Risale Roundtable

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.