It is not only a fatwa that it might be justified; it is a fatwa that comprises a legal judgement. The difference between a fatwa and a legal judgement is that its subject is general, not specific, neither is it binding. But a legal judgement is both specific and binding. As for this fatwa, it is both specific — whoever looks at it will necessarily understand its purpose, and it is binding, because its ultimate cause is to impel the mass of Muslims against them [the National Forces].

This fatwa comprises a legal judgement, but in a legal judgement it is imperative that the enemies [both sides] hear it. Anatolia should also have been made to speak. The fatwa could have been issued after judgement had been passed on the assertions and counterclaims by a committee of politicians and 'ulema taking into account the interests of Islam. In fact, a number of things are being reversed these days. Opposites are changing their names and being substituted for each other; tyranny is being called justice; jihad, insurrection; and captivity, freedom. [^307]

[^307]:Nursi, "Tulu'at," in Asar-ı Bedi'iyye, 105-6.

#### Green Crescent Society and Medrese Teachers' Association

*Green Crescent Society and Medrese Teachers' Association*

Bediuzzaman was involved with further organizations and societies at this time, one of which was the Green Crescent Society, founded on 5 March 1920. He was a founder member of this non-political society, set up specifically to combat the spread of alcoholic liquor and other harmful addictions, which were being deliberately encouraged by the occupying forces. Other members were the Şeyhü'l-İslam, Haydarizade Ibrahim Efendi, Dr. Tevfik Rüştü Aras, Eşref Edip and Fahreddin Kerim Gökay. [^308] Answering questions put to him in 1975 by Necmeddin Şahiner, Fahreddin Gökay quoted some minutes taken at a meeting of the Society in which "Said Efendi" [Bediuzzaman] suggested giving priority to the writing and free distribution of articles and pamphlets. [^309]

[^308]:Şahiner, Said Nursi, 213-214.

[^309]:Prof. Fahreddin Kerim Gökay, in Şahiner, Aydınlar Konuşuyor, 158-9.

Another society in which Bediuzzaman was involved was the Medrese Teachers' Association (Cemiyet-i Müderrisîn), founded 15 February 1335/1919. Its main aims were "to undertake the necessary enterprises for raising the teaching profession to the high level that is in keeping with the the Islamic nation (millet) and civilization, ... to produce students of the 'ulema profession who would be thoroughly informed of the Islamic sciences and have knowledge of the modern sciences sufficient for the needs of the times... To instil the truths of religion and elevated conduct of Islam in Muslims' spirits, strengthen bonds of brotherhood, encourage personal