I am deeply pained to know that Fethullah Gülen, one of the most enlightened Sufi Islamic scholars in modern times, is no more. I had the honour of meeting him at his spiritual centre in Pennsylvania, USA, in 2018.

Addressed by his followers as Hoja Efendi (Respected Teacher), Gülen advocated respect for all faiths. In my conversation with him, he showed respect for Hinduism and India, and said he admired Mahatma Gandhi. His dozens of books and numerous discourses are a strong voice against misuse of Islam for promoting extremism and terrorism, and for enjoying political power (as is happening in his native Turkey and other Muslim countries). Erdoğan falsely accused him of orchestrating a coup in 2016. The Hizmet (service of humanity) Movement inspired by him has been doing commendable work in countries around the world, with the involvement of thousands of highly dedicated volunteers.

May Gülen's legacy of Islamic contribution to a peaceful and spiritually evolving multi-religious world continue to guide both Muslims and non-Muslims. God Almighty surely has a special place for his soul in His Abode. I pay my respects with a prayer. Om Shanti!