Letters Category;
The present work forms the second volume of the Risale-i Nur Collection and consists of the most important letters, and those of most general interest, written by Bediuzzaman Said Nursi to his students between and 1932, while in exile in Barla, an isolated village in the province of Isparta in South-Western Anatolia. Other letters belonging to this period are included in one of the collections of additional letters, also volumes of the Risale-i Nur, called Barla Lahikasý (Barla Letters). The letters in the present volume cover many subjects and were set in order and numbered, not chronologically, by the author. They were largely written in reply to questions put by his students, and also in reply to criticisms of and attacks on various questions of belief and Islam made in that time of oppression by those inimical to religion and Islam.
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Letters Articles;
Letters
Contents
Seeds of Reality
Aphorisms compiled from a number of Bediuzzaman's early works, which were first published in 1920.
The Eight Letter
In accordance with the verse, God is the Best of Protectors and He is the Most Merciful of the. Merciful, this shows that what the Prophet Jacob (Upon whom be peace} felt for Joseph (Upon whom be peace), was not love of a passionate kind, but compassion - compassion being more elevated and pure, and the means of attaining to the Divine Names of Merciful and Compassionate.
The Eighteenth Letter
This consists of Three Important Matters. The First explains and illustrates by means of a comparison how sometimes the things the saints witness and have unfolded to them through illumination in other worlds and levels of existence appear contrary to reality in this Manifest World. The Second: A clear explanation of the way of the Unity of Existence, which has been the cause of confusion and controversy. It proves that the way of the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) and the veracious, the people of sobriety, is sounder and more elevated and acceptable. An Addendum to the Second Matter The Third: A brief indication the solution of one of the three main riddles of creation. These have been solved completely in the Twenty-Ninth and Thirtieth Words, and this third one, in the Twenty-Fourth Letter.
The Eleventh Letter
Four Topics. Expounding the verse, Indeed the wiles of Satan are weak, the First is a cure for those who suffer from scruples. The Second is included in the Seventeenth Word, and not repeated here. The Third and Fourth are two examples demonstrating the impotence of modern civilization before the Qur'an. The examples show how the Qur'anic decrees on women's inheritence are both pure justice and pure compassion.
The Fifteenth Letter
Six important answers to six important questions: The First: The answer in 'Two Stations' to the questions why the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) did not perceive the troublemakers with the eye of sainthood, so that it resulted in three of the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs being martyred. For it is said the Companions were greater than the saints. The Second: What was the true nature of the wars that started in Ali's (RA} time? How should those who took part in them be described? The Third: A most important answer concerning the wisdom in the cruel treatment received by members of the Prophet's Family. The Fourth: It says in narrations that after Jesus (UWP) kills the Dajjal at the end of time, most people will enter the true religion, however others state that no one will remain who says, Allah! Allah! A convincing answer to this. The Fifth: An explanation of the question: Will the immortal spirits be grieved by the events of the Last Day? The Sixth: A satisfying answer to the question, Does the verse, Everything will perish save His countenance include the Hereafter and Paradise and Hell?
The Fifth Letter
Written in the face of the tendency of some people to attach too much importance to Sufism at the expense of serving the cause of spreading the truths of belief, this letter points out the three sorts of sainthood and that the way of 'greater sainthood' is following the Practices of the Prophet (PBUH) and direct service to the truths of belief at this time. It states that the unfolding of the truths of belief is the most important aim of the Sufi ways, and that this is also possible through the Risale-i Nur, but in a shorter time.
The First Letter
The answers to four questions: The First is a convincing answer to a question about Hazrat Khidr's life, and in connection with it explains the five levels of life. The Second explains how, in accordance with certain Qur'anic verses, death is created and a bounty, like life. The Third: A most reasonable explanation of where Hell is situated, of the Greater and Lesser Hells. It points out in reasoned manner the wisdom in the creation of the Greater Hell, and how in majestic fashion, manifesting Divine favour and wrath, Heaven and Hell are the two fruits of the tree of the universe and will be filled with the produce of this world. The Fourth: This shows that like metaphorical love for individuals may be transformed into true love, so too, through belief in God, metaphorical love for this world may be transformed into true love, which is acceptable.
The Fourteenth Letter
was not written
The Fourth Letter
This makes two points about the Risale-i Nur and its way: firstly, that it manifests the meaning of the verse, He who has been given wisdom......; and secondly, about 'the way of impotence'. Finally is a piece "resembling poetry" on the Utterance of the Stars.
The Nineteenth Letter
Itself a marvel in several respects, this Letter describes more; than three hundred miracles of Muhammed (PBUH). It consists of Nineteen Signs. The First Sign establishes that the Master and Owner of the Universe will speak with man, and foremost the most perfect of mankind, with Muhammed (PBUH), and make him the guide to the rest of humanity. Second Sign: On the prophethood of Muhammed. Third Sign: The evidences for Muhammed's Prophethood. Fourth Sign: Comprises Six Principles to ensure a complete understanding of the subject of the Noble Prophet's predictions concerning his Companions, his Family, and his Community. Fifth Sign: Examples of Hadiths concerning the Prophet's predictions relating to the Unseen. It includes important answers to the questions of why Ali did not precede the others in holding the Caliphate, and why Islam experienced such disorders during his Caliphate; why the Caliphate did not remain in his Family; and the reasons for the dissensions at that time. Sixth Sign: Consists of further predictions of future events, and includes the answer to a question about the Shi'a's love for Ali. Seventh Sign: Sixteen examples relating to the Prophet's (PBUH) effecting increase in food. Eighth Sign: Relates miracles which were manifested in connection with water. Ninth Sign: Examples of miracles related to trees: Like human beings, trees obeyed his orders, and moving from their places, came to him. Tenth Sign: The miracle of the Moaning of the Pole. Eleventh Sign: Shows how rocks and mountains from among lifeless creatures demonstrated prophetic miracles. Twelfth Sign: Consists of three examples related to the Eleventh Sign, but which are of great importance. Thirteenth Sign: Examples of the Noble Prophet's healing the sick and the wounded. Fourteenth Sign: This describes wonders manifested as a result of his prayers. Fifteenth Sign: Consists of Three Branches: The First shows how the animal kingdom recognized the Prophet (PBUH) and displayed his miracles. The Second concerns corpses, jinns, and angels recognizing the Noble Prophet. The Third is the protection and preservation of the Noble Prophet, of which there were many instances, and which were clear miracles. Sixteenth Sign: Describes the wonders that took place before his prophetic mission, but which were related to it, called irhasat. They were of three kinds: The First Kind: The tidings of Muhammed's Prophethood given by the Torah, the Bible, the Psalms of David, and other scriptures. The Second Kind: Tidings of his coming given by soothsayers, and people known at that time as saints and gnostics The Third Kind: The wondrous events that occurred at the time of, and in conjunction with, the birth of the Noble Prophet (PBUH). Seventeenth Sign: The Prophet's own self. Eighteenth Sign: The greatest miracle of the Noble Prophet, the All-Wise Qur'an. It consists of Three Points describing aspects of the Qur'an's miraculousness. Nineteenth Sign: Fifteen Principles indicating the integrity, truthfulness, and veracity of the Noble Prophet (PBUH), the most brilliant and conclusive proof of Divine Unity and eternal happiness. FIRST ADDENDUM TO THE MIRACLES OF MUHAMMED: The Nineteenth Word, it proves decisively and explains the Prophethood of Muhammed, silencing even the most obdurate opponents. SECOND ADDENDUM: About the Miracle of the Splitting of the Moon. Refuting objections made to the miracle in the name of science, it demonstrates that there was nothing to prevent its occurrence, and proves clearly that it happened. THIRD ADDENDUM: About the Prophethood of Muhammed (PBUH), this is a concise index-like answer to the question in the Treatise on the Ascension: "Why was this mighty Ascension particular to Muhammed the Arabian (Upon whom be blessings and peace)?" FOURTH ADDENDUM: The Sixteenth Degree, on the Prophethood of Muhammed, from the Supreme Sign.
The Ninth Letter
A discussion of wonder-working (kerâmet), Divine bestowal, and Divine favour which points out that although it is harmful to display wonderworking, it is a form of thanks to make known Divine bestowal, since it is a bounty. Secondly is an explanation of how intense emotions such as curiosity, love, greed, ambition, and stubbornness are of two sorts metaphorical and real. Having been given in order to gain the matters of the Hereafter, while the former sort are the source of bad morals, the latter are beneficial and the source of good morals. Thirdly is a discussion on the differences between 'Islam' and 'belief' (Iman)
The Second Letter
Six reasons why, in accordance with Qur'anic verses, those working for the cause of religion should practice self-sufficiency, and if there is no compelling reason to do so, not accept alms and gifts.
The Seventeenth Letter
A letter of condolence on the death of a child. Although it is short and addressed to a close student of Bediuzzaman, it is of considerable general benefit. It establishes that, as the Qur'an teaches, children who die before the age of puberty remain as children in the Everlasting Realm, and are returned to the embrace of their parents.
The Seventh Letter
A decisive answer to atheists at the present time who seek to criticize the Prophet Muhammed's (PBUH) number of wives and his marriage with Zaynab in particular, pointing out some important instances of wisdom in his marriages.
THE SIXTEENTH LETTER
This consists of Five Points: First Point explains that service of the Qur'an forbad Bediuzzaman from any involvement in politics, which at that time consisted mostly of falsehood, innovation, and misguidance. Second Point: Service to the Qur'an and working seriously for the Hereafter necessitated his aloofness from politics; it therefore was not a case of his looking tolerantly on the errors and activities of the politicians, he did not concern himself with them at all. Third Point: This relates two stories illustrating an important reason for Bediuzzaman enduring the severe oppression to which he was subject. Fourth Point: The answer to a number of suspicious questions put to him by 'the worldly'. It describes some undeniable instances of Divine favours connected with his service to the Qur'an. Fifth Point: A reply which reduces to silence those who were unjustly proposing certain of their 'principles' and innovations to Bediuzzaman. ADDENDUM TO THE SIXTEENTH LETTER: Written to dispel the groundless fears and suspicions of the authorities and atheists concerning Bediuzzaman, despite his having completely withdrawn from the world and politics; also written to preserve the dignity of learning.
The Sixth Letter
This explains the meaning of two verses concerning reliance on God, and describes a light and consolation proceeding from them and belief which dispelled the darkness of five grievous degrees of exile.
The Tenth Letter
This consists of the answers to two questions. The First explains the realities of the 'Clear Book' and the 'Clear Record', mentioned in several places in the Qur'an. While the Second is a convincing explanation of where the Great Gathering and Last Judgement will take place.
The Third Letter
A description of two verses which in miraculous fashion allude to the face of the heavens and orderly motion of the heavenly bodies. It includes Two Points, the First explaining how the wicked will travel to Hell, the Second showing the infinite ease in Unity and infinite difficulty in multiplicity.
The Thirteenth Letter
The reply, written in the tongue of the Old Said, to frequent questions as to how Bediuzzaman endured the oppression inflicted on him by the politicians and 'the worldly'. It shows how the varieties of ill-treatment were transformed by Divine Mercy into various sorts of mercy. It also gives the reasons Bediuzzaman did not apply for his release papers, and in addition for his total indifference towards politics.
THE THIRTIETH LETTER
The Arabic Qur'anic commentary, Signs of Miraculousness (Isharat al-I'jaz).
THE THIRTY-FIRST LETTER: The Thirty-One Flashes.
THE THIRTY-FIRST LETTER: The Thirty-One Flashes.
THE THIRTY-SECOND LETTER: The treatise in free verse called Leme'at. It is also the Thirty-Second Fl
THE THIRTY-SECOND LETTER: The treatise in free verse called Leme'at. It is also the Thirty-Second Flash and has been included at the end of The Words.
THE THIRTY-THIRD LETTER: Thirty-Three Windows making known the Creator. Since in one respect it is t
THE THIRTY-THIRD LETTER: Thirty-Three Windows making known the Creator. Since in one respect it is the Thirty-Third Word, it has been included in The Words and not repeated here.
The Twelfth Letter
The brief replies to three questions disputed over by some people with a modern educational background. The First is a decisive answer to why Adam was expelled from Paradise and why some of his descendants are sent to Hell The Second explains why the creation of evil is not evil, and why Divine Mercy permits it. The Third explains why calamities and tribulations being inflicted on even the innocent and animals is not tyrannical or contrary to justice.
The Twentieth Letter
This contains Two Stations and an Introduction, and expounds the verse, So know there is no god but God, and the eleven phrases of the Hadith: There is no god but God, He is One, He has no partner etc. The First Station points out the good news for man that each phrase contains, and the Second demonstrates with powerful proofs the degrees of the true affirmation Divine Unity. ADDENDUM TO THE TENTH PHRASE OF THE TWENTIETH LETTER: That is: And He is Powerful over all things. It points out through three comparisons that when everything is attributed to Divine Power, they become as simple as one thing, and if they are not and are ascribed to things other than Him, each thing becomes as difficult as all things.
The Twenty-Eighth Letter
This consists of Eight Matters. First Matter: Seven Points explaining the reality and benefits of true dreams. Second Matter: This was written to put a stop to and solve an argument about the Hadith which describes how Moses (Upon whom be peace) struck Azrail (Upon whom be peace) in the eye, and is a satisfying answer to objections of this sort levelled at Hadiths by the people of misguidance. Third Matter: Five Points stating that those who visit Bediuzzaman should do so only in respect of his being herald of the Qur'an, not with any other intention. It mentions too a number of examples of the Divine favours associated with service of the Qur'an that Bediuzzaman and his students had received. A supplement to it enumerates some Divine favours in the writing of the Words. Fourth Matter: Four Points written in the tongue of the Old Said, in reply to questions about the small mosque Bediuzzaman used being unlawfully raided on a number of occasions, and subsequently closed. Fifth Matter: On Thanks; this expounds most convincingly the many Qur'anic commands to offer thanks. It demonstrates that the universe is a treasury with thanks being the key; and that sustenance is its result and the introduction to thanks. Sixth Matter: This was not included here, as it was to be included in another collection. Seventh Matter: This consists of Seven Signs describing seven instances of Divine favour connected with the Risale-i Nur and those who serve it. These are preceded by Seven Reasons for making known the seven Divine favours. Answer to a Confidential Question: explains the power and effectiveness of the Risale-i Nur. Conclusion to the Seventh Matter: describes a further Divine favour in the form of the 'coincidences' (tawafuqat). Eighth Matter: This consists of Eight Points, which form the answers to six questions: First Point: concerns the signs of the Unseen in the form of 'coincidences' being found in all the parts of the Risale-i Nur. Second and Third Points were not included. Fourth Point: Consists of answers to six questions about the Last Judgement and Great Gathering. Fifth Point: In the period between prophets, did the forefathers of the Noble Prophet (PBUH) belong to a religion and were they religious? Sixth Point: Were there any prophets among the Prophet's (PBUH) forefathers? Seventh Point: Which of the narrations about the belief of the Prophet's parents and his grandfather are the most authentic? Eighth Point: What is the authentic narration concerning his uncle, Abu Talib?
The Twenty-Fifth Letter
This was to consist of Twenty-Five Points about Sura Ya Sin, but was not realized.
The Twenty-First Letter
A short but important letter showing how on five levels the verse, Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life.... summons children to be kindly to their parents.
The Twenty-Fourth Letter
This consists of Two Stations which solve one of the most obscure riddles of the universe, and form an answer to the question: How can the Divine Names of All-Compassionate, Wise, and Loving be reconciled with death, separation, calamity, and suffering? The First Station consists of Five Signs which show the necessitating cause and reason, the Second Station, Five Indications, which point out the aims and benefits. FIRST ADDENDUM TO THE TWENTY-FOURTH LETTER: In Five Points, this expounds important aspects of the verse, No importance would your Sustainer attach to you, were it not for your supplication. SECOND ADDENDUM: A most convincing, reasoned answer, in Five Points, to three important questions about the Ascension of the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) and the 'Mevlid'. The Conclusion shows that the most perfect individual and the universal master of the cosmos is the Noble Prophet (PBUH).