When reflecting on the life and legacy of Imam Fethullah Gülen (RA – may Allah have mercy on him), whom I heard of years before I met him, I am reminded of his work as a follower of the Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad, of 1400 years ago (SAW – peace be upon him). Imam Gülen prioritized education, just as the Prophet did, which deeply resonated with me, as education has always been a central focus in the Islamic spaces I grew up in and now work within. I began to see similar efforts and accomplishments in the Hizmet movement as I witnessed growing up in the original Nation of Islam movement, led by my grandfather. Not to mention that the Turkish flag is the mirror to the NOI flag.

I had the opportunity to visit some of the many schools established by the Hizmet movement. These schools serve as places for girls and boys to learn universal values, academics and much needed everyday life skills. When I visited these schools, I felt a sense of home. The schools reminded me of the Sister Clara Muhammad Schools, formerly called University of Islam. One Hizmet school in Africa has particularly stayed in my mind, as it bears the name As Shamsiyyah. This name is also shared by the Domestic Violence program I established in the late ’90s and continue to run today, providing support to families in need.

The Quranic recitation we had the privilege of hearing that day continues to feed my soul whenever I recall it. As I listened to the young African men recite, I was reminded of Bilal Al-Habashi (RA – may Allah be pleased with him). Countless Muslims love and respect Bilal (RA), and I do as well, but through the teachings of my father, Imam Warith Deen Mohammed (RA)—the successor to the NOI leader and leader of the Islamic transition in America, now known as the IWDM community—his significance holds an even deeper meaning for African Americans. Imam W.D. Mohammed emphasized Bilal’s importance, and as a result, many of us now call ourselves Bilalian. It was a profoundly moving experience that I will never forget.

Over the years I've witnessed not just the diversity of Muslims impacted by Imam Gülen (RA) but also the impact on the broader interfaith community. This emphasis on interfaith dialogue is especially meaningful to me, as it aligns with much of the work I am involved in. We have been blessed with Muhammad (SAW) who was a mercy to all mankind. Imam Gülen understood this, and the Hizmet movement has carried out extensive interfaith initiatives around the world. It is this interfaith work, alongside the educational work, that leads me to call Imam Gülen as Hocaefendi (RA).

There are two blessings that I have received as a result of getting to know the Hizmet movement. The first blessing is to have shared space with such a humble human being, Hocaefendi. When I met him in Pennsylvania, the spirit of peace and God Consciousness surrounding him was evident. Despite the inhumane treatment and injustices inflicted upon him and his people by their homeland, he had not allowed it to harden his heart.

This is his legacy: education and peace for all. As an African American (Bilalian), I resonate with and look forward to continued collaboration with the Hizmet movement. May their grief be comforted, and may it inspire them to work even harder for the causes of education and peace.