Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture
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men until the onset of doomsday, for it is what is called supreme humanity. What is called lesser humanity, that is, the virtues of civilisation, is its precursor. Has it not become apparent that with minds being illuminated through meeting with other minds, the misapprehensions and delusions, resembling soil, have lifted from the shoulders of the truths of Islam. This indicates that those truths, which are the stars of the skies of guidance, will be disclosed completely and will shine and shimmer.

Enter the future, if you so wish, in defiance of our enemies and take a look: for those seeking divine unity in the trinity in the field of facts under the supervision and control of science (hikmet) are bound to be defeated and routed if, citing false arguments, they do battle with those girded with sword of proof and equipped with pure divine unity and complete and perfect beliefs and the doctrine of truth, which sound minds accept.

I swear by the wise styles (uslûb) of the Qur'an that what raises up the Christians and their likes and casts them down into the valleys of misguidance is their dismissal of reason, rejection of proof, and blind following of the clergy. While what constantly makes Islam manifest and discloses its truths in relation to the expansion of minds, is it's being founded on reality, girded with proof, consulting with reason, being seated on the throne of truth, and its conformity with the principles of wisdom that continue in sequence from pre-eternity to post-eternity. It is seen, is it not, that the beginnings and ends of the Qur'an's verses enjoin human beings to refer to their consciences and to consult with their reasons. Its verses say: "Do they not see?" , "So look!" , "Do they not reflect?" , "Do they not recall?" , "Think!" , "They do not understand!" , "They reason," "They do not think," "They know," and "So ponder over it, O you with understanding!"

I too say: "So ponder over it, O you with understanding!"

#### Conclusion

Conclusion

"So ponder over it, O you with understanding!" Penetrate to the meaning from the words' literal exterior! Reality awaits you. But don't offend it when you see it. It is most right and necessary.

4–6 October 2026 · Istanbul

13th International Bediuzzaman Symposium

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