The Risale-i Nur Knowledge, Faith, Morality and The Future of Humanity

The Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture • March 2014

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I STA NBUL FOUNDATION FOR SCIENCE AND CULTURE

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Editor’s Remarks

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Poem; Bediuzzaman

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Welcome Speech; Dr. Abdul Majid KHAN

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Inauguration; Dr. Obaidullah FAHAD

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Eye to eye and heart to heart

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Felicitation

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Inauguration; Prof. Dr. Faris KAYA

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Able Children of Islam

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Memory From the Confereference

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Feedbacks

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Unique Features of the Conference

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Conference in Media

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Valedictory Speech by Pro Vice-Chancellor Syed Ahmed Ali Brigadier (Retired) SM

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Poems

3rd INTERNATIONAL NURSI STUDIES CONFERENCE IN INDIA, 2014 The Risale-i Nur: Knowledge, Faith, Morality and the Future of Humanity

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cholars today frequently suggest that the problems besetting us stem from moral degeneration and the abandoning of ethical principles. It is, as though, while making giant strides in the world of science and technology, humanity has forgotten the fundamental principles underlying existence and has neglected essential human values. People are continuously motivated to live only to earn more and consume more. In the pace of life, the spiritual and moral sides of human nature seem to have been forgotten. Homes have grown larger, but families have grown smaller, and are dispersed. Human beings have journeyed to the depths of space, but have strayed from the paths leading inward to their own selves.

As mass communications grows all-encompassing, relations within family and among neighbours are getting minimal. News channels have multiplied, but truth and reliability have diminished and disappeared. Information technology has been developed to an astonishing degree, but psychological problems, social injustices, global crises, and ecological disasters have also increased. As the world grows smaller, problems grow larger so that they now clearly threaten the material and spiritual future of humanity.

How has all this happened? Science should have brought greater understanding of the human being, nature, and the purpose of creation, and assisted in their fulfilment. Was it that science was misunderstood or misused? Was it utilized solely in serving particular interests and material needs? Could it be that the source of these problems was the absence of faith and spirituality, which keep humanity from excess and turn them towards doing good? Was it the loss of spirituality that has been the cause of people suffering loneliness and unhappiness and their becoming insensitive and belligerent? These questions need close study, for only then may the answers be found and human beings live with the dignity they deserve. Certainly numerous civil and social organizations work to rectify these problems, but more often than not, they neglect spiritual aspects, offering partial solutions that hinder development.

The Risale-i Nur, a contemporary commentary on the Qur’an’s message by Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, offers numerous solutions for these problems. Its method is based on acquiring knowledge and harnessing it in the best of ways; that is, as a means of attaining to “belief by investigation,” and on constructing a morality understanding proceeding from these principles.

The Conference took place in Aligarh Muslim University, February 11-13, 2014 and organized by Department of Islamic Studies of A.M.U and Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture. Total 108 papers were presented at the conference. Academics, specialists, and writers of different disciplines from more than 10 countries were invited to explore and examine the contributions of The Risale-i Nur to peace, prosperity, and happiness of humankind, and to present papers on different topics such as, The Contemporary World and Current Situation, Crises Afflicting Contemporary Societies and Suggested Solutions, The Nature of Knowledge and its Utilization for Human Happiness, The Relationship of Knowledge and Faith, and their Rendering Existence Meaningful, The Importance of Strengthening Faith in the Face of the Positivist Understanding of Science ,The Dimensions and Facets of Morality, based on Faith and Knowledge, The Problems of Racism and Social Injustice, and their Solutions, The Factors Nurturing a Culture of Violence, and their Solutions, Solutions for Problems Arising from Multicultural Differences, The Role of Faith in Developing a Sense of Responsibility and Accountability, Holistic Approaches to Morality and the Future of Humanity, Nursi’s Method of Service Based on Incapability, Poverty, and Compassion as a Solution for Individual and Social Problems, Nursi’s Understanding of Mutual Assistance, Compassion, and Solidarity and many more.

In this special magazine after conference we will witness the success of the conference. We hope this kind of academic activities will continue and foster greater future improvements on Nursi Studies in India and the globe.

Hakan GULERCE - Editor

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Bediuzzaman Was looking at a tree alone in the dark And my contemporaries under its toxic bark I saw them from outside and cut the tree And did lot of struggle to make them free Bediuzzaman he is lovingly said For us aspirants he is our head He saw the collapse of the Ottoman Empire And to his home intruding a Russian sire Did Jihad of word, fought for his right Not to forget his exemplary sight Bediuzzaman he is lovingly said For us aspirants he is our head As we see from our class one We saw the night, never the sun This was his struggle, this was his strive To take us back when we were alive Bediuzzaman he is lovingly said For us aspirants he is our head He wanted us to unite against materialism And against biased science of naturalism He proved that their findings are absurd Through his high character and in his word Bediuzzaman he is lovingly said For us aspirants he is our head Oh! Great soul your character is high For the teaching, thanking you with a sigh Of awakening us you are the cause We needed you desperately because Bediuzzaman you are lovingly said For us aspirants you are our head

MUTAYYIB MUHAMMAD KHAN Syedna Tahir Saifuddin High School, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, (INDIA) 4

The Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture March 2014

Welcome

Dr. Abdul Majid KHAN (Assistant Coordinator)

DEPARTMENT OF ISLAMIC STUDIES ALIGARH MUSLIM UNIVERSITY, ALIGARH Mr. PRESIDENT!

All praises to Allah, Subhanahu wata’aala who is the Lord of the worlds and salutations to His choicest Messenger and the best of His creation, Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his family.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! This is an occasion for me to feel honoured in welcoming our learned delegates to 3rd International Nursi Studies Conference in India, 2014. Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture (IFSC) Turkey and its office bearers especially Prof. Faris KAYA and Aligarh Muslim University and its administration particularly Vice-Chancellor Lt. General (Rtd.) Zameeruddin SHAH and Pro Vice- Chancellor Brigadier (Rtd.) Syed AHMAD Ali deserve our profuse thanks for arranging such a grand conference. For office bearers at IFSC Turkey, the tremendous and unprecedented response to Aligarh Conference was beyond imagination. Earlier IFSC had arranged two International Conferences in India—in Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Aligarh is not a metropolitan city. It is neither like Delhi nor like Istanbul. Aligarh is Aligarh. It has been the nerve centre of the Muslim Intelligentsia in south Asia for more than a century.

It is the epicentre of the cultural and civilizational movements of Islam in India. So it attracts intellectuals and scholars from all over the world. More than 165 high quality abstracts were received. It has been a tough job for the organizers to prune down the list. Around 30 foreign delegates are from Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, Malaysia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Syria and United States of America. More than 70 delegates are from various higher institution of India.

I welcome the students and teachers of this great institution to be part of the proceedings of this Conference. It is our legacy to not only embrace the Truth but stand for Truth and Justice. The theme and the magnitude of the Conference are pointers to the seriousness of the organisers to see that there ought to be a breakthrough in otherwise stale and unproductive monotonous monologues. The theme of the conference is very apt for our times: Risale-i Nur: Knowledge, Faith, Morality and the future of Humanity.

Contemporary world is experiencing a serious crisis of myriad dimensions—knowledge, faith and morality are prominent indicators of it. The crisis is not affecting only a region or a community or religions as such. It is global in nature and endangers the very existence of Humanity. Western Civilization has been dominating the world for many centuries now. It has been a point of debate in the intellectual discourse of Muslims to ascertain the so-called useful and harmful aspects of it. Aligarh represents the ideological stand of its founder Sir Syed Ahmad KHAN (d. 1898 CE) who advised Muslims to appropriate the positive aspects of the Western Civilization while remaining loyal to the religious, cultural and civilizational ethos of Islam. For him there was no contradiction between the Science and the Religion. He made the famous analogy of ‘Word of God’ (Religion) and the ‘Work of God’ (Science) to affirm Religious Truths in otherwise atheistic and materialist explanations of the scientific facts. For him reason is the bedrock of Islam. Hence Muslims need to offer rational understandings of Islamic doctrines and teachings. He was inspired in his mission by the great saint scholar of eighteenth century Shah Wali Allah DEHLAVİ (d. 1762 CE) whose magnum opus Hujjat Allah Al-Baligha is a rational explanation of Islamic Shari‘ah, while being deeply embedded in the spiritual ethos of Islam. Sir Syed came to the rescue of the Muslim Ummah in this part of the world at a time when not only its power and prestige was at nadir but its very existence was threatened.

Britishers had made their total political and military sway to the total destruction of Muslim power and prestige. However, Sir Syed led Muslims on a constructive way of rebuilding their lives and equipping themselves with Modern Education. He made conscious efforts in ensuring Muslims’ loyalty to their faith and development of their spiritual and moral faculties.

DEAR STUDENTS AND FELLOW TEACHERS! We see an echo of these messages in the mission of great Sufi saint and sage of Turkey Bediuzzaman Said Nursi (d. 1960 CE) and his magnum opus Risale-i Nur. The six thousand pages explanations of the Radiant Qur’an to dispel the darkness of the modern age has proven that pen is mightier than sword and there is always a way when there is a will. He was a Sufi saint of Naqashbandiyyah Order, highly influenced by Imam Rabbani Shaykh Ahmad Sirhandi (d. 1624 CE) and his Maktubat. True to the Sufi tradition of remaining immersed in the miraculous nature of Qur’an—the last revealed book for the guidance of humanity, he could see that the humanity has lost its true direction.

Man has turned his back to his Creator and true Lord; hence The Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture • March 2014

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Inauguration man is up against his very spirit and soul. Man needs correction in his worldview. Materialistic and Atheistic explanations of the Science and the Existence are the root cause of man’s destructive march. This attitude not only brings wrath of the Creator but spells doom for the glittering Western Materialistic Civilization sooner than later. He urged people to make full use of God given faculty of ‘Aql’ (Intellect, Reason) and attain to faith (Iman) through reason and evaluate the adoption of True Faith with false dogmas and notions making reason as the Criterion.

He made a distinction between positive and negative aspects of the Western Civilization. He could see Science reaffirming faith in Allah and His attributes. For him too Science represented ‘Work of God’ and needed to be interpreted in that way only.

For him knowledge was not confined to the domain of Science only, revelation was considered more direct and higher source of knowledge. ‘Wahi’ (Revelation) being the exclusive prerogative of the Prophets while saints and sages are divinely instructed and guided through ilham’ (Intuition) and true dreams. Hence Science, Reason and Revelation were in harmony for him, all necessary to help man tread the path of true happiness and welfare (sa‘adah) in this world and salvation and eternal bliss (Jannah) in the hereafter. His message did not address a particular community or a region. He, true to the Qur’anic way, addressed human beings in general to heed the reason and inner voice and shun heedlessness, callousness and obduracy. Bediuzzaman Said Nursi laid lot of emphasis on adoption and perfection of the moral values and attributes and considered them as the necessary requisitions of True Knowledge and True Faith. For him Knowledge, Faith and Morality are inter-connected and form the essential core of the Islamic Civilization.

Mr. VICE-CHANCELLOR! He carried on his mission of rejuvenating Muslims’ faith and culture when Turkey was in critical stage of its history. Khilafate-Uthmaniyyah was declared ‘the sick man of Europe’. The West wanted to dismantle the last bastion of Muslim power and culture. Khilafat-e-Uthmaniyyah held aloft the banner of Islam for almost five centuries. It held together lands pertaining to Asia, Africa and Europe. Arabs, Kurds, Turks and many others were welded together in one Ummah. Jews, many Christian minorities, Armenians, Caucasians and others enjoyed autonomy and peace and justice. Western powers created rancor, disharmony and enmity among them, even got them revolt against Khalifah. Before the fall of Ottomans, Nursi made all efforts to help improve the conditions. After the fall, the lot of Turkey was in the hands of those who brazenly strangulated the True Religion and its manifestations. Nursi was persecuted. He suffered a lot but did not succumb to oppression and suppression. He remained peaceful and through peaceful means illuminated the minds and hearts of the people with his exposition of the Holy Quran—the Risale-i Nur. Iron curtains are lifted. Rays of hope are clear to see. More light is hoped in the future to come.

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LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! With each passing day, the crisis of human civilization is getter deeper and more acute. Nobody can remain isolated from it. Muslims being the torch bearers of the final revealed message of Islam have double duty—keeping themselves on the right track and guiding the rest of the humanity to the right path. It is high time Muslims take stock of the situation. The Western Civilization has revealed itself fully in the last one century leading to not only world wars, but is vigorously pursuing an unending war on the so-called global terror—devastating countries, human and material resources of people, creating schism, rancor, enmity among different communities and countries. Tension spots are created and sustained to keep their arms industry working.

Zionism, Neo-conservatism and other anti-human chauvinistic ideologies are promoted and patronized. Religions have been hijacked to create confusion and anarchy. New geographies and countries are created and finished to ensure supremacy of a few, cheap energy and secured energy routes for a few has brought catastrophic changes in the world. Ecological crisis has endangered the future of humanity. Notions like Progress, Development and Democracy are fast losing their glamour. It seems nation-states are devouring its own children. Truth and Justice are forgotten values. Morality based on faith and conviction is considered the prerogative of other worldly people.

Risale-i Nur of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi is a reminder to the humanity to look inward, look backward and look forward—inner illumination connects one to the only Lord and Creator, the raison d’être of existence. Looking backwards warns man not to tread the path of those who lost balance and neglected God and His Prophets; looking forward makes one to rejuvenate the basis of True Civilization on the basis of True Knowledge, which is both Revelational and Experiential. Stay connected to the true faith. Achieve ‘Yaqeen-e Kamil’ (Perfect Certitude) in the doctrines of faith. Adopt high moral character and achieve worldly good (sa’adah) and salvation and eternal bliss (Jannah) in the hereafter.

The conference offers opportunity for all of us to contribute towards rejuvenating the true civilization. I hope and pray we shall succeed in our efforts. (Aameen) I once again welcome all foreign and Indian delegates to the Conference and hope their brief stay in Aligarh shall not only enrich the deliberations in the Conference but shall make them feel and experience the intellectual and cultural ambience of this great seat of learning. I also welcome whole-heartedly the fellow-teachers, scholars and very dear students—boys and girls, to maintain their zeal and zest for all the programmes of the Conference as they have been exhibiting since the announcement of the Conference.

Inauguration

Dr. Obaidullah FAHAD (Coordinator of the Conference)

DEPARTMENT OF ISLAMIC STUDIES ALIGARH MUSLIM UNIVERSITY, ALIGARH

Summary Of the Introductory Speech delivered by Dr.Obaidullah Fahad in the Kennedy Auditorium, Aligarh Muslim University, India in the 3rd International Nursi Studies Conference held on February 11, 2014.

As the coordinator of the Conference, I must introduce the theme of this three-day intellectual gathering. The combination of knowledge and faith proportionately, as discussed in the Risale-i-Nur, ensures the success and prosperity in this world and the deliverance in the next world. This was masterly theorized in the Quran when it declared: “See you not that God sends down rain from the sky? With it We then bring out produce of various colours. And in the mountains are tracts white and red, of various shades of colour, and black intense in hue. And so amongst men and crawling creatures and cattle, are they of various colours. Those truly fear God, among His Servants, who have knowledge: for God is Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving”. (Surah Fatir: 27-28)

The combination of faith and knowledge produces, historically speaking, the city-state of Madinah, the leader of which, the Prophet of Islam Muhammad (peace and blessings of God be upon him) was awarded by God the miraculous ascension to the Seven Heavens (Miraj) in which he personally visited God and the mysteries of the universe were in his fist. His feelings of thankfulness to God and service to humanity were, however so strong that he was commanded by God not to stand to prayer all night, in the 73rd chapter of the Quran (Surah al-Muzzammil: 1-5). And the Prophet was so proud of the education and training of his companions that he challenged God in the battlefield of Badr in the following words: “O God! In case this band of faithful was destroyed today by the pagans, You might not be worshipped till the day of Resurrection.”

Bediuzzaman Said Nursi devoted his entire life for the realization of faith and knowledge as combined in one unit. His older personality in the form of Said al-Qadim was socio-political and confronted with the government but his new personality that emerged after 1924 was devoted to enlightening of Muslims by the light of the Quran in the form of 130 treatises of Risale-i Nur. He was detained by the then government again and again but he constantly propagated his reformative mission until his death and now Turkey is visualising a unique model of Islamic revivalism. This was forecasted by Muhammad Iqbal when he declared: “Muslims are to be graced soon by God the Turkish grandeur, the Indian intelligence and the Arabian eloquence.”

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Vice Chancellor, Zameer Uddin SHAH, Aligarh Muslim University, India

Maulana Sayyed Salman Husaini NADVI, India

Ihsan Kas覺m SALIHI, The Istabul Foundation for Science and Culture, India

Tarana (Anthem) of Aligarh Muslim University, India 8

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Prof. Dr. Amar DJIDAL, Editor of the Academic Journal “En-nur” in Arabic Language, Algeria

Prof. Dr. Mamoun Fariz JARRAR, University of Jordan

Prof. Dr. Shabahat HUSAIN, Dean, Faculty of Social Science, Aligarh Muslim University, India

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Mehmet FIRINCI Student of Bediuzzaman

“Eye to eye and heart to heart” May Allah be pleased with you that we had listened beautiful speeches here. We feel privilege to be here and we feel like we enter like a spiritual heaven here in this hall in Aligarh. I would like to thank to Lt. Gen. (retd.) Zameer Uddin Shah, Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, and all coordinators, professors, teachers, students and all volunteers who have joined us today in this conference. And i brought a lot of “Salam and Best Wishes” to you from our Muslim Brothers and Sisters from Turkey.

About a hundred years ago, Bediüzzaman Said Nursi described India as “an able son of Islam”. I cannot imagine a better happiness now, because, we are together here, looking at your eyes, face to face, eye to eye and heart to heart with those capable and able children of Islam.

Thank you very much.

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felicitation

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Inauguration

Prof. Dr. Faris KAYA

Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture

Dear Vice Chancellor Lt. Gen. (retd.) Zameer Uddin Shah, Dear Pro Vice Chancellor Syed Ahmad Ali Brigadier (Retired) SM Dear Dean of the Social Studies Faculty, Prof. Shabahat Husain Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to greet you with the Words Assalamu Alaikum that come from all over Turkey and from all over the World. This event is known world-wide; and we are honoured by the warm welcome of our Indian sisters and brothers, SHUKRIA… This is the third year that we are being invited and honoured by you, the people whom Nursi calls the “ABLE CHILDREN OF ISLAM”. You have proven that. After the International conference by Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islamia, we are now here experiencing this wonderful event. And once again we would like to thank you, SHUKRIYA. India is a great country not only in terms of its population and territory but also in its political stability, its economic power and its excellent peaceful coexistence with a variety of multicultural and multi-religious people. It is unique in the world.

Here I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Indian government authorities. This conference is number one amongst 10 big international events in Turkey and about 80 conferences organized abroad in terms of the number of the papers that will be presented. We will hear 105 papers by scholars coming from IRAQ, USA, JORDAN, ALGERIA, MALAYSIA, YEMEN, TURKEY and of course many different provinces of India.

Many thanks to the Vice Chancellor Lt. Gen. (retd.) Zameer Uddin Shah.

Many thanks to the Pro Vice Chancellor Syed Ahmad Ali Brigadier (Retired) SM. Many thanks to the Head Department and all authorities who have contributed to the success of this conference. We would really like to thank Dr. Ubaidullah Fahad and his team who truly are unsung heroes who have sacrificed lots of their time to make this symposium a successful one. I also would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the scholars presenting papers here. Without their efforts how this would event happen? And last (but not least) - I offer many thanks to all of you.

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Let me touch the theme of this conference with a few words.

Bediuzzaman Said Nursi lived during a very dynamic time in this world. He was born in 1876 and died in 1960 and took part in the First World War. In 1915, he was wounded and taken as a prisoner of war and exiled to Kostroma - 500 km North of Moscow in the central Siberia. After the 1917 revolution he returned back to Istanbul. Shortly after, Turkey became a republic and so this time he was exiled from his own homeland (Van) and sent to a tiny village called BARLA in the western part of Turkey in 1926. This exile continued until he died in 1960. After the military coup of 1960 his grave was destroyed and his body was exiled to an unknown destination.

He left a 6000 page Qur’anic commentary, mainly written on faith subjects such as: Tawhid; The divine unity and existence of Allah, based on the attributes and the names that are reflected on the creatures in the book of universe.

Prophethood; the truth and mission of the prophetic tradition The exıstence of the unseen, angels and the spirit.

The proof of life after death, the resurrection.

The destiny-qadar-free will.

The wisdom behind the creation of Satan, calamities, and the theodicy.

The importance of Sunna in our daily life.

The Qur’an, truth and miraculousness.

And other faith matters, what Nursi calls them the truth, HAKIKAT-I ISLAMIYYE, HAKIKAT-I KUR’ANIYE, HAKIKAT-I ILAHIYE, HAKIKAT-I NEBEVIYYE, HAKIKAT-I MUHAMMADIYYE The facts and truths that Nursi touches in the Risale are not limited to the above mentioned points. The RISALE needs to be read seriously.

Here I am not going to give a lecture on the content of the Risale-i Nur Collection. I will briefly touch upon the methodology of Nursi, the thought behind his Risale and his advice for his students or close followers to practice Islam in their daily life during a very difficult time period.

Just a few days before coming here we had a number of Malaysian students visiting our foundation in Istanbul. After a short presentation on Nursi and his life and thought; there was a question and answer session. A student asked a question. He wanted to learn what the last lecture of Nursi was to his stu-

Inauguration

dents and what he was expecting them to do after his death?

Indeed, there was a kind of lecture from Nursi to his close students and we read it. Now I am going to summarise his last message that was given in late 1959, and I want you to keep in mind that he died a few months after this lecture. One would expect him to nominate his successor or would express his will regarding worldly matters but he did none of that.

Here I would like to outline that final lecture of Nursi. He extensively expressed his mission and his dawah with four principles, namely; A-The Importance of Positive Action and Jihad-i Manavi He points out that the best way of serving Islam is by the way of POSITIVE ACTION i.e. acting positively, without criticising others and avoiding physical clashes. This is always done by somebody concentrating on putting forward his/her own dawah instead of dealing with the criticism of others. There is no dealing with the weakness of others or indulging/engaging with others. Positive action also includes Jihad with words instead of with swords. He says that the destruction of this time is spiritual, and hence a similar way of struggle can be effective. He suggested that spiritual destruction requires a similar struggle to combat it. The destruction of this time is manavi (spiritual) hence a manevi struggle is necessary. Especially in internal matters no force is to be used. Force and physical JIHAD is for defending against outside attacks. He referred to this verse of the Qur’an more than 40 times: “No bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another’’ (Quran 40/10). For him this verse was a fundamental law in solving social, economic, and political problems with justice and peace. He was concerned about people losing the habit of positive action. If a Muslim violates this verse; society would become very chaotic and fill with bloodshed as we are sadly observing today.

B-The Danger of Worldliness, Materialism Another disaster of this time for him is the worldliness and materialism arising from the modern-day civilization that has increased the needs of humanity. This causes unrest at all levels of society from the level of the family to the level of the entire world. For a solution he advised his students to follow the path of “frugality and less consumption”.

C-The Danger of Hopelessness Emerging From the Unbelief The most hope-killing and hellish feeling that causes despair is unbelief. Today with the dominance of materialistic ideas, worldliness and lack of belief in Allah and the next life there is much despair. Major differences in wealth distribution, social status and other injustices cause life to become like hell fire.

Only a strong faith in Allah, faith in the hereafter and a sincere mind can solve the problem of despair. So Nursi gave great a emphasis on the matters of faith and urged his students to help others to strengthen their faith. He calls this “Hizmet-i Imaniye” or “Hizmet-i Kur’aniye” D-The Importance of Sincerity in Action For him, the sincerity in doing all these activities is vital and much more important than doing these activities without any true intention. For him SINCERETY is a key character for a believer that he should stick to at all times. Sincerity is purity and cleanliness of intention. He gave a great importance to sincerity since he asks his students to read a piece called SINCERETY at least once a fortnight.

These were the few points that I wanted to share with you. I would like to pray and ask Allah for his help and guidance for Him to keep us as sincere believers. Amin.

Thank you very much.

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“Able Children of Islam” Almost a century ago when Said Nursi was questioned about the backwardness and disunity of Islamic world by a Russian dier, he replied:

Egypt is a clever son of Islam; İt is taking lessons in the British school for civil servants .Caucasia and Turkestan are two valiant sons o Islam; they are training in the Russian war academy.And so on.”

“l am astonished at your non understanding!”, ”Do you think it possible that this “You see,after these noble sons of Islam winter will continue? Every winter is fol- have receivend their diplomas, each will lowed by spring, and every night by day.” lead a continent, and , waving the banner “But the Islamic world is all broken up of Islam,Their just and mighty father, on and fragmented.”said the Russian sol- the horizons of perfection , they will proclaim the mystery pf pre-eternal wisdom dier. Nursi replied: inherent in mankind in the view of pre“They have gone to study.It is like this: eternal divine determining and in the India is an able son of Islam; it is stud- face of obstinate fate.” * ying in the high school of the British. * Sukran Vahide, “Islam in Modern Turkey an Intellectual Biography of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi”, Suny Press, New York, 2005, p.84

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Dr. Asma KAZMI (Assistant Professor, Guest Faculty, Department of Fine Arts, Aligarh Muslim University) prepared a beautiful surprise for Mehmet FIRINCI who is a living student of Bediüzzaman Said Nursi. She presented him an original painting made by her, a portrait of Bediüzzaman, as a gift.

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Contributors

Dr. Othman Mohammad GHARIB, Salahaddin University, Iraq ‫أ�وارص العنارص الكونية من منظور بديع الزمان النوريس‬

Prof. Achrati SLIMANE, University of Oran, Algeria - ‫مثرات التوحيد ومقتضيات الاميان قراءة يف‬ ‫كتاب الشعاعات‬

Abdul Wahab Saleh ALI, Aligarh Muslim University, India - ‫رسائل النوريس يف رمح الظالم‬

Dr. Bilal Ahmad KUTTY, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Justice in the Light of Risale-i Nur

Uzma Khatoon, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Qur’an and Science Debate: Nursi’s Approcach

Dr. Abdul Majid KHAN, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Towards Building True Civilization in the Light of Said Nursi’s Damascus Sermon

Prof. Amar DJIDEL, University of Algeria, Algeria - ‫الفطرة يف رسائل النور �أبعادها املعرفية واملهنجية‬

Nadeeme Sahar AMBAREEN, Jamia Millia Islamia, India - Reformative Movement of Nursi in the Perspective of Risale-i Nur

Sana TAHZEEB, Aligarh Muslim University, Said Nursi’s Approach to Pluralism

Dr. Obaidullah FAHAD, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Shaykh Said Nursi and His Intellectual and Reformative Movement

Dr. Ozgur KOCA, Claremont Lincoln University, USA - Bridging Ethics and the World: Said Nursi’s Metaphysical Cosmology and its Ethical Implications

Dr. Abida QUANSAR, University of Kashmir, Srinagar - Moral Crisis in the Contemporary World and its Solution in the Context of the Quran and Risale-i Nur

Dr. Ghulam MURSALEEN, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Thoughts and Times of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi

Dr. Betania Kartika MUFLIH, International Islamic University Malaysia - The Concept of Moral Education in the Thought of Imam Bediuzzaman Said Nursi in His Thematic Exegesis on the Holy Qur’an, Risale-i Nur

Dr. Umid Necmeddin CEMIL, Erbil, Iraq

Dr. Zekeriyya ABDURRAHMAN, Erbil, Iraq

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The Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture March 2014

‫مشالك اقتصادية ومهنج معاجلهتا يف رسائل النور‬

‫دورالاقتصاد يف معاجلة مشلكة الفقر من منظور رسائل‬

Contributors

Dr. Ghulam NABI, İslamic University, J&K Badiuzzamaan Said Nursi and His Invitation to the Revival of Islamic Belief

Dr. Hamidullah MARAZI, University of Kashmir, India - The Belief in Prophethood –A Study of Bediüzzaman Nursi with Special Reference to Modern Western Thought!

Dr. Iqbalur RAHMAN, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Said Nursi on Violence and Terror, a Study of Risale-i Nur

Prof. Dr. Ishak OZGEL, Suleyman Demirel University, Turkey -

Dr. Manzoor Ahmad BHAT, University of Kashmir, India - Said Nursi’s Conception of Ana with Special Reference to his Risale-i Nur

Dr. Mamoun JARRAR, University of Jordan - Jordan

Dr. Meraj AHMAD, Aliah Muslim University, India - Holistic Approaches to Morality and the Future of Humanity

Dr. Latif Hussain Shah KAZMI, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Nursi and Iqbal on the Restoration of Islamic Faith and Morality

Dr. Mohd Sami AKHTER, Aligarh Muslim University, India -

Dr. Muhammad ISMAIL, Aligarh Muslim University, India - A Study of Ethical Teachings of Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi and Said Nursi

Dr. Muhammad Maroof SHAH, Sher-i Kashmir University of Agricultural Science, Kashmir - An Appraisal of Nursi’s Response to the Problem of Evil

Dr. Mutahira ANJUM, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Modern Approaches to Islam: A Comparative Study of Mowdudi and Nursi

Dr. Ferhad Ibrahim EKBER, Erbil, Iraq -

Ayisha ZAKWAN, Jamia Millia Islamia, India - The Role of Faith in Developing a Sense of Responsibility

Dr. Omer Ali MUHAMMED, Erbil, Iraq -

Dr. Qazi Mohd. JAMSHED, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Badiuzzaman Said Nursi: Manipulation of Politics as Reflected in Risale -i Nur

‫ال�شيح بديع الزمان النوريس و حركته النور عند بعض الكتاب‬ ‫الاسالميني املعارصين‬

‫دور الاميان يف تمنية الشعور ابملسؤلية من منظور رسائل الن‬

‫رسائل النور حتدثنا عن رسائل النور‬

‫مهنجية الإمام النوريس لرت�سيخ ا ألخالق من خالل رسائهل‬ ‫النورية القر�آنية‬

‫نظرة سعيد النوريس للمقاصد الرئي�سية للقر�آن الكرمي‬

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Contributors

Dr. Suhaib AHMAD, Jamia Millia Islamia University, India - Humanity in the Writing of Nursi: The Risale-i Nur Perspective

Arifeen YAMA, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Islamic Awakening in Contemporary World

Dr. Aijaz AHMED, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Risale-i Nur: The Answers to the Problems of Twentieth Century

Fadhl Mohammed FUSHIISH, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Nursi’s Response to Materialism in his Risale-i Nur

Haroon Rashid ZARGAR, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Towards Building a Confident and Hopeful Muslim Community; A Study of Said Nursi’s Risale-i Nur

Hassan Shareef K. P., Jamia Millia Islamia University, India - Strengthening of Faith with Positive Attitude to Science: Guide Lines from the Risale-i Nur

Manu M R, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India - Material Progress and the Realm of the Spiritual: Comparing Said Nursi and Rabindranath Tagore

Iram NIZAM, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Peace and Harmony in the Light of Risale-i Nur

Md Yunus ALAM, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India - Strengthening the Faith in Face of Positivist Understanding of Science

Misab IRIKKUR, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India - Nursi’s Solutions for Problems Related to Consumerism

Lubna NAAZ, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Empowerment of Women: The Risale Nur Perspective

Saima SIDDIQI, Aligarh Muslim University, India - The Nature of Knowledge and Its Utilization for Human Happiness in the Thought of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi

Mohammad Dawood SOFI, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Humanity and Brotherhood in the Light of Risale-i-Nur

Mohammad Iqbal RATHER, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Said Nursi and the Concept of Knowledge in Islam

Mohammad Irfan SHAH, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Said Nursi’s Approach towards Economy An Assessment

Mohammed Shafi KP, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India - Suggesting the God and Man Relation as the Medicine for All Human Ailments with Reference to Nursi’s Contributions

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Contributors

Mohd Yaseen GADA, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Towards an Understanding of Tawhid in the Perspective of Risale-i Nur

Mohsin Afzal DAR, Aligarh Muslim University India - Muslim Unity A Study of Ideas of Said Nursi and Iqbal

Muhammad ABDULSATHAR,Jamia Millia Islamia, India - Women Security and Freedom: The Natural Solutions and Laws in the Perspective of Risale-i Nur

Naghma ZAKIR, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Return to the Quran; Risale-i-Nur Perspective

Najeeb V R, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India - Insider and Outsider Debate in Anthropology with the Practise of Veil and Said Nursi’s Approach

Nida KHAN, Jawaharlal Nehru University , India - Women, Islam and Modernity in the Context of Risale-i Nur

Peerzada Mohammad Yousuf HASANI, Kashmir - Idea of Islamic Unity in Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s Damascus Sermon

Prof. Muhammad Rashid NADWI, Former Chairman, Department of Arabic, Aligarh Muslim University, India

Prof. Shamim Ahmad ANSARI, Department of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University, India

Prof. A. R. KIDWAI, Director Academic Staff College, Aligarh Muslim University, India

Maulana Mohammad Tahir Madani , Rector, Jamiatul Falah Azamgarh, India

Prof. Akbar HUSAIN, Department of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University, India

Prof. Ali Muhammad NAQWI, Chairman, Department Of Shia Theology, Aligarh Muslim University, India

Prof. Badar Alam IQBAL, Dept. of Commerce, Aligarh Muslim University, India

Prof. Dr. S. A. M. Pasha, Jamia Millia Islamia, - Said Nursi on Religious Diversity, India

Prof. Dr. Zafarul ISLAM, Department of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, India

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Contributors

Prof. K.M. Yousuf AMIN, Department of İlmul Adawiya, A.K. Tibbiya College, Aligarh Muslim University , India

Prof. Kafeel Ahmad QASMI, Department of Arabic, Aligarh Muslim University, India

Prof. Shabahat HUSAIN, Dean, Faculty of Social Science, Aligarh Muslim University, India

Prof. Shah Muhammad WASEEM, (Former Dean Faculty of Commerce and Management, Aligarh Muslim University, India

Abdur RAHMAN, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India - The Nature of Knowledge and Faith and their Utilization for Human Happiness: The Risale-i Nur Perspective

Rahmatullah, Aligarh Muslim University, India Role of Faith in Developing a Sense of Responsibility and Accountability in the Light of Badiuzzaman Said Nursi’s Risale-i Nur

Roshan ARA, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Nursi’s Approch to the Modern Knowledge

Sajid Hudawi PUTHENPEEDI, Jamia Millia Islamia, India - Faith Based’ Strategy of Poverty Eradication The Perspective of Said Nursi

Arshi SHOAIB, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Reconstruction of Faith with Special Focus on Tawhid in the Light of Risale-i Nur

Showkat Ahmad DAR, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Truthfulness as a Supreme Value in the Perspective of Risale-i-Nur

Sumaiya AHMED, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Fundamentals of Faith As Reflected ın Badiuzzaman Said Nursi’s Risaile-i-Nur

Syed Ali Hur Mujtaba KAMOONPURI, Aligarh Muslim University, Examining Said Nursi’s Conception of the Three Books of Divine Guidance in the Risale

Tamanna Mobeen AZMI, Jamia Millia Islamia, India - The Problems of Racism And Social Injustice

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Prof. Khalid AZAM, Dept. of Business Administration, Aligarh Muslim University, India

Prof. Mohammad Hassan Khan, Barktullah University ‫الطريق احلضاري الاخاليق القومي املنشود للعيش الكرمي يف ادلنيا من منظوررسائل النور‬

The Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture March 2014

Dr. Ghazanfar Ali KHAN, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Said Nursi’s Approach to Science

Contributors

Wadhah Mohammed Taleb Saeed MAGWAR, Aligarh Muslim University, India -

Mohammad HAFEEZ, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Religious Morality as Reflected in the Risale-i-Nur

Mohd HASSAN, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Nursi’s Approaches to Morality and the Future of Humanity

Dr. Abdul RASHID, University of Kashmir Role of Faith in Developing the Sense of Responsibility

Nishat AFROZ, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Human Values and Morality in the Light of the Risale-i Noor

Prof. Waseem AHMAD, Former Chairman, Dept. of Electronics Engineering, Aligarh Muslim University, India

Tufail AHMAD, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India - Educational Thoughts of Said Nursi in the Light of Risale-i Nur

Dr. Shabnam PARVEEN, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Educational Reforms as Proposed by Bediuzzaman Said Nursi and Sir Syed Ahmad Khan

Dr. Arshi KHAN, Aligarh Muslim University, India

Prof. Sayyid Masood AHMAD (Department of Biochemestry, A.M.U)

Ali KATIOZ, Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture, Turkey -

Prof. Mohammad Hassan KHAN, Barktullah University, India -

‫التفسري البالغي عند النوريس‬

‫الطريق احلضاري الاخاليق القومي املنشود للعيش الكرمي يف‬ ‫ادلنيا من منظوررسائل النور‬

Dr. Saad Bin Zia, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Educational Reforms of Said Nursi with Special Reference to the Model of Medreset-uz Zehra

Dr. Shad Hussain ANDRABI, University of Kashmir -

‫�أ�سباب ختلف ا ألمة الإسالمية وعالجه يف ضوء اخلطبة‬ ‫الشامية لنوريس‬

Dr. Ehsanullah Khan NADWI, Aligarh Muslim University, India -

Dr. Jamshed AHMAD, University of Mumbai, India -

‫فكرة العداةل الاجامتعية يف كتاابت الامام بديع الزمان النوريس‬ ‫و�سيد قطب‬

‫بعض جوانب السرية النبوية يف ضوء املكتوابت لل�شيخ بيديع‬ ‫الزمان النوريس‬

‫�أ�سباب العنف وطرق إ�زالهتا وفق رؤية بديع الزمان سعيد‬ ‫النوريس‬

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Contributors

Mohd Abul MUFAZZAL, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India - Holistic Approaches to the Morality and the Future of Humanity

Atia KHAN, Jamia Millia Islamia, India The Role Of Faith In Developng A Sense Of Compassion And Fellow Feeling

Mohammed Shafi KP, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India - Suggesting the God and Man Relation as the Medicine for All Human Ailments with Reference to Nursi’s Contributions

Dr. Asma KAZMI, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Role of Faith in Developing Compassion and Fellow-Feeling: Risale-i Nur Perspective

Dr. Sanaullah MIR, Aligarh Muslim University, India - The Meaningfulness of Human Existence through Knowledge and Faith: The Risale-i Nur Perspective

Prof. Ehtisham Ahmad NADWI (Former Dean Faculty of Arts and Languages, University of Kerala), India

Saba ANJUM, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Nursi’s Perpective on Science and Its Significant

Dr. Mahboobur RAHMAN, Aligarh Muslim University, India - The Relevance of Risale-i Nur in the Twenty First Century: Global Perspective

Abdul Khalique KAMIL - Aligarh Muslim University, India

Dr. Ziauddin FALAHI, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Principles of Tafsir as Reflected in the Risale-i Nur and Maududi’s Tafhim-Al-Quran

Dr. Tasneem Kauser QURESHI, Aligarh Muslim University, India -

Prof. Muhammad Salahuddin UMARI, Department of Arabic, Aligarh Muslim University, India

Farheen TAHIR, Aligarh Muslim University, India Nursi’s Rationale behind Hijab

Prof. Waleed ANSARI, Department of Business Administration, Aligarh Muslim University, India

Dr. Abdul Hamid FAZILI, Aligarh Muslim University, India Study of Miracles of Quran in the Light of Risale Nur

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The Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture March 2014

‫مسامهة الا�ستاذ احسان قامس الصاحلي يف ترمجة رسائل النور‬ ‫�إىل اللغة العربية‬

Mohd Afzal SIDDIQUI, Aligarh Muslim University, India - Nursi’s Concept of Islamic Democracy

Valedictory

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Memory from the Conference

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Dr. Bilal Ahmad KUTTY Department of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, India.

History was made in those short three days and I don’t know if it would be possible to wait for another one that can come close to the breadth and depth of this conference and the intellectual excitement generated from it. I was so elated with all the talks that I felt I could sit through more days of such impressive presentations even though I could not attend all the deliberations due to my organizing engagements. Congratulations on a most rewarding, memorable conference.

Dr. Ghulam MURSALEEN Centre of West Asian Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, India The thematic presentation of the broad range of topics also added to the enjoyment of the event for all attendees and I particularly enjoyed the breakout sessions, as both lecturers and deliberations were excellent. I also came in contact with some very distinguished scholars from Turkey whom I did never know and coldness of the weather was replaced with warmth....

And the last but not least is that the hospitalities offered to delegates were quite adequate and also accommodation as well as re-imbursements of travel expenses to the delegates came from outside were up to their satisfaction.

The significance of any conference is not just that it provides the participants with an opportunity to assemble deliberate and disperse. More important is how it is followed up through action so that the recommendations made are implemented and lead to the intended benefits to the scholars who are interested in the study of Shaikh Bediuzzaman Said Nursi from/any aspects of his life and achievements. I hope there will be such action by all concerned, leading to considerable study on Shaikh Nursi. Only then we would have achieved the objective of this Conference.

Dr. Shad Hussain ANDRABI Associate Professor Deptt. of Arabic, University of Kashmir Attending the 3rd International Nursi Studies Conference in India at A.M.U.,Aligarh on the theme “The Risale- i Nur:Knoledge,Faith,Morality and the Future of Humanity” was a great event in my life.I had casually attended the 2nd International Nursi Studies Conference in India at J.M.I.New Delhi.I was introduced to the teachings of Said Nursi which incorporate the essence of Quran .In fact I am already associated with the Mission for peace and spirituality under the guidance of Maulana Whihiduddin Khan which also lays emphasis on the spirit of Islam encompassing the blessings for humanity as a whole. Going through Badiuz zaman Said Nursi’s writings, I was impressed by his great insight and his capability of reading between the lines of the Quran. That is why that his treatises Risale-i Nur are in essence the exegesis of Quran in non-traditional form. Nursi has many dimensions. He articulated some principals of Islam and adhered to these with utmost dedication in an unrelenting manner. He was subject to harassment, but he did not give way to negative sentiments. Instead he would take into consideration the broader interests of Islam. He was not carried away by fanaticism are factionalism but looked forward for harmony among different sects and factions. This is the impression I could construe during the deliberations of the conference. At the personal level I was greatly benefited. I found myself in the company of Nursi students whom I found enlightened and extremely humble and pious. The gift of Rasali Nur (Arabic version) shall stand me a great stead in my comprehension of Quranic notions. I am extremely thankful to the organizers and sponsors of third international Nursi conference in India, and I am confident that the conference was a success in assimilating the Nursi’s vision.

The Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture • March 2014 The Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture • March 2014

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Farheen TAHIR Department of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, India I congratulate the Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture & Department of Islamic Studies A.M.U. for organizing 3rd international Badiuzzaman Said Nursi conference, feb 11-13 2014 in Aligarh.Being a part of it I feel privileged. This conference was a great opportunity for me because I got chance to present my first paper on Said Nursi among learned scholars from across the globe. For me it’s a matter of proud and honor. It’s a great platform for research scholars like me to exchange our ideas with each other. This was first conference held in A.M.U. and I am very happy to inform you that students of A.M.U. from different backgrounds be acquainted with Ustaz Badiuzzman Said Nursi and his magnum opus Risale-i Nur. Certainly the conference was a great success! And I hope next year the Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture and department of Islamic Studies will organize same conference here in A.M.U.

Mohammad Iqbal RATHER Department of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, India The conference was very beneficial for the researchers’ because the teachings of Said Nursi as brought forward by scholars of many countries in the conference increased a quest for Knowledge and rejuvenated a ray of hope that this Ummah is the noble one and cannot be subjugated by any imperial or any chauvinistic ideology and only what we have to do is to improve our intellectual horizons so that we can remain steadfast in our faith and attain the pleasure of Allah as done by Bediuzzaman Said Nursi.

At last I shall first thank Allah for such a great success of this three day International Conference and after that my thanks are due to IFSC Turkey for holding such a big conference here in India especially in Aligarh Muslim University, as it give us an opportunity to share our ideas with the learned scholars of the world and listen to them and to be the part of this Conference.

Mohammad HAFEEZ Department of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, India To me, the title ‘The Risale-i Nur: Knowledge, Faith, Morality and the Future of Humanity’ was not only charming and appealing but also appropriate to the current challenging times. In the conference, more than 110 papers were presented, and all these papers frequently touched the core issues and problems of the present day society. The academics and intellectuals made earnest efforts to explore their solutions as presented by Said Nursi. They also amplified the contribution of Said Nursi and his magnum opus in establishing peace, brotherhood, and unity and also in strengthening of the ethical values.

The conference proved to be a success not only in terms of showing a way forward to the humanity, but also in terms of helping the budding scholars (the future resource) to adorn their scholarship via interaction with the renowned personalities. Besides this, for us the Conference proved to be highly valuable in leading us to know how to manage the things in the best possible way. At last, I am from the core of my heart thankful, grateful and appreciative to the members of Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture, faculty members of the Department of Islamic Studies, eminent academics from within and abroad, and university authority for their dedication and commitment.

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Mohammad Irfan SHAH Department of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, India It was a great moment of my life to be a participant as well among the hosts, of such a grand international conference that filled the atmosphere of the University with the scent of knowledge. IFSC, really deserves full appreciation for spreading the panacea of Risale-I Nur meant for the ailments of the heart and mind. This conference besides interlinking a number of scholars and intellectuals of different parts of the globe also opened new arenas and vistas of thoughts and ideas, for researchers and thinkers to delve upon. It is highly beneficial and equally fortunate to be a part of such commendable and appreciable academic exercises of international importance.

Mohd Yaseen GADA Department of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, India For me the conference introduced me for the first time with Said Nursi. I want to thank you and your team for the vision and enthusiasm that resulted in an excellent three days. I found the conference in turns stimulating, interesting, excellent, thought provoking; good format of speakers, audience participation, chat format and talks. I would very much like to be involved in a future event as I enjoyed doing the presentation and feel strongly that this awakening is what we need now. Great range of speakers. Stimulating event! Fantastic food.

Fadhl Mohammed Mohammed FUSHOOSH PhD Research Scholar, Yemen The entire program list was published well in time and distributed in big quantities along with the abstracts of all speakers. The publications provided choices to the audience to pursue the topics of their interests. Furthermore, the attendants were completely delighted to hear the post presentation discussions, which vivified the atmosphere.

In addition, the selected chairpersons to preside the sessions were of high academic caliber and truly enriched the sessions with their presidential remarks.

The program’s mobilizing force and attracting gravity contributed to the distinctive presence of the university’s administration with the VC and the PVC alternately frequenting the conference. Consequently, I was highly impressed and therefore congratulate the organizers on such outcomes.

Showkat Ahmad DAR Department of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, India The conference was very beneficial and was full of inspirations. The teachings of Said Nursi delivered by various delegates in the conference rejuvenated a ray of hope in our minds and hearts that we can remain steadfast in our faith in all circumstances and attain the pleasure of Allah even in the unfavourable conditions by following the example of Said Nursi.

I am thankful to all the organizing bodies of the conference for inviting us to such a great and heart-soothing conference.

I hope that they will continue to organize such conferences for strengthening the faith and morality and guide the wandering youth to the straight path of salvation.

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Lubna NAAZ Department of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, India This was a pleasant and very surprising experience to interact freely with the scholars of Turkey, Algeria, Jordan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Afghanistan, Malaysia and the United State.

This Conference provided a golden opportunity to benefit intellectually from each others. The three days in Aligarh were spiritually inspired and morally motivated one. It was a good experience to perform different prayers in cognation during the session of the conference. I must thanks the organizer of the Conference from Aligarh and Istanbul and wish the same for the near future.

Sana TAHZEEB Department of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, India Greetings from Aligarh, accept my heartiest gratitude for organizing such a successful event. It was my third participation in Nursi conferences held in India JNU, JMI, and AMU respectively. I feel privileged and honored being a part of you insightful journey. But what makes so special that this time in AMU not only I presented paper but was also a part of organizing committee. A large number of scholars gathered here, they focused on different aspects of Nursi studies. I hope in future we would have the same hospitality.

Dr. Ziauddin Malik FALAHI Aligarh Muslim University, India Kennedy Auditorium Ceremony was a witness to the fact that Scholars , intellectuals, Ulama , men and women, the young boys and girls, all love Islam intensely and all the Sages and saints who stand for rescuing humanity with the message of Islam and the Seerah of beloved Prophet (S.A.W). Bediuzzaman Said Nursi and his Risae-i Nur is loved, discussed and deliberated for it represents genuine, Islamic response to the Modern challenges.

Presence and speeches of the galaxy of foreign and Indian scholars electrified the Iman and Islam of the people and created among them the spirit to lead the humanity on the path of Knowledge, Faith and Morality. Vice-Chanellor LT Genaral( RTD) Zamiruddin Shah in his presidential remarks highlighted the need of reorienting the Education with Faith and adopt education as a method for upholding the Truth and justice of Islam. He further emphasised that Aligarh should be the Centre of such efforts.

Dr. Saima SIDDIQI Department of Education, Aligarh Muslim University, India I must begin by thanking you for having permitted me to participate in the conference. I feel very proud and honoured to have been an active participant in such a high standard international conference. It was great experience for me. I found it quite stimulating and thought provoking. I should like to congratulate the organizers for arranging a tremendous international conference on Bediuzzaman said Nursi (The Risale-i Nur Knowledge, Faith, Morality and The Future of Humanity). A new paradigm is needed and it is good that you are working on this. I thought the conference was a great success. It proved to be most interesting, well attended and enlightening event. I was amazed how many colleagues I met from very many countries from all over the world. This is the kind of dialogue needed all over the world. I honour the work, energy and the vision with which this conference was pursued and manifested. I wish very success and looking forward for the next international conference.

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Roshan ARA Department of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, India The Conference was very interesting and gave the opportunity to learn many things about the Risalei Nur Knowledge, Faith, Morality and the Future of Humanity. As a Research Scholar of Islamic Studies of the A.M.U. Aligarh, it was a very enriching experience for me to attend this conference. All in all, it was a very exciting experience for me since it was my first International conference, and it was very motivating to continue doing research, and trying to submit papers for various other conferences. During our conference I observed that our speakers have enough knowledge about the topic they are discussing. I also observed that they freebies for the students to participate in their discussion and question answer portion. I observed that all students are interested to the topic discussed and participating with the speaker and listen enough to learn.

Dr. Abdul Majid KHAN Department of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, India The three day International conference on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi at Aligarh Muslim University brought spiritual and intellectual catharsis to the academic and intellectual community of the University. For Aligarh Turkey reidentifying itself with Islam and its spiritual and intellectual personalities is highly appreciative development of the recent past.Organizing a conference on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi popularized the spiritual and intellectual legacy of this giant son of Islam at a place and in times when only a few were aware of it. It has generated new hopes among the Muslims here that Turkey is serious in rehabilitating its intellectual and spiritual legacy, which is sure to fetch Turkey more prestige and respect among the Muslim of the world and also give Muslims and the people in general the promise that faith and knowledge based Civilization model is the panacea for the growing Civilizational crisis of the age.

However, I feel and wish that those in Turkey who are serious about propagating the ideas and experiences of Said Nursi through out the world must collaborate with those people only whose taqwa and sincerity is above board.

Arshi SHOAIB Department of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, India I feel very proud and honor to have been an active participant and enjoyed very much cooperation with IFSC being a student of AMU. It was great experience for me; I have enjoyed the whole conference that was very enjoyable and worthwhile. My brain stretched and strained both and never exhausted. Whole atmosphere was very positive and inspiring. I would have to say that this is one of the best conferences I have attended. I must congratulate the organizing team for excellent efforts, hospitality and arrangements to making the conference such a great experience.

I wish you very success and look forward to the next IFSC conference in 2015.

Dr. Shabnam PARVEEN Department of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, India The conference was a real shower over Aligarh Muslim University espacially our department.

The conference was indeed an excellent occasion for researchers around the world to come together and share their research in bilingualism and comparative linguistics. It does not only give the researchers in Aligarh an opportunity to learn directly from overseas researchers, it also helps make the research in Aligarh known to researchers from other countries.

It was definitely a great way to promote the research in these areas in Aligarh. Overall, it was a very satisfying experience.

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Nishat AFROZ Department of Islamic Studies, AMU, Aligarh I feel very proud and honor to have been an active participant and enjoyed very much cooperation with IFSC being a student of AMU. It was great experience for me; I have enjoyed the whole conference that was very enjoyable and worthwhile. My brain stretched and strained both and never exhausted. Whole atmosphere was very positive and inspiring. I would have to say that this is one of the best conferences I have attended. I must congratulate the organizing team for excellent efforts, hospitality and arrangements to making the conference such a great experience.

Dr. Aijaz AHMAD Department of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, India I am grateful to you for giving me chance to participate and present a paper in the conference. Though this was my first paper presentation on Said Nursi but the experience and exposure I got here was incredible.

I am also thankful to all the organizers who organized such a remarkable and successful conference on time demanding theme of the time in the light of Risale-i Nur of Bediuzzaman Nursi on the 20th century. This three day International Conference provided me a great opportunity to interact with Turkish as well as other scholars and intellectual of International fame on Islam and Modernity.

Due to the language bar many people does not aware of the great personality, Said Nursi and his effort in reviving Islamic faith in Modern Turkey. Nursi spread his message through Risale-i Nur that converted into “Nur Revolution”. Istanbul Foundation for Science & Culture deserves all praise and special thanks because as his real successor not only make people aware of the life of Badiuzaman Said Nursi but also with his teachings especially Risale-i Nur. Once again I congratulate the organizers for having organized such an important conference on the relevance of Nursi’s ideas in India. I hope in future we will have the same.

All in all, indeed the conference was a great success.

Ayisha ZAKWAN Ph. D. Scholar, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, India I would like to let u all know that this was my first conference and it was such a wonderful experience that will always be cherished throughout. It had been quite a learning process throughout which not only helped me intellectually but also paved many golden opportunities for me. I would personally thank the entire team of IFSC and AMU volunteers for helping us out all over the 3-day international conference. I would always love to participate in your program if further invited.

Thank you all once again from the bottom of my heart.

Dr. Abida QUANSAR Department of Islamic Studies, University of Kashmir One thing which I cannot hold to myself is the acknowledgement of zealous effort, utmost sincerity, unshakable unity and well organised team of Istanbul Foundation of Science and Culture who do not leave a single stone unturned to spread the revolutionary teachings of Risale-i Nur with a silent message given by all Prophets to their people, “O my people, I do not ask you for any money for this; my reward comes only from God.” (The Quran: 11:29) May Allah accept their efforts and succeed them with their good intentions. Ameen!

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UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE CONFERENCE

Dr. Obaidullah FAHAD (Coordinator of the Conference)

DEPARTMENT OF ISLAMIC STUDIES ALIGARH MUSLIM UNIVERSITY, ALIGARH UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE CONFERENCE The 3rd International Nursi Studies Conference in India on “Risale-i Nur: Knowledge, Faith, Morality and the Future of Humanity” which was jointly organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture Turkey and Department of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh on February 11 -13, 2014 had the following unique features: 1. The Conference exclusively avoided the participation of politicians and the political leaders even in the inaugural session – a stand in conformity with the one taken by Said Nursi in the newer phase of his life when he had declared: “O my Lord! I seek Thy refuge from the politics and the politicians!”. The Conference concentrated on the scholarly discussions and instinctual debates around the theme.

2. “The Conference successfully demonstrated the participation of ladies in all the affairs: academic, administrative and voluntary services. Amongst the paper presenters ladies were 23; organizers 30, and volunteers 20. In the business sessions ladies equally participated as the audience. This was in consonance with the implications of the Quran that declared: “To men is allotted what they earn, and to women what they earn”. (Su-

rah al- Nisa: 32)

3. The conference was really international both in the letter and the spirit, as pointed out in the valedictory session of the conference by the Pro Vice- Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, Brigadier Syed Ahmad Ali. The delegates represent-

ed the countries like Turkey, Iraq, Yemen, Jordon, Algeria, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, United States, Syria, Afghanistan and of course India. This created a sense of Islamic brotherhood and realized to some extent the Quranic concept of Ummah.

4. The organizers received 160 abstract on the theme, but accepted 108 to be presented in the conference, undoubtedly because of the limited resources and time. Initially the conference was planned for two days only, the over-helming response to Aligarh Conference convinced the organizers to expand it upto 3rd day and to manage the parallel sessions. This conference was chaired (in different sessions) by the learned scholars from the different and divergent disciplines like Islamic Studies, West Asian Studies, Arabic language and literature, Geography, Engineering, Bio-Technology, Sociology, Library Science, Ilmul Advia, Business Administration, Theology (both Sunni and Shia), Psychology, Commerce and Management, English and History. This brought these scholars closer to the mission of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi. Mr. Hakan Gulerce well commented 2 days before the conference started that the conference had already attained the success; and that the gathering of academicians is now to be managed only.

5. The spiritual and faith- based atmosphere in the conference, the congregational prayers during the sessions, the volunteers’ services wholeheartedly all convinced Mehmet FIRINCI Agabey, the living student of Nursi to comment on the rainy season on the last day in the dining hall that since the Turkish brothers and sisters were leaving Aligarh it was weeping with tears.

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Conference in Media

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Conference in Media

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Conference in Media

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Conference in Media

All Presentations of the Conference are Online

/iikv

www.youtube.com/iikv

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Valedictory Speech

Syed Ahmad Ali Brigadier (Retired) SM Pro Vice-Chancellor Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, INDIA

Assalamualaikum !

Ladies and Gentleman! No word will be an adequate to congratulate for that effort the team which has done something outstanding and beyond the imagination with the limited sources that they have. I have been following this seminar since its beginning and I am so glad that seminar has taken such shape which is beyond my expectation. I wish this valedictory address could have been in larger rows where my students standing at door would have got place to sit but I promise if next time we have again inshallah we shall have proper accommodation.

Nursi was born in 1877 and he died in 1960. He was the contemporary of Allama Iqbal, of Mauduli, Hasen Barna and Syed Qutub.

I was discussing with Prof. Kaya at dinner that in the coming days Nursi will as much discussed and talked about Syed Qutub and Hasn Berna..kind of his writing and life of Nursi are to think and ponder up it… where Alama Iqbal and Maudili have propagated political Islam but Nursi propagated Islam as a faith there is no politics involve in his propagation of Islam. He felt that Muslim Nation without having a sovereign government which is truly Islamic can still flow Islam as faith and there are many countries in this world very successfully following this model.

He was a very active real theologian. But what was his vision? His vision was to unite muslims. he had tried to unite the entire Muslims of the world. Risale-i Nur was a step in that direction. Risale-i

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Nur was not the substitute to Qur’an. It was commentary on Qur’an.

Basically it was highlighting the scientific aspects, technological aspects, the progressive aspects inside the Qur’an .Nursi’s life can be divided into two portions.. one portion - before the first world war and 2nd post first world war. Nursi saw the decline of Ottoman-Empire he saw how the Turkish Empire which was such a powerful and such a huge block was disintegrated and crushed. Till then I thought that political Islam is very important. You must have political power to propagate Islam but when he saw the Ottomanempire’s problem then he decided to save Islam first and let me strengthen my coresident first and then we will think about political Islam. Let faith over-rite political Islam.

He was willing to sacrifice his life for what he believed in and he thought the preservation of Islam is paradigm to political power .

He focused on the unity of muslim. He kept looking toward modernity. He never abandon the modernity. He was not keeping beard for him Muslim should by heart. He made a bridge between Islam and Christianity and he brought Christians closer to Islam. He said Islamic order is safer even political order is not Islamic for example in India aren’t Muslims safe here?

Nursi had 5 principles. :

1st. Nursi always tends towards love, union of heart., 2nd love of the Nation, Hubbul Vatani 3rd was education, without education you are nowhere.

4th was the state should give work guarantee for the everyone.

5th was that give up extravagance, live in simplicity with high thought.

From Darkness to the Light (Nur) A Poem in Praise of Badiuzzaman Said Nursi and his Contribution A scholar of highest eminence and fame, Badiuzzaman Said Nursi was his name, In his 40s, he witnessed the Ottoman Empire’s decline, And in weakness of faith, he saw a Muslim’s shame.

Though he suffered harassment, imprisonment, and persecution, Still, he wrote Risala-e-Nur, during the years of exile and isolation, He was indeed galvanized and stimulated by a vision, And not deceived and mislead by any illusion.

He had full belief that to Believers, Allah provides Protection, And Guides them unto Light from darkness and delusion, Nursi was determined, courageous, and strong-minded, And was equipped with valor and audacity of conviction.

Taking guidance from the Qur’an and Prophetic Tradition, He worked hard to spread the Message with firm Passion And worked out Risala-e-Nur—the ‘Treatise of Light’, Fully in agreement with pristine Islam, having no contradiction.

Fully optimistic, he enjoined his fellows to work collectively, And begin for a new course and make it a victory, He tried hard to weave his dream, and knit his vision, And with truthfulness, firm belief and honesty, he made it reality.

A scholar of highest eminence and fame, Badiuzzaman Said Nursi was his name, He spread his message through the ‘Treatise of Light’, With full belief in Allah, Who guides believers from darkness to Light.

Tauseef AHMAD Deptt. of Islamic Studies , Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, (INDIA)

SAID NURSI CONFERENCE A breeze from quiet a distance away Came here in Aligarh and shone our day This cluster of words seems to say Glee and thanks in my heart is lay Thanks my brothers for awakening me A sage who came for a change to be Is this called a conference that I did see?

Language of love and education by the addressee So fast went the three days In which receiving of enlightening rays Was which in the event glaze And juxtaposed to my volunteer craze Professors and scholars were being with me Listening to them all he and she It was a nice platform with them to interact And towards them we did get attract In the future to come I hope so We’ll feel the breeze again grow Love in hearts and fraternity among us Through her words, in her address Once again! My heart thanks you And a program again when you do Invite me to collect pearls distributed in it Free to have on soul and get lit

MUTAYYIB MUHAMMAD KHAN Syedna Tahir Saifuddin High School, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, (INDIA)

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Hope to see you in 2015 ...

Thank you to everyone in the organization....

AMU Organizers Dr. Obaudillah Fahad ( Coordinator) Dr. Abdul Majeed Khan ( Assistant Coordinator) Dr. Bilal Ahmad Kutty ( Printing & Publications) Dr. Abdul Hamid Fazili (Programme & Schedule) Dr. Tauqeer Ahmad (Inaugural Function) Dr. S. Lateef H. Kazmi (Inaugural Function) Dr. Ehsanullah Khan Nadwi (Inaugural Function) Dr. Faizan Ahmad Falahi (Inaugural Function) Dr. Serajuddin Khan (Inaugural Function) Dr. Ehsanullah Fahad (Food Supply) Dr. Shaista Parveen (Ladies Partici)pations Dr. Muhammad Ismail (Transportation) Dr. Ghulam Mursaleen (Foreign Guest) Dr. Ziauddin Malik ( Media Communication) Dr. Parveen Bano ( Refreshments) Dr. Shabnam Parveen ( Refreshments) Dr. Iqbalur Rahman ( Indian Guests)

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Academic Advisers: Prof. Shabahat Husain, Dean Faculty of Social Science Prof. Saud Alam Qasmi, Dean Faculty of Theology Prof. Sayyid Ahsan, Chairman of Department of Islamic Studies Prof. Zafarul Islam, Department of Islamic Studies Prof. Kafeel Ahmad Qasmi, Chairman Department of Arabic Studies Prof. Ali Muhammad Naqvi, Chairman Department of Shia Theology IFSC Organizers Hakan Gulerce ( Coordinator) Ihsan Altintas ( Assistant Coordinator) Akif Kanalici Mustafa Culfa Selcuk Duman Zaid Khan Muhammad Faizan Shashank Dixit