Risale Roundtable: Recent Episodes
Ebu Aydin
Risale Roundtable is a discussion group at the University of Melbourne focussed on the thought and writings of the renowned Islamic scholar and theologian Bediuzzaman Said Nursi. Each episode, we read and then discuss a brief section of Bediuzzaman’s celebrated Risale-i Nur. Like the Risale itself, these discussions are aimed at the fortification of faith and the improved knowledge and worship of Allah. Topics include: arguments for the existence and unity of Allah, proofs of the tenets of faith, Divine Name theology, purposes in the creation of humankind and the universe, and related matters.
In this session, we consider Bediuzzaman’s analysis of the following verse of the Quran: “Say, "If you love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." (3:31). We see why a failure to adhere to the sunnah is tantamount to a lack of love for Allah.
In this session, we revisit Bediuzzaman's discussion of the Basmala in his First Word. We also discuss an extremely valuable supplication for forgiveness known as the Sayyidul Istighfar (Master of Repentance).
In this session, we consider some questions regarding the human propensity to sin. Is it possible to entirely avoid sin? Does this mean we are forced to sin?
Why have the people of guidance so often been defeated by the people of misguidance? Why, for example, does Allah allow us believers to suffer at the hands of non-believers in present-day conflicts throughout the world? We consider these issues with the benefit of readings from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Thirteenth Flash, Ninth Indication.
A discussion of questions relating to marriage and qadar (Divine Determining), with the benefit of readings from the Risale-i Nur.
A discussion of the Divine Name of al-'Adl (The Absolutely Just) and how this Name manifests in both the physical world and in our own lives. We consider, in particular, how Divine justice manifests in matters such as our bodily or physical appearance.
A discussion of the irrationality of neglecting salah (the prescribed prayers) or failing to give salah its due. We also consider how the performance of salah can, with the right intention, convert all our mundane, everyday actions into acts of worship. Based on readings from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's, 'The Fourth Word'.
A discussion of one of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's key arguments for Divine Unity and Oneness. Based on readings from the Twenty-Second Word of the Risale-i Nur.
A discussion on the issue of discord among believers, and Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's prescription for how we can personally address it.
A discussion of the human capacity for anger, and related capacities. Based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's discussion of the 'sirât al-mustaqeem' (the straight path) in his Quranic commentary known as 'Isharat'ul Ijaz' (Signs of Miraculousness).
A discussion of the notion of supplication (dua) and its relation to worship and Divine Unity. Also discussed is a formula for how best to perform dua, so as to maximise its acceptability.
A discussion of backbiting or 'ghiybah', based on the concluding section of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's, 'Twenty-Second Letter'. We consider what does and does not count as ghiybah, and why it is so reprehensible in Allah's view. In doing so, we also consider the relation between ghiybah and issues such as pride, shirk and Divine Unity.
A discussion of some key strategies Iblis utilises to corrupt sound thought and reasoning. With the benefit of readings from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's 'Thirteenth Flash', we consider how to combat the satanically inspired inclination we often have to deny culpability for our own wrongdoings, judge others unfairly and reason unsoundly in certain contexts.
A discussion of a category of thoughts known as 'satanic whisperings'. We consider some key ways of identifying these satanically inspired thoughts, and how should we deal with them. Based on readings from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's 'Thirteenth Flash', in his Flashes collection.
A discussion on dhikr (the remembrance of Allah) and the numerous forms it can take. We highlight the fact that even the performance of habitual 'sunnah' actions amounts to a sort of dhikr. We also discuss the central role dhikr plays in our attaining a state of cognitive and spiritual engagement with Allah. Based on readings from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's, "Eleventh Flash".
A discussion on the meaning of sincerity (ikhlas) for Muslims, and how the faculty of 'love' should be directed or utilised in a manner that captures this sort of sincerity. Based on readings from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's 'Twenty First Flash' and his 'Thirty Second Word'.
A discussion on the human capacity for love, and our ability to direct this capacity, despite it being involuntary in a sense. Based on readings from the 'Thirty Second Word' of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's 'Risale-i Nur Collection'.
A discussion of the notion of the 'amanah' or 'trust' in Islam. What are the sorts of things we are given on 'trust' by Allah, and what is our responsibility in relation to these things? Is the 'trust' something burdensome? Based on a reading of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's, 'Sixth Word'.
A discussion of some of the wisdom in Allah's causing us to undergo hardships such as illnesses. We focus particularly on how these hardships benefit us in terms of our knowledge and worship of Allah. Based on readings from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's 'Twenty-Fifth Flash'.
A discussion on Divine determining, based on the First Topic of the Twenty-Sixth Word, Risale-i Nur. Does the fact that events in the universe are all subject to 'Divine determining' (or qadar) absolve us of responsibility for our actions? We consider this question and discuss a number of related issues.
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.
A discussion on the infinitude or absoluteness of Divine power. We discuss how the contingency of the universe, and the contingency of the motions, changes and interactions of its component parts, point to the existence of a Cause that is not itself contingent, and that possesses the attribute of 'power' both 'necessarily' and 'essentially'. Based on readings from the 'Seventh Ray', in Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's 'Rays' collection.
A discussion on the Divine attributes of Unity and Oneness, based on readings from the Second Station of the Twenty-Second Word, in Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's 'The Words' collection. In this session, we discuss the difference between Divine Unity and Divine Oneness, and how Allah manifests and makes known these attributes of His in the created world.
A discussion on the nature of the human ruh (spirit). Based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's, 'Seeds of Reality', where he describes the ruh as a sort of 'law' that has been clothed in external existence.
A discussion of some of the reasons why Allah causes us to experience difficulties. Based on readings from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's 'Second Flash'.
In the Quran, Allah exhorts us to make du'a or supplicate to Him, saying, "Call upon Me; I will answer your prayer" (40:60). Yet it seems that we do not always receive what we ask for in our supplications. How do we reconcile this? What is du'a really for, and how should it be made? In this session, we glean answers to these and other questions, and learn the relationship between du'a and worship in general, via readings from the Twenty-Third Word of the Risale-i Nur.
A discussion on the life and writings of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, author of the Risale-i Nur.
A discussion on how the transformations of minute particles points to Allah, and tells us of His beauty, and His other attributes and Names. Based on the Second Aim of The Thirtieth Word of the Risale-i Nur.
A discussion based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Quran-based argument for Allah's existence, which appears in his celebrated treatise, 'The Supreme Sign' (Âyet'ül Kübra). We read and discuss the first section of this treatise, then consider the main sort of naturalistic counter-argument to it. Our final halaqa for Semester 1 of 2022.
A discussion of Sincerity (Ikhlas) and its relation to worship, with readings from the Twenty-First Flash of the Risale-i Nur. Also discussed are some thoughts on how to gauge our own sincerity.
A discussion of the notion of adâb (sometimes translated as 'courtesy' or 'good conduct') and its relation to the Divine Names. Based the 'Eleventh Flash' of the Risale-i Nur.
A discussion of the issue of Divine Determination (Qadar) and its relation to human freewill and responsibility for actions. Based on the Twenty Sixth Word of the Risale-i Nur.
Why think that the universe points to an infinite or absolute Cause, as opposed to a merely finite one? We discuss this issue with the benefit of selected readings from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's 'Rays' collection.
Could the universe be the product of two or more Divine beings? Our scholars have traditionally repudiated this idea via the dalîl al-tamánu' (often translated as the 'argument from mutual hindrance'). The argument itself has its roots in the verse, "Had there been in the heavens and earth gods besides Allah, both would have been ruined..." (Quran 21:22). In this session, we consider Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's take on the issue, as discussed in his Second Flash, Second Station.
What is the reality of entities in the universe? Are physical objects merely collections of particles, formed in certain ways? Or is there more to them than just this? In this session, we read and discuss part of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Thirty-Second Word, Third Stopping Place, where he reveals the Muslim view that all created entities are, in reality, manifestations of the Divine Names - and their essences are mere shadows of this reality. What is far more significant than the physical substance of entities is the fact that they are places for the manifestation of Allah's Names and attributes, and function to make His beauty and perfection known.
A discussion of dua (supplication), its forms, power and the circumstances under which it becomes most acceptable. Based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Twenty-Fourth Letter, First Addendum.
In order for our actions to count as worship, and thereby gain value for us, they need to be done with sincerity (ikhlas). This means that they need to be for Allah's sake, or to gain His pleasure. Yet it seems that many of our actions are motivated, at least in part, by our own desires and needs. Does this render these actions 'insincere'? Can we pursue certain pleasures, yet still manifest ikhlas in doing so? We try to reconcile this issue with the benefit of selected readings from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Nineteenth, Twentieth and Twenty-First Flashes.
What is the human 'ana' (ego)? Why has Allah created us with this faculty, which makes us feel as though we 'own' and 'do' various things? How does it enable we finite beings to know the infinite or absolute Names and attributes of Allah? How can it be misused? We discuss these and related issues in this session, with the benefit of readings from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's 'Thirtieth Word, First Aim.
In this session, we discuss the issue of backbiting. We consider what does and does not count as backbiting. We then focus on the spiritual or metaphysical consequences of backbiting, and particularly its relation to brotherhood (ukhuwwah), sincerity (ikhlas) and worshipfulness. Based on the Conclusion of the Twenty-Second Letter in Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Risale-i Nur Collection.
How should the Muslim view entities and events in the world, and how does this view differ from that of the secular philosopher and naturalistic scientist? We consider this issue from the perspective of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Twelfth Word. In doing so, we also consider whether it is in any sense problematic for a Muslim to desire the company or affection of created beings.
Do we have any basis for enmity (hatred, hostility or dislike) toward a fellow believer, on the basis of wrongs that they commit against us? In his Twenty Second Letter, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi provides us with numerous reasons why we cannot. One of these is that qadar and qadâ (Divine determining and decree) have a share in these events in which we are wronged by fellow believers. As part of this session, we also discuss how can the latter fact can be reconciled with the belief that Allah never wrongs us and never commits evil.
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 Allah's eternality, and the invocation, 'Oh Enduring One, You are the Enduring One' (Ya Bâqî, antal Bâqî). Based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Third Flash, which acts as a tafsir of the verse, "Everything will perish save His Countenance. His is the command, and to Him shall you be returned".
A discussion on racism, based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's discussion of tribalism and nationalism in his Twenty Sixth Letter, Third Topic. Issues discussed include the Muslim position on racism, how racism differs from 'positive nationalism', what racism amounts to, spiritually speaking, and whether committing racist behaviour 'in the heat of the moment' significantly mitigates its sinfulness.
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).
If actions must be done purely for Allah's sake in order to count as sincere, can we nonetheless expect gratitude from those whom we help or serve? Based on the Twenty Fourth Flash of the Risale-i Nur. Issues discussed include sincerity, worship, compassion and gratitude.
A discussion on worship, what is expected of the worshipper, and the ultimate goal of the worshipper. Based on the Twenty Third Word of the Risale-i Nur (Second Chapter, Fifth Remark).
A discussion on one of the wisdoms in the fast of Ramadan. Based on the Second Part of the Twenty Ninth Letter, Risale-i Nur.
Following on from our session last week: A discussion on the general reason why Muslims are made to suffer calamities like earthquakes or viruses - based on the 'Addendum to the Fourteenth Word', Risale-i Nur.
A discussion on the notions of 'weakness and poverty', and their relation to belief in God, and the present health crisis. (Based on the Twenty Third Word of the Risale-i Nur - Second Chapter, Fourth Remark.)
A discussion focussed on Quranic verses such as, "Who takes as his god his own desires..." (45:23). Based on part of the Twenty Eight Flash of the Risale-i Nur.
A discussion on the difference between the 'reason' for doing acts of worship, and the 'wisdom' or 'benefits' in doing them. Based on the 27th Word of the Risale-i Nur.
In our last episode for 2019, we read and discuss a short section of the Twenty Eighth Flash on the question of whether it is just that the unbeliever is imprisoned in Hell for infinite time, despite committing an offence of finite duration. In discussing Bediuzzaman's response to this, we revisit a number of fundamental issues, including: Divine purposes in the creation of humankind and the universe, the appreciation of Divine bounties, the relation between created beings and worship, and related matters.
This episode is based on a short section of the Twenty Eighth Flash of the Risale-i Nur. In this Flash, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi notes that when the literal meaning of a Quranic verse expresses a very obvious truth, then other meanings must be intended. Thus, in the verse, "I do not want from them any provision, nor do I want them to feed Me," (Quran 51:57) the intended meaning is not merely that Allah does not require any provision or food from us, but something else. Bediuzzaman then goes on to suggest three meanings that are really intended by the verse. In this episode, we focus on the second meaning: that humankind's fundamental duty is to worship rather than to procure sustenance, and that preoccupation with the latter cannot excuse laxity with respect to the former.
A discussion on the issue of 'criticism' and the spiritual or metaphysical effects of non-constructive criticism. Based on the Second Rule of the Twenty First Flash, Risale-i Nur.
Last week, we saw that on Bediuzzaman's view, the commission of even major sins is not tantamount to unbelief. This week, we examine a related issue - the status of the person who persists in the commission of a given sin. We consider what it means for such a person's heart to become blackened or stained, and how this blackening can be reconciled with with the above view that sin is not tantamount to a loss of faith. Based on the Second Flash of the Risale-i Nur.
A discussion at the University of Melbourne Islamic Society based on Thirteenth Flash of the Risale-i Nur. This week, we consider Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's view on the issue of whether the commission of grievous sins is tantamount to unbelief. As part of this, we consider the played by the instinctual soul or nafs in the commission of sins.
Discussion on the nature and function of angels. Based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Twenty Ninth Word.
Part 2 of our discussion, which we commenced last week, on the question of evil. Last week, we argued that the contingent justice in this world is best explained through God, Who has justice (‘adalah) as a necessary and essential attribute. Apparent evils like natural disasters and illnesses are not in fact evil, since their purpose is to make good known (among other benefits). This week, we tackle the objection that the opposite might be true: perhaps the creator of the universe is an infinitely evil god that creates good only to make evil known. We argue that such a notion is incoherent given the relation between goodness and existence on the one hand, and evil and non-existence on the other. The latter part of this episode consists of some Q&A regarding this and previous episodes.
Part 1 of a two-part series on the question of evil. With selected readings from the Thirteenth Flash and other parts of the Risale-i Nur. This week, we ask: why do we take Allah to be a Being of absolute justice? Next week, inshallah, we will consider whether the converse could be true: could the ultimate reality and creator of the universe be a being of absolute injustice?
Discussion at the University of Melbourne Islamic Society on sincerity and its relation to brotherhood (ukhuwwah). Based on The Twenty First Flash of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s Risale-i Nur. Issues covered include the requisites for sincerity, why sincerity is demanded by Allah and how sincerity and brotherhood are related to one another.
A discussion on supplication (dua), and the Quranic verse, “Say: No importance would your Sustainer attach to you, were it not for your supplication.” Based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s 24th Letter, Risale-i Nur.
The superiority of compassion over love - based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s Eighth Letter, The Letters.