An Introduction to Risale-i Nur and Its Distinctive Features

 The Risale-i Nur is a collection of Quranic commentary written by Syed Nursi, a Kurdish Muslim scholar who lived in the 20th century. The Risale-i Nur explains the Quran in a way that is compatible with modern science and logic, and aims to revive the faith and morality of Muslims. The Risale-i Nur consists of more than 6,000 pages and covers various topics such as belief, worship, ethics, social justice, and spirituality. The Risale-i Nur is widely read and studied by millions of Muslims around the world.

Tafsir is a general term for the interpretation and explanation of the Quran by scholars. There are many types and methods of tafsir, such as linguistic, historical, thematic, rational, mystical, etc. Tafsir usually follows the order of the Quranic verses and provides detailed analysis of their meanings and implications. Risale-i Nur is a specific type of tafsir that was written by Syed Nursi in response to the challenges and needs of his time. Risale-i Nur does not follow the order of the Quranic verses, but rather organizes them into different topics and themes. Risale-i Nur focuses on the essentials of faith and the proofs of the Quran's truth and miracles. Risale-i Nur also uses modern scientific discoveries and rational arguments to support its interpretation of the Quran. Risale-i Nur is not a conventional tafsir, but rather a new style of Quranic commentary that aims to inspire and enlighten its readers.

Risale-i Nur is not a scientific work yet, it uses scientific truths as an evidence for the existence of God and in explanation of pillars of faith. It is a combination of mind and heart with richness of spirituality. All scientific discoveries are merely the uncovering of the workings of the cosmos. Risale-i Nur explains that these workings are signs pointing to their Creator.

- The main arguments of Risale-i Nur for the existence and oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him) are based on rational, empirical, and spiritual evidences. Risale-i Nur offers twelve demonstrative proofs for the existence and oneness of God, such as the order and harmony in the universe, the miracles of the Quran, the testimony of all beings, and the intuition of conscience. Risale-i Nur also proves the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him) by showing his extraordinary qualities, his moral excellence, his fulfillment of previous prophecies, his impact on history and humanity, and his miracles. A direct quote from Risale-i Nur is: "The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is a luminous proof of Divine Unity like a sun. He is a bright mirror to the Divine Names and attributes. He is a shining light to the Divine activity and creativity. He is a truthful witness to the Divine commands and prohibitions. He is a perfect guide to the Divine pleasure and love." 

- Risale-i Nur inspires and guides its readers to achieve spiritual and moral excellence in their personal and professional lives by teaching them how to live according to the Quranic principles and values. Risale-i Nur helps its readers to purify their hearts from worldly attachments, selfish desires, doubts, and sins. Risale-i Nur also helps its readers to develop positive qualities such as sincerity, gratitude, patience, trust, humility, compassion, justice, and generosity. Risale-i Nur also encourages its readers to seek knowledge, wisdom, and creativity in their fields of work and interest. Risale-i Nur also shows its readers how to balance their material and spiritual needs, and how to serve humanity and nature for the sake of God. A direct quote from Risale-i Nur is: "The most important aim in life is to make one's belief secure by attaining certainty; after that comes sincerity in worship; then comes service of God's creatures; then comes service of one's nation; then comes service of one's family; then comes service of oneself." 

- The main arguments of Risale-i Nur for the existence and oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him) are based on rational, empirical, and spiritual evidences. Risale-i Nur offers twelve demonstrative proofs for the existence and oneness of God, such as the order and harmony in the universe, the miracles of the Quran, the testimony of all beings, and the intuition of conscience. 

every being in existence, from the smallest atom to the largest star, testifies to the existence and oneness of God by reflecting His names and attributes in various ways. For example, the sun reflects His name al-Nur (the Light), the earth reflects His name al-Razzaq (the Provider), the human being reflects His name al-Khaliq (the Creator), etc.

Risale-i Nur also proves the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him) by showing his extraordinary qualities, his moral excellence, his fulfillment of previous prophecies, his impact on history and humanity, and his miracles. A direct quote from Risale-i Nur is: 

"The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is a luminous proof of Divine Unity like a sun. He is a bright mirror to the Divine Names and attributes. He is a shining light to the Divine activity and creativity. He is a truthful witness to the Divine commands and prohibitions. He is a perfect guide to the Divine pleasure and love." 

- Risale-i Nur inspires and guides its readers to achieve spiritual and moral excellence in their personal and professional lives by teaching them how to live according to the Quranic principles and values. Risale-i Nur helps its readers to purify their hearts from worldly attachments, selfish desires, doubts, and sins. Risale-i Nur also helps its readers to develop positive qualities such as sincerity, gratitude, patience, trust, humility, compassion, justice, and generosity. Risale-i Nur also encourages its readers to seek knowledge, wisdom, and creativity in their fields of work and interest. Risale-i Nur also shows its readers how to balance their material and spiritual needs, and how to serve humanity and nature for the sake of God. A direct quote from Risale-i Nur is: 

"The most important aim in life is to make one's belief secure by attaining certainty; after that comes sincerity in worship; then comes service of God's creatures; then comes service of one's nation; then comes service of one's family; then comes service of oneself."