Thus, it is in this perspective that Bediuzzaman establishes the Risale-i Nur's primary function of renewing and strengthening belief, and it is with this view in mind that he guides his students in its service. For the sake of completeness, included at this point are examples of letters illustrating some of the main points he made in advising his students in this service. Firstly are examples of those mentioned above, advising them to disregard political and worldly matters, These are followed by examples of some of those warning the students to be above all cautious and circumspect in the face of the plots and intrigues hatched against them by their many enemies. And finally are examples of letters guiding them towards developing complete sincerity (ikhlas) in their service and selflessness before their fellow Risale-i Nur Students, so that the collective personality necessary to fulfil the Risale-i Nur's unique functions could emerge. This consciousness of a joint or corporate personality is one of the distinguishing marks of the Risale-i Nur and its Students, and Bediuzzaman himself offered the finest example in his total sincerity and selflessness, always putting this collective personality before himself.

#### Aloofness from Political Life

Aloofness from Political Life

Bediuzzaman saw the modern world as having captured man's soul and plunged him into the life of this world and pointed out that the way to be saved from this abyss was through following the teachings of the Risale-i Nur. One aspect of this was life and the living of it. He wrote that this vein had become so wounded due to the burdens of inessential needs, wastefulness and greed that it attracted and held all the attention of the misguided, so that the least worldly need took preference over the greatest matter of religion. As "the dispenser of the healing remedies of the Qur'an", the Risale-i Nur "was able to withstand this strange sickness of this strange age", and "its resolute, unshakeable, constant, sincere, loyal, and self-sacrificing Students were able to resist it." [^178] Also the modern world has infected people with a senseless curiosity about "the chess-games" of politics and diplomacy, the most harmful result of which was division in society along political lines.

[^178]:Nursi, Kastamonu Lahikası, 69-71; 73-4.

Although before everything the truths of belief should come first at this time and other things remain in second, third, and fourth place, and serving them through the Risale-i Nur should be the prime duty and point of curiosity and main aim, the state of the world has stimulated to a high degree the