August 19, 2011

Robustness and civility: Themes from Fethullah Gülen

Paul Weller *

The 7/7 attacks on the London transportation system in 2005, perpetrated by Muslims raised in the UK, shocked the British government, many Muslims and the wider civil society.

Subsequently, the UK’s multiculturalist policy consensus has been subject to intensive criticism. Politicians and some parts of civil society have challenged a perceived “separatism” within Muslim communities. These people emphasize a need for shared values and social cohesion and advocate the promotion of “moderate Islam” and “moderate Muslims.”