Quarterly Journal of Political
Research in Islamic World

Human rights have become one of the most significant concerns in today's world, and Islamic societies face the challenge of reconciling these values with religious teachings. Fethullah Gülen, the leader of the Hizmet movement in Turkey, has adopted a moderate and balanced approach in an effort to find a way to integrate Islamic values with the foundations of human rights. The main question of this article is: What is the status of human rights within Gülen's intellectual framework, and what challenges does it face? Our hypothesis is that Gülen considers human rights fundamental, presenting them as a link between Islam, democracy, and civil society. However, this approach has encountered practical difficulties such as accusations of Westernization, conflict with traditional interpretations of Sharia, and political pressure. This study employs a qualitative approach within the framework of interpretive-critical analysis, with data analysis conducted through qualitative content analysis. The findings indicate that, relying on Islamic teachings, Sufism, and modern thought, Gülen offers an indigenous interpretation of human rights that is aligned with universal values while simultaneously grounded in religious principles. He views democracy as the platform for realizing human dignity and identifies education, civil society, and interfaith dialogue as the primary tools for the development of human rights. Despite this, his views face significant practical challenges, including the accusation of adherence to liberal values, the lack of a clear governmental implementation framework, and the suppression of the Hizmet movement following the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey. The final conclusion suggests that, notwithstanding these limitations, Gülen's thought can provide a model for connecting Islam, democracy, and human rights in Islamic societies.