Taiwo Akinlami and Deba Uwadiae

The passing of Fethullah Gülen, a revered Islamic scholar, educator, and humanitarian, cast a profound silence over millions who gathered online and in person to commemorate his life’s work and legacy. On November 3, 2024, just weeks after his passing on October 20, 2024 a memorial and condolence service was held at the Turkish American Society of Ohio, TASO in Columbus.

The gathering was steeped in solemnity, reflection, and tribute to a man who had shaped countless lives through his teachings and unwavering commitment to peace, interfaith dialogue, and education. His vision gave birth to the Hizmet movement, a global community of individuals united in the pursuit of harmony and understanding.

Gülen’s journey, as was recalled that evening, extended far beyond himself; it lives on in the hearts of those he touched, transcending generations.

In his keynote address, Dr. Savas Hasan Kaya, a close confidant and scholar, delivered a powerful tribute, titled “Fethullah Gülen: His Life, Impact, and Legacy.” Dr. Kaya’s words resounded with the essence of Gülen’s journey, a tale of scholarship, faith, humility, and resolute dedication. With over eighty books to his name and a devoted network of students, Gülen’s intellectual contributions have had a transformative impact. But as Dr. Kaya poignantly noted, Gülen’s influence was not merely in scholarship; it lay in his capacity to reach the heart of humanity. “He preferred to remain in the shadows,” Kaya remarked, “eschewing visibility, driven instead by the call to serve and an unyielding commitment to peace and dialogue.”

Fethullah Gülen’s story began in the rugged highlands of Erzurum in eastern Turkey, where he was born into a modest family. The harsh winters and mountainous terrain of his homeland seemed to mirror his journey, difficult yet resilient, humble yet profound. Completing his Islamic studies in the traditional style, Gülen embarked on a path that would mark the beginning of his mission: he became an imam, first in Erzurum and then in Istanbul. His early years as a preacher saw him frequent coffeehouses, local gatherings, and universities, where he engaged with young people, teaching them not only the foundations of faith but also the virtues of compassion and understanding.

Dr. Kaya recounted Gülen’s philosophy, emphasizing his belief in instilling “seeds of love” in young hearts, nurturing them through knowledge and moral principles. “If we do not plant the seeds of love in the hearts of young people,” Kaya quoted Gülen, “they will never attain moral perfection.” This conviction spurred Gülen to inspire educational initiatives that would bloom worldwide, starting with Turkey in the 1980s. Grassroots communities of followers, moved by his message of love and selflessness, began to establish schools, educational centers, and organizations that emphasized both secular and spiritual education. By the late 1980s, his vision had ignited a movement—a force that, while criticized by some in Turkey’s nationalist and ultra-secular factions, had transformed lives in Turkey and beyond.

It was not enough for Gülen to only reach Muslim communities. He extended his hand to individuals of all faiths, fostering dialogue across religious divides. His endeavors led him to meet and engage with leaders from various faiths, including the late Pope John Paul II. The meeting was an iconic moment, a testimony to Gülen’s belief in a shared humanity bound by the universal values of compassion, respect, and understanding. As Dr. Kaya explained, Gülen’s outreach was more than symbolic; it was a profound statement that religious diversity could and should be a foundation for peace.

This peace-centered vision was, however, met with resistance. His advocacy for educational reform and interfaith dialogue drew the ire of certain elements within Turkey’s political and nationalist circles. Over the years, Gülen became a target of political vilification, especially in 2016 when Turkish authorities accused him of orchestrating a failed coup attempt. The ensuing crackdown led to mass arrests of Hizmet followers, job losses, and the closure of hundreds of institutions linked to his teachings. While Gülen denied the accusations, insisting that his life’s work opposed any form of violence, the state pursued a relentless campaign against the movement. Despite the hardship, Gülen remained steadfast, choosing self-imposed exile in the United States, where he lived humbly, spending his final years in meditation and scholarship.

As the ceremony continued, Dr. Kaya’s words were interspersed with testimonials from members of the Hizmet movement, young and old. One by one, they shared how Gülen’s teachings had shaped their lives, underscoring his dedication to education, altruism, and humility. Among them was a middle-aged man who recalled his teenage years under the guidance of Hizmet mentors, who selflessly supported his studies, embodying Gülen’s principles of kindness and service without expectation. “I pondered,” he said, “how such kindness could be so freely given, especially in a world so often marked by self-interest. It was as if they were emissaries of compassion, spreading the message of hope.”

The ceremony, which spanned nearly two hours, brought together people from various backgrounds and countries, reflecting the movement’s global reach. Attendees from Africa, Europe, and North America shared heartfelt reflections, each story amplifying the narrative of Gülen’s life as one dedicated to building bridges, promoting tolerance, and inspiring a sense of responsibility toward humanity. Young and old alike expressed their commitment to preserving Gülen’s legacy, underscoring that the ideals he championed have indeed transcended generations. This sentiment was echoed in the presence of families, parents accompanied by their teenage children, symbolizing the continuity of Gülen’s values through future generations.

The gathering concluded with a solemn prayer for the repose of Gülen’s soul. It was a moment heavy with emotion, as attendees reflected on his teachings of selfless service and profound humility. Light refreshments followed, allowing participants to linger and share stories, reminiscing about the man who, despite his absence, continued to inspire.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Fethullah Gülen’s legacy is that, though he never married and had no biological children, his teachings and followers stand as his testament. His movement, Hizmet, which means “service” in Turkish, has outlasted its founder, flourishing as a global beacon of peace and compassion. As one young attendee noted, “He has left behind a legacy greater than any familial bond he has left us ideals to live by.”

For many, Gülen’s life serves as a reminder of the impact that one individual can have through a life of purpose, humility, and enduring commitment to humanity. He was, as Dr. Kaya eloquently expressed, “a scholar, a guide, a servant leader.” His final resting place, nestled within the retreat center where he spent his last years, is a humble space, yet his influence reaches far beyond its walls, resonating in the hearts of those who continue his work.
As the memorial service ended, it was evident that Fethullah Gülen’s message of love, tolerance, and education would live on, inspiring generations to come. In the words of a young woman who spoke during the open mic session, “We carry his teachings in our hearts, and in doing so, we honor his life.” As attendees left the Turkish American Society of Ohio Center that evening, they did so with a shared commitment to the principles that Gülen held dear, a legacy that, like the seeds of love he once spoke of, will continue to bloom in every corner of the world.

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