A biography for Fethullah Gulenhasn’t been written yet.
“Erdogan's persecution of his people is not simply a domestic matter. The ongoing pursuit of civil society, journalists, academics and Kurds in Turkey is threatening the long-term stability of the country.”
“My message to the Turkish people is never to view any military intervention positively because through military intervention, democracy cannot be achieved.”
“I have always tried to be a humble servant of God and a humble member of humanity.”
“I would curse people who resort to coups against democracy, liberty, republic.”
“I think the United States is mindful of its reputation for its democracy and rule of law, and if they are willing to risk that reputation by extraditing me based on the request and claims made by Turkey, I would never say no. I would go willingly.”
“I have said time and again that the republican order, and secularism, when executed perfectly, are blessings from God.”
“When the opportunities come, Cemaat participants, just like any other citizen will make their choices based on their values.”
“Entrepreneurs and volunteers inspired by Hizmet's values have invested in modern education and community service in more than 150 countries.”
“I suffered during the military intervention of May 27, 1960, and then again on March 12, 1971 and again on September 12, 1980, and I was targeted February 28, 1997. My respect for the military aside, I have always been against interventions.”
“My message is, if someone beats you, act like you don't have hands. If someone slurs you, act like you don't have a tongue. Society is already polarized enough, don't make it worse.”
“I have always believed in seeking happiness in the happiness of others and the virtue of seeking God's pleasure in helping His people.”
“I am neither a sociologist nor a psychologist, but you don't have to be one to see that Turkey is in a vortex of problems, isolated from the world.”
“I grew up in a humble family with a shy personality.”
“I don't have a need to promote myself.”
“I consider myself an ordinary Muslim who is constantly working to put himself in the framework established by the Koran and the tradition of the Prophet Mohammed. I study the works of experts of jurisprudence, Koranic commentary, hadith commentary, and Sufism.”
“In many places around the world, including Turkey until the 1950s, Muslims didn't have full freedom of religion. Even personal practice was not allowed, and they had to practice in secret.”
“Savage people realize their aims through fighting, through conflict. Cultivated and intellectual souls believe that they will attain their aims through thought and discussion.”
“I cannot accept concepts such as Gulenism or Gulenist. I was only a writer and an official preacher among people. I can have no direct influence on any person or activity. It is inconceivable that I can exert pressure on anybody.”
“I even reject and condemn in the strongest terms the idea, the consideration of a military coup. If I had the chance I would stand in front of the people who would attempt such a thing and open my arms and beg them to stop.”
“Avoiding the physical sciences due to the fear that they will lead to heresy is childish.”