NEW YORK, April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mr. Fethullah
Gulen has been named as one of TIME Magazine's 100 most influential
people in the world in 2013. TIME recognized Gulen for "preaching a
message of tolerance that has won him admirers around the world." The
2013 TIME 100 includes other noted world leaders such as Pope Francis,
Aung San Suu Kyi, Malala Yousafzai and President Obama. In the past,
TIME has honored global leaders such as the Dalai Lama and Pope Benedict
XVI in their TIME 100 list.
Gulen is an Islamic scholar, preacher and social advocate who
dedicated his life to interfaith and intercultural dialogue, and
reinterpreted aspects of Islamic tradition to meet the needs of
contemporary Muslims. He is the inspiration behind Hizmet, a civil
society initiative that advocates for the ideals of human rights, equal
opportunity, democracy, non-violence and the emphatic acceptance of
religious and cultural diversity. Hizmet brings to life these principles
through the work of its participants in community service,
intercultural dialogue and education.
Over the years, Hizmet volunteers have established more than 1000
schools, dormitories and tutoring centers, taught college preparatory
courses, mentored students, and provided financial aid to those in need.
With a focus on science, math, social science, art and literature, its
award-winning schools have been set up in more than 100 countries around
the world -- from Eastern European and Eurasian countries to
Afghanistan and Pakistan; from South East Asian countries to Australia
as well as in the United States and in 49 countries across Africa.
"Mr. Gulen has taught us to not only emphatically accept religious,
cultural, social and political diversity, but actually celebrate
diversity because he considers this diversity divine will," said Alp
Aslandogan, president of the Alliance for Shared Values. "Mr. Gulen has
dedicated his life to interfaith tolerance and peaceful coexistence with
people of all faiths and backgrounds."
About Alliance for Shared Values
Inspired by the work of Mr. Gulen, the Alliance for Shared Values is
an umbrella non-profit organization serving as a voice for civic,
culture and service groups associated with the Hizmet social movement in
the U.S. and serves as information hub for Mr. Gulen's works and views.
Dedicated to promoting community service, education and interfaith
dialogue, the Alliance works with people and organizations of all
backgrounds and faiths to promote greater understanding, cooperate on
meaningful projects and build stronger bonds. Read more on our website
www.afsv.org or join the conversation at
https://twitter.com/AfSV_US or
www.facebook.com/afsv.org
SOURCE Alliance for Shared Values
Web site:
http://www.afsv.org
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