Fethullah Gülen, or Hocaefendi, as many lovingly called him, was like a vibrant rose in a spring garden, emanating love, compassion, and understanding. Just as a rose spreads its fragrance indiscriminately, he shared his wisdom and kindness freely, touching the hearts of all who came near. His presence was a reminder of beauty in service—a grace that lingered, inspiring others to live with the same compassion and humility. His wisdom, carried on the winds of inspiration, reached millions around the world, and each life he touched blossomed a little brighter, nourished by his vision of a world grounded in unity.

I first encountered his teachings more than two decades ago, and they have profoundly shaped who I am. His words offered a path to a higher purpose—one that values compassion, humility, and responsibility toward others, rooted in deep faith in God. Through his teachings, I came to see humanity as a shared journey, where our greatest fulfillment comes from lifting each other up for the sake of God. His lessons taught me that true goodness lies in kindness, understanding, and a life devoted to making a difference in the world. It is these teachings that inspired me to become a teacher and now a contributing editor of his works in English.

My first meeting with Hocaefendi is a memory I will always hold dear. I shared with him how deeply his teachings had moved me, expressing how they had touched my life in ways words could hardly convey. He responded with warmth and humility, saying that my visit brought him joy and that he wanted to share a small gift with his “bacım”—a Turkish term of endearment meaning “dear sister.” As I prepared to leave, he handed me a scarf, his personal tasbih (prayer beads), and a small bottle of fragrance oil. These simple yet meaningful gifts reflected the essence of his teachings: that true beauty lies in small acts of kindness and in the connections nurtured through love and sincerity.

In a time marked by division and misunderstanding, his message of compassion, mutual respect, and service to humanity offers a unifying vision. His emphasis on education, ethical responsibility, and interfaith dialogue underscores that positive change begins within each individual and extends outward. Hodjaefendi’s teachings encourage a life of uplifting others, bridging divides, and fostering peace. One of my favorite quotes of his, from a collection of his speeches and articles in the book, So That Others May Live, reads, “Let us no longer consider ourselves to be a drop destined to dry and vanish. Instead, let us unite as one cascading river, flowing towards the sea of eternity. We all are human: Our genes contain the trace of Adam, and our essence shares the truth of Ahmad.” For communities worldwide, his approach to faith as a vehicle for social harmony and justice serves as a beacon, reminding us that true progress lies in empathy and collaboration. His legacy continues to inspire individuals and institutions to prioritize humanity over differences, building a future rooted in understanding, compassion, and shared purpose.

Fethullah Gülen’s enduring influence on the youth around the world fills me with immense hope for the future. Seeing a generation inspired by his teachings, committed to lives of compassion, integrity, and service, reassures me that his vision will live on. These young individuals are not only equipped to excel personally but also carry a deep sense of responsibility to make the world a better place. Through their actions, they embody the values Hocaefendi championed, working toward a more just, peaceful, and unified world. Knowing that his legacy of compassion and understanding will be carried forward by countless young hearts reminds me that, even in challenging times, a brighter future is possible.

Now, with Hocaefendi’s departure from this temporary world, it falls to us to carry his message forward—to lift the banner he held high and continue the work he inspired in countless lives. His passing does not mark an end but rather a new beginning for all those he touched, a reminder that his teachings are timeless and that his vision lives on in us. The path he illuminated—a life of compassion, service, and unity—is one we must now walk ourselves, ensuring that his legacy endures in the hearts and actions of future generations. It is our turn to nurture the seeds he planted and to bring his ideals into a world in need of hope, understanding, and kindness.

There is so much more to say, but I end here with a couplet from a poem by Rumi that perhaps describes how we should feel at this moment: “Do not weep for my departure, I am not leaving, I am arriving at eternal love…”