On October 24th, Thursday, we bid farewell to Fethullah Gulen Hodjaefendi on his eternal journey, alongside tens of thousands of his admirers. I should say at the outset what I would typically reserve for the end: neither I nor anyone present saw the slightest sign in our eyes, minds, or words that this journey was an “end.” On the contrary, while Hodjaefendi may no longer be physically with us, the reality that his ideas, ideals, and the spirit of the Hizmet Movement he pioneered will continue to live on was overwhelmingly clear. Those who walk along the path he laid joined shoulders to carry this precious legacy forward for future generations.
Within the crowd were people embodying the principles of the Hizmet Movement in their hearts, reflecting Hodjaefendi’s visionary and proactive perspective, each with the determination, if needed, to even climb to the moon to share Hizmet. There were young people acting with humility, sincerity, and a sense of duty, children with their tiny hands lifted in prayer beside their fathers, men, women, people of different nations…
Directly in front of me, there was a young man of about 19 or 20 years, performing his given task with utmost dedication. Just watching him filled me with admiration; he alone was a living embodiment of the values to which Fethullah Gulen devoted his life. In such an environment, people of different languages, cultures, and age groups had united in his universal message, deeply expressing their gratitude to him.
Developing Projects for Humanity
Hodjaefendi encouraged everyone following his ideas to live a peaceful life, far from conflict and quarrels, and to serve their communities and humanity. For him, it was always a priority to pursue lawful aims and methods and to develop generations and projects that would benefit humanity. Observing the people, the actions, and the conversations at the funeral, you realize you are among the community that Fethullah Gulen envisioned and anticipated. This awareness brings deep joy alongside sorrow, as it becomes clear that his ideals will continue to live and be passed down from generation to generation.
In this setting, it also became apparent that the accusations and slanders aimed at the Hizmet Movement do not reflect reality. Recently, there were claims suggesting that the community was a cult-like structure. Yet, this funeral ceremony and what transpired during this period alone were enough to reveal the baselessness of that claim.
For the Hizmet Movement, Hodjaefendi always preferred the term “The Volunteers Movement” over the labels others might impose. This choice reflected an approach devoid of conflict, othering, division, or polarization. The foundational principles of this approach included the following:
- Prioritizing patience and compassion under all circumstances,
- Engaging in actions and operations that inspire trust and safety and are imbued with human virtues,
- Promoting actions that unite people and society in peace and mutual respect,
- Always pursuing positive actions that avoid confusion, conflict, and chaos,
- Remaining constructive and proactive rather than reactive,
- Avoiding expectations of worldly or spiritual rewards for service.
The Legacy of Hodjaefendi
Those walking on the path he opened have not only strived to bring his ideals and the fundamental principles of the Hizmet Movement to life in their own times but have also assumed the responsibility of carrying these values forward to future generations. Young people following his teachings will further strengthen and carry forward this mission of peace, tolerance, and service to humanity.
The impact Hodjaefendi has had on the younger generation is a direct result of his vision, which placed immense importance on education and human development. As seen at the funeral, people from different countries and cultures embraced this universal message. This fact demonstrated that Fethullah Gulen’s legacy is founded on universal human values. At its core lies an understanding of life based on social peace, mutual respect, positive action, and knowledge. This understanding will be passed down from generation to generation by the “volunteers” whom Hodjaefendi described, reaching even broader audiences.
The physical departure of Hodjaefendi is not the end of the great journey he began. On the contrary, we are now in a period where the legacy he left is even stronger. Future generations will embrace his vision and become bearers of a movement that brings peace, brotherhood, and tolerance to humanity. The values and ideals he championed throughout his life now place a responsibility on us: to live, sustain, defend, and convey these values.
As he wished, the “volunteers” will continue to carry this cause forward into the future…
