through these verifications. This means that there are two points of confusion, which need to be explained.

The First Point: For sure in reality the second two functions are not equal in degree to the first, but in the general view, particularly in the view of the the mass of people and of politicians in particular, and especially in contemporary thought, pursuing Islamic rule on the face of the earth with the armies of the Caliphate of Muhammad (UWBP) and Islamic unity appear a thousand times more extensive than the first function. And when someone is given that name, the latter two functions come to mind and it is given a political meaning; indeed, it may infer self-advertisement, or even hint at the wish for fame, glory, and high standing. There always have been, and still are, many ingenuous rank-seeking people desiring and claiming to be the Mahdi. It's true that a guide, a sort of Mahdi and Renewer appears every century, and has appeared, but because each has performed only one of the Mahdi's three functions, none has been accorded the title of the Supreme Mahdi of the end of time.

Also, in Denizli Court, the experts' committee said to me in connection with this belief of some of the students: "If he claims to be the Mahdi, all his students will accept it." So I told them: "I don't know whether or not I'm a sayyid People's genealogies aren't known today. But that great figure of the end of time will belong to the Prophet's (UWBP) family. For sure, I'm a sort of spiritual son of Imam 'Ali (May God be pleased with him) and have received instruction in the realities from him, and since in one meaning the family of Muhammad (Upon whom be blessings and peace) encompasses true Nur students, I too may be counted among his family. But the present is the time of the collective personality, and in the way of the Risale-i Nur there can be no egotism of any sort, or personalities, or the desire for personal rank or for winning fame and renown. And since it would totally opposed to the mystery of sincerity, and since, endless thanks be to God Almighty, He did not make me fond of myself, I would not fasten my sights on personal positions and ranks infinitely higher than my due such as that. Even if I were to be given high rank in the hereafter, I would consider myself obliged to refuse it so as not to spoil the sincerity of the Risale-i Nur." I said this, and the experts' committee were silent. ∗∗∗