This Week's Quotation:
The core tenets of a functioning democracy—the rule of law, and respect for individual freedoms—are also the most basic of Islamic values bestowed upon us by God. No political or religious leader has the authority to take them away.
~ Muhammed Fethullah Gülen
The Fruit of the Spirit
Rev. Berry Behr, Global Interfaith Ambassador
Fethullah Gülen, one of the most significant, influential Islamic leaders of modern times, passed away at the age of 83 at his home in Pennsylvania. A man who stood for peace, education, equality, and freedom, he was exiled from his own country, Türkiye, after being falsely accused of masterminding a coup in 2016.
As a young man, observing social poverty and unrest in his home country, Gülen became inspired to lead an education program supporting and encouraging young people to overcome hopelessness and despair. Gülen believed "The antidote (to extremism) is a religious education program that teaches the tradition in a holistic and contextualized way. To be able to resist the deceits of radical ideologues, young Muslims must understand the spirit of their scripture and the overarching principles of their Prophet's life." This civic project became a global movement called the Hizmet Movement. Hizmet means service and the Hizmet movement is based on the core values of equality, human rights, and democracy. Its peace-building activities include education and interfaith dialogue to promote understanding.
After the 2016 coup allegations, Gülen was stripped of his Turkish citizenship and faced unsuccessful extradition attempts by Türkiye. Thousands of his followers were arrested and imprisoned but Gülen continually denounced the coup plotters extremism, and violence as well as the political injustices that threatened human rights and freedoms.
Humans learn from each other. We base our lives on the lessons in the lives we see around us. If we want to have a positive impact in the world then we need to be clear about what we stand for. The outcome of our efforts will reflect the deepest intention of our souls, and that will be our legacy.
How ironic that Gülen’s strong stand for freedom cost him his own ability to move freely. Yet despite serious threats to his safety and misinformation spread by detractors, he drew a dedicated global following of millions. These followers will continue the peace-building work he inspired. Through Hizmet programs, his spirit will continue to inspire others to help make the world a better, more inclusive place.
This is the fruit of the Spirit. May we all aspire to such a legacy.
About Open Windows
We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world’s sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.
We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.
Hizmet means service and the Hizmet movement is based on the core values of equality, human rights, and democracy. Its peace-building activities include education and interfaith dialogue to promote understanding.
I believe there is not a land where the understanding and belief of the above guidance would not lead to a world we would all thrive in – through body/mind and spirit!!!
Many thanks, Rev. Behr. I had never heard of Gulen so it is wonderful to meet him in spirit and resonate with his and your WORD. Eternal blessings! Tom C.
Thank you, Berry, for your thoughts and meditations on the ‘fruit of the Spirit’.
I have been thinking lately about the struggles within civil society with regards to ‘human rights’; and that without full exploration and experience of individual ‘sovreign rights’, we remain in victim state consciousness and develop a strange culture of entitlement.
More work to be done to bring Love and Knowing to increase the ‘fruit of the Spirit’.
Thank you for all the loving and knowing that you bring to our world.
I appreciate the statement “young Muslims must understand the spirit of their scripture.” It would appear that Fethullah Gülen must have resonated to a considerable degree with the truth that “the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” You obviously honor this same principle, Berry, as you navigate a Spirit-filled course through the inner-faith movement.