In his recent book “Embracing the World: Fethullah Gulen’s Thought and Its Relationship to Jalaluddin Rumi and Others” Dr. Ori Soltes explores the parallels between Mawlana and Fethullah Gulen, both misunderstood by their contemporaries. Their message of inclusivity, peace and tolerance is needed more than anything in our difficult times. History of humanity is full of difficult times but God has been always merciful to send us saints like Mawlana Rumi and Gulen who became a voice for reason, humanity, moderation and peace.
Professor Trudy Conway makes an important point in her book “Cross-cultural Dialogue on the Virtues: The Contribution of Fethullah Gulen” regarding the difference between hospitality and tolerance. Tolerance is putting up with the “other”. It is the most basic version of “live and let live”. It is perhaps the starting point towards peaceful coexistence but it is not enough. Gulen on the other hand promotes hospitality. He encourages us to not only put up with someone but to open our hearts to others. “There must be a chair in your heart for everyone”, he says. People should feel comfortable around us. They must feel safe. After all “mumin” (the faithful) is a man of trust or safety, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) teaches us. Considering all the bloodshed all over the world, is this not what the world needs? Opening our homes, our hearts and minds will go a long way in vanquishing ignorance, poverty and conflict.
God has many names and attributes. The diversity in the universe attests to His many aspects. The diversity in humanity is a result of his greatness. Therefore we need to value diversity. In treating our differences we need to resort to the virtue of tolerance or rather hospitality. As Gulen puts it ” Be so tolerant that your heart becomes wide like the ocean”. Especially the faithful will find guidance in their hearts towards love and respect for others. No matter how darkened people’s hearts maybe, it is incumbent upon us not to give up and as Gulen puts it “Offer a hand to those in trouble, and be concerned about everyone”. Or as Mawlana Rumi puts it we should say: “Come, come, whoever you are. Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving. It doesn’t matter. Ours is not a caravan of despair. come, even if you have broken your vows a thousand times. Come, yet again , come , come”
As humanity our salvation and security rests in the philosophies of Rumi and Gulen. They lay the foundations of an open society fostering ideas of love and tolerance.