The Flashes (Revised 2009 edition) | Content | 1
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Contents

 

 

 

 

THE FIRST FLASH: An instructive explanation of the verse, But he cried through the depths of the darkness…” the famous supplication of the Prophet Jonah (UWP), showing its relevance for everyone.                               17

 

THE SECOND FLASH: The famous supplication of the Prophet Job (UWP),When he called upon his Sustainer saying: Verily harm has afflicted me is expounded in five points, providing a true remedy for the disaster-struck.                                   21

 

THE THIRD FLASH: Three points expounding with the phrases The Eternal One, He is the Eternal One! two important truths contained in the verse, Everything shall perish save His countenance…”                          30

 

THE FOURTH FLASH: The Highway of the Practices of the Prophet (UWBP).

This solves and elucidates with complete clarity one of the major points of conflict between the Sunnis and the Shia, the question of the Imamate, and expounds two important verses in four points.                 35

 

THE FIFTH FLASH is included in the Twenty-Ninth Flash.

 

THE SIXTH FLASH is also included in the Twenty-Ninth Flash.

 

THE SEVENTH FLASH: This describes seven predictions about the Unseen in the three final verses of Sura al-Fath. Its Postscript describes a further example of this aspect of the Qur’ans miraculousness in the verses All who obey God and

His Messenger…” While the Conclusion demonstrates a clear example of another aspect of its miraculousness, coincidences..          46

 

THE EIGHTH FLASH is published in Sikke-i Tasdik-i Gaybî (The Ratifying Stamp of the Unseen) and hand-duplicated editions of Lem’alar (The Flashes Collection), and is not included in the present collection.


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THE NINTH FLASH: The answers to four questions asked by Bediuzzamans student, Hulûsi Bey:                58

 

The First concerns his descent from the Prophet (UWBP).      59

 

The Second points out with brilliant clarity the way of the Unity of Existence and how it is in error.                       59

 

The Third concerns the science of jafr.    62

 

The Fourth is about Jesus (UWBP) having a human father.     63

 

Finally is an Addendum to the question about Ibn al-‘Arabi and the Unity of

Existence.        66

 

THE TENTH FLASH: Fourteen Blows dealt by Divine Compassion received by students of the Risale-i Nur in their service of the Quran, for errors they have made due to human nature.                                    70

 

THE ELEVENTH FLASH: Entitled The Stairway of the Practices of the Prophet and Antidote for the Sickness of Innovations, this important treatise consists of eleven points about the Sunna of Gods Messenger (UWBP).                       81

 

THE TWELFTH FLASH: Two verses are explained which have been challenged and criticized by scientists:

 

The First explains in two points that all sustenance is bestowed directly by the

All-Powerful One, from the treasury of His mercy.    95

 

The Second proves in two important matters, the first consisting of four points, that the earth has seven levels in seven respects, as the heavens consist of seven levels.         98

 

THE THIRTEENTH FLASH: This explains, through thirteen indications, the meaning of the phrase: I seek refuge with God from Satan the Accursed.   104

 

THE FOURTEENTH FLASH consists of two stations:

 

First Station: In reply to the First Question, which is about the earth resting on a Bull and a Fish, this sets out three important principles for the understanding of Hadiths. 128

 

The Second Question is about the People of the Cloak. 132

 

Second Station: This important piece expounds six mysteries contained in the verse In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate.            134

 

THE FIFTEEN FLASH: The indexes of zler (The Words), Mektûbat (Letters), and Lemalar (The Flashes Collection), from the First to the Fifteenth Flashes. They are included in the relevant volumes.


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THE SIXTEENTH FLASH: The answers to various questions:

 

The First: A relief from difficulties was predicted during Ramadan by those who divine the realities, why did it not come about?                 143

 

The Second: Why did the author of the Risale-i Nur not oppose those who were oppressing him? 144

 

The Third: Why did he oppose war, although with foreign forces interfering in the government, it would have excited Islamic zeal?        145

 

The Fourth: Why did he advise his students to be cautious and not to show all parts of the Risale-i Nur to everyone?  145

 

Conclusion: The reply to a question about the Prophets (UWBP) beard.     147

 

The answers to three further matters, disputed by atheists:

 

The First: Dhu’l-Qarnayn saw the sun setting in a spring of murky water.          148

 

The Second: Where is the Barrier of Dhul-Qarnayn? Who were Gog and Magog?

149

 

The Third is about Jesus (PUH) coming at the end of time and killing the Dajjal.

151

 

A reply about two of the Five Hidden Things.    152

 

The reply to a question about mans ten subtle faculties. 155

 

THE SEVENTEENTH FLASH consists of fifteen notes taken from Bediuzzamans work entitled Zühre:.          157

 

The First Note shows the reality of those things which captivate the human soul, severance from which turns mans face to eternity.           158

 

The Second Note describes the Qur’anic principle of humility.  158

 

The Third Note illustrates with a comparison the true face of death and life.         159

 

The Fourth Note demonstrates that as it is generally the divine practice to restore and return things exactly the same, man, the perfect fruit of the universe, will be returned at the Last Judgement. 159

 

The Fifth Note reveals by means of a comparison with Qur’anic guidance, the true face of Western civilization. Making believers feel repugnance towards it, this Notes offers remedies from the pharmacy of the Quran.                 160


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The Sixth Note unmasks the satanic wile of shaking believers in their faith due to the numerous unbelievers and their agreement in denying some of the truths of belief.      166

 

The Seventh Note silences those pseudo-patriots who drive Muslims towards Western-type progress, greed, and worldly ambition, and offers Qur’anic cures to any looking towards apostasy or who have fallen into sin.                              168

 

The Eighth Note demonstrates how in His munificence, Almighty God has included a reward and pleasure in all activity and striving.          170

 

The Ninth Note explains that the Prophets contain the reality of man, the seed of the universe, and that by following them in worship, man may attain to perfection and happiness. The phrase God is Most Great! repeated in the Friday and Festival Prayers is as though uttered by the globe of the earth.                                               174

 

The Tenth Note: Three sorts of evidences and proofs of knowledge of God, and the correct approaches to these. 175

 

The Eleventh Note points out the compassion in the Qur’ans manner of address, and its naturalness.                176

 

The Twelfth Note: A supplication illustrating a meaning of the Hadith Die before you die 177

 

The Thirteenth Note: Five matters that have been the cause of confusion:

 

The First: Strivers in the way of truth should think only of their own duties and not meddle in Gods concerns. 178

 

The Second: Worship of God should look only to the divine command and divine pleasure. 180

 

The Third: On the meaning of “Happy is the man who knows his limits and does not exceed them.                         180

 

The Fourth explains that it is not permissible to accept bounties not given in the

True Bestowers name, and demonstrates the true nature of apparent causes. 182

 

The Fifth: The achievements of a communit y should not be ascribed to its leader or master.                         183

 

The Fourteenth Note consists of four signs alluding to divine unity:

 

First Sign: Mans true object of worship and place of recourse can only be the

One whose rule extends over the earth and the heavens.     184


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Second Sign: Mans intense innate love of immortality should be not for the mirror of his being, but for the manifestation of the Enduring One of Glory in the mirror.      185

 

Third Sign: The tip of a vast truth warning man, for although he is created with a capacity suitable to eternal life, he sometimes becomes entrapped in minute matters, due to the caprice of the soul. 185

 

Fourth Sign: Worldly life and the life of the flesh are like a narrow grave. On entering the life of the heart and spirit, one enters a broad sphere of life, and the key to this world is There is no god but God!                                  186

 

The Fifteenth Note depicts the maximum manifestation of the divine name of

Preserver.        187

 

THE EIGHTEENTH FLASH has been published in Sikke-i Tasdik-i Gaybî (The Ratifying Stamp of the Unseen) and in hand-duplicated editions of Lemalar (The Flashes).

 

THE NINETEENTH FLASH: On Frugality. Seven points expounding the verse

Eat and drink, but waste not in excess.        189

 

THE TWENTIETH FLASH: On Sincerity. Seven causes of the awesome situation indicated by the question: What is the reason for the conflict among the people of truth while the misguided and worldly co-operate without rivalry? 200

 

THE TWENTY-FIRST FLASH: On Sincerity. Four rules whereby one may gain and preserve sincerity, the most important principle in works pertaining to the hereafter.  213

 

A Confidential Letter to Some of My Brothers.          222

 

THE TWENTY-SECOND FLASH consists of three indications, which comprise questions about the Risale-i Nur’s author, and their answers: 223

 

First Indication: Why do the worldly meddle in your hereafter, although you do not meddle in their world, and the law does not interfere with recluses?           224

 

Second Indication: Why do you not apply to us? One who applies the law is not a tyrant. Through attracting attention, you oppose our principles of absolute equality. 225

 

Third Indication: Why do you elude our republican laws under the cloak of being a recluse? Why do you assume the position of someone special?          227


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Conclusion: An astonishing assault.        230

 

THE TWENTY-THIRD FLASH: On Nature.       232

 

Introduction: Three phrases, representing three ways, used by believers about the existence of things without realizing their implications:              233

 

The First Way: The formation of things through the coming together of causes in the universe.

 

First Impossibility: The coming together by chance of the elements of living beings in perfect measure and balance. 234

 

Second Impossibility: If a fly, for example, is attributed to causes, it necessitates that many of the elements and causes in the universe intervene physically in its being.      235

 

Third Impossibility: If a being has unity, it can only have issued from one hand, particularly if it manifests life, together with perfect order and balance.

236

 

The Second Way: It forms itself.

 

First Impossibility: The body resembles a finely ordered machine; if its particles are not working in accordance with the divine law, each would have to possess absolute attributes.                   236

 

Second Impossibility: The particles of a living body stand together in perfect balance and order; if they are not dependent on the master architect of the universe, each would have to be both dominant over all the others and subordinate to them.    237

 

Third Impossibility: If your being is not written by the pen of the All-Powerful One, but printed by nature and causes, there would have to be printing-blocks in nature to the number of cells in your body   238

 

The Third Way: Nature necessitates it and makes it.

 

First Impossibility: If animate creatures are not ascribed directly to the manifestation of the Pre-Eternal Sun, each has to be a god with infinite attributes.                         239

 

Second Impossibility: If attributed to nature, there would have to present in each bit of soil the means by which innumerable flowers and fruits could grow and be formed.            239

 

Third Impossibility: Two comparisons:

 

The First: A wild savage enters a palace adorned with all the fruits of civilization.                         242


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The Second: A rustic bumpkin enters the bounds of a splendid palace and sees the soldiers at their drill.            243

 

Conclusion: Three questions and their answers.

 

The First: What need does God have of our worship, so that He severely reproves those who give up worship?   248

 

The Second: What is the secret in the ease in the creation and formation of things?   249

 

The Third: Philosophers say there is only composition and decomposition. Is this correct?  252

 

THE TWENTY-FOURTH FLASH: The Qur’an enjoins the veiling of women. Four instances of wisdom in this.                      254

 

A Conversation with the Women, My Believing Sisters of the Hereafter: Three points showing that since compassion is one of the chief principles of the

Risale-i Nur and women are champions of compassion, they are by nature drawn to it.                          259

 

THE TWENTY-FIFTH FLASH: Message for the Sick. This consists of twenty- five remedies.         265

 

THE TWENTY-SIXTH FLASH: Treatise for the Elderly. This consists of twenty- six hopes.                         285

 

THE TWENTY-SEVENTH FLASH: The defence speeches from the Eskişehir trials, which have been published in hand-duplicated editions of The Flashes Collection, and in part in Bediuzzamans biography.

 

THE TWENTY-EIGHTH FLASH consists of short pieces written in Eskişehir

Prison:

 

A Small Point Concerning an Important Verse: Hitherto unknown instances of wisdom in the creation of flies, and other creatures.           337

 

Some aspects of the element of air, the throne of the divine will and command, and the Disjointed Letters at the start of some of the Qurans Suras.         342

 

A discussion about divine speech and its infinity. 345

 

An explanation of why the verse And We sent down iron... is phrased in this way.              348

 

The same point explained in connection with the verse And He sent down for you eight head of cattle...   351

 

Pieces written in Eskişehir Prison as a true solace for the Risale-i Nur students. 353


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A Rule       353

 

A Short Piece      355

 

Part of My Defence Speech     355

 

An explanation of the verse But when they forgot the warning they had received.

358

 

A Warning two short stories       359

 

A piece which may benefit everyone, in two points. First Point, the immediate reward present in good works.  361

 

Second Point: Two verses whose meaning is not immediately apparent. 362

 

The times of sleep and the Practices of the Prophet (UWBP).             364 This is good as well. On salawat for the Prophet (UWBP).       365

An explanation of the Unity of Existence. 366

 

The answer to a question about the dispute between Mustafa Sabri and Musa

Bekûf on the subject of Muhyiddin al-Arabi. 368

 

What should be done at festival times.    369

 

On the evil-commanding soul and its faults.       370

 

How can incarceration in Hell for an infinite duration in return for unbelief of a short duration be justice?              371

 

A meaningful and subtle coincidence. 372

 

An explanation of some verses about spying jinns and evil spirits and their repulsion which had been criticized by the people of misguidance.     373

 

THE TWENTY-NINTH FLASH: This was written in compliance with the Qur’anic command to reflect on the creational signs in the universe, and shows the essence of the way of the Risale-i Nur, reflective thought. The Third of its six chapters is included in the present collection. It is on the phrase God is Most Great” and comprises seven degrees.         377

 

THE THIRTIETH FLASH: On the six divine names bearing the greatest name, consisting of six points:

 

First Point: The Name Most Holy. This describes the cleanliness of the universe and all beings, one manifestation of this Name.            391

 

Second Point: The Name All-Just. The balance and equilibrium of the universe and all beings, one manifestation of the name All-Just.           396


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Third Point: the Name Sapient  consists of five matters:

 

First Matter: The greatest manifestation of the name of Sapient has made the universe like a book in every page of which hundreds of books have been written.  400

 

Second Matter consists of two topics:

 

First Topic: Beauty wants to reveal itself.     401

 

Second Topic: There is no place for partners in the dominions of the All- Powerful Maker.                         402

 

Third Matter: Each of the hundreds of sciences describes a manifestation of the name Sapient in one realm of creation. 403

 

Fourth Matter: The wisdom of the All-Wise Maker, to which all beings testify with their hundreds of instances of wisdom, demands the resurrection of the dead. 405

 

Fifth Matter: consists of two topics:

 

First Topic: There is no wastefulness in the nature of things; wastefulness being the opposite of the name Wise.   406

 

Second Topic: The names of Sapient and All-Wise necessitate the messengership of Muhammad (UWBP).          406

 

Fourth Point: The Name of Single. This consists of seven indications:

 

First Indication: Three stamps of divine unity on beings.     409

 

Second Indication: The beings in the universe are so interwoven that one that does not possess the universe as a whole, cannot have true disposal over any of its elements.    411

 

Third Indication: All things ascribe everything to the One who created them. 411

 

Fourth Indication: Three points proving the infinite ease of unity and impossibility of associating partners with God.         411

 

Fifth Indication: As rulership rejects the interference of others, so divine rulership necessitates divine unity.               416

 

Sixth Indication: Divine singleness and unity are the basis of all perfections, the source of the wisdom in the universes creation, and the sole means of mans desires being brought about.                                      418

 

Seventh Indication: The Messengership of Muhammad (UWBP) was necessitated by divine singleness and unity. Three evidences testifying to the importance of his collective personality.                               419


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Fifth Point: The Name Ever-Living. This consists of five signs:

 

First Sign: The index-like answer to the questions: What is life? What is its nature and purpose?                     421

 

Second Sign: Both the inner and outer faces of life are transparent and unsullied;

apparent causes have not been made a veil to the disposals of divine power. 423

 

Third Sign: Life is the result of the universe; thanks and worship are the result of life and the ultimate reason for the universes creation.           424

 

Fourth Sign: Life looks to the six pillars of belief and proves them.          425

 

Fifth Sign: Life is a shining seal of divine unity on the face of the universe.        431

 

Conclusion: The greatest name is not the same for everyone.   433

 

Sixth Point: The Name Self-Subsistent. This consists of five rays:   434

 

First Ray: This describes the greatest manifestation of the name Self-Subsistent and reveals the true face of materialist and naturalist philosophies.     435

 

Second Ray: This consists of two matters:

 

The First Matter describes one aspect of the manifestation of Self-Subsistence, which affords a stability and permanence to all things.         439

 

The Second Matter points out some of the benefits and wisdom in things related to the mystery of Self-Subsistence.              440

 

Third Ray: Discusses the disclosure of the mystery of Self-Subsistence within divine creativity, including the first two branches of the wisdom in limitless divine activity.   442

 

Fourth Ray: The third branch of the wisdom in the constant and astonishing activity in the universe. 444

 

Fifth Ray consists of two matters:

 

First Matter: The greatest manifestation of Self-Subsistence observed in the heavenly bodies and in minute particles.                 448

 

A Summary examining the light formed by the six names of the greatest name.

448

 

Second Matter: The manifestation of Self-Subsistence in the universe is at the level of unity and glory, and in man at the


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level of oneness and beauty. Mans duties and the ways in which he acts as a mirror to the Self-Subsistent One                  449

 

 

 

 

Note on the Turkish alphabet .

 

A Brief Look at Bediuzzaman Said Nursis Life, The Risale-i Nur, and The Flashes

Collection

 

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