The Vision and Impact of Fethullah Gulen: A New Paradigm for Social Activism

by Maumul Khan

Overview

Fethullah Gulen has become something of a center of gravity for millions of people from all walks of life throughout the world. This work illustrates the ways in which Gulen and the supporters of the movement inspired by him have presented a new kind of social activism coupled with a deeper sense of spirituality and altruism that has been missing from many contemporary civic movements.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781935295099
Publisher:	Paramus Publishing
Publication date:	04/16/2011
Pages:	198
Product dimensions:	6.09(w) x 9.15(h) x 0.50(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction vii

Chapter 1 Gülen Echoes Rumi with a Difference 1

Bridging the Gaps and Embracing Humanity 8

Gülen's Approach to Islamic Spiritual Life 11

Chapter 2 Sufism in Theory and Practice: Gülen's Perspective 19

The Quest for the Original Sufism 25

Submission to God vis-à-vis the Exalted Soul of Human Beings 33

Link between Inner Qualities and Great Achievements 36

Sufism between Inbisat and Itminan 40

Chapter 3 Gülen's Methodology of Schooling: Educational Enlightenment at Home and Abroad 47

Gülen Inspired Schooling after the Collapse of the Soviet Union 56

Chapter 4 Gülen's Approach to the Qur'an and Ideal Society 69

The Value of Reason and Thought 75

The Peaceful Spirit of Islam 93

Chapter 5 Gülen's Notion of Hizmet and Public Good: From a Strategy to an Action Plan 99

Solving the Paradox: How To Be a Balanced Muslim 102

Gülen's Strategy: Realization of Potential in a Non-reactive Way 106

Chapter 6 Gülen's Thoughts on Modern Democracy 111

Islam and Democracy: Analytical Confusions and Conceptual Clarifications 118

Finding a Middle Ground: The Case of Turkey 123

Chapter 7 Gülen on Jihad, Tolerance, and Terrorism 131

Hizmet: Gülen's Way of Jihad 140

Metaphysical Laws of Natural Sciences: Lost Dimensions of Jihad 143

Gülen's Response to the Clash of Civilizations Thesis 149

Notes 153

Index 167