A life in tears: Understanding Fethullah Gulen and his call to service

Fethullah Gülen is indeed a leading figure in the current Turkish socio-political context. While for many he is the inspirational Islamic scholar who promoted education and global dialogue, the authoritarian Turkish state sees him and the Hizmet Movement he inspired as a threat to their status quo. Regardless of the impression different circles have about him, it is universally acknowledged that he has had a life in tears dreaming of a “golden generation,” but also a life spent in persecution and ongoing trials. Like many independent thinkers, he is an accomplished author and scholar who have had to pay a high toll for his efforts to remain free from political influence. This book goes beyond the current controversy around his name, and tries to explore Gülen as a scholar around his certain personal traits and some of the key concepts he has been emphasizing over the years to mobilize his audience.