Gulen Movement: An attempt to represent Islam and Muslims positively

Monami Haque*

Many of today’s global problems, particularly related to politics, have been associated with Muslims or Islam. The 9/11 incident along with other acts of terrorism further nurtured feeling of hatred toward Islam and its followers. Such negativities, as portrayed by the Western media in particular, have fostered displeased feelings among the global public. Efforts to patch up such feelings however, have not been as successful in reducing the feelings of hatred and animosity among some groups. While efforts are being taken to explain that such negative actions are un-Islamic, it would probably be difficult to change the negative perceptions if the public are not provided with more convincing pictures that help mend bridges for peaceful co-existence. One such group advocating dialogues among communities and faiths, tolerance and acceptance is the Gülen movement.

Fethullah Gulen

The personality behind the Gülen movement is an individual by the name of Fethullah Gülen, a former Turkish state imam who has risen to become Turkey’s most famous Islamic intellectual. As a religious intellectual and peace activist, Gülen has influenced a whole generation of Muslims globally and inspired them to play an important role in dialogue and educational projects worldwide. The good part of his writings is that it motivates people to put his thoughts into practice: the ideas do not remain theory and inspirations but become a charter or action-plan implemented by members of the movement.