‘A movement like the Hizmet Movement is very important for correcting misconceptions of Islam’


Date posted: November 24, 2014

Dr. Lawrence Geraty is a Professor of Archaeology and Old Testament Studies at La Sierra University in Riverside, California. He served as the second President of La Sierra University. He completed his PhD in Syro-Palestinian Archaeology at Harvard University.

Commenting on the “warped” perception of Islam in the Western world due to acts of terrorism and disruption of society, Dr. Lawrence Geraty regards the Hizmet Movement as an important factor in correcting those misconceptions. He says, “… I don’t know of any group within Islam that has done more to counteract the extremist kind of views that are prevalent in Western society about Islam.”

Appreciating the Hizmet Movement’s emphasis on interfaith dialogue, Dr. Geraty notes that he is attracted to the fellowship of those who are willing to listen to and learn from the views of others and adds, “… in that process, society learns lessons and stands on issues that improve it; and we learn to live with one another in peace and tranquility; and we learn that through discussion and dialogue we can achieve the goals that we have in a way that’s constructive and not destructive of the relationships. So, I really think that the future of the human race lies with those who are willing to talk to each other rather than fight with each other.”

“I think that the future success of society depends on people like the Hizmet Movement and its adherence.

“Expressing his distress over the recent turn of events in Turkey, Dr. Geraty says, “I’ve been jealous for Turkey’s success and full of admiration for what it’s accomplished and I hope it’s not moving in the other direction now.”

“… the sooner Turkey can get its act together and get back on track, the better it will be, not only for Turkey’s society and for society in general but for the Islamic world because they have had this model that people can look to and, all of a sudden, its reputation is being tarnished.”

*Produced by Spectra Media exclusively for Irmak TV, Atlas of Thoughts (Fikir Atlasi) connects the scholars, politicians, jurists, religious figures, journalists, and academics reflecting on Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gulen and the Hizmet Movement with the audience. Each episode features a person from a different segment of the society with diverse experiences regarding the Hizmet activities and its volunteers. If you are interested to hear about the Hizmet and Mr. Gulen from these people’s perspectives, do not miss this show!

Source: Spectra Media

Tags: | | | |


Related News

Fethullah Gülen backs peace talks between government and PKK

Yet another show of support for ongoing peace talks between the Turkish government and the terrorist Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has been voiced, this time from Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, who said every necessary step needs to be taken, even if some of these steps might seem unnerving at first, to maintain peace in the […]

Religion as a force for peace

ŞAHİN ALPAY One of the great advantages of Turkey, surely, is the dominance of religious scholars who have promoted conceptions of Islam promoting peace, socio-economic development and democracy. In this context, contributions of Said Nursi (1878-1960), a Kurd from Bitlis, and Fethullah Gülen, a Turk from Erzurum, are surely exceptional. In Turkey hopes for an […]

Dr. Phyllis Bernard’s views on Fethullah Gulen & Gulen Movement

Dr. Phyllis Bernard: “My speech was as much as anything else a ‘Thank you’ to the Hizmet Movement.. for making an incredible opportunity available for scholars, researchers, practitioners to understand a lot more about what stewardship in business is about. Hopefully as we continue to teach people about how business works in different places around the world, we’ll have a lot more respect and understanding for the kind of Islamic cultural values that one finds everywhere. And our entry way for that were the Hizmet Movement businesspeople; they were astoundingly fine.”

Fethullah Gülen extends condolences over death of Turkish literary giant

Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has extended his condolences to the family and fans of Yaşar Kemal, one of Turkey’s greatest writers, whose works were translated into 40 languages.

Turks fleeing post-coup reprisals find shelter in Pittsburgh

Until this summer, Cetin Gul of Istanbul, Turkey, worked as a videographer for a company that did promotional work for clients that included a charity organization. That charity, Hizmet, is associated with the movement of Fethullah Gulen. After a deadly and unsuccessful coup attempt by some in the Turkish military in July, the government began suppressing organizations associated with him. “Because of the direct association with Hizmet, I was a direct target,” Mr. Gul said.

Hizmet Relief ends Cataract Campaign, starts Water Well Campaign

Hizmet Relief, shortly after changing its name, starts aid campaigns one after another. It finishes the “Cataract Campaign” and rushes to finalize “Water Wells Campaign.” The cataract campaign started in July, the Hizmet Relief had targeted to collect $10,000 to treat 100 people. $300 more was collected, which will give 103 people their eyesight back.

Latest News

Turkish inmate jailed over alleged Gülen links dies of heart attack in prison

Message of Condemnation and Condolences for Mass Shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney

Media executive Hidayet Karaca marks 11th year in prison over alleged links to Gülen movement

ECtHR faults Turkey for convictions of 2,420 applicants over Gülen links in follow-up to 2023 judgment

New Book Exposes Erdoğan’s “Civil Death Project” Targeting the Hizmet Movement

European Human Rights Treaty Faces Legal And Political Tests

ECtHR rejects Turkey’s appeal, clearing path for retrials in Gülen-linked cases

Erdoğan’s Civil Death Project’ : The ‘politicide’ spanning more than a decade

Fethullah Gülen’s Vision and the Purpose of Hizmet

In Case You Missed It

Rumi Forum Hosts Religious Extremism Debate

Turkish anti-terrorism police carried out raids in six cities, detaining at least five people with alleged links to al-Qaida

Turkey could find itself facing hefty legal bill for mass purges

Kimse Yok Mu becomes first charity to reach Philippines from Turkey

O.C. Muslim leaders speak out against extremism

Where is Turkey going? (2)

Will the AKP lose votes in disagreement with Gülen movement?

Copyright 2026 Hizmet News