Although the word “absence” which literally means “unseen” has been spoken in public since July 15 2016, centered on the Gülen Movement, this concept has its origins in the “summer camps” where intense security measures are applied and in community so called “İbn-i Erkam” houses. It is possible to base it on the privacy philosophy of the community houses, the life in the 1980-1986 period when F.Gülen was sought, and the privacy-based practices within the secret/privacy units.
However, the story of Eshab-ı Kehf, which has similar narratives in both Judaism and Christianity, and which is told in Surah Al Kahf in the Qur’an is also used as a source of inspiration and motivation for Gülen followers. In the popular sense “absence houses” has gained popularity day by day as a solution reflex of the structure against the operations started since 2015.
It is known that community leaders in critical positions stayed in these houses for a while until they were approved to go abroad, and then they fled abroad. After the July 15 coup attempt, ıt was revealed that people were directed to poverty houses according to the order of importance and priority within the community and many important and well-known people were caught in these houses. According to the news reflected in the media in 2019, 70 hiding/absence houses were operating in only Malatya.
F.Gulen explains the place of the hiding/absence houses, which are vital for private buildings, in the social literature as follows:
“Think and try to watch the amazing action under that apparent silence with astonishment and admiration..! Yes, as the Qur’an puts it, it is like the amazement and admiration of the farmer who sees that the seeds he sow grow after being covered by some snow. And again, this is the result of the mysterious word ‘ telattuf – acting with kindness’ used in the chapter of al-Kahf.
“In every era, there will be heroes who are in the position of Eshab-ı Kehf and others will be attached to them; even if they are not on the same line in feelings, thoughts and beliefs, they will be determined to continue this journey around the same considerations.
It is not uncommon for the societies in which the preachers and guidance workers live and the systems of those societies to act as a protector for them. Of course, this depends a little on the discretion of the representative.
Yes, while the unruly enemies of Muslims are sowing seeds of mischief in the society in the name of their feelings, thoughts and beliefs by taking advantage of the same opportunities, Muslims should also serve their cause by taking advantage of the same opportunities -even if not equally.
That is to say, the systems will be able to serve as umbrellas, shields and armor according to their place, according to the secret of وَكَلْبُهُمْ بَاسِطٌ ذِرَاعَيْهِ بِالْوَص۪يدِ. In other words, those who want to attack them from the outside will not be able to see the Eshab-ı Kehf and will be stuck in the sutrah. Yes, not everyone can believe it to the same extent; but it should not be ignored that he will reveal his humanity to the extent that he believes”.
With these expressions, Gülen emphasizes that despite various difficulties, the line like the Companions of the Kehf should be preserved and various solutions should be produced with determination, and that the “system, laws, law, democracy” can be used as a shield and umbrella for servicemen when appropriate. In other words, he states that “private/private units”, which are the main activities of the community, can be concealed by democratic civil functioning, associations and foundations.
After the coup attempt, the number of absence/hiding houses became astronomical and brought some problems for the community. Absence houses are places where the rest of the people are pushed to psychological problems, the fear of being attacked/caught and the pressure of the community not to speak. Even performing normal daily life functions in absence homes carries various risks and difficulties. Problems such as the security of these houses and meeting the various needs of the people living there necessitated a unity of practice.
The secret/privacy mind/unit, which is experienced in system and organization, has prepared a guide that foresees every detail in this regard: “System Suggestion and Rules for Our Hostels”. In this guide prepared with coded words: hostel-absence house, being on a report-hiding there, those who have been reported-hiding in the absence house, exam-police/gendarme raid, forbidden fruit-making of prohibited activities in terms of security in the absence houses.
We would like to thank our followers who have served in secret/privacy units for a long time and shared this guide with us. We publish only 6-page general safety instructions without sharing the technical security details of this 20-page guide at this stage.