Hizmet Movement Unveils Islamic Foundations of Core Values
~ New Publication Traces Religious Sources of Movement’s Core Values~
CLIFTON, New Jersey (September 21, 2025) – On the fourth anniversary of its landmark Core Values declaration and coinciding with the International Day of Peace, the Alliance for Shared Values (AfSV), together with Hizmet-affiliated organizations worldwide, today released “The Religious Sources of the Core Values of the Hizmet Movement,” a comprehensive scholarly work that traces the Islamic foundations underlying the movement’s 12 core values.
The new publication represents four years of dedicated scholarship and research that began immediately following the September 21, 2021, release of “Core Values of the Hizmet Movement.” This complementary resource provides detailed examination of how the movement’s fundamental values are rooted in primary Islamic sources and centuries of Islamic scholarship.
“This publication demonstrates that our commitment to human rights, social justice, and peaceful coexistence is not merely contemporary social action, but flows directly from the wellspring of Islamic teaching,” said AfSV Executive Director Alp Aslandogan. “By grounding our values in the Qur’an, the Prophetic tradition, and the wisdom of Islamic scholars, we show that these principles represent an authentic, faith-based voice calling humanity to justice and compassion.”
The document draws extensively from the Qur’an and the Sunnah (sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him), the practice of his companions , while incorporating insights from renowned Islamic scholars across history, including Imam al-Aʿzam Abu Hanifa (699–767 CE), Imam al-Ghazali (1058–1111 CE), Ibn Rushd (Averroes, 1126–1198 CE), Bediüzzaman Said Nursi (1877–1960), and contemporary scholar Fethullah Gülen, the inspiration for Hizmet.
The publication establishes that respect for human dignity, protection of fundamental rights, and the pursuit of social cohesion are not modern innovations, but represent core Islamic values clearly articulated in the religion’s primary sources. As the document concludes: “Respect for human beings and fundamental human rights is expressed in the Qur’an and the hadiths with such clarity that it leaves no room for interpretations to the contrary.”
The timing of this release holds special significance, marking both the fourth anniversary of the original Core Values declaration and the United Nations International Day of Peace. This dual commemoration underscores the Hizmet Movement’s commitment to demonstrating Islam’s inherent dedication to peace, human dignity, and social harmony.
The new publication addresses each of the movement’s 12 core values:
- Respect for humans and fundamental human rights
- Respect for the rule of law
- Peaceful and positive action
- Empowerment of women
- Ethical action
- Respect for diversity and pluralism
- Voluntary participation and altruism
- Consultation and shared wisdom
- Civic nature and independence
- Civic engagement and contribution to society
- Protecting the environment
- Holistic view toward humanity
The document acknowledges that while Islamic history has witnessed departures from these ideals, such failures do not invalidate the clear teachings found in Islam’s foundational texts. Rather, they highlight the ongoing human challenge of translating proclaimed values into lived reality—a mission that continues to guide Hizmet volunteers worldwide.
“The discrepancy between theory and practice is one of the greatest dilemmas of human history,” the publication notes. “What truly matters is to bring these proclaimed and accepted values fully into practice. In line with this mission, volunteers of the Hizmet Movement strive, to the extent possible, to realize these values across the world.”
Since its origins in 1970s Turkey, Hizmet has established educational institutions in over 150 countries, healthcare facilities across Africa, and interfaith dialogue organizations worldwide that foster mutual understanding among diverse communities. While the movement is open to all and has participants from various backgrounds, it was originated by Muslims and, historically, the vast majority of its participants have been Muslims. This new publication provides the theological foundation for these practical efforts in service to humanity.