Nursi, Bediuzzaman Said al-

Nursi, Bediuzzaman Said al- (d. 1960) was a notable Turkish Islamic leader, thinker, and the founding figure of the Nurculuk movement. Nursi’s influence has been significant in the context of Turkish Islamic thought, especially within Turkey’s Kurdish region. His distinct philosophical and theological outlook was deeply shaped by both the Naqshbandi Sufi tariqah and the forces of westernization within the late Ottoman Empire’s administration.

Etymology

Arabic: سعيد النورسي (Sa‘id al-Nursī)
Turkish: Bediüzzaman Said Nursi

Early Life and Influences

Bediuzzaman Said Nursi was born in 1878 in eastern Turkey, which was, at the time, part of the Ottoman Empire. From a young age, Nursi displayed an exceptional aptitude for learning, particularly in religious sciences. His intellectual trajectory was significantly influenced by the Naqshbandi order. However, he also recognized the importance of Western technological and scientific advancements, which he believed could be harmoniously integrated with Islamic teachings.

Formation of Nurculuk Movement

Nursi founded the Nurculuk movement, which emphasized the need to reconcile faith with reason. This movement adopted an Islamic framework while endorsing modern scientific principles, calling for the upliftment of society through spiritual and intellectual revival. Central to Nursi’s teachings were his writings in the Risale-i Nur (The Epistles of Light), a substantial collection of texts interpreting and expanding on the Qur’an through a modern lens.

Sociopolitical Engagement and Exile

Nursi initially had high hopes that the Turkish modernization movement could harmonize Islamic principles with contemporary Western knowledge. He allied with the Young Turks, expecting them to spearhead this initiative. However, the secularist direction of Young Turk reforms and later Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s reforms led to his political disenchantment. Nursi’s program of religious revitalization clashed with the secular, nationalist aims of the Atatürk government, leading to multiple periods of exile and imprisonment.

Among his notable conflicts with authorities, he was continuously monitored and often faced allegations of subversive activities against the secular state. Despite this, Nursi’s influence persisted through his dedicated disciples, who continued propagating his teachings under challenging circumstances.

Major Works

Risale-i Nur (The Epistles of Light): Core text collection interpreting Islamic concepts in the context of contemporary challenges.

Suggested Books for Further Study

“Islam in Modern Turkey: An Intellectual Biography of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi” by Şükran Vahide
“The Qur’anic Commentary of … with special emphasis on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s Risale-i Nur” by Thomas Michel
“Bediüzzaman Said Nursi and the Risale-i Nur” by Colin Turner
“The Generosity of God: Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s Ideas on Social Welfare in the Muslim World” by Ian S. Markham and Suendam Birinci Pirim

Takeaways

Reconciliation of Faith and Reason: Nursi’s lifelong endeavor was to harmonize Islamic precepts with elements of Western science and technology.
Intellectual and Spiritual Leadership: His writings, particularly the Risale-i Nur, continue to inspire millions, fostering an approach that integrates rigorous intellectual inquiry with deep religious faith.
Resistance and Resilience: Despite numerous exiles, Nursi’s influence has grown, underscoring his resilience and the enduring power of his ideas.

Conclusion

Bediuzzaman Said Nursi remains a pivotal figure in Islamic intellectual history. His efforts to integrate faith with reason present a compelling model for modern Islamic thought. Understanding Nursi’s life, his foundational role in the Nurculuk movement, and his written legacy provides valuable insights into the intersections of faith, modernity, and sociopolitical dynamics in the Islamic world.

For further deepening your comprehension of Nursi’s contributions, it is highly recommended to explore the suggested readings and delve into the extensive body of literature surrounding his thoughts and works.