New to Risale-i Nur
Start with three short sections. The explanations below are reading guidance; they do not replace the original text or the Qur’an.
Choose a section, read the original text and then reflect on the question on the card. For unfamiliar words, see the short glossary.
Beginnings, gratitude and reflection
The Words · First Word (Turkish)
The basmala is explored through the story of two travellers; remembrance, gratitude and reflection on blessings are then explained together.
How does the story relate to the explanation at the end?
Original text The Words · First Word (English translation)
Faith and how we see the world
The Words · Second Word (Turkish)
The relationship between faith and making sense of the world is explored through the different interpretations of two travellers.
How do the travellers’ observations differ from their interpretations?
Original text The Words · Second Word (English translation)
Daily time and prayer
The Words · Fourth Word (Turkish)
The example of twenty-four gold coins explores the place of the five daily prayers in how we use our time.
What do the coins and the ticket represent?
Original text The Words · Fourth Word (English translation)
Said Nursî: selected stages of his life
Nurs — He was born in the village of Nurs and spent his childhood with his family.
Nurs and Tağ — He studied with his elder brother Molla Abdullah and at madrasas.
Van — He taught in Van and took an interest in different fields of knowledge.
Medresetüzzehra — He developed a proposal for an educational institution combining religious studies and natural sciences.
Barla — He continued writing Risale-i Nur texts during his time in Barla.
Kastamonu — He continued writing Risale-i Nur in Kastamonu.
Urfa — He died in Urfa.
This short selection focuses on his educational and writing life; it is not a comprehensive biography.
Biography / research Said Nursî · external biography
Source, Explanation and Interpretation
Quotations identify the work and section. Explanations and interpretations are distinguished from the original text.
Our Approach to Sources
The Qur’an is our fundamental source and reference. We read Risale-i Nur in relation to it and consider Said Nursî’s life to understand the historical context of his works.