Creating the Ideal Community as a Root of Fethullah Gulen's View on Gender Equality

Abstract:  
This article discusses the roots of Gulen's view on gender equality and its roles within the movement, which constitutes an example of an Islamic movement that can adapt in the contemporary era and becomes progressive Islam. Conversely, Gulen’s view on gender belongs to the conservative movement. By employing functionalism, this article tries to seek and delve into the theme. It further argues that the movements' mission to create “the ideal community” is the driving ideology on gender relations. Examining some important scholarly findings on the movement and works by its founder Fethullah Gulen, the women’s position is unequally subordinated to that of men, as their initial functions to obey their husbands and to maintain family’s honor. Importantly, their role is limited to educate their children to deliver "the next golden generation”. Thus, it is reasonably true that Gulen’s view on women’s rights and gender relations is envisioned along with the movement's mission to transform the society towards the ideal community that in turn sacrifices women’s freedom and liberty.

Keywords: Fethullah Gulen; Gulen Movement; feminism; gender equality

Sources:
1.  https://jurnal.iainponorogo.ac.id/index.php/tahrir/article/view/1688/1157