On December 1, 2024, Indialogue Foundation organised a memorial event commemorating the life of the Islamic Scholar Fethullah Gülen at the India Islamic Cultural Center, New Delhi. Mr Gülen, who is also affectionately referred to as “Hocaefendi” (translation – Revered Master) departed from this temporal world on October 20, 2024, after a period of struggle near the retreat center in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, the United States of America where he spent the last years of his life. He was a towering figure of faith, wisdom, intellectual and spiritual leadership.
The event hall was packed with more than 100 people of diverse religions and cultures turning up to pay their regards to Gülen whose legacy transcends the circumstances of his life. Among the prominent personalities attending the event were socio-political activist and columnist Mr Sudheendra Kulkarni, the Former Chief Election Commissioner of India, Dr S Y Quraishi, social and women rights activist Dr Ranjana Kumari, and senior journalist Mr Qamar Agha who have had a chance to meet Gülen and/or his close friends in person at his retreat centre in Pennsylvania.
Prominent socio-political activist Sudheendra Kulkarni who also served as a senior advisor to Former Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee fondly recalled his meeting with Gülen in 2018 and said, “As a devout Hindu, I was fortunate to have his darshan in September 2018 at his ashram in Pennsylvania. While I refer to it as an ashram, he called it a spiritual retreat. After returning, I wrote an article titled, ‘When I Met a Gandhian Jihadi in America’ for Scroll. He warmly welcomed me with a handshake, and to my surprise, offered me his own chair, choosing to sit in a less prominent one himself. Through a translator, he expressed his happiness at receiving a friend from India. He praised India as a land of ancient and rich civilization, one that embraced people of diverse religions coexisting peacefully.”
Mr Kulkarni also shared his thoughts on the film on Gülen’s life screened during the memorial event, saying, “The title of this film, Love is a Verb, is deeply evocative. Love is not merely a noun; it is a verb. Religion, too, is a verb. Gandhiji often said that nonviolence is also a verb. Love, in its essence, is the active expression of nonviolence. The more we embrace love and channel it, the less violence we will see in the world.”
Talking about his meeting with Gülen in 2019, senior journalist Qamar Agha said, “He was a modern-day Sufi who redefined Sufism with his belief that the highest form of service to humanity is through the promotion of education. With this vision, he began establishing schools, particularly for underprivileged communities. In addition to that, he set up hostels where students were provided with quality accommodations and nutritious meals. Having visited some of these hostels, I can attest to the exceptional standard of education in these institutions, which rank among the best. These schools also reflect his conviction that women should have equal access to education, a principle he strongly upheld.”
Renowned social and women rights activist Dr Ranjana Kumari who is also the Director of Centre for Social Research, New Delhi visited Gülen in 2023 and was profoundly inspired by his ideas. She said, “What deeply impressed me after reading his writings and learning about his life is his unwavering belief in gender equality. During my visit to a Hizmet school in New York, I was struck by how modern and impeccably clean the school was. I saw young children engaging with computers, fostering a technology-friendly and scientifically inclined mindset. He viewed education as a tool to nurture ethical, knowledgeable, and socially responsible individuals. His approach to education was holistic, combining scientific knowledge with moral and spiritual growth. This emphasis on maintaining a scientific temper is crucial. And as a woman, I deeply appreciate his voice within Islam advocating for true gender equality—it’s a perspective that resonates strongly with us.”
Former Chief Election Commissioner of India, Dr S Y Quraishi visited Gülen’s retreat centre in Pennsylvania one month before his death. Speaking of Gülen, he said “He was very ill and frail, so we couldn’t meet him. However, we visited his retreat centre, including his study and his modest bedroom.”
“In an era marked by Islamophobia, this movement stands out for its emphasis on interfaith dialogue—a critical need both locally and globally. Yet, all of this is increasingly under threat due to political reasons.”
Gülen’s death has saddened millions across the world. But he stands as a remarkable religious and intellectual thinker whose impact will be felt for generations. As he once said, “Our values are not dependent upon any person. Their existence does not depend on the existence of any individual. These values are sufficient to keep people together without fragmenting tomorrow. As long as the spirit of serving people for the sake of God continues, God will not allow the movement to fracture. We trust Him and rely on Him alone.”
Spiritual guidance for Hizmet – the transnational civil society organisation he inspired – will now be carried forward by a group of his close friends who have provided wisdom and inspiration for decades. Though Gülen had not played an active role in recent years, he consistently encouraged consultation and collective decision-making, a practice that will ensure the movement’s ongoing work in education, dialogue, and humanitarian relief.
It is important to note that Hizmet is thriving in democracies and will continue to grow. There will not be a “replacement” for Gülen, as he held no official position within the movement. Yet, his legacy remains a powerful source of inspiration. Hizmet participants will continue to look to his words and deeds for guidance as they carry on their mission of serving people to serve God.
About The Hizmet Movement
The Hizmet movement is a civil society movement committed to the ideals of living together in peace and serving humanity, and it works within the framework of social responsibility and philanthropy. The movement is centered on the concept of altruistic volunteerism and prioritizes education, dialogue and humanitarian aid in its activities. It is a peaceful movement that embraces religious, social and cultural diversity and is inspired by Islamic and universal humanitarian values. Hizmet, a Turkish word, loosely translates to service.
