Faculty Note Passing of Important Islamic Scholar

October 22, 2024

At HIU’s Faculty Council meeting on Oct. 21, faculty members noted the passing of an important Islamic scholar and leader, Muhammed Fethullah Gülen. Known internationally for the Hizmet Movement, an international organization of service to local communities, Gülen was controversial. He was implicated by the current Turkish government for his alleged involvement in a coup in 2016, for which he denied having any part.

Fethullah Gülen resided in Pennsylvania from 1999 to his death, where he taught and wrote about Islam and taught interfaith dialogue, service, and civic engagement. His followers created a network of students around the world who were involved in developing schools and programs to foster harmonious interfaith relations.

“Wherever I have gone in the U.S., Fethullah Gülen’s students have been at the forefront of interfaith dialogue. I cherish the memories of attending many Ramadan iftars and interfaith dialogues, hosted by Gülen’s students,” said Dr. David D. Grafton, the director of the Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations at HIU. Many of Gülen’s students have studied and earned their degrees at HIU, and formerly Hartford Seminary.

“His legacy will certainly live on in his students. We have benefitted from so many of his students who have gone on to promote interfaith cooperation and dialogue,” Dr. Grafton said. “We belong to God and to God we shall return.”

For a full obituary, visit this link.

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