Today marks the 65th anniversary of the passing of one of the most influential Islamic scholars of the 20th century, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi—may Allah have mercy on him.

A guiding light in the darkness of secular repression and spiritual decline, Nursi devoted his life to the intellectual and spiritual revival of the Ummah through knowledge, faith, and unwavering conviction in the power of the Qur’an.

Born in 1877 in the village of Nurs in the Ottoman Kurdish region, Said Nursi earned the title “Bediuzzaman”—meaning “Wonder of the Age”—due to his unmatched brilliance and deep understanding of both Islamic sciences and modern knowledge. His miraculous memory and encyclopedic mind allowed him to master complex texts after a single reading, leaving seasoned scholars awestruck.

What set Nursi apart was his vision for Islamic education: a bold and pioneering approach that integrated modern sciences with traditional Islamic knowledge. He advocated for the teaching of modern disciplines in madrasas and religious sciences in secular institutions. This holistic model, rooted in the legacy of the Islamic Golden Age, aimed to restore the Ummah's intellectual and spiritual strength. His proposal for a university in Eastern Anatolia, where religious and scientific knowledge would be taught in harmony, remains a visionary blueprint to this day.

Despite his devotion to peace and scholarship, Nursi faced intense persecution under the Turkish Republic’s aggressive secularism. Refusing a ministerial position offered by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, he rejected the efforts to co-opt his influence for anti-Islamic goals. Instead, he chose the path of resistance through non-violence and what he called “positive action” (hizmet-i imaniye). Through this approach, he waged a tireless intellectual jihad against the forces of materialism, atheism, and moral decay.

During his years of exile and imprisonment, Nursi authored his magnum opus, the Risale-i Nur (The Treatises of Light)—a Qur’anic commentary spanning over 6,000 pages. These works tackled modern doubts and philosophical challenges with clarity and conviction, rekindling the flame of faith in the hearts of millions. His emphasis on "jihad of the word" empowered a new generation of believers to counter disbelief not with violence, but with the illuminating power of Islamic truth.

His efforts bore fruit. Despite state oppression, his writings were copied by hand, smuggled across Turkey, and studied in secret gatherings, nurturing a vast religious revival movement known as the Nur Community. Through his teachings, Nursi revived a sense of hope and purpose among Muslims facing unprecedented challenges in a rapidly secularizing world.

Bediuzzaman also stood firm in his support for Islamic modesty and family values. He upheld the Qur’anic command for women to observe hijab, distinguishing between the requirements for rural and urban settings. His views, rooted in traditional scholarship, remain a point of guidance in contemporary discussions on Islamic identity.

A staunch opponent of Communism, Nursi warned of its corrosive impact on faith, family, and morality. He urged Muslims to strengthen their bond with the Qur’an and unite against ideologies that sought to replace divine guidance with man-made systems.

Bediuzzaman passed away on March 23, 1960, in the blessed city of Urfa—near the cave where Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was born. His death was a great loss to the Ummah, and his body was later desecrated and hidden by the secular military regime in an effort to prevent his grave from becoming a site of reverence.

Yet, despite such attempts, his legacy lives on. Millions around the world continue to study his Risale-i Nur, and his teachings have inspired countless Islamic scholars, activists, and movements. His life stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith, knowledge, and perseverance in the face of tyranny.

As we remember the 65th anniversary of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s death, we pray that Allah accepts his efforts and grants him the highest ranks in Jannah. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations to uphold the Qur’an, serve the Deen with sincerity, and resist falsehood with wisdom. (ILKHA)