   Volume Two of the Risale-i Nur Collection
Bediuzzaman Said Nursi Letters 1928-1932
[New edition 2008]
Contents
THE FIRST LETTER: The answers to four questions:
The First answers a question about Khidr’s life, and in connection with it explains the five levels of life. 19
The Second explains how, in accordance with Qur’anic verses, death is created and a bounty, like life. 21
The Third describes where Hell is situated, and the Greater and Lesser Hells. It explains 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. 23
The Fourth shows that like passing love for individuals may be transformed into true love, so through belief in God, passing love for this world may be transformed into true love, which is acceptable 25
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. 28
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 unit y and infinite difficulty in multiplicity. 31
THE FOURTH LETTER 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. 35
THE FIFTH LETTER: In the face of the tendency to attach too much importance to Sufism at the expense of spreading the truths of belief, this letter describes the three sorts of sainthood. It states that the unfolding of the truths of belief is the chief aim of the Sufi ways, and that this is also possible through the Risale-i Nur, but in a shorter time. 38
THE SIXTH LETTER: This explains the meaning of two verses about reliance on God, and describes a light and consolation proceeding from them and from belief that dispelled the darkness of five grievous degrees of exile. 40
THE SEVENTH LETTER: A decisive answer to atheists who seek to criticize the Prophet Muhammad’s (UWBP) number of wives and his marriage with Zaynab in particular, which elucidates some important instances of wisdom in his marriages. 43
THE EIGHTH LETTER: In explanation of the verse, “God is the Best of Protectors and He is the Most Merciful of the Merciful,” this shows that what the Prophet Jacob (UWP) felt for Joseph (UWP), 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. 46
THE NINTH LETTER: A discussion about wonder-working (kerâmet), divine bestowal, and divine favour which points out that although it is harmful to display wonder-working, 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, worldly and real, the purpose of the latter being to gain the hereafter. The former sort are the source of bad morals, but the latter are beneficial and the source of good morals. Thirdly is a discussion about the differences between Islam and belief or faith (iman). 48
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. 52
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 inheritance are both pure justice and pure compassion. 55
THE TWELFTH LETTER: The brief replies to three questions disputed over by some people with a modern educational background.
The First explains why Adam was expelled from Paradise and why some of his descendants are sent to Hell. 58
The Second explains why the creation of evil is not evil, and why divine mercy permits it. 59
The Third explains why calamities and tribulations being inflicted on even the innocent and animals is not tyrannical or contrary to justice. 61
THE THIRTEENTH LETTER: The reply 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 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. 63
THE FOURTEENTH LETTER was not written.
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 (UWBP) did not perceive the troublemakers with the eye of sainthood, so that it resulted in three of the four Rightly- Guided Caliphs being martyred. 68
The Second: What was the true nature of the wars that started in ‘Ali’s time? How should those who took part in them be looked upon? 70
The Third: An important answer explaining the wisdom in the cruel treatment received by members of the Prophet’s Family. 73
The Fourth: Narrations state that when Jesus (UWP) kills the Dajjal at the end of time, most people will enter the true religion, while others say that no one will remain who says, “Allah! Allah!” A convincing answer to this. 74
The Fifth: An explanation of the question: Will the immortal spirits be grieved by the events of the Last Day? 77
The Sixth: A satisfying answer to the question, Does the verse, “Everything will perish save His countenance” include the hereafter and Paradise and Hell? 77
THE SIXTEENTH LETTER consists of five points:
First Point explains that service of the Qur’an precluded Bediuzzaman’s involvement in politics. 80
Second Point: Service of the Qur’an and working seriously for the hereafter necessitated his aloofness from politics. 81
Third Point: Two stories illustrating why Bediuzzaman endured the severe oppression he was subject to. 83 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 of the Qur’an. 85
Fifth Point: The replies concerning five further matters. 89
ADDENDUM TO THE SIXTEENTH LETTER: Written to dispel the groundless fears 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. 92
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 interest. 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. 97
THE EIGHTEENTH LETTER 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. 101
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 (UWBP) and the veracious, the people of sobriety, is sounder and more elevated and acceptable. 103
An Addendum to the Second Matter 106
The Third: A brief indication solving 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 Twent y-Fourth Letter. 110
THE NINETEENTH LETTER, The Miracles of Muhammad (UWBP): Itself a marvel in several respects, this Letter describes more than three hundred miracles of Muhammad (UWBP). It consists of nineteen signs. 112
The First Sign establishes that the Master and Owner of the Universe will speak with man, and foremost the most perfect of mankind, with Muhammad (UWBP), and make him the guide to the rest of humanity. 114
Second Sign: On the prophethood of Muhammad (UWBP) 115
Third Sign: The evidences for Muhammad’s (UWBP) messengership 116
Fourth Sign: Six principles ensuring a complete understanding of the Noble Prophet’s predictions about his Companions, his family, and his community. 118
Fifth Sign: Examples of Hadiths concerning the Prophet’s (UWBP) 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. 125
Sixth Sign: Further predictions of future events, and includes the answer to a question about the Shi‘a’s love for ‘Ali. 132
Seventh Sign: Sixteen examples relating to the Prophet’s (UWBP) effecting increase in food. 140
Eighth Sign: Relates miracles which were manifested in connection with water. 149
Ninth Sign: Examples of miracles related to trees. Like human beings, trees obeyed his orders, and moving from their places, came to him. 155
Tenth Sign: The miracle of the Moaning of the Pole. 159
Eleventh Sign: Shows how rocks and mountains from among lifeless creatures demonstrated prophetic miracles. 162
Twelfth Sign: Consists of three examples related to the Eleventh Sign, but which are of great importance. 166
Thirteenth Sign: Examples of the Prophet’s (UWBP) healing the sick and the wounded. 169
Fourteenth Sign describes wonders manifested as a result of his prayers. 175
Fifteenth Sign: Consists of three branches:
The First shows how the animal kingdom recognized the Prophet (UWBP) and displayed his miracles. 185
The Second concerns corpses, jinns, and angels recognizing God’s Messenger (UWBP). 189
The Third is the protection and preservation of the Noble Prophet (UWBP), of which there were many instances, and which were clear miracles. 193
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 Muhammad’s Prophethood given by the Torah, the Bible, the Psalms of David, and other scriptures. 197
The Second Kind: Tidings of his coming given by soothsayers, and people known as saints and gnostics. 209
The Third Kind: The wondrous events that occurred at the time of, and in conjunction with, the birth of God’s Noble Messenger (UWBP). 214
Seventeenth Sign: The Messenger’s (UWBP) own self 217
Eighteenth Sign: The greatest miracle of the Messenger (UWBP), the All- Wise Qur’an. It consists of three points describing aspects of the Qur’an’s miraculousness 219
Nineteenth Sign: Fifteen Principles indicating the integrity, and veracity of the Prophet (UWBP), the most conclusive proof of divine unity and eternal happiness. 228
FIRST ADDENDUM TO THE MIRACLES OF MUHAMMAD (UWBP): The Nineteenth Word, it proves decisively and explains the Messengership of Muhammad (UWBP). 236
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. 245
THIRD ADDENDUM: About the Messengership of Mu-hammad (UWBP), this is a concise answer to the question in the Treatise on the Ascension: “Why was this mighty Ascension particular to Muhammad the Arabian (UWBP)?” 250
FOURTH ADDENDUM: The Sixteenth Degree, on the Messengership of Muhammad, from The Supreme Sign. 254
THE TWENTIETH LETTER 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 contained in each phrase, and the second demonstrates with powerful proofs the degrees of the true affirmation of divine unity. 261
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 all things are 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. 298
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. 303
THE TWENTY-SECOND LETTER: In accordance with a number of Qur’anic verses, the First Topic summons believers to love and brotherhood. It points out effective ways of preventing discord, rancour, and enmity, and proves that they are extremely damaging both from the point of view of truth, wisdom, humanity, and Islam, and for personal, social, and spiritual life, and are to be rejected. 306
The Second Topic points out effective ways of avoiding greed, another awesome disease, as harmful for the life of Islam as enmit y. It also explains the importance of zakat and the wisdom in this pillar of Islam.. 316
Conclusion showing how the Qur’an reproaches the backbiter on six levels with the verse, “Would any among you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother?” 321
THE TWENTY-THIRD LETTER: The answers to seven questions: 323
The First: What is the best way believers can pray for one another? 324
The Second: May the phrase “May God be pleased with him” be used for anyone other than the Companions? 325
The Third: Which were superior, the great interpreters of the Holy Law, or the ‘shahs’ of the true Sufi paths? 325
The Fourth: What is the meaning of the verse, “God is with those who patiently persevere?” 326
The Fifth: How did the Prophet (UWBP) worship before his prophetic mission? 327
The Sixth: What was the wisdom in his prophethood commencing when he was forty years of age? 327
The Seventh: Is the following a Hadith: “The best of your youths are those who resemble men of mature age.”? 328
The letter concludes with a subtle point about Joseph’s (UWP) elevated veracity, inspired by the verse, “Take my soul at death as one submitting to Your will.” 329
THE TWENTY-FOURTH LETTER consists of two stations which solve one of the 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. 330
FIRST ADDENDUM TO THE TWENTY-FOURTH LETTER: In five points, this expounds significant aspects of the verse, “No importance would your Sustainer attach to you, were it not for your supplication” 347
SECOND ADDENDUM: A convincing, reasoned answer, in five points, to three important questions about the Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (UWBP) and the Mevlid. The conclusion shows God’s Messenger (UWBP) to be the most perfect person in the cosmos and its universal master. 352
THE TWENTY-FIFTH LETTER was to consist of twenty-five points about Sura Ya. Sin., but was not realized.
THE TWENTY-SIXTH LETTER: Consists of four topics.
First Topic: ‘A Proof of the Qur’an Against Satan and His Party.’ This defeats in argument the Devil and his followers by refuting clearly one of their cunning stratagems, which is to be ‘unbiased;’ that is, their deceiving people into considering the Qur’an and matters of religion impartially.. 359
Second Topic explains how a person may have numerous personalities in respect of his different duties, and describes the author’s three personalities. 370
Third Topic: In seven matters, this expounds the verse, “We... made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other,” pointing out significant truths about social relations and mankind being created as different peoples and groups. A beneficial remedy for nationalism, an awesome disease of the times, and also exposes the pseudo-patriots and their fraudulent attitudes. 372
Fourth Topic: Consists of ten unrelated matters, which form the answers to six questions.
First Matter explains several points inspired by the Qur’an related to “the worlds” in the phrase “Sustainer of All the Worlds,” and their numbering eighteen thousand. 379
Second Matter explains what Muhyi’l-Din al-‘Arabi meant by saying to Fakhr al-Din Razi: “To know God is different to knowing He exists.” 381 Third Matter: How the verse, “We have honoured the sons of Adam,” is conformable with the verse, “He was indeed unjust and foolish?” 382
Fourth Matter: A brilliant reply to a question about the wisdom contained in the Hadith: “Renew your belief by means of ‘There is no god but God.’” 383
Fifth Matter: Are both parts of the confession of faith necessary? 386
Sixth Matter: With a comparison, this drives Satan and his party into a corner and takes possession of the field in the name of the Qur’an, thus showing all the Prophet’s (UWBP) qualities and conduct to be miraculous and proving his prophethood. 387
Seventh Matter: Seven brief examples of people who for various reasons ceased their service to the Qur’an and received blows contrary to their intentions, written to strengthen their morale and dispel their groundless fears. 389
Eighth Matter: A lucid explanation of why the Qur’an and glorifications of the Prophet (UWBP) cannot be translated 391
Ninth Matter: A reply to the question, “Can there be saints outside the Sunnis, since they are the people of truth?” 394
Tenth Matter: Principles for Bediuzzaman’s visitors, who are of three sorts, and their connection with his three personalities. 394
THE TWENTY-SEVENTH LETTER has been published separately under the titles of Barla Lahikası, Kastamonu Lahikası, and Emirdağ Lahikası.
THE TWENTY-EIGHTH LETTER consists of eight matters.
First Matter: Seven points explaining the reality and benefits of true dreams. 399
Second Matter: A reply intending to solve an argument about the Hadith which describes how Moses (UWP) struck Azra’il (UWP) in the eye, and is a satisfying answer to objections of this sort levelled at Hadiths.. 404
Third Matter: Five points explaining 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 some examples of the divine favours associated with service of the Qur’an that Bediuzzaman and his students had received. 408
Fourth Matter: Four points written in the tongue of the Old Said, in reply to questions about the small mosque he used being unlawfully raided on a number of occasions, and subsequently closed 415
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 prompts thanks. 419
Sixth Matter: This was not included here as it was to be included in another collection.
Seventh Matter 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 above favours. 424
Answer to a Confidential Question explains the power and effectiveness of the Risale-i Nur. 434
Conclusion to the Seventh Matter describes a further divine favour in the form of the coincidences (tevâfukat) 436
Eighth Matter consists of eight points, which form the answers to six questions:
First Point concerns ‘coincidences’ being found in all the parts of the Risale-i Nur. 439
Second and Third Points were not included.
Fourth Point consists of answers to six questions about the Last Judgement and Great Gathering 441
Fifth Point: In the period between prophets, did the Messenger’s (UWBP) forefathers belong to a religion and were they religious? 443
Sixth Point: Were there any prophets among the Messenger’s (UWBP) forefathers? 444
Seventh Point: Which of the narrations about the belief of the Messenger’s (UWBP) parents and his grandfather are the most authentic? 444
Eighth Point: Which is the authentic narration concerning his uncle, Abu Talib? 445
THE TWENTY-NINTH LETTER consists of nine sections, and contains twenty-nine important points.
First Section is nine points.
First Point: An answer to those who say, “The Qur’an’s mysteries are not known; the commentators have not understood its realities.” 447
Second Point: Explains the wisdom in such Qur’anic oaths as, “By the sun and its glorious splendour.” 448
Third Point is about the Disjointed Letters, found at the beginning of some Suras. 449
Fourth Point points out a flash of the Qur’an’s miraculousness in its style, showing that its true translation is not possible. 449
Fifth Point demonstrates that it is impossible to translate the phrase, “All praise be to God,” since its meaning can be expressed only in a few lines. 451
Sixth Point: An illuminating explanation of the use of the first person plural in “You alone do we worship and from You alone do we seek help.” 452
Seventh Point: Expounding “Guide us to the Straight Path,” it points out the harm caused by innovations. 455
Eighth Point explains a point about the marks of Islam being general rights. 455
Ninth Point explains the reason matters of the Shari‘a related to worship are of two kinds 456
Second Section: On the Month of Ramadan. Nine points explaining nine instances of wisdom in the fast of Ramadan, expounding the verse, “It was the month of Ramadan in which the Qur’an was revealed” 457
Third Section concerns the writing of a Qur’an showing the ‘coinciding’ of the word Allah. Consists of nine matters, only the first was included here 465
Fourth Section is also about ‘coincidences,’ it consists of three points, the four points of the third being included here 466
Fifth Section: One beautiful light of the many mysteries of the verse, “God is the Light of the heavens and earth.” This treatise is short, yet important. 470
Sixth Section: Written to warn students and servants of the Qur’an against being deceived by six of the stratagems of satanic individuals and dissemblers.
First Stratagem exposes their attempts to attract people through desire for rank and position. 474
Second Stratagem points out how they take advantage of the vein of fear. 477
Third Stratagem: They hunt many people through greed and ambition, in order to make them give up service to the Qur’an. 480
Fourth Stratagem: They excite nationalist feelings in or-der to create discord and make Bediuzzaman’s students lose their love of him. 482 Fifth Stratagem: They encourage egotism 488
Sixth Stratagem: They take advantage of the human characteristics of laziness, the desire for physical comfort, and attachment to other duties. 490
A Sacred Date: The date a Qur’anic mystery became clear 911
Addendum to the Sixth Section: Sixth Questions exposing the arbitrary, unjust treatment Bediuzzaman received 492
Seventh Section: Seven signs consisting of seven powerful answers to seven questions.
First Sign: A firm answer to those people of innovation who claim that it is permissible to translate the call to prayer into other languages because certain people who have embraced Islam do so in Europe. 496
Second Sign: Decisive answers to false comparisons between Christianit y and Islam 498
Third Sign: An illuminating answer to misplaced accusations of bigotry and its results. 501
Fourth Sign: An answer revealing the false claims of nationalists. 502
Fifth Sign: A powerful answer explaining the reality of the Mahdi. 503
Sixth Sign: A brief answer mentioning the Mahdi’s community and a Christian community routing the secret society of the Dajjal 505
Seventh Sign: An explanation of why as the New Said, Bediuzzaman gave up the scholarly method of the Old Said 505
Eighth Section: The Eight Symbols. These eight short treatises on ‘coincidences’ (tevâfukat) are not included here.
Ninth Section: The Nine Allusions, which elucidate the ways of sainthood and Sufism:
First Allusion: A definition of the Sufi path, and explanation of the truth underlying the terms Sufism, path, sainthood, and spiritual journeying 507
Second Allusion explains how the heart is worked through reflective thought and remembrance of God, and how this is a means to happiness. 508
Third Allusion explains how sainthood is a proof of prophethood, and the Sufi way, a proof of the Shari‘a. 508
Fourth Allusion: This explains the two ways on the Sufi path, of inner journeying and outer journeying. 510 Fifth Allusion explains the reality of the Unity of Existence and the Unit y of Witnessing, and establishes the superiority of the followers of the legacy of prophethood. 513
Sixth Allusion: Three points showing that the best of the ways of sainthood is following the practices of the Prophet (UWBP), and its most important foundation, sincerity; and that this world is the realm of wisdom and service, not reward. 515
Seventh Allusion: Four points explaining that the Sufi way should serve the Shari‘a; that its highest degrees are matters of the Shari‘a; that it should always remain as a means and follow the Shari‘a; and whether or not those outside the bounds of the Sunna and Shari‘a are acceptable 516
Eighth Allusion describes eight abysses on the Sufi way 520
Ninth Allusion: Nine of the sweet fruits of the Sufi way 527
ADDENDUM: A short, safe, and direct way leading to Almight y God, taken from the Qur’an 524
THE THIRTIETH LETTER: The Arabic Qur’anic commentary, Signs of Miraculousness: The Inimitability of the Qur’an’s Conciseness (Isharat al-I‘jaz fi Mazann al-Ijaz).
THE THIRTY-FIRST LETTER: The thirty-one Flashes.
THE THIRTY-SECOND LETTER: The treatise in free verse called Lemeât. It is also the Thirty-Second Flash and has been included at the end of Sözler.
THE THIRTY-THIRD LETTER: Thirty-Three Windows making known the Creator. It is in one respect the Thirty-Third Word and has therefore been included in The Words (Sözler).
SEEDS OF REALITY: Aphorisms compiled from some of Bediuzzaman’s early works and first published in 1920. 528
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