Date posted: February 10, 2014

AHMET KURUCAN

This is going to be the second time; with your permission, I would like to make another exception in this column that covers topics only on Islamic law and Islamic methodology for several years.

I hope you will excuse my exception in these days that I call “demonic.” Every night I go to bed with a concern and a hope about the next day and ask myself “What will tomorrow bring?” In these days, people sway from side to side and the complaint of “those known as friends” finds its meaning.

Those who cannot tolerate us, because of being silent, which is the indicator of trying to extinguish the fire instead of going with matches, gas, or fire toward it, says “Do they think we would keep silent when servants (“Hizmet movement members”) keep silent?” (1) They pun the word “servant.” I do not think they assume we do not understand. I understood, and everybody did. If you expect an answer, here is your answer. However I doubt whether you would be able to understand the soul under these examples.

First of all, people who are a part of this volunteer crowd would consider it an honor to be the “Servant” of the Hizmet movement. This should be known as is. Service to humanity and working for better lives constitute the centerpiece of Hizmet Movement. Any expectation besides the sake of God cannot be thought of in Hizmet. If you think you will be able to discourage volunteers of the Hizmet movement with lies, unfounded allegations, accusations, and slanders, you are wrong.

In the period of intense debate on the closure of crammers, you have heard and watched the words of Haci Boydak. Let me remind you: “While many people use fake marriages to be appointed in Western regions [of Turkey], these people work in East voluntarily. If they are laid off, I am ready to employ them.” You cannot understand this spirit.

What will you say about the reaction of Mr. Akin Ipek after his enterprise has been shut down as an intimidation? If you forget, let me remind you what he said: “I would sacrifice my whole fortune for a smile of Hocaefendi (Fethullah Gulen).” Can you understand this soul?

I have a friend with whom we have gone to pilgrimage several years ago. Look, what he said with a very upset voice and tears on his cheeks: “Give my kind regards to my dear Hoca (Fethullah Gulen). Like you have said in one of your pieces, tell him not to be upset. Each of us is like Akin Ipek.” How is this? Do you feel it?

Imagine a father whose son is working in an institution of the Hizmet Movement. There is an atmosphere in which remarks such as “Organization! Gang! We will enter in their caves and extract them from there! We will pull them to shreds! ” have been made by the highest rank officials. And inevitably, that bighearted father worries about his son’s future. He calls him and says this: “My dear son! Look, people are talking about government’s profiling. Do not let these speculations scare you. Do not even think about staying away from Hizmet. To be profiled in this period is an honor for us not only in this world but also in the hereafter.

Confess it, you would think that a father would tell his son; “My son, be careful. They are talking about profiling. Take a step back. Don’t get jailed.” No, no; it is exactly the other way. Father says keep on doing what you are doing. I don’t think people who sacrificed their mind and soul to some financial benefits can understand this kind of behavior.

I met someone first time on a flight. A businessman. Told me stories like “Stay away from that tender offer that belongs to someone. Take this one but we’ll get that much…” Actually they weren’t stories but real events, such as bribery. While we were chatting, I asked him about his travel. He told me that he just attended an event in which Hizmet’s views on current news were presented.  I told him unintentionally “Be careful. You could have been profiled and your name could be on reports. They may block your business.” How can’t I? We are in times of businesses being visited by tax inspectors, ordering “choose your side or you are finished!” – or threats, I should say – are offered. He replied: “It is not important that my name is on worldly reports! What matters is to have my name on the reports that will be presented to God in the hereafter.” Would I be too rude if I ask, do you understand the soul that gives life to this answer?

This businessman further reminded me about Gulen’s much talked-about prayer in which Gulen states “ Oh God, we leave everything to you!” and included his friends without asking for their permission: “I was extremely happy that he included us in his prayer. That means he trusts us. He trusts that we would not steal public goods. He becomes a guarantor for us. Could there be anything more blessed than this? I hope God will justify him in his prayer, and guide us to the right path.” That’s why he says sincerely Amen to that prayer. He is confident. Do not worry, I will not ask you whether you can also say Amen sincerely to that prayer. But I’m sure you cannot understand this kind of soul.

But I will continue to explain. Maybe, you will get it at some point. Maybe, your faith will get your conscience going. Maybe you will reevaluate the events with the right mind, heart and soul. Could you?

Let me say one more time; it is your choice to stay silent, or not, when Hizmet volunteers choose to stay silent. But, these servants consider being servants to this Hizmet as the greatest honor.

(1) Servant in Turkish is Hizmetçi, which is derived from the word Hizmet (Sevice). Hizmet opponents, by using the term Hizmetçi, think they humiliate Hizmet movement members.

Source: Zaman , February 9, 2014

Tags: Defamation of Hizmet | Hizmet (Gulen) movement | Hizmet and business | Turkey |