Fethullah Gülen's Endeavor for Renewal

Endeavor for Renewal

• The beginning of a good deed or beneficial work is important, but it's only a start; continuity of goodness is what matters.
• Self-renewal is essential for growth and progress, and it involves retaining the purity of the seed and root, and synthesizing values with new thoughts and wisdom.

Religiousness and Religious Sensitivity

• Religiousness has different degrees, from theoretical knowledge to practical application and making religion a way of life.
• Religious sensitivity refers to meticulous observation of religious principles, being sensitive about others' religious practices, and guiding others towards a closer relationship with God.
• A believer with religious sensitivity feels a sense of responsibility to guide others, prevent them from falling, and evoke enthusiasm for God in their hearts.

Sensitivity of Bringing Others to Life

• A true believer is not content with just practicing their own religion, but also wants to inspire others to do the same.
• They are sensitive about guiding others, preventing them from falling, and finding ways to keep them on the right path.
• They are not satisfied with their own pettiness and know that even small acts can make a big difference.

Let Us Destroy the Monuments We Build to Ourselves

• People who are dedicated to their cause suffer mental anguish and think about their ideals constantly.
• They are prone to errors in their worship due to their lofty goals and sensitivity to their mission.
• They are not inclined towards temptations and are careful about observing the obligatory commandments.

Those Who Migrate for Noble Ideals and the Chivalrous Souls

• Prophet Lot was sent to a people who had become corrupt, and he was helpless to resist them.
• God sent angels to Prophet Lot, which was a final test for the people, and they failed.
• The Prophets were sent from among strong families or communities to protect them from harm.
• In the same way, the spiritual person of the Hizmet Movement can serve as a strong support for the volunteers who travel to different parts of the world.### The Importance of Cultural Exchange and Understanding
• The people of Turkey appreciate students from different countries and cultures, and the nation's administrators support education and cultural exchange.
• This exchange of values and ideas is essential for building bridges of peace and understanding between different cultures and civilizations.

The Role of Dialogue and Education

• Dialogue and education are crucial for preventing conflicts and wars, and for building a more harmonious and peaceful world.
• Unless we engage in dialogue and exchange, differences and conflicts may lead to irrevocable wars and destruction.

The Dangers of Negative Thoughts and Influences

• Negative thoughts and influences can pollute our minds and hearts, and block our mechanisms of reasoning and judgment.
• We need to take precautions to prevent the accumulation of negative influences, and to rid ourselves of ugly thoughts and images.

The Importance of Righteous Friends and Environment

• Having righteous friends and being in a positive environment is crucial for our spiritual well-being and growth.
• A bad friend can be worse than a snake, and can lead us to Hell, while a good friend can take us to Paradise.

Prayers and Protection

• Prayers and seeking protection from God are essential for warding off negative influences and for staying on the right path.
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us to pray for protection, help, and guardianship from God.

The Disease of Being Easily Offended

• Being easily offended and harboring bitter feelings towards others is a widespread disease in our time, which can lead to personal, familial, and social problems.
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us that a Muslim should not break relations with his brother or sister in religion for more than three days.

The Role of Parents and Metaphorical Resentment

• Parents should be treated with kindness and respect, and their rights should be recognized.
• Metaphorical resentment, or temporarily distancing oneself from others, can be a strategy for effecting a desired result, but it should be used with caution and wisdom.### The Importance of Not Taking Offense
• The Quran verses 17:23 and 14:41 emphasize the importance of treating elderly people with respect and kindness, even if they have wronged us.
• We should strive to keep our elderly happy and not harbor bitter feelings towards them.
• The Pride of Humanity (Prophet Muhammad) stated that it is wrong to say "I wish..." as it might imply a criticism of Divine Destiny.

The Value of Patience and Reconciliation

• Patience is a key virtue in Islam, and one of the three types of patience mentioned by Bediüzzaman is patience against troubles and misfortunes.
• Not taking offense and showing patience towards others brings otherworldly rewards equivalent to those gained through worship.
• Breaking off relations with others due to taking offense is a serious mistake and can lead to distancing oneself from God's help.

The Power of Good Deeds

• Good deeds, no matter how small, can have a significant impact and bring great rewards in the afterlife.
• Examples of good deeds include smiling at someone, saying a good word, feeding someone, and removing obstacles from the path of others.
• Even seemingly small acts of kindness, like Zubaydah's construction of waterways and fountains for pilgrims, can have a lasting impact and bring great rewards.

The Importance of Reconciliation

• Reconciliation between people is a vital aspect of Islam, and committees should be formed to facilitate this process.
• These committees should be composed of experienced individuals with sound insight into human psychology and competent powers of reasoning, judgment, and speech.
• Reconciliation can be achieved on a local and international scale, and it is necessary to educate people about the importance of dialogue, tolerance, and peace.

Passing to the Next World with a Pure Heart

• Adopting Divine morality is essential, and reconciliation between people is a key aspect of this morality.
• The Prophet Muhammad's sayings emphasize the importance of treating others with kindness and mercy, even in the afterlife.
• We should strive to go to God's presence with a pure heart, without harboring any resentment towards others.

The Sin of Ghulul (Defrauding)

• Ghulul, or defrauding, is considered a major sin in Islam and involves taking something unlawful for personal benefit.
• The Quran verse 3:161 emphasizes the seriousness of ghulul and warns that those who commit it will be repaid in full on the Day of Resurrection.
• Contemporary believers should be aware of the gravity of ghulul and strive to avoid it in all aspects of life.