On the 17th of April, the IFSC hosted a group of scholars and volunteers from the UK-based Darul Arqam Trust.
On the 17th of April, the IFSC hosted a group of scholars and volunteers from the UK-based Darul Arqam Trust. The Darul Arqam Trust visited the Foundation for a one-day Risale-i Nur centred programme as part of their visit to Istanbul and Turkey.
The Darul Arqam Trust is a religious educational charity that was established toserve the Muslim community as well as the general public. Among its various practices are the teaching of Islamic lessons that emphasise values of peace, tolerance and social harmony. The group was visiting the IFSC as part of a wider itenary of a visit to Turkey for the purpose of learning about Turkish and Ottoman history, religion and culture.
Upon arrival, we provided our guests with a briefing on the activities conducted by our Foundation. Following this, the group attended a programme of lectures followed by Q&A sessions on the topic of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi and the Risale-i Nur. Topics discussed were Manevi Jihad (Spiritual Jihad), Brotherhood, Sincerity, Belief through Investigation and Belief Through Imitation/Emulation, Resurrection and the Hereafter and more. Student of Said Nursi, Mehmet Firinci Agabey, also attended the programme and he related stories and accounts of his experiences of hosting Said Nursi in his home for three months. He also told how Nursi was exceedingly compassionate and kind towards his students even while being very strict and serious about matters of belief and religion. Members of the group from the UK asked questions concerning the daily habits of Ustadh and Firinci Agabey answered by describing the Nursi's highly disciplined routine where he would conduct lengthy reading circles after morning prayers as well as regular zikr. Firinci Agabey expressed great pleasure and was very thankful for the attendance and enthusiastic participation of the Darul Arqam Trust.
At the close of the programme, the participants were gifted with copies of the book "Brotherhood and Sincerity", which is a treatise from the Risale-i Nur Collection. The group also visited the Bediuzzaman museum at the Rustempasha Medrese building, which includes authentic items and handwritings from Bediuzzaman and his students.
Related content
The International Unit of İİKV Explained Risale-i Nur at the Qadiri Gathering in Gambia
Representatives of the International Unit of the Istanbul Foundation for Knowledge and Culture (İİKV) attended the traditional annual gathering of the Qadiri community held in the African country of Gambia. As part of the program, the İİKV delegation came together with Sheikh Muhammad Gilani, one of the descendants of His Holiness Abdul Qadir Gilani and one of the most important spiritual leaders of the Qadiri path today. In the gathering, which took place in a spiritual atmosphere, various lessons and dhikr circles were conducted.