Fethullah Gülen Hocaefendi’s life, teachings, and legacy are not just defined by the books he wrote or the institutions he founded, but also by the mark he left on the conscience of humanity. This mark is a beacon of light for future generations.
History is filled with stories of scholars and saints who stood firm against oppression. These blessed individuals, as if transcending time, are like travelers who gaze upon the future. Just as Fethullah Gülen Hocaefendi did…
It was as though Hocaefendi stood on the terrace of history, watching the future unfold and taking notes. His vision heralded a renaissance following a period of stagnation. This vision tested both the loyalty of friends and the mercy of foes.
When we look to the past, the lives of many scholars inspire us. Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, a student of Imam Shafi’i, was a significant figure in the expansion of the Islamic State’s borders. He was subjected to torture for refusing to accept the doctrine that the Qur’an was created, a belief enforced by the Abbasid caliphs al-Ma’mun, al-Mu’tasim, and al-Wathiq. This great imam spent more than two years in prison but never stopped pursuing knowledge, even while imprisoned.
Imam Abu Hanifa was imprisoned and tortured for refusing the position of judge offered by Abbasid caliph Mansur. Despite all pressures, Abu Hanifa never submitted to the Umayyad or Abbasid rulers. He was imprisoned by Mansur, the second Abbasid caliph, in Baghdad, where he was tortured and eventually poisoned to death.
Imam al-Ghazali was subjected to pressure by the rulers of his time, and his works were ordered to be burned. Imam Sarakhsi was imprisoned in a well in the fortress of Özkent for criticizing the Karakhanid ruler, and he dictated his famous work, “al-Mabsut,” from within that well. Ibn Taymiyyah, due to his views, was imprisoned multiple times, and during his last imprisonment, his books and pens were taken away, and he died in prison.
Bediüzzaman Said Nursi spent his life in exile and prison between the final years of the Ottoman Empire and the early years of the Turkish Republic. Reflecting on those days, he said, “A single day feels as suffocating as solitary confinement. I am experiencing the heaviest days of my life, deprived of everything, in the severe cold of winter, in this old age, illness, poverty, and weakness.”
In today’s world, Hocaefendi, like his predecessors, never wavered from the path of truth and never bowed to tyrants. After the July 15 coup attempt, he declared, “Even if they sentenced me to death, I would gladly go to the gallows. Even if they killed me 50 times a day and brought me back to life, I would never apologize to a tyrant.”
Gülen’s words for humanity show how vast his vision was. In his book The Messenger of God: Muhammad, he wrote, “Humanity can only draw closer through love, tolerance, and dialogue.” These words summarize his message of peace and brotherhood. Through his educational and dialogue efforts, he became known and loved worldwide. Sadly, in his own country, he was subjected to slander and defamation campaigns.
Hocaefendi always advocated for dialogue between the Abrahamic religions. He succeeded in bringing the leaders of the great faiths together around the same table in Istanbul. His belief was, “Those who are confident in themselves and their beliefs show respect for other faiths. Those who understand their own values can appreciate others. Everyone’s belief is their own. No one can force their belief on another.”
Gülen’s legacy is not just his bookshelves full of writings or his simple, spartan lifestyle, but also the enduring hopes he has sown. His modest way of life showed that worldly riches are fleeting, while spiritual values and the hopes he nurtured are invaluable.
After Gülen’s passing, Tushar Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, shared this message on social media: “Another voice of peace has been silenced. A great loss for humanity.” These words demonstrate that Gülen was not just respected in Turkey but worldwide.
Throughout history, scholars and saints, despite suffering persecution, never stopped speaking the truth. They knew that true salvation lies in the approval of God, not in temporary worldly powers. That is why they did not seek worldly positions, but instead aimed for eternal bliss.
The esteemed Gülen Hocaefendi was the modern-day representative of this tradition. Despite all the pressures and slander campaigns, he continued to spread his message of love and tolerance. His stance showed us that truth will prevail sooner or later.
The trials and patience shown by scholars throughout history were also exhibited by Hocaefendi. Oppression will eventually come to an end. Our duty is to preserve the legacy of these valuable figures and walk the path they have paved. Gülen’s life and teachings are a light, reminding us of humanity’s shared values. Hocaefendi once said, “The differences among people are not meant to divide us but to complement one another.” This is an understanding that we need more than ever in today’s world.
Hocaefendi’s contributions to education have borne fruit across the world. Schools opened in many parts of the globe reflect his vision of “Knowledge should spread from Turkey to the world.” These schools built bridges between different cultures, planting seeds of peace and brotherhood.
Fethullah Gülen Hocaefendi’s life, teachings, and legacy are not just confined to the books he wrote or the institutions he established but are also the indelible mark he left on the conscience of humanity. This mark is a bright path for future generations.
