learn about my situation from the mufti here, whom I have not been able to see. From now on, Abdülmecid should make up a threesome with Feyzi and Emin. Let them send him the requisite letters they have received from the Safranbolu heroes. Also, let them tell him when they write that just as he was the Old Said's foremost student, so he is in the first rank of the New Said's students, together with Hulûsi. Furthermore, when he hears of some calamity or bad news concerning me, he should be like my late father, Mirza (May God have mercy on him), not like my late mother, Nuriye (May God have mercy on her).

For in the old days, my father and mother used to be told of my strange doings in that eventful and rough and ready life. When they heard news like, your son is dead, or, he has been wounded, or, he is in prison, my father used to laugh and enjoy it immensely. He would say: "Ma'shallah! My son is doing something of importance again, he is demonstrating his courage and daring; that is why everyone is talking about him." While my mother would weep unhappily in the face of his pleasure. But then time would very often prove my father to be right.

Thirdly: I have accepted for the sake of all the champions of the Light Factory, the letters of Abdullah Çavuş, who is Lütfi's dedicated and truly serious heir, and of Mustafa, one of the students and heirs of the late Hâfız Ali of İslamköyü. Endless thanks be to the Most Merciful of the Merciful that He has made those villages into Nur Schools, like Sava and Kuleönü. ∗∗∗

► (084) ◄

My Dear, Loyal Brothers!

Compelled by my indisposition, I am this time sufficing with a single letter in reply to your numerous letters.

Firstly: The Risale-i Nur champion Husrev wants seriously and sincerely to become ill and die in my place. So I say: the present is the time for disseminating and spreading the Risale-i Nur, not for composing it. However much more beneficial your writing is than my writing, and your publishing and dissemination, to that extent your life is more useful for the Risale-i Nur's service than my torturous life. If I had the power, I would happily give you of my life and health.

Secondly: The brilliant ode and fourth lengthy poem Hasan Feyzi, fully an heir of the late martyr Hâfız Ali, wrote in the name of Denizli and all our serious brothers in that region, are a salve for my severe illness and poisoning, as is the fact that the students there are also working diligently.