AFSV Statement on Orlando Shooting

Understanding of Muslims in US is limited, says scholar

“Part of what we are doing involves interfaith work,” says Turk, and he brings up the role of the Pacifica Institute in California that does similar work in accordance with the teachings of Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen. “The same values are taught by Gülen,” Turk says, and adds that students from the Gülen-inspired Hizmet movement attend Bayan Claremont as well. “We are educating the next generation of Islamic scholars and community leaders,” Turk says.

AFSV Statement on Orlando Shooting

We condemn the horrifying mass shooting in Florida this morning that left more than 50 dead and injured many more. This act of terror is an attack on our common humanity and values. It is more important than ever to stand in solidarity against violence, hate, and terror, as well as any attempt to justify this horrible act. Our hearts go out to the victims’ families and all those who were affected.

International symposium on the Hizmet Movement and Peacebuilding

HizmetNews.COM April 2, 2013 Rumi Forum and major academic centers in Washington area will hold an international symposium on the Hizmet Movement and peacebuilding, in Washington, DC, on October 24-26, 2013. The symposium is titled “The Hizmet Movement and Peacebuilding: Global Cases,” which will address the peacebuilding efforts/impact of the Hizmet (Gülen) Movement institutions worldwide. Peacebuilding, […]

Being a Non-Muslim During Ramadan

The end of July marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan and fasting for Muslims across the globe. As we reflect on the closing of this sacred time, it is important to think about the role we play during this time, especially for non-Muslims. I have been raised Christian, and to say that Christians observe anything similar to Ramadan would be a stretch.

A Rare Meeting With Reclusive Turkish Spiritual Leader Fethullah Gulen

In an exclusive interview, Fethullah Gulen speaks on anti-Semitism, his particular brand of Islam, and why he’s been in hiding for 14 years. The reclusive spiritualist keeps to his home in the Poconos, attended by believers, praying, lecturing, and claiming his influence is not as wide-ranging as his critics claim it to be. He is sickly and doesn’t travel, yet secular Turks worry his influence in political ranks will grow Islamist influence there.

Turkey pays a price for purging counterterror professionals

In the wake of the abortive July 15 coup, he purged thousands of experienced counter-terror police and rotated others out of areas they know best. In effect, this means the Turkish security and police are operating blind. It can take years to gain the experience in any particular locality that those whom Erdogan fired had.