How true or untrue is the following statement of Fethullah Gülen, ?

Question

who is the alleged "top intellectual of the world" (ROFL LMAO):

"Islam as a religion focuses primarily on the immutable aspects of life and existence, whereas a political system concerns only social aspects of our worldly life. Islam’s basic principles of belief, worship, morality, and behavior are not affected by changing times. Islam does not propose a certain unchangeable form of government or attempt to shape it. Islam has never offered nor established a theocracy in its name. Instead, Islam establishes fundamental principles that orient a government’s general character. So, politics can be a factor neither in shaping Islam nor directing Muslims’ acts and attitudes in Islam’s name."

Source: http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4408

Your thoughts about this statement and its meaning in Turkey's policy of yesterday and today.

Answer 1

Never heard of him so he can't be that "top". I think what he is saying is basically untrue - there are islamic theocracies in existence, e.g. Iran. Islam's basic principles have changed over time and often depend on whatever faction is in control of the country, eg. some are strictly observant while others are liberal. Islamic morals are also subject to interpretation - scholars have been arguing over interpretation for centuries - basically you can interperet it, or any other religion for that matter, how you want.

As far as Turkey is concerned - they have to work out what they want: theocracy or a secular democracy.  

Answer 2

It seems he is trying to create a mild Islam philosphy.

I, too, would like to think religions have core values that promote wisdom and good deeds. Mr Top Philospher, while looking ignorant about history of religions and history of mankind, ignores the following:

1. I don't know what an immutable aspect of life is, but all religions have emerged to organize the social life of people. Especially the monotheistic religions are there to tell you how a desirable individual is, how he/she behaves in society and how that society functions.

2. Basic human morality (the seven of ten commandments, if you will) seems not to have changed, but Judaism, Christianity and Islam have overt orders that donot seem to fit this era. While they may have been relevant, good and just in their respective eras, some of these orders cannot be considered just in today's understanding.

3. A theocracy is the attempt to rule society in the name of god. And Islam came to do just that. Although it advises spritual values, it also stresses that it is the law system that an Islamic society must conform to.

If Mr Gülen trusts his ideas so much, he should leave Turkey alone, as Turkey has already achieved this seperation of the spritual and the legal, and attempt to enlighten the people in the so-called Islamic societies.

And about the last note, he has to decide if Islam is there for the spiritual,  or the politic. If Islam doesn't dab into politics, why should he say Islam establishes the fundamental principles bla bla bla.

Answer 3

no, fethullah gulen is not 'top intellect of the world'...i am a turk and i have friends who look up to and support fethullah gulen. i, however, do not.

this is the man who, instead of standing up for his religious beliefs, got too scared that he would be imprisoned, and decided to live in another country, safe and protected. just goes to show how 'selfless', 'brave' and "intellectual'' he is.  

Answer 4

of my former boss, if he is an intellectual why does he hide his business ventures? To me, when a person is very successful financially and then tries to hide this then I will raise my eyebrows, add religion to the story and I will first question, How often is a strict religious follower/leader an intellectual?, and next how often do religion and big business mix without  one or the other or both being corrupted?

What kinda jerk names himself 'top' anything in the world?

When I worked for this dude he was so under cover that you'd almost imagine that the people around him would try to deny that he even existed! Now he is trying to put himself into the light and change his name and call himself what ever he wants to. It seems really sheltered and small minded that he thinks he can do this or call himself top anything in the world without telling people what he has done, he hid everything he has done, now he wants credit???

Answer 5

Islam Is perfect.

And many turks should thank Allah that made them muslims.