“We are devotees of love; we have no time for hostility.”¹⁾

“Bediüzzaman says, ‘We are devotees of love; we have no time for hostility.’ This is a very important guiding principle for us. But the matter doesn’t end with merely saying such a sentence or repeating it; the real issue is being able to live it and embody it. Others, too, have spoken beautifully about loving people—and as words, all of that sounds fine. But how many of those who say such things have actually practiced and represented what they say? Giving a satisfying answer to that question is not easy.

It is not enough to claim that you are a devotee of love and a representative of peace. There are many obstacles to overcome. The real task is to bring that beautiful statement to life. In fact, love and compassion are among the most essential principles of Islam. Even if the most unlikely groups try to claim them today, the true heirs of love are still us.”²⁾

“Those on the first level of the path are sincere heroes of faith and knowledge of God—people who are always seeking and racing toward sincerity. Those on the second level are loyal and genuine people—devoted champions of spiritual knowledge and love. The third group, whom we recognize by their duty and mission, are guides and callers: they make the Truth known to people, nourish hungry consciences, and awaken souls to reunion. Since the horsemen of this final rank also possess the qualities of the first two levels, it is fitting to call them ‘the consummate ones—the imams of the gnostics.’”³⁾

“In service there is no ‘end point’—especially for those determined to be devotees of love. A devotee of love is a person who has dedicated himself to making God loved by people. His whole concern is to help people love their Lord and to open before them the roads that lead to everlasting life. Especially today, the responsibility of such a person has become far more serious. For by and large, even if certain signs of religious revival give us hope, modern people live a life cut off from God. To rescue them from that whirlpool is difficult—yet as difficult as it is, it is a noble and precious duty.”⁴⁾

“It is narrated that when the Messenger of God hears that some of his community will enter Hell, he will fall into prostration on the plain of Resurrection, crying, ‘My community! My community!’ What kind of compassion is this—so powerful that it will make him forget Paradise, the houris, and countless other delights, as he weeps until his tears flow like rivers? He will not lift his head until he is told, ‘Now raise your head! Intercede—your intercession will be accepted!’ and until then he will keep moaning, ‘My community! My community!’

This is the expression of that great one’s unmatched mercy and compassion for his community—and it also means that he is the greatest devotee of love. For no one who cannot set aside personal pleasures, family comfort, and worldly preoccupations in order to carry people’s burdens in his heart can truly be a devotee of love. And without being a complete devotee of love, it is impossible to fulfill, as it should be fulfilled, the duty of enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong.”⁵⁾

“A spiritual guide exists as a devotee of love, compassion, and mercy—that is what hearts in need of guidance are waiting for. And in this matter, the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) is our guide and our true pathfinder.”⁶⁾

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