Is solidarity an aim of the Gülen Movement?

Fethullah Gülen

Solidarity is not in itself the cause or primary goal of the formation and the collective action of the Gülen Movement. It is a secondary or a tertiary effect which results from the collective services and action. Put simply, the Gülen Movement and its participants do not pursue solidarity as a goal of their effort; rather solidarity ensues from their collective effort. The solidarity which participants experience comes from their doing together what they collectively have approved as a good for themselves and wider society. Such solidarity can be considered a “natural” output (as against “politically contrived” or “artificial” input).

Organizations which pursue solidarity have to attempt to hold people focused inward and “safe” from outside influence or interpretation by the wider public. This contrasts with Hizmet, which always seeks common grounds with others.