Risale Roundtable

We learned from our readings last week that all the good that occurs in the world is attributable wholly to Allah.  This week, we ask whether any of the evil that occurs in the world is also attributable to Allah.  We learn that nothing that Allah creates - none of the physical events He causes - are actually evil.  Certain physical events may appear evil, but are in fact merely 'apparently' evil.  They are evil only from our mistaken and self-centred perspective - a perspective that fails to take into account the various instances of good that Allah achieves through them.   We learn that the only time 'real' evil occurs in the world is when we limited, free-willed beings misuse our free will.

Based on the Second Point of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Eighteenth Word.  

This discussion is based on The Eighteenth Word of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Risale-i Nur.  This section of the Risale pertains to the issue of egotism, and its relation to shirk or the attribution of partners to Allah.  Matters discussed include the scope of egotism, how easily it can be committed, its impact on the affirmation of Divine Unity, and related issues.

Most Muslims would be aware that Paradise is a Divine favour.  It is granted on the basis of Divine generosity and compassion - it is not something we become entitled to on the basis of our good deeds.  What is the reason for this?  Is it merely because we cannot do enough in a finite life to deserve an infinite reward, or is there more to the matter than this?  We discuss these and related issues in this session.  Based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's 'Thirteenth Flash - Twelfth Indication, Second Question'.

A discussion of the story of Prophet Yunus (as), and the supplication he made to Allah whilst in the belly of a whale.   Based on the First Flash of the Risale-i Nur.  Issues discussed include the reason for the acceptability of this supplication, its relation to the notions of Divine Oneness (ahadiyyah) and Divine Unity (tawhid), and the lesson we should draw from the event.

A discussion of patience, and three different contexts in which the believer is required to exhibit it.  Based on the Twenty Third Letter of the Risale-i Nur, Fourth Question.  Also discussed is a verse from Surah Yusuf in which Yaqub (as) is said to say, "I only complain of my suffering and grief to Allah..."  Does this verse mean we can never speak of our difficulties to anyone other than Allah, or that doing so amounts to impatience in the face of calamity?

A discussion of the nafs al-ammara (instinctual or evil-commanding soul), and how the fast of Ramadan can train it.  Also discussed is why Allah would burden us with such a soul in the first place.  Based on the Twenty-Ninth Letter of the Risale-i Nur, and selected readings from The Flashes.

A discussion of the Sunni position that human choices have no effect in the physical world unless Allah gives physical effect to them.  Also discussed is how this notion of khalq-i af'al (the 'creation of actions') impacts on the freedom of the human will and human accountability.  Based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Twenty-Sixth Word on Divine Determining.

In this session, we briefly discuss two more benefits in the fast of Ramadan: enhanced thankfulness and enhanced compassion for others.  Based on the Second and Third Points of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Treatise on Ramadan (The Second Treatise of the Twenty-Ninth Letter, Risale-i Nur).