There are various sects within Islam. Is it a matter of freedom of religion and democracy for those adherents of sects to educate their children in their own ways, using their own methods? If it is not, what does Fethullah Gülen propose?
On this issue Fethullah Gülen is rather clear; he looks at the phenomenon from a larger perspective. He neither sees Islam as the only religion nor different Islamic interpretations as a threat for the religion. According to him:
The freedom of religion in Islam is one of the most important foundational blocks. Even God Almighty in the Qur’an says “… whoever wills (to believe), let him believe; and whoever wills (to disbelieve), let him disbelieve” (Al-Kahf 18:29), it would not be religiously permissible for us to develop a different discourse. It is imperative to have a free setting for religious preferences.[1]
In this environment of freedom and in the face of competition with other religions, he responds to the concern that Islam might regress:
We have no doubt in our religion. With its universal values, it is superior to the teachings of other religions in the fields of belief, rituals, and transactions. That would be the case as long as we expose them properly under the circumstances, and understanding of our age, and represent it properly.[2]
In short, Fethullah Gülen is in favor of freedom through which religions are spread and taught without any obstacles. He also favors the adjustment and reinterpretation of religion to go along with the pace of change, meeting the requirement of daily life.
[1] Exclusive answer delivered to Doğu Ergil.
[2] Ibid.
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