More than 500 people gathered in Sydney on Saturday 26 October 2024 at Amity College, Presons to remember and pay their tribute to Turkish scholar Imam Fethullah Gülen who passed away on Sunday 20 October 2024 at the age of 86 in the United States.
Tears in their eyes, a number of people who were his students, had met him or were inspired by him and his writings and lectures reflected on the his life and how it affected their journey.
The formal condolence program commenced with the recitation of Quran by Bilal Kilic followed by a welcome by Huseyin Kizmaz, CEO, Galaxy Foundation and a keynote speech in Turkish by Mr Nevzat Turk, Imam Fethullah Gulen’s student in person between 1972-1980 who elaborated on Imam Gulen’s personality, thoughts and teachings.
Mr Zia Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief, AMUST while talking about his interaction with the Turkish community for almost 52 years in Australia, talked about how he came to know of Imam Gulen while on a study tour with his family of Turkey in 2015 through his books and books written by others about him.
He frankly expressed that he was saddened by the division amongst the Turkish community after the military coup attempt of July 2016 and attempted for reconciliation between the two at every opportunity.
Mr Ahmad also recalled his visit to meet Imam Gulen in the US in 2018 presenting him with a copy of AMUST and attending his early morning lecture that enlighted him intellectually as well as spiritually.
A video highlight and conversation between Mr Ahmad and Imam Gulen was shown on the big screen that was very moving.
Mr Ahmad reassured the audience that although Imam Gulen was no more but his legacy will continue through his global educational movement for all through Hizmet schools, dialogue institutions and multiple generations of dedicated men and women who have been inspired by him.
Mrs Mehar Ahmad, President of Seena Incorporated recalled her meeting with Imam Gulen and how she learnt of hizmet (service to people) while getting out of her Muslim surroundings through dialogue within the civil society with people of other faith and no faith.
The event was also attended by a number of local politicians who presented their condolence messages:
- The Hon Paul Lynch – Former NSW Minister and State MP for Liverpool
- MP Anne Stanley – Federal MP for Werriwa
- MP Charishma Kaliyanda – NSW State MP for Liverpool
- Mr Sam Karnib – Liverpool Councillor
- MP Nathan Hargarty – NSW State MP for Leppington
There were also reflections from the floor from people touched by the personality and thoughts of Imam Gulen:
- Dr Maryam Win
- Mr Azmi Alkan
- Ms Tuba Ozturk
- Mr Mehmet Saral
After the end of the formal program, the Salat al-Gha’ib (Absentee funeral prayer) was performed by hundreds of people led by Nevzat Turk followed by dua by Imam Celal Arikan.
The program concluded with Maghreb parayer followed by dinner for all.
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