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
