21/10/2024
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
With heavy hearts and humble acceptance of Allah’s will, we announce the departure of the beloved teacher Fethullah Gülen Hocaefendi from this temporal world. His works and teachings have been the inspiration and impetus behind our work.
We stand comforted by our faith, knowing, إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُون “Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.” (Surah Al-Baqarah - 2:156)
This is a solemn time of mourning, reflection, and prayer for the Hizmet community. Please join us in prayer for his peace and tranquillity. While we are in indescribable sorrow, we are also filled with gratitude to the Almighty for his life and legacy.
October 20, 2024
WHO IS FETHULLAH GÜLEN
Fethullah Gülen is an Islamic scholar, preacher, and social advocate whose decades-long commitment to education, altruistic service, and interfaith harmony made him one of the most influential Muslim leaders globally. His teachings, grounded in a progressive interpretation of Islamic tradition, emphasized universal values such as compassion, equality, and justice, while actively encouraging dialogue between different religious and cultural groups. Gülen’s vision inspired the global Hizmet movement, which established schools, charitable organizations, and platforms for interfaith dialogue in over 160 countries, particularly focusing on promoting science, literacy, and community service. Notably, he was one of the first Muslim leaders to publicly condemn the 9/11 attacks, advocating for peace and mutual understanding in a time of heightened tension.
Born in 1941 in Erzurum, Turkey, Gülen’s early years were shaped by a combination of Islamic, Western, and philosophical studies, which laid the foundation for his unique approach to social issues. His activism, initially cantered in Turkey, expanded to include a global network of educational and humanitarian efforts aimed at addressing inequality, promoting women’s rights, and fostering interethnic and interreligious cooperation. Despite political persecution from the Turkish government, Gülen continued to be a significant moral and intellectual influence until his passing, residing in the U.S. and advocating for democracy, peace, and human dignity. His legacy lives on through the countless educational and relief projects spearheaded by Hizmet participants worldwide, where his vision of peaceful coexistence and service to humanity will continue to resonate for generations to come.
Trustees
Nizamiye Foundation Charitable Trust
