Self-Exiled Gülen Dies In US At 81

Chartdata

You need 2 min read

·

Post on Oct 22, 2024

35 visitor like this post

Share

Fethullah Gülen, the Self-Exiled Preacher, Passes Away in the US at 81

Fethullah Gülen, the influential Islamic preacher who built a global movement from his self-imposed exile in the United States, has passed away at the age of 81. Gülen's death, which occurred on February 17, 2023, was confirmed by his family and the Gülen movement.

A Life of Influence and Controversy

Gülen's life was a complex tapestry woven with threads of faith, education, and political intrigue. He rose to prominence in Turkey in the 1980s, advocating for a brand of Islam that emphasized interfaith dialogue, education, and social service. His message resonated with millions, and he built a vast network of schools, businesses, and media outlets across Turkey and beyond. The Gülen movement, also known as Hizmet, claimed to be a peaceful and apolitical force dedicated to improving society through education.

However, Gülen's influence also attracted the ire of the Turkish government. In 1999, he was accused of plotting to overthrow the state, and he fled to the United States to avoid arrest. From his self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, Gülen continued to build his movement and preach his message of interfaith harmony.

The Aftermath of the 2016 Coup Attempt

In 2016, a failed coup attempt in Turkey was blamed on Gülen and his followers. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Gülen of orchestrating the coup and demanded his extradition from the US. However, the US government has refused to extradite Gülen, arguing that there is insufficient evidence to prove his involvement in the coup attempt.

The failed coup attempt and the subsequent crackdown on Gülen supporters had a profound impact on the movement. Many of Gülen's followers were arrested, imprisoned, and even tortured. The Gülen movement was labeled a terrorist organization by the Turkish government, and its schools and businesses were shut down.

The Legacy of Fethullah Gülen

Gülen's death has left a void in the global Muslim community. His legacy is a mixed bag – a preacher who preached a message of tolerance and education, but also one who was accused of political ambition and orchestrating a coup attempt.

Despite the controversy surrounding him, Gülen's influence on the global Muslim community cannot be denied. He was a pioneer of interfaith dialogue and a proponent of education, leaving behind a network of schools and institutions that continue to educate and empower students around the world. His life and work will continue to be debated and analyzed for years to come.