The Letters From the Risale-i Nur Collection

Product Description THE LETTERS 1 The Letters, the second volume of the Risale-i Nur Collection, consists of the most important letters, and those having the most general interest, written by Bediuzzaman Said Nursi to his students between 1926 and 1932. The letters, arranged by the author, were written in response to his student's questions and to reply to those who had adopted anti-Islamic viewpoints and ideas. The author discusses, among many other subjects, life, Paradise and Hell, how the Qur'an and science view nature, divine unity, knowledge and love of God; and the advantages and risks of following a spiritual order. Review Dr Turner writes: "As someone born and raised in Britain, I am often asked what we as Muslims have to offer to the West. But before I answer, I should like to ask a question myself: Are we Muslims because we believe in God Almighty, or do we believe in God beacuse we are Muslims? "The question occurred to me during a march through the streets of London, over a decade ago, to protest against the Russian occupation of Afghanistan. I'd made a formal conversion to Islam several years prior to this, and it wasn't my first demonstration. There were banners and placards and much shouting and chanting. Towards the end of the demonstration I was approached by a young man who introduced himself as someone interested in Islam. 'Excuse me,' he said, 'but what is the meaning of La ilaha illa Allah?' "Without a moment's hesitation I answered, "There is no god but Allah." 'I'm not asking you to translate it,' he said, 'I'm asking you to tell me what it really means.' There was a long awkward silence as it dawned on me that I was unable to answer him. "You are no doubt thinking, 'What kind of Muslim is it that does not know the real meaning of La ilaha illa Allah?' To this I would have to say: a typical one. That evening I pondered my ignorance; being in the majority didn't help, it simply made me more depressed. "Islam simply made sense, in a way that nothing else ever had. It had rules of government, it had an economic system, it had regulations concerning every facet of day-to-day existence. It was egalitarian and addressed to all races, and it was clear and easy to understand. Oh, and it has a God, One God, in whom I had always vaguely believed. That was that. I said La ilaha illa Allah and I was part of the community. For the first time in my life I belonged. -- Dr. Colin TurnerHis golden thoughts revealed themselves each as a shoot, a drop, a bud. Each drop, each bud, each shoot later became like a bubbling stream, like a rose garden emanating perfume, like a forest murmuring with majesty. They stimulated and excited Muslim's feelings based on faith and meditation; while leading many unbelievers to make a new evaluation of their thoughts and ways. -- M. Fethullah Gulen About the Author BEDIUZZAMAN SAID NURSI and THE RISALE-I NUR In the many dimensions of his lifetime of achievement, as well as in his personality and character, Bediuzzaman was and, through his continuing influence, still is an important figure in the twentieth-century Muslim world. He represented in a most effective and profound way the intellectual, moral and spiritual strengths of Islam, evident in different degrees throughout its fourteen-century history. He lived for eighty-five years. He spent almost all of those years, overflowing with love and ardour for the cause of Islam, in a wise and measured activism based on sound reasoning and in the shade of the Qur'an and the Prophetic example. Much has been said and written on the lofty ideal which Bediuzzaman pursued and his deep familiarity with the world and the age in which he lived, as well as the simplicity and austerity of his life, his human tenderness, loyalty to his friends, chastity, modesty and contentedness. Yet it is worth writing volumes on each of those dimensions of his legendary character and life. Though strikingly simple in outward appear