Said Nursî was born in 1878 in the village of Nurs, in Bitlis. Even as a child, he caught the attention of those around him with his sharp intellect, powerful memory, and profound understanding. He quickly reached the pinnacle of madrasa scholarship, and his teachers bestowed upon him the title “Bediüzzaman” (Wonder of the Age).
He dedicated his life to knowledge, faith, and the spiritual revival of society. In response to the threats posed to religious values by the positivist understanding of science and materialist philosophy, he wrote the Risale-i Nur Collection. These works, which serve as a commentary on the Qur’an relevant to our time, have guided millions by explaining the truths of faith through a harmonious integration of reason and the heart.
Said Nursî was not only a scholar but also an active fighter. He participated in World War I as a volunteer regiment commander. He was taken prisoner by the Russians and spent two years in exile in Siberia. During the Republican era, he was repeatedly exiled, imprisoned, and placed under surveillance due to his civil disobedience against the official ideology. Despite all this, he never compromised on his service rooted in faith and morality. He continued his struggle with patience, trust in God, and sincerity until his last breath.
Recognized as a pioneer of intellectual and spiritual awakening in 20th-century Islamic thought, Nursi passed away in Urfa on March 23, 1960. His works have been translated into more than 60 languages; numerous master’s and doctoral theses have been written about him, and hundreds of books have been published.
Said Nursi continues to be read and discussed in various countries around the world, serving as a source of inspiration and a role model for younger generations through his ideas and his life of hardship and humility.
"Our enemies are ignorance, poverty, and discord.
We will wage jihad against these three enemies with the weapons of art, knowledge, and unity."
Bediüzzaman Said Nursi