Fethullah Gulen and the Concept of Ikhlas: Fr. Thomas Michel


Date posted: June 22, 2013

A conference titled “Muslims between Tradition and Modernity: The Gulen Movement as a Bridge between Cultures” was held at Potsdam University in Berlin.

The respond to the question about “Ikhlas”

This is been commented on this concept by Muslims an every century. But when Fethullah Gulen focuses on Ikhlas, there are two ideas are always there.

The first one, Ikhlas is element of the mystery of the persons individual relationship to God. Ikhlas is whatever we do whether picking up people at the airport, or whether it’s providing drinks at the coffee break. If you do this for God this has a value which is only God knows and rewards.

Second aspect of Ikhlas, which is important to Gulen, Unity of the Community. How is unity maintained in the community. Well, if people nothing breaks a community apart more than some people going after privileges, are ambition, are rivalry, are competition. But focus on Ikhlas helps people to maintain that unity seeing that everything it’s done, is done only for the pleasure of God.

This are the two focuses foresight than we find in Gulen’s treatment of Ikhlas.

Tags: | | | |


Related News

How does the Hizmet movement fare with democracy?

Ruling elites of this country, unfortunately, have targeted different groups at different times. Thus, religious people, Kurds, Alevis, nationalists (ülkücüs), leftists, non-Muslim minorities and democratic intellectuals have been in the bull’s eye for attacks from these elites. The Hizmet movement has always been a member of this list of plagued groups.

Gulen calls for new constitution in Turkey

Fethullah Gulen, the Islamic preacher embroiled in a battle with the Turkish government that has shaken the country, has redoubled his criticism of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, calling for a new constitution to rein in rights he says are under siege.

Turkish PM heads to Brussels for tough talks with EU

Although the prime minister argues that an ongoing corruption and graft probe engulfing his own ministers is simply a plot hatched by an “illegal gang” that he describes as “parallel state” operated by Fethullah Gülen, a cleric in self-exile in the U.S., EU officials have made clear that such rhetoric has not been bought in Brussels.

Turkish asylum claims in Greece rise 40-fold in three years

The number of Turks claiming asylum in Greece has increased 40-fold in three years, according to figures released by Athens, as more people face prosecution for their alleged role in a failed coup against President Erdogan.

Proof of the ‘parallel state’

Referring to a news story that appeared in the pro-government media about unfounded allegations about the police, Bülent Arınç, the second man in the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), had said, “A dignified person should not speak without evidence.” Arınç’s words are now being used by opposition parties to criticize the prime minister.

Turks seek asylum in South Africa

Turkish businessmen fleeing arrest in their country for links to an alleged terrorist organisation are trying to set up a new life and open companies in South Africa. Speaking on condition of anonymity to Weekend Argus, a few of the businessmen explained how the Turkish government seized their homes and businesses. The businessmen say some of their families are still at risk back home.

Latest News

Fethullah Gulen – man of education, peace and dialogue – passes away

Fethullah Gülen’s Condolence Message for South African Human Rights Defender Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Hizmet Movement Declares Core Values with Unified Voice

Ankara systematically tortures supporters of Gülen movement, Kurds, Turkey Tribunal rapporteurs say

Erdogan possessed by Pharaoh, Herod, Hitler spirits?

Devious Use of International Organizations to Persecute Dissidents Abroad: The Erdogan Case

A “Controlled Coup”: Erdogan’s Contribution to the Autocrats’ Playbook

Why is Turkey’s Erdogan persecuting the Gulen movement?

Purge-victim man sent back to prison over Gulen links despite stage 4 cancer diagnosis

In Case You Missed It

Hatred-inciting discourses and the debate on ‘genocide and crime against humanity’

EU report expresses concern about purge against Gülen movement

Italian professor: Fethullah Gulen is a true lover of the Prophet

Turkish, Russian businessmen convene at forum

Nigerian students lament harassment, detention by Turkish authorities

How It Feels to Be a Dissident in Turkey After the Failed Military Coup

Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen offers condolences for Tahir Elçi, slain police officers

Copyright 2025 Hizmet News