The links below open English resources. Qur’an translations, commentary, biography, research and reading aids are identified separately. Alternatives are not presented as translations of the Turkish reference works. Glossary entries are CIV’s brief explanations; dictionary links support English terminology and do not replace specialist scholarship.
English sources and reading guide · NURAYAHS · Risale-i Nur books and articles in English
The Qur’an
Access the Arabic text, translations of its meanings and commentary. Distinguish translations and explanations from the original text.
Risale-i Nur and Said Nursî
Read each passage with its section heading and surrounding text. Biographical sources can help explain the historical context.
Original text Risale-i Nur Collection · eRisale
Biography / research Said Nursî · English biography reader
Research and External Archives
Explore bibliographies, symposium records and publications from independent organisations. These are external resources; their inclusion does not imply a partnership with CIV.
Biography / research Said Nursî · Research and bibliography · Durham University (PDF)
Biography / research Symposium and publication archive · İİKV
Academic book guide Said Nursi · Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies
Quotations identify the work, section and, where applicable, edition and page. Explanations and interpretations are distinguished from the original wording.
Explanations and Reading Support
Explanations / questions and answers Introduction to Risale-i Nur · Questions on Islam
Organisation and publication guide Feyyaz · Organisation and publications
These links lead to independent external sources. Consider their explanations and interpretations separately from the original works.
Terms and Short Explanations
33 short, source-based explanations to support your reading. These are not quotations or comprehensive dictionary definitions; meanings may vary with context. Source links open the relevant text or reference entry.
Eight terms to start with
- Basmala (Besmele)
The expression used to begin something in Allah’s name. The First Word discusses it alongside the idea of relying on Allah.
The Words · First Word (English translation)- Remembrance (Dhikr)
Remembering Allah. In the First Word, beginning with the basmala is given as an example.
The Words · First Word (English translation)- Gratitude (Shukr)
Giving thanks while recognising that blessings come from Allah. The First Word connects it with praise.
The Words · First Word (English translation)- Reflection (Fikir)
In the context of the First Word, reflecting on the meaning of blessings and on the One who gives them.
The Words · First Word (English translation)- Faith (Iman)
In this reading, recognising Allah and believing in Him; it is discussed in relation to how a person interprets the world.
The Words · Second Word (English translation)- Illustrative story (Temsil)
An example story used to make an idea understandable. The two travellers’ story in the Second Word is one example.
The Words · Second Word (English translation)- Prayer (Salah)
The Fourth Word discusses the five daily prayers and reflects on the place given to them in daily life.
The Words · Fourth Word (English translation)- Intention (Niyyah)
The purpose that guides why we do something. The Fourth Word relates it to the value of everyday actions.
The Words · Fourth Word (English translation)
Understanding the text8 terms
- Verse (Ayah)
A numbered passage within a surah of the Qur’an. In other contexts, the word can also mean a sign or evidence.
Āya · English glossary · Institute of Ismaili Studies- Surah
One of the Qur’an’s named, defined chapters, made up of verses.
Sūra · English glossary · Institute of Ismaili Studies- Juz
One of the thirty sections that help organise regular reading of the Qur’an.
Qur’an manuscript: thirty sections · The Met- Qur’anic account (Qissa)
An event recounted in the Qur’an to draw lessons from the lives of earlier people and communities.
Qur’an 12:111 · English translation- Translation of meanings (Meal)
A rendering of the Qur’an’s meaning in another language. A translation is not the original Arabic text itself.
Translation of Qur’anic meanings · Quran.com- Commentary (Tafsir)
Explaining verses in light of language, context and relevant knowledge. These explanations are read separately from the original verse text.
Qur’anic exegesis · IIIT (English PDF; printed p. 1)- Treatise (Risale)
A short work devoted to a particular subject. The term also appears in the titles of some Risale-i Nur texts.
English terminology: treatise · Cambridge Dictionary- Collected works (Külliyat)
A compilation bringing together works by an author or on a subject.
English terminology: collected works · Cambridge Dictionary
Faith and reflection8 terms
- Oneness of Allah (Tawhid)
Recognising that Allah is one and without equal.
Qur’an 112:1–4 · English translation- Sincerity (Ikhlas)
Worshipping and doing good for Allah’s pleasure, without seeking attention or personal gain.
Qur’an 39:2 · English translation- Supplication (Dua)
Turning to Allah and sincerely expressing one’s needs and wishes.
Qur’an 2:186 · English translation- Trust in Allah (Tawakkul)
Trusting in Allah after making the necessary effort and taking appropriate precautions.
Qur’an 3:159 · English translation- Contemplation (Tafakkur)
Seeking meaning through careful reflection on beings and creation.
Qur’an 3:190–191 · English translation- Knowledge (Ilm)
Knowledge and learning. In this context, the term is linked to the effort to deepen understanding.
Qur’an 20:114 · English translation- Wisdom (Hikmah)
A broad term relating to understanding what is right and acting appropriately. Its meaning is considered within the context of the text being read.
Qur’an 2:269 · English translation- Patience (Sabr)
Continuing to do what is right through difficulties and remaining steadfast.
Qur’an 2:153 · English translation
Living together9 terms
- Caring concern (Şefkat)
Care for others’ needs and suffering, with a desire to protect and help them. The term is closely related to compassion.
English terminology: compassion · Cambridge Dictionary- Compassion (Merhamet)
Sensitivity to another’s difficulties and a desire to care for and help them.
Qur’an 90:13–17 · English translation- Doing good (Ihsan)
Doing good and carrying out one’s responsibilities carefully and well.
Qur’an 16:90 · English translation- Justice
Acting fairly and properly while respecting people’s rights.
Qur’an 4:58 · English translation- Trust (Amanah)
Something or a duty entrusted to a person to safeguard or fulfil.
Qur’an 4:58 · English translation- Responsibility
Acting with awareness that one is accountable for one’s knowledge, words and actions.
Qur’an 17:36 · English translation- Consultation (Shura)
Seeking the views of the people concerned and considering the matter before making a decision.
Qur’an 3:159 · English translation- Fellowship (Uhuvvet)
Seeing one another as brothers and sisters through faith and seeking to resolve disagreements.
Qur’an 49:10 · English translation- Mutual support (Teavün)
Working in solidarity with others for good, without supporting injustice.
Qur’an 5:2 · English translation