In the quiet, reflective moments of our shared human journey, there arises a rare soul whose life transcends the ordinary, casting a profound light on what it means to serve, to believe, and to love. Fethullah Gülen, known with reverence as Hocaefendi, is one such luminous figure. His life was not only an embodiment of devotion but a testament to divine acceptance, a calling fulfilled through unwavering faith and boundless compassion.

A journey steeped in faith

His was a life steeped in faith and purpose, a testimony to what it means to be accepted by the Lord and a beacon for those who seek to walk a path of divine servitude.

Born in 1938 in the modest village of Korucuk, Turkey, Hocaefendi’s journey began with an earnest thirst for knowledge. His life was molded by the teachings of Islam and the rich spiritual tradition that imbued his heart. He was not merely a scholar but a seeker, constantly striving to deepen his connection with the Divine. His teachings transcended the ordinary, emphasizing that true worship is more than ritual—it is a life devoted to God, with each act an offering of service.

Hocaefendi's unwavering commitment was anchored in a profound understanding of Islam as a source of peace and coexistence. He once said, “The true believer finds God not only in the heights of prayer but in the quiet service to humanity.” This encapsulates the essence of his teachings, which inspired millions to embody the principles of love, compassion, and humility. He reminded his followers, “Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder,” urging a life where gentle acts of kindness and wisdom make a lasting impact.

The vision of Hizmet: Service to humanity

Hocaefendi’s life bore witness to a movement born from sincerity: Hizmet, meaning “service.” The Hizmet movement became a transformative force, one rooted in the belief that serving others is an act of worship. Its mission expanded across continents, establishing schools, humanitarian projects, and interfaith initiatives that served as bridges between cultures. This network of service was driven by the understanding that the fruits of one's labor are both temporal and eternal.

Hocaefendi’s teachings did not stop at advocating the theological; they blossomed into a movement where actions spoke louder than words. As the Qur’an beautifully encapsulates, “Indeed, it is We who bring the dead to life and record what they have put forth and what they left behind…” (Qur’an 36:12). In this divine promise lies the enduring traces of Hocaefendi’s influence: the schools built, the minds inspired, the bridges of peace extended across borders. Every good deed performed by those he inspired contributes to his eternal legacy, a cycle of goodness that yields its fruit until the end of time.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them” (Sahih Muslim). Hocaefendi’s vision ensured that his legacy would live on through all three, as generations of students and devotees continue to uplift communities and illuminate the world with acts of kindness and knowledge.

A legacy beyond this world

Hocaefendi was undoubtedly a man whose acceptance by the Divine was evident in the immense good that followed him. As I once shared with his close disciples, a person cannot achieve such enduring impact without being favored by God. His trials—exile, accusations, and challenges—were met with patience and unwavering dignity. Even when accused unjustly of leading a coup in 2016, he stood resilient, embodying the Quranic promise: “Indeed, Allah defends those who have believed” (Qur’an 22:38). The trials that might have broken others only deepened his resolve and strengthened the legacy of Hizmet.

Reflecting on the above-mentioned verse of Surah Yaseen, “Indeed, it is We who bring the dead to life and record what they have put forth and what they left behind” (Qur’an 36:12), one can see that Hocaefendi’s traces of goodness are inscribed in a register that will bear witness until the end of time. The seeds of service he sowed continue to bloom, and his spirit lives on through the countless individuals who carry forward his vision.

Philosophy of tolerance and peace

Hocaefendi’s teachings were a call to a higher understanding, one rooted in the Qur'anic principle of mutual respect and tolerance: “O humankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another” (Qur’an 49:13). He urged Muslims to reclaim Islam's message of love and understanding. His emphasis on tolerance as a divine mandate not only healed divisions but united diverse communities.

Seyyed Hossein Nasr once reflected, “The future of the world will depend on how various world views and civilizations will be able to live together.” Hocaefendi’s legacy fulfilled this hope. He believed that through service, dialogue, and the embrace of others, peace could flourish, and he devoted his life to nurturing this vision.

Practical advice for those inspired by him

To those who have been moved by his teachings, know this: The greatest tribute you can offer is to continue his work with sincerity and resolve. As Hocaefendi often cited, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” Let us embody his spirit by serving our communities and fostering the inclusivity he envisioned. This is not just a movement; it is a mindset, one made real through action.

A supplication for the departed

O Allah, shower Your mercy upon our teacher, Hocaefendi Fethullah Gülen. Grant him the highest station in Jannah, for his service was an unyielding act of worship. May his soul find peace in Your presence, and may his legacy inspire us to strive for Your acceptance through the service of others.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un—“Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return” (Qur’an 2:156).