ISRA Academy Podcast

In this episode, part of our Risale-i Nur Series with Dr Omer Atilla Ergi, we explore The First Flash from Said Nursi’s The Flashes, centred on the powerful supplication of Prophet Yunus (Jonah): “There is no deity except You; glory be to You. Indeed, I have been among the wrongdoers.” (Qur’an 21:87) Drawing on Nursi’s reflections, Dr Ergi explores what the story of Prophet Yunus teaches us about helplessness, hardship, tawḥīd, repentance and reliance upon Allah. When circumstances seem overwhelming and there appears to be no way out, the First Flash reminds us that our difficulties are never beyond the mercy and power of Allah.

In this conversation, Dr Zuleyha Keskin speaks with Dr Omer Atilla Ergi, who offers four recommendations for atheists and those questioning belief in God. Rather than approaching the topic as a debate, Dr Ergi encourages a more reflective and open-minded approach: being objective, examining the emotional dimension of disbelief, considering Pascal’s Wager, and applying Occam’s Razor when thinking about competing explanations for existence. 00:00 Introduction 00:39 Recommendation 1: Be objective 07:45 Recommendation 2: Don’t fight with a God that you think doesn’t exist 14:01 Recommendation 3: Consider Pascal’s Wager 23:47 Recommendation 4: Consider Occam’s Razor

In this conversation, Zeynep Yuksel speaks with Dr Zuleyha Keskin about the label “part-time Muslim.” Why we use it, what we actually mean by it, and whether it is a helpful or healthy way to speak about people’s faith. Timestamps: 00:00 Why do people use the term “part-time” Muslim? 04:26 How faith and practice play out 06:54 Everyone can see someone else as a “part-time” Muslim 11:48 Labels impact people 14:25 Committing sins does not take you outside the religion

Raising daughters in a Western context comes with challenges that are not always immediately visible. In this conversation, Zeynep speaks with Dr Zuleyha Keskin about how parents can help Muslim girls develop the confidence, resilience and inner strength needed to remain grounded in their faith. 00:00 Introduction 00:30 One of the biggest challenges 04:36 Being Muslim requires a lot of strength 07:58 The challenges are socially more subtle 13:55 Your daughter should be able to come to you for anything

In this follow-up discussion, Dr Zuleyha Keskin and Dr Omer Atilla Ergi respond to Neil deGrasse Tyson’s arguments about God, particularly in light of the many questions and comments raised after the first episode. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:25 Summary of Neil deGrasse Tyson’s main argument 01:19 Why Neil deGrasse Tyson’s belief — or lack of belief — matters 05:12 Why the question of God and suffering comes up so often 07:15 How agnosticism leaves the door open to dialogue 11:18 Why is there suffering? 16:08 Why do humans experience pain and hardship? 21:39 Does God create evil? 24:32 The biggest mistake in deGrasse Tyson’s argument