science and materialism and Positivist philosophy in particular; he studied them so as to be able to answer these attacks. On the founding of the republic, the drive for Westernization received a strong impetus and philosophy was progressively inculcated into the Turkish people at the expense of Islam. In keeping with the extraordinary perspicacity and farsightedness that he displayed at every stage of his life, Bediuzzaman had perceived these designs of the new regime at the outset and understanding that it was not to be combated in the realm of politics, had withdrawn from social and political life. Within a short time he was proved right, for as he himself later wrote, in modern states, where freedom of conscience is accepted as a fundamental principle, internal jihad has to be on the level of ideas and learning. Struggle with weapons and the sword in the way of religion has made way for "religious striving of an immaterial nature with the sword of true and certain belief." Thus, when he was sent into exile in western Anatolia, with his learning in science and philosophy as well as the religious sciences he was uniquely well-fitted to pursue this goal.

In his exile which was little better than captivity, Bediuzzaman started writing treatises which demonstrate all the truths of belief by means of powerful proofs. Using logical proofs and reasoned argument and frequently comparing Qur'anic teaching and civilization with those of philosophy, they specifically answer the questions and doubts raised by philosophy and the scepticism it causes. This method, which shows clearly and simply these truths in an unprecedented way, as well as solving and explaining with convincing proofs many mysteries of religion, indeed resulted in large numbers of people attaining certain belief, and had unparalleled success in the repressive conditions of those times, spreading throughout Turkey. Furthermore, since Westernization is a universal phenomenon and Western materialist philosophy has permeated the Islamic world, the success of these writings, the Risale-i Nur, in saving and strengthening belief has continued to grow, and is now to be witnessed throughout the Islamic world.

Other aspects of the Risale-i Nur have been described, so suffice it to say here that through the inspiration of the Qur'an, with the Risale-i Nur, Bediuzzaman opened up a "direct way to the truth" whereby firm belief in the truths of religion may be gained in a short period of time. The essential teachings of theology and knowledge of God that formerly took many years to master and acquire are presented to "the fast-travelling sons of this age" in a manner appropriate to their mentality and which answers their needs.

Bediuzzaman saw this century and its events and the rise of materialism