Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture

Symposium Papers

2017 Symposium Papers

KEEPING HOPE ALIVE: A PREREQUISITE FOR A POSITIVE ACTION IN THE LIGHT OF RISALE-I NUR

Despondency and hopelessness have cast its dark clouds on humanity across globe in the modern period. Materialism and secularization have weakened and severed man’s fount of hope- faith in religion. However, action and more intensive and extensive actions have attained the symbol of modernism, but “the positive action for a better world” is yet to be defined and actualized in the contemporary world. World wars, Cold wars, Nuclearization, Environmental pollution, Ecological crisis, Militarization, Economic and social disparities do not speak of positive actions. Bediuzaman Said Nursi keeps up the hope alive in humans through his words – Risale- i- Nur and his life – lived through extreme pain, suffering, imprisonment, alienation and exile. True to the Qur’anic notion of cultivating faith in the Oneness of God and in the Day of Reward- Hereafter. Nursi expounds the Qur’anic theme of ‘the given in this world’ as a test which if appropriated positively could earn blessings for the doer. He

Abdul Majid Khan
2017 Symposium Papers

ANA: THE KEY TO THE ‘TREASURES’ OF THE UNIVERSE

The global world is faced by the ‘six diseases’ that have eaten up the peaceful coexistence and making life complicated. Within the Muslim world, the problem is worst. These diseases are demolishing the structural foundation of an organized religion like Islam. The progress and development of the Muslims in general can only be achieve through unity of purpose and togetherness. Muslims are a role model for others to emulate. Had they been abiding by the rules of collectiveness as stipulated in Islam, the whole globe could have been a peaceful place to live in. Thus, due to the absence of disseminating the beauty of Islam, the global humanity is paying the prize. The despair, deceit, enmity, despotism, disunity or individualism of a fellow man have widespread consequences upon others. Disposing positive actions towards the global problem can be of maximum help. Nursi professed that consultation, unity, hope, Islamic dignity, honesty and love are the only ways left for the Muslim nations

Mahshid Turner
2017 Symposium Papers

THE CURRENT GLOBAL SICKNESS AND ITS POSIBLE REMEDY FROM SAID NURSI’S PERSPECTIVE

The global world is faced by the ‘six diseases’ that have eaten up the peaceful coexistence and making life complicated. Within the Muslim world, the problem is worst. These diseases are demolishing the structural foundation of an organized religion like Islam. The progress and development of the Muslims in general can only be achieve through unity of purpose and togetherness. Muslims are a role model for others to emulate. Had they been abiding by the rules of collectiveness as stipulated in Islam, the whole globe could have been a peaceful place to live in. Thus, due to the absence of disseminating the beauty of Islam, the global humanity is paying the prize. The despair, deceit, enmity, despotism, disunity or individualism of a fellow man have widespread consequences upon others. Disposing positive actions towards the global problem can be of maximum help. Nursi professed that consultation, unity, hope, Islamic dignity, honesty and love are the only ways left for the Muslim nations

Aishatu Abubakar Kumo
2017 Symposium Papers

WHAT IS NURSİ’S POSITIVE ACTION?

This paper represents an exploration of thoughts and ideas rather than anything particularly academic. One thing that I should clarify from the outset is that Nursi’s positive action should not be conflated with this late 20th century social orthodoxy known as ‘positive thinking’. Positive action – musbet hareket – is not a method. It is not a strategy that is employed at a particular time as a reactive response to a particular event or situation. My argument is that for Nursi, positivity underpins ontology. Positivity underpins his epistemology, his value system and the behaviours and actions that he advocates.

Colin Turner
2019 Bangladesh-Kushtia Symposium

NURSEITIC UNDERSTANDING OF MULTI-RELIGIOUS PRACTICES: A MODEL FOR COEXISTENCE AND UNIVERSAL PEACE

This paper in adopting doctrinal method investigates the question of why the world is fraught with wars, clashes and conflicts though all religions enjoin their followers to live a peaceful life. The study seeks to explore the common grounds and teachings that ask the people of respective religions to follow the path of harmony and tolerance with special reference to Semitic scriptures which strongly advice their followers to show respect towards other religions and tolerate religious practices of other faiths. The present work tries to trace the main obstacles and barriers which are contributing not to realize the core peaceful teachings of respective religions. Finally, based on the harmonious understandings of religions structured by Said Nursi, the study aims to provide an inclusive model of socio-religious engagement which may address the bad impact of secularism and propose a set of harmonious religious approaches on the other which would solve all the religion-based clashes and

İdris Ali
2019 Bangladesh-Kushtia Symposium

Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s Thoughts and Our Rights based Human Development Approach: Compliances and Differences

There is violence everywhere. People are suffering from hunger, losing their homes. Sick children are waiting for death. On the other hand rich people are getting richer and the poor is getting poorer. Our environment is being polluted due to the difference between the rich and the poor. Especially the condition of the Muslims is getting worse. Once the Muslims ruled the world but now their children are upbringing on the mercy of others. The great Turkish scholar Bediuzzaman Said Nursi predicted this long ago. This spiritual doctor Nursi detected the disease and also prescribed the medicine. He setup moral virtues and emphasized the reformation and transformation of the individual and the society. We will discuss in this article his thoughts on how to develop human morally so that man can enjoy their fundamental rights and it will also help in developing personality and creativity.

Humayra-Binte-Kabir
2019 Bangladesh-Kushtia Symposium

Human Rights in Islam at Current Muslim World Perspective

This paper interprets the general understanding of human right in the field of personal, social, political, economic, cultural, civil, national and international sectors in Islamic law. A comparison between the Islamic law and the universal declaration of human rights proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 is represented. Efforts are made to find out the factors behind the downfall and vulnerable situation of the Muslim world as well as the resolution. It discusses different means to preserve human rights and prescribes recommendations for the Muslim world to regain their glorious achievements and to bring global peace and harmony in the light of Islam. The great schooler Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's thoughts and contributions towards human rights and brotherhood among the Muslims have also been brought into further discussion.

Ayesha Akter
2019 Bangladesh-Kushtia Symposium

THE CONCEPTUALIZATION OF JUSTICE IN THE LIGHT OF THE GLORIOUS QUR’AN: THE PERSPECTIVE OF BEDIUZZAMAN SAID NURSI

Justice as one of the major themes of the teachings of the glorious Qur’an is considered among the most important values underlined by Islam. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to explain the ideas of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi on the concept of Adl (Justice) and how the Glorious Qur’an commanded justice in daily life of Muslims. Furthermore, the content of the paper will explore the kinds of justice and how Said Nursi perceived them such as absolute justice, Distributive justice, restorative justice and relative justice. The paper is resulting that Al-Adl (Justice) as a concept and principle in Islam, which owns its bases from the Qur’an, Sunnah and practices of early generations of the Muslims coordinates the activities of man towards achieving the best benefits of this world and the next as observed by Bediuzzaman Said Nursi. The analytical method is used while gathering data. Finally, the paper highlights some suggestion on justice to the MuslimUmmah and concludes.

Abubakar Ibrahim Usman
2019 Bangladesh-Kushtia Symposium

HUMAN RIGHTS IN ISLAM

In the first Islamic society established by Muhammad (SAW) freedom of religion was instituted in Medina; women were honored and respected as equals; racial discrimination was practically eliminated; tribal warfare was replaced with united ties of brotherhood. Islam’s contribution to human rights is best appreciated when viewed against the backdrop of world history as well as the realities of modern times. When considering the question of human rights and Islam, it is important to distinguish the divinely prescribed rights of Islam from potential misinterpretation and misapplication by imperfect human beings. Islamic Shari’ah has given high attention to the establishment of justice in the Muslim community and to the entire mankind, guided Muslims on how to achieve this, laid down different rules and regulations for them to attain this end and abolished all ways and means that may impede realization of justice. Islam has prohibited violation of human rights of all kind.

ABDULQADIR SULAIMAN MUHAMMAD
2017 Symposium Papers

THE ROLE OF ISLAMIC THEOLOGY IN CREATING A BETTER WORLD: THE FOUNDATIONAL VIEWS OF RISALE-I NUR

The world is today undergoing critical challenges of political, socio-economic and religious dimensions. Mankind had never before been obsessed with phenomenal issues of poverty, environmental degradation, and climatic upheavals resulting in drought and floods and an alarming level of moral turpitude as being witnessed in most communities around the world. It is against this general background the paper examines the role of Islamic theology in fashioning a better world order. The paper begins by discussing the foundations of Islamic theology from the perspective of Risale-i Nur. It proceeds to discuss the practical solutions offered by Risale-i Nur in the different spheres of life. The paper concludes by advocating a new thinking in the way the world will be transformed into a better place, especially by examining the doctrinal and theological bases presented by Risale-i Nur. These solutions have universal application for mankind.

Vaffi Foday Sheriff
2017 Symposium Papers

An Outline of Said Nursi’s Interpretation of Jihad: Jihad of the Word and Positive Action

The differences in Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s interpretation of jihad between the two main periods of his life reflect differences between the two major periods of Turkish history with which they coincided – the final decades of the Ottoman Empire and first thirty-five years of the republic. Though the differences appear to be greater than the similarities, there are in fact essential continuities. These concern his view that endeavours to uphold the Word of God (i‘lâ-yı kelimetullah), an objective related to jihad, should be directed primarily towards internal problems of Muslim society rather than externally towards the unbelievers. This meant a struggle for progress and civilisation in the earlier period, and a moral and intellectual “jihad of the word” against the “moral and spiritual destruction” of materialistic philosophies in the latter. In both periods, he endorsed the view that armed jihad was permissible only in the face of external aggression.

Şükran Vahide
2017 Symposium Papers

The future of humanity in the works of Said Nursi and Vladimir Solovyov

Turkish Islamic theologian Said Nursi (1878-1960) and the Russian Christian philosopher Vladimir Soloviev (1853-1900) lived and worked in different eras and cultures, but they share a focus on a future, dominated by spiritual values. Said Nursi based his views on the Qur'anic texts and proceeded from the fact that Muslims, Jews and Christians are People of the Book. He saw in science and the logic of the path leading to the future, for the distribution of their works not only in the Islamic environment, but also around the world. Through affirmative action, he sought to achieve a better future for all people. Vladimir Solovyov appealed to Bible texts for religious morality. He aspired to the unity of the theological, philosophical and scientific knowledge, to the unity of the Christian world, to engage in dialogue with representatives of all religions, but especially with Muslims and Jews. By Christian politics he has seen the transition from bad reality to the Kingdom of God on earth

Sergey Mezentsev
2017 Symposium Papers

NURSI’S CALL TO HIS RHETORICAL AUDIENCE IN DAMASCUS SERMON

This study aims to identify the projection of audience through a rhetorical analysis in Damascus Sermon written by Said Nursi. Specifically, the analysis focuses on Nursi’s call to his rhetorical audience to be mediators of change. The Sermon is analysed using a qualitative research method through an explanatory case study based on Bitzer’s (1968, 1980) rhetorical situation theory. The findings reveal that Nursi’s call for ‘positive action’ to his present and envisioned rhetorical audience is embedded in the solution he provides in the form of six ‘Words’ to cure the “six dire sicknesses" of Muslims in particular. Although there are limitations in this study as it only focuses on the audience, the findings are worth considering as audience play an important role through their actions which are crucial for positive modification in any rhetorical situations. The implications from the study can benefit audience, create orators’ awareness and contribute to the field of rhetorical studies.

Nur Sakinah Thomas
2017 Symposium Papers

Social Impact of the Period of “The Kastamonu Letters” to Spread the Ideas of “Risale-i-Nur” in the Education of Youth

In this article we analyze the impact of the activity and the spread of ideas of the “Risale-i Nur” in the education of the young generation. “The Kastamonu Letters” is an interesting and valuable combination of Nursi’s guidelines with life and everyday issues; it raises the curtain and allows us to understand better the goals and directions of the “Risale-i Nur”. Thus, the analysis of the letters, as an impact on the education of the youth, allows us more to systematize the appeal of Said Nursi, to structure the areas, that these guidelines were covered. They help us not to get lost in a world full of challenges, doubts and temptations. They help us to get united in a holistic circles of family, society, and state. They help us not be absorbed by the wish of the authorities, but not to stay out of your homeland and state. So, the adoption of values and the rule-management of the “Risale-i-Nur” can be considered the basis for the social order and for the socialization of the younger ge

Nataliia Malynovska
2017 Symposium Papers

Towards Positive Action Building: Religious Understanding and Coexistence in Tafsir Isharat al-I’jaz by Said Nursi

Isharat al-I’jaz fi Mazan al-Ijaz is one of the most advanced pieces of tafsir scholarship in the 20th century, in which Said Nursi dealt with the problem of religious understanding, and described the very spiritual roots of the revelation where the faith in one God was so obvious that even the differences in approaching religious systems were mentioned as “signs” of the Unity. In this relation, Said Nursi has not been limiting religious understanding to the problem of social relations between various religions, but proposed a model of tolerant and just attitude as a result of the internal spiritual efforts towards positive action: we are recognizing other beliefs not because we are doubt in our own, but just in order to convey what we perceive as a Truth. This kind of the “intellectual humility” considered along with the positive action ideology is one of the most copious intellectual trends in the thought of Said Nursi. Hopefully new studies will bring new light on his explanation of

Mykhaylo Yakubovych
2017 Symposium Papers

Theoretical and Conceptual Perspectives on Positive Action

The foundation of brotherhood in our relationships between human beings promotes the unity and solidarity between us, wishing for the other one what you wish for you, helping each other, feeling their pain and even more, preferring the soul of your brother over yours when receiving benefits, thanks to the compassion and mercy which have to be made use of to achieve the true love that is pure to be followed with sincerity to our Creator. Also, we have to observe patience because it plays an important role in the goal to act positively, which also express sincerity to Allah; according to the Quran: “Allah loves the patients”, accepting the Divine Determination, trusting the Almighty. Everything bounded by the principle of unity which marked our existence with infinitive unities, as the fact of having only One Creator, only one earth, everyone called to achieve an only One Unity of faith which needs the unity of hearts to lead finally in a Social Unity among everyone in order to reach the

Jenny Gamarra Jara
2017 Symposium Papers

REMEDIES IN RISALE-I NUR FOR HUMAN TRIBULATIONS: AN OBSERVATION

Islam has a great capacity to remove tribulations from the human mind and from the society as well. The light house of the era, Nursi believes that the spread of a combined education of religious and modern sciences, the reduction of sectarian groups, the enhancement of humanitarian works; the improvement in spirituality and the enlightenment against sectarianism in Islamic society and Islamic world will protect Islam from a religious trauma. We have tried to explore certain ways for Muslim believers to enhance their capability against mental and physical tribulation in the light of Risale-i Nur. If we obey and follow methods, then the world will become friendlier for human integration.

Md. Iqbal Hossain
2017 Symposium Papers

PROBLEMATIZING THE MODERN CITY A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE FRAMEWORKS OF JACQUES ELLUL AND SAID NURSI

My aim in this paper is to present the concept of the “city” as a problem that is not only sociological in nature, but also theological. I have approached the concept from the perspective of the French historian and sociologist Jacques Ellul who defines it as a theological construct within a particular Christian worldview. The “city” from the Ellulian view is symbolic and represents an act of rebellion against God, and an arrogant desire to be independent of God and provide one’s own security. With this in mind, I aim to examine how this problematized and particular definition of the city as a corrupting force have parallels in the writings of Islamic thinkers, such as Ibn Khaldun and, focussed on in this particular paper - that of Said Nursi. I argue that like Ellul, the Nursian city has a dialectic counterpart with a city that is heavenly, that its current earthly problems lie in its being the most complete representative of aggressive materialism and negative naturalism.

Hossein Turner
2017 Symposium Papers

ASSESSMENT OF NURSÎ' S IDEA AND OPINION (İÇTİHAD) ABOUT FORMATION OF PEACEFUL PERSON AND SOCIETY

The article focuses on the idea and opinion of Nursî about the formation of peaceful society. According to Nursî; betterments in the welfare and capability of people and the community are brought about to produce a peaceful and libertarian environment; and this is the environment in which the duties of the people are fulfilled. Nursî hence emphasized the importance of calmness in individual society and revealed that faith and Islamic values carry out great functions. According to him religion is a way of life in agreement with nature. For this reason Nursî's community model is one that is based on religion, centered around belief and Allah's consent to determine the correct actions when dealing with outer and inner world. Sometimes Nursî referred to functionality of God’s attributes in Risale-i Nur which expounds the fascination in the universe as a reflecton of Allah's name "Vedûd". Thus, macro and micro cosmic entities in the universe have gravitational forces in synchrony and fine

Hayati Aydın

4–6 October 2026 · Istanbul

13th International Bediuzzaman Symposium

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