Gülen (Hizmet) Movement as a Bulwark against Terrorism and Extremism

Abstract

Terrorism is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today. Its day-by-day patterns are changing based on
geography, methods of attacks, organization and national contexts. Especially following al-Qaeda’s 9/11 attacks, Islam has
become a feared religion in the West and Muslims a suspect people. At the same time, Fethullah Gülen, an adherent of
Sufi Islam, an advocate of non-violence, and an authoritative, mainstream Turkish scholar who has for decades denounced
extremism in the false name of Islam, condemned the attack and declared Bin Laden the monster that he is, a radical who
tarnished the name of Islam, which strictly forbids terrorism. Gülen has inspired the Hizmet (Service) Movement, which is
recognized in more than 170 countries through its educational institutions, dialog and culture centers, aid foundations and
interfaith organizations. This study examines how the fundamentals of Gülen’s world of thought in his books—translated
into more than 40 languages—and the Hizmet Movement he inspired acts as a moderating force in the West’s
understanding of Islam and as an Islamic bulwark against terrorism.