One of the most significant debates in the modern era concerning religion is whether religion produces morality; in other words, whether the source of morality is religion itself. Yet the main sources of Islam provided an answer to this question centuries ago. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) explicitly stated that he was sent to perfect moral character. As many scholars have emphasized, the ultimate goal of the Qur’an is also morality.
Despite the Qur’an and Sunnah’s persistent emphasis on moral values, the reason why the relationship between religion and morality is being questioned today lies in a single fact: the shortcomings of Muslims themselves. One of the greatest problems of our time is moral erosion. Sadly, many Muslims are failing in their humanity. This means that they have not fully internalized Islamic values — they have not made them the very essence of their lives.
The Human Horizon of Islam
Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, in his works, uses the expression “insaniyet-i kübra olan İslâmiyet” — Islam as the greater form of humanity. This phrase indicates that the true horizon of human perfection can only be reached through Islam. Through Islam, a person can attain the highest moral levels, achieve spiritual growth, develop his or her human potential, and rise to the rank of insan-ı kamil — the perfected human being.
Undoubtedly, the greatest witness to this truth is the Pride of Humanity, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). For God declares that the Prophet possesses a sublime character (Qur’an, al-Qalam 68:4). Every virtue and moral excellence imaginable reached its peak in his life.
Those who inherited his spiritual legacy — the friends of God — likewise combined perfect servitude with deep humility, compassion, and generosity toward others. As the Prophet foretold, “When you see them, you are reminded of God” (Ibn Majah, Zuhd 4). Through their lives and conduct, they demonstrated that the true source of morality, virtue, and goodness is religion itself.
Among the contemporary representatives of this sacred heritage, one of the most remarkable figures is undoubtedly Fethullah Gulen Hodjaefendi.
The Moral and Human Legacy of Hodjaefendi
The late Fethullah Gulen Hodjaefendi, who passed away last year, was characterized above all by his profound humanity. He exemplified what it means for potential humanity to be elevated into genuine humanity — demonstrating in action what being “truly human” signifies. What made him beloved, respected, and emulated by millions was, before all else, his sincerity, simplicity, humility, loyalty, compassion, altruism, and tolerance.
As both his spoken and written works reveal, Hodjaefendi possessed immense intellectual and spiritual depth. His devotion and piety were meticulous to the smallest detail — he was, in every sense, a devout and ascetic man. He was the architect of educational and interfaith efforts that spread across the globe. Those who knew him closely would agree that he embodied numerous virtues and perfections within himself.
Yet, he chose to live as an ordinary human being among people. He never sought prestige, never demanded reverence. He attributed every success not to himself but first to God, and then to his sincere companions. He never placed himself at the center — he always elevated others.
He valued his friends and companions immensely, caring about their smallest concerns. He lived not for himself but for others — never breaking a heart, never wounding a soul. He practiced far more than he preached. Indeed, what made him an enduring source of guidance and inspiration to millions was precisely this: his life and his words were one and the same.
History has seen countless philosophers and thinkers whose works fascinate us with brilliance and depth. Yet, when we look into their biographies, we often encounter disappointment — lives marked by turmoil or moral lapses. Similarly, among the writers, artists, politicians, or public figures admired by the masses, a closer look frequently reveals deep contradictions.
In truth, for any person to consistently embody high moral virtues throughout a lifetime is exceedingly difficult. Hodjaefendi achieved that rare feat. The more one came to know him, the more love and admiration grew.
More Than a Leader: A Father and a Friend
Hodjaefendi was not merely a leader, a guide, or a scholar. In the eyes of his followers, he was sometimes a father, sometimes an elder brother, sometimes a friend. Though his primary mission was serving faith and humanity, his concern extended far beyond organizational matters. He cared deeply about every sorrow and difficulty faced by those around him.
When he heard of someone’s illness, he would feel the pain deeply, frequently inquiring about their recovery. He would help his students and companions not only personally but also extend support to their families. From their health to their marriages, livelihoods, and even their emotional well-being — he took interest in every aspect of their lives.
He had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel special. As one friend in America, who met him later in life, recalled after his passing: “I always thought Hodjaefendi loved me the most and cared about me the most — but it turns out his circle of love was vast beyond imagination.”
He would never sever ties with old friends, always asking about their condition, even during the years he was persecuted and forced into hiding (1980–1986). He would personally travel to visit them across cities and even reach out to those serving in the military.
Bidding farewell to visitors was difficult for him — he would be emotionally affected for days. When students who had studied with him for a few years left for their new duties, he would speak of them often in his conversations, feeling their absence deeply.
A Life Shaped by Courtesy and Grace
Hodjaefendi was remarkably sensitive to human psychology and deeply respectful of others’ feelings. He would go to great lengths to avoid hurting anyone. He overlooked faults, never exposed people’s flaws, and would rather be wounded himself than wound another. He was intuitively aware of others’ expectations and tried to fulfill them.
When he needed to offer correction, he would usually speak in general terms to the group, allowing the person concerned to learn without embarrassment. If his words became firm, he would immediately apologize. Even the slightest awareness that he might have unintentionally hurt someone was enough for him to mend that heart with a kind word or a thoughtful gift.
He appreciated every act of service, no matter how small. His gratitude was constant — even to those who simply brought him tea.
He was exceptionally conscientious about others’ rights and fairness. He always gave more than he received, and yet frequently asked forgiveness from those around him.
Consultation was a cornerstone of his conduct. He listened carefully, respected differing opinions, and never imposed his own ideas. If he felt an idea was premature or might not be understood, he withheld it patiently. He would not assign responsibilities unless a person willingly accepted them. Even in selecting books to read with his students, he preferred joint decision-making.
He was perceptive of everything around him — noticing when a guest’s tea was finished, greeting every new face warmly, discerning sorrow from an expression, and doing whatever he could to alleviate it.
A Master of Winning Hearts
Hodjaefendi seemed to have come to this world to win hearts. He sought every opportunity to bring joy, to rekindle hope and zeal. His generosity made finding such opportunities effortless.
He never let a visitor leave empty-handed — often gifting books, personal items, or symbolic tokens. He loved children dearly, kept chocolates for them in his drawers, and spoke to them in their own language.
He was fully aware of the respect he commanded, yet he used that influence solely for the sake of serving humanity.
He was, above all, a man of forgiveness and forbearance. In his vocabulary, there was no room for hatred, revenge, or violence. When certain groups, incited by the Turkish government, protested outside his residence during the recent wave of oppression, he responded by sending them sweets, saying: “We must be angry not at people, but at their wrong traits.”
He even half-jokingly told his companions that if necessary, he would host those who had harmed the movement — within the same building if they sought refuge. Throughout his life, he counseled his followers to choose forgiveness, gentleness, and patience.
Without such compassion, tolerance, and magnanimity, it would have been impossible for him to guide such a diverse community of people. Yet he walked side by side with individuals of vastly different temperaments — from scholars and intellectuals to rough-and-tumble men of the street — and won the hearts of all.
Conclusion: A Model of Humanity
In all these aspects, Hodjaefendi left behind not merely a personal legacy, but a model of humanity for his era and beyond. For those who follow his path today, his life itself remains the greatest guide. His sincerity, humility, altruism, tolerance, and dedication were not just teachings — they were lived realities.
For those who continue his mission, success will depend on embodying that same spirit — the deep humanity and moral coherence that he lived so consistently.
Indeed, Hodjaefendi’s greatest legacy is not only the institutions, works, or movements he inspired, but the moral and spiritual example he embodied. In Bediuzzaman’s words, he represented “insaniyet-i kübra olan İslâmiyet” — the greater humanity that is Islam itself — reminding us once more of the divine potential within human nature, and of the faith that elevates humankind to its truest horizon.
