What is the Risale-i Nur?

The Risale-i Nur is a collection of works written by Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, in which the Qur'an's teachings on the truths of faith are explained in a way that addresses the mindset of the modern age. Since faith and Islam have become the target of attacks in the name of so-called science and logic, Bediuzzaman focused in the Risale-i Nur on demonstrating the truths of faith through rational proofs and arguments that are compatible with modern scientific understanding. He also highlighted the Qur'an's miraculous aspects, particularly those that speak to the needs and challenges of our era.

Today, the Risale-i Nur has reached millions of readers around the world. Through its teachings, countless people have been able to preserve and strengthen their faith despite the widespread influence of atheistic ideologies in modern times. Despite enduring severe persecution, imprisonment, and exile, Bediuzzaman succeeded in completing his writings, including the Risale-i Nur, and inspired a large community of believers who courageously resisted oppression and helped preserve the Islamic faith in their country.

The Background of the Risale-i Nur

Bediuzzaman recognized that one of the primary causes of the decline of the Muslim world was the weakening of the foundations of faith. This weakening, combined with unprecedented attacks on those foundations during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries by materialists, atheists, and others in the name of science and progress, led him to conclude that the most urgent need was to strengthen—and even rescue—faith itself.

It was under these circumstances, while living in exile, that Bediuzzaman wrote the Risale-i Nur to explain the truths of faith and the Qur'an to modern people. His method was to analyze both belief and unbelief and to demonstrate that, by following the Qur'anic approach, it is possible to establish all fundamental truths through reason. He showed that faith provides the only coherent and rational explanation for existence, humanity, and the universe.

Faith and Modern Science

Through clear examples, accessible explanations, and logical arguments, Bediuzzaman demonstrated that the truths of religion are not in conflict with the findings of modern science. In the Risale-i Nur, he showed that the remarkable discoveries of science concerning the workings of the universe actually confirm and reinforce the truths of faith.

The significance of the Risale-i Nur cannot be overstated. Through this work, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi played a crucial role in preserving and strengthening people's faith during one of the most difficult periods in Turkey's history. Its influence has continued to grow to this day. Moreover, the Risale-i Nur is uniquely suited not only to Muslims, but to people of all backgrounds for several reasons.

Who Is the Risale-i Nur For?

First, it is written in a manner that speaks directly to the modern mindset—a mindset that, whether one is Muslim or not, has been deeply influenced by materialistic ways of thinking. It addresses the questions, doubts, and uncertainties that arise from this worldview and provides thoughtful answers to the many "why" questions that characterize modern inquiry.

Furthermore, it explains profound matters of faith—subjects that were once studied in detail only by advanced scholars—in a way that is accessible to everyone. Even those who are new to these topics can understand them and benefit from them without difficulty.

Another distinguishing feature of the Risale-i Nur is that, while explaining the true nature and purpose of humanity and the universe, it demonstrates that genuine happiness can only be found through faith and the knowledge of Allah, both in this world and in the Hereafter. At the same time, it highlights the deep sorrow and spiritual emptiness caused by unbelief, appealing to the conscience and reason of every sincere seeker of truth.

Available in More Than 65 Languages

By the grace of Allah, the Risale-i Nur has now been translated into more than 65 languages, including English, enabling people across the world to benefit from this remarkable collection of writings.