"The Second: We are charged with following the prophets in disseminating the truth. In the All-Wise Qur'an, those who do this say, My reward is only due from God * My reward is only due from God [ 10:72, etc.] and display independence."
The divine triumphs the Risale-i Nur manifests are all the wondrous results and examples of Ustad's heroic fortitude in adhering to this way of the prophets. Thanks to this, he preserved the dignity of learning as though it were a priceless sword. How could a person not be a conqueror of hearts who, unlike everyone else, had not the slightest connection with salaries, ranks, wealth, and the many other personal, material benefits? How could believing hearts not be filled to repletion with the outpouring of his light?
• His Frugality
Frugality is nothing other than an elucidation of the self-sufficiency mentioned above. Anyway, it is through the door of self-sufficiency that one may enter the palace of frugality. For the two necessitate one another.
For a mujahid like Ustad who has taken the prophets as his model in this matter, frugality becomes second nature and he suffices daily with a dish of soup, a glass of water, and a piece of bread. For as the fair-minded French poet Lamartine said, such persons "do not live to eat, but eat to live."
Having gained a thorough understanding of Ustad's outlook and way of living, it seems inappropriate to equate his elevated frugality with such mundane things as eating and drinking; for it needs to applied on the spiritual plane and to be measured according to non-material criteria.
For example, Ustad was a genius who evaluated the power of this elevated frugality not only in terms of simple things like food, drink, and dress, but so that non-physical, abstract values like thought, brainpower, potentialities, abilities, time, occasions, the soul, and breathing should not be wasted and go for nothing. This careful thought and accounting, which in the course of his life became a part of his character, he instilled in his students. So it is not easy to get a Nur student to listen to any work or to listen to anything that is said. For the words "Watch out!" are inscribed on the focal point of their hearts, where they perform a careful supervisory function.
Thus, the immaculate generations Bediuzzaman raised prove in fact that he was a powerful reformer and extraordinarily effective educator. He was a rare jewel of creation who added a new page, written in flashes of light, to the history of frugality.
• His Modesty and Humility
These two qualities have been profoundly effective in the extraordinary spread of the Risale-i Nur worldwide. For in his works and talks Ustad did not accord himself such titles as Qutb al-'Arifin (Pole of the Adepts) or Gawth al-Wasilin (Help of those who reach union with God), so people warmed to him immediately, loved him with pure sincerity, and adopted his lofty aims.
For example, he addressed many of his talks and teachings about morality and virtue, wisdom and instructive events to his own soul. It was only at his own self that he directed his fiery addresses. From there they spread outwards, from centre to periphery, to people's hearts yearning for light and joy, happiness and peace.
In his private life, Ustad was extremely mild and modest. He would be infinitely careful not to hurt a minute particle, let alone a person. He would endure untold difficulties and hardships, deprivations and torments, but only on condition no attack was being made on belief and the Qur'an.
If that were to happen, then you would see that the calm sea had raised waves that touched the skies in their awesomeness and ire. For he was a faithful servant of the Qur'an and a valiant, devoted soldier patrolling the marches of belief. He expressed this in the following succinct words: "A soldier on duty never lays down his rifle, even if the commander-in-chief appears. I am such a soldier and servant of the Qur'an: whoever aggressively confronts me while I'm on duty, I shall point out the truth to them and never bow before them."