Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture
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that terrible reprimand was a sort of wish and desire. I had exclaimed wishfully when I went for a drive in the car and the seller had said that there are small cars now that are sold for a thousand liras: "If we had a small car like that on loan, I could go to visit my Nurju brothers in other places." It was not a serious decision; only a wish, But then two of our close brothers here supposed it to be serious and with great self-sacrifice tried to collect not one, but four thousand liras. When they arrived here, I was pleased for seven hours and imagined that that wish of mine had been accepted as a prayer. But then last night I suddenly received the rebuke and objection, and I understood that my wish had been a mistake. There are three reasons for the reprimand, which I will explain another time.

The five brothers who bought the car should know certainly that they gave not a car but almsgiving, a gift, and a present. Perhaps by reason of their good intentions in serving the Risale-i Nur, the present of each of them was equal to the price of a car, which is a sure sign for me that it has been accepted. Since, my brothers, this sincere service of yours is acceptable, you should not feel sad. You should also redeem the rebuke I have received. Also, you should repair the damage that may be caused to both the rule of my life, and to the mystery of the Risale-i Nur's sincerity. Also, the car should not remain here; it should go to whoever gave the largest amount. You will understand the reason for my alarm when I explain those three important reasons. I am compelled by the Three Months not to consider this until they have passed and the main collections have been published, even if rule over the whole world were to be given to me. If you do not get back all the money you gave for the car, I have decided to make up the difference, come what may, even if I have to sell everything, I send my greetings to everyone. Forgive me, as I forgive you. ∗∗∗

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My Dear, Loyal Brothers !

Don't worry, divine providence continues. God willing, this new assault will come to nothing, and even will assist in the Risale-i Nur's conquests. For now, calmly, one of our brothers should go to Ankara to repulse, within the framework of the law, the illegal treatment being meted out to us. They should meet with such persons as Hilmi Uran, the chief inspector of the former party, Celâl, who is a deputy and inspector of Afyon Province; Ahmed Hamdi of the Directorate of Religious Affairs; and Yûsuf Ziya, a member of the experts' committee; and they should try to have changed the arbitrary and illegal measures taken against us.

4–6 October 2026 · Istanbul

13th International Bediuzzaman Symposium

Visit the symposium website for the programme, papers and registration.