognized by a personal audience with the late Pope John Paul II and an invitation from the chief Sephardic Rabbi of Israel, as well as meetings with the leaders of various Christian denominations.
  • For Cooperation of Civilizations: Fethullah Gülen promotes the cooperation of civilizations as opposed to clash, through dialogue, mutual understanding and gathering around shared values. As a civil society opinion leader he supports Turkish efforts toward joining the European Union and says that this relationship will benefit both parties.
  • Emphasis on the Spiritual Dimension of Faith: Owing in part to his early education in the spiritual discipline, Fethullah Gülen is known for his emphasis on Islamic spirituality (known in the West as Sufism), and the embracing attitude towards fellow human beings that this emphasis brings. Due to his representation of love, compassion and an open-hearted approach to all issues concerning humanity, he is known by some as a “modern-day Rumi.” He was asked by Şefik Can, a late Sufi master, a descendant of Rumi and author, to write the foreword for his book on Rumi’s life and teachings. Fethullah Gülen’s own two-volume book on Sufism is used as a textbook for university courses on the spiritual traditions of the world.
  • Science and Faith in Harmony: Fethullah Gülen sees science and faith as not only compatible but complementary. He therefore encourages scientific research and technological advancement for the good of all humanity.
  • Intellectual Dimension: He is well-versed in the leading thinkers of the Western tradition and can converse with them comfortably through his writings and addresses.
  • Pro-Democracy: Fethullah Gülen recognizes democracy as the only viable political system of governance. He denounces turning religion into a political ideology, while encouraging all citizens to take an informed and responsible part in political life of their country. He stresses the flexibilities in the Islamic principles relating to governance and their compatibility with a true democracy.
  • Solutions to Social Problems Working on the Ground: The most striking feature of Fethullah Gülen’s life is the fact that his vision and ideas have not remained rhetorical but instead have been realized globally as civic projects. By some estimates, several hundred educational organizations such as K-12 schools, universities, and language schools have been established around the world inspired by Fethullah Gülen and sponsored by local entrepreneurs, altruistic educators and dedicated parents. Notable examples of such schools include those in southeast Turkey, Central Asia, several countries in Africa, the Far East and Eastern Europe Regardless of their location, these schools are symbols of harmonious interfaith and intercultural relationships, successful unification of faith and reason, and dedication to the service of humanity. Especially in conflict-ridden regions such as the Philippines, southeast Turkey and Afghanistan, these institutions help reduce poverty and increase educational opportunities, which in turn decrease the appeal of terrorist groups with exclusivist agendas operating in these countries. In addition to contributing to social harmony, these schools produce winners in international science and math competitions.
  • Other Civil Society Projects: Other civic projects inspired by Fethullah Gülen’s ideas and encouragement include relief organizations, sustainable development organizations, media organizations, professional associations, and medical institutions.
Qualifications
Extensive knowledge and teaching experience in Islamic scholarship. Proficient author with more than sixty books translated into many world languages. Recognized as the world's top public intellectual in Foreign Policy / Prospect poll in 2008. Years of service as an imam, preacher, and civil society activist with acclaimed competence as a speaker on Islam, education, and dialogue in Turkey.
Education
Fethullah Gülen
Classical education in Islamic scholarship at various divinity schools (Kurşunlu, Kemhan, Taşmescid) under a number of Turkey's renowned Sufi scholars and masters, such as Ramiz Gülen, Muhammed Lütfi, Haci Sıtkı, Sadi Efendi, and Osman Bektaş (1951–1956)


Compulsory elementary education (1946–1949)
Home schooling along with memorization of the whole Qur'an and mastering recitation skills (before 1946)

Employment

Imam / Preacher
Fethullah Gülen
  • Voluntary Imam / Preacher, Erzurum, Amasya, Tokat, Sivas (1955–1958)
  • Deputy Imam, Üçşerefeli Mosque, Edirne (1959–1961)
  • Imam / Lecturer, Iskenderun, while serving compulsory military service (1961–1963)
  • Member of the Public Hall, Erzurum (1963). Convened conferences and lectured on Rumi
  • Qur'an Teacher / Imam, Dar'ul Hadis Mosque, Edirne (1964)
  • Senior Preacher (Merkez Vaizi), Kırklareli (1965)
  • Senior Preacher, Izmir (1966–1971)
  • Director Teacher, Kestanepazarı Boarding Qur'anic School (1966–1971)
  • Senior Preacher, Edremit (1972–1974)
  • Senior Preacher, Manisa (1974–1976)
  • Senior Preacher, Izmir, Bornova (1976–1980)
  • Voluntary Preacher, Istanbul, Izmir, and throughout Turkey (post-retirement service) (1986–1989)
Speaker
  • Delivered a series of talks in Turkey and Europe (1975–1977)
  • Talks on social, cultural, and religious matters recorded and broadcast every week on www.herkul.org (2003– present)
Honorary President / Civil Society Leader
  • Founder member of the Journalists and Writers Foundation (1994)
  • Participated in interfaith gatherings and promoted dialogue through a number of events organized by this foundation. (1994–1998)
  • Honorary president of Rumi Forum, Washington D.C. (1999–present)
Awards
Fethullah Gülen


  • "Contribution to Harmony between Societies and Peace Award" from Kyrgyzstan Spirituality Foundation (2007)
  • Awards from the Turk 2000 Foundation, the Türk Ocakları Vakfı, the Silk Road Foundation, for his contributions to education, culture and peace (1998)
  • Award from TURKSAV for his promotion of education in Central Asia (1997)
  • Special November 24 Award from Türk Eğitim-Sen (1997)
  • EastWest Institute honors Fethullah Gülen with 2011 EWI Peace Building Award
  • Awards from Mehmetçik Foundation (society to support soldiers fallen or injured while fighting terrorism) and the Police Department for substantial donations and from the TUSIAV Foundation for contribution to civil society, peace and education (1996)
  • Nihal Atsız Service to the Turkish World (Türk Dünyası Hizmet Ödülü) award from the Türk Ocakları Vakfı for his encouragement of and contribution to education in Turkey, Central Asia and the Balkans (1995)
Author
Fethullah Gülen
Essays for periodicals


  • Lead article for every issue of Sızıntı monthly magazine since its first publication in 1979 (2009 circulation 700,000)
  • Contributor to Yeni Ümit, a quarterly magazine for religious studies (since 1988), and Yağmur, a literary magazine (since 1998)
  • Contributor to Zaman daily newspaper with a weekly page compiled from his published works and commentaries.
Books (in Turkish – in order of first print)
Books
Books in English
Fethullah Gülen
IIn this section you will find all the works by Fethullah Gülen that have been translated into English.
Although Fethullah Gülen has nearly 50 books published in Turkish only a few number is available in English.
  1. Recent Articles ( 92 Articles )
  2. Towards the Lost Paradise ( 33 Articles )
  3. The Statue of Our Souls ( 21 Articles )
  4. Religious Education of the Child ( 9 Articles )
  5. Broken Plectrum ( 40 Articles )
  6. Pearls of Wisdom ( 57 Articles )
  7. Reflections on the Qur'an ( 138 Articles )
  8. Prophet Muhammad as Commander ( 22 Articles )
  9. Key Concepts in the Practice of Sufism-1 ( 47 Articles )
  10. Key Concepts in the Practice of Sufism-2 ( 46 Articles )
  11. Key Concepts in the Practice of Sufism-3 ( 25 Articles )
  12. Essentials of the Islamic Faith ( 42 Articles )
  13. Questions and Answers ( 87 Articles )
  14. The Messenger of God: Muhammad ( 76 Articles )
  15. Speech and Power of Expression ( 18 Articles )
  16. The Broken Jug ( 18 Articles  
  17. http://en.fgulen.com/gulens-works
Videos >>>

Fethullah Gülen - Turkey's '2nd most powerful man' INTERVIEW - BBC NEWS - YouTube

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mQhbMMy0SY
Jan 27, 2014 - Uploaded by BBC News
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