Exit of a Colossus

Allah has enjoined every soul to not only believe in destiny but to embrace whatever fortune befalls him as an act of worship. That is why whatever afflicts us as Muslims we turn to the Creator in supplication, seeking His favor to make us stronger in faith, and grant us the fortitude to bear the burden of the situation.

It was such a profound moment when God tested our faith as the renowned yet humble Fethullah Gülen, known affectionately as Hocaefendi by his admirers, answered the call of his Creator and passed away at the age of 86.

As a mere student of theology, I may be alluding to matters I am not fully equipped to address—namely, the attributes of Hocaefendi. I will leave that to his contemporaries, colleagues, and those with deeper knowledge of who he was in life and what they envision for him in the afterlife. However, I will say that what I witnessed at his funeral sheds light on a personality that any peace-loving soul would adore.

Having passed away far from his home country, one might have expected a low-key funeral, attended by only a few scholars and clerics to fulfill the necessary rites. But alas, that was not the case. If not for the distinct features indicating religious significance, the gathering could have been mistaken for a massive public event or festival. The crowd was immense and unprecedented. While driving to the venue for the Salatul Janaza (the funeral prayer), a sea of admirers and well-wishers stretched as far as two kilometers on foot, as accessing the venue became nearly impossible due to heavy traffic. Little did I know that this was only the beginning. Upon reaching the main venue, the sheer number of attendees defied description. Everyone was demanding for space to be part of this historic moment. A long queue of well-wishers extended as far as the eye could see, all eager to enter the arena.

The essence of the picture I’ve painted reflects the true life of this gentle soul, whom I regard as a colossus both in life and in death. The following he commanded transcended every stratum of society. At his burial, as in his life, people from diverse ethnic backgrounds and faiths gathered. True to his philosophy of peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and interfaith harmony, speakers from various walks of life eulogized him, his teachings, and his way of life. One after another, they took the stage, taking a stroll down memory lane and sharing heartfelt memories and personal experiences of knowing and interacting with this man of God.

I was one of the fortunate individuals who had the rare privilege of sharing memorable moments with Hocaefendi in February 2022. The experience remains etched in my memory and will stay with me for the rest of my life. During our tea session, before he arranged for me to be given a guided tour of the compound, he noticed that I was cold. Without hesitation, he removed his personal cap and placed it on my head. Later, he honored me further by asking me to lead the Maghrib prayer, with him joining as part of the congregation. What greater honor and privilege could I have asked for?

God has shown grace to Hocaefendi, a man of peace, understanding, and boundless humility. He exemplified simplicity and piety, teaching the world the beauty of sacrifice, the rewards of hard work, and the value of perseverance. He embodied the virtue of being your brother’s keeper and demonstrated that we can all coexist peacefully, regardless of ethnic or religious differences.

As we mourn this remarkable soul, I pray that we continue to live by the teachings and examples he left behind. May we carry forward the legacy he built while praying that God grants him Al-Jannat al-Firdaus (the highest paradise). Ameen.