Explore Quotes by Fethullah Gulen

The principles and form of government that form the basis of democracy are compatible with Islamic values.

Throughout my life, I have publicly and privately denounced military interventions in domestic politics. In fact, I have been advocating for democracy for decades.

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.

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.

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.

We will never be a part of any plot against those who are governing our country.

The noble position of motherhood aside, our general opinion about women is that, while taking into account their specific needs, it should be made possible for them to take on every role, including the jobs of physician, military officer, judge and president of a country.

I feel the pain of people who suffer in my own neurons and sometimes cannot even watch TV. It is impossible not to be worried. But I trust that however cruel treatment they receive, Hizmet sympathizers will continue to respect to the law and will remain peaceful.

I simply share ideas I believe in with people around me.

I have always tried to be a humble servant of God and a humble member of humanity.

My position on democracy is really clear. Any attempt to overthrow the country is a betrayal to our unity and is treason.

Entrepreneurs and volunteers inspired by Hizmet's values have invested in modern education and community service in more than 150 countries.

If somebody who appears to be a Hizmet sympathizer has been involved in an attempted coup, he betrays my ideals.

Savage people realize their aims through fighting, through conflict. Cultivated and intellectual souls believe that they will attain their aims through thought and discussion.

Profiling any segment of society and viewing them as a threat is a sign of intolerance.

We invite our friends who hold high positions in the legislative branch of government and state institutions to master the skills of administration, so they could, when the time comes, reform the Turkish state and make it more fruitful at all its levels in the name of Islam.

No citizen or social group can be completely isolated from politics, because policy decisions and actions affect their lives.

I have always believed in seeking happiness in the happiness of others and the virtue of seeking God's pleasure in helping His people.

Turkey initiated true multiparty elections in 1950 to join NATO. As a requirement of its membership, NATO can and should demand that Turkey honor its commitment to the alliance's democratic norms.

The lesser jihad is our active fulfillment of Islam's commands and duties.

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.