Risale Roundtable

A discussion of one of the many mysteries contained within the 'Basmala' (the formula, "In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate"). We discuss the relation between acting 'in the Name of Allah' and coming to know or gain an acquaintance with Allah. We also discuss the relation between knowing Allah in this sense, and the prayer for peace and blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Based on readings from the 'Sixth Mystery' of the Fourteenth Flash, in Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's, 'The Flashes Collection'.

In our first session for 2023, we revisit Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's main argument for Allah's existence and unity, to be found in his celebrated treatise known as, 'The Supreme Sign' ('Ayetül Kübra'). We see how the argument in this treatise functions not merely as a logical proof, but as an exercise in reflective contemplation or 'tefekkür' - a form of contemplation in which we augment our knowledge of, and acquaintance with, Allah via a deep reflection upon phenomena in the cosmos.

A discussion on malâika (angels), some of the duties or worship they perform, and the wisdom in their plenitude in the created realm.  Based on readings from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Twenty Ninth Word and Twenty Fourth Word.  Our final halaqa for 2022.

In this session, we consider some questions that arose out of our recent discussion on sincerity (ikhlas).  We ask whether a wrongdoer can count as having ikhlas if they commit their wrongdoing 'for Allah's sake'.  With the benefit of readings from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's 'Eighteenth Word', we then consider whether a believer is entitled to claim any ownership over the good deeds that they seem to perform.

What is the manner in which a Muslim should engage in discussion or debate, particularly on topics relating to religion?  In this session, we read sections of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's 'Letters' and 'Flashes' collections, where he points out that if we engage in debate in an improper manner, this impacts our sincerity and ukhuwah (brother/sisterhood).

A discussion on the requirement for ukhuwah (brother/sisterhood) among Muslims, and the implications of our failing to have ukhuwah.  Also discussed are some prescriptions for how to deal with feelings of enmity we may have for fellow Muslims who have mistreated us.   Based on readings from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Twenty Second Letter.

A discussion of the miraculousness of the Quran.  Based on readings from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Twenty Fifth Word.

A discussion on waswasa or unwarranted doubts/worries, and how to confront them.  Based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Twenty First Word, Second Station. 

In this session, we consider some issues pertaining to Hell.  We read and discuss sections of the Thirteenth Flash, from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's 'The Flashes' collection, in which he deals with some criticisms of the Muslim understanding of Hell.  We firstly consider how it can be just for anyone to suffer an everlasting punishment in Hell, for crimes committed in just a finite worldly life.  We then briefly consider the view that everlasting imprisonment in Hell is preferable to non-existence.

A discussion of Jannah or Paradise.  In the Twenty Eight Word of the Risale-i Nur, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi responds to certain criticisms relating to Jannah.  We read and discuss some of these responses.  In doing so, we consider the fact that the people of paradise will be fully present, in numerous places, all at the same time.