Virginia Theological Seminary Students Visit RİNAP

As part of their research and learning program, students from Virginia Theological Seminary visited Üsküdar University's Risale-i Nur Studies Platform (RİNAP). Representing RİNAP, Prof. İbrahim Özdemir, Prof. Faris Kaya, and Dr. Nafi Yalçın delivered presentations. The students had the opportunity to learn about Bediüzzaman Said Nursi and the Risale-i Nur collection.

The visit, held at Üsküdar University's South Campus RİNAP Hall, garnered significant interest. Presentations were made by Prof. İbrahim Özdemir, a faculty member of the Department of Philosophy in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Nafi Yalçın from the Department of English Translation and Interpreting, and Prof. Faris Kaya, a member of RİNAP's Management and Advisory Board.

Prof. İbrahim Özdemir: “He taught us that compassion is a divine principle reflected in all aspects of creation”

Joining the program online, Prof. İbrahim Özdemir provided an in-depth analysis of Said Nursi's understanding of compassion and ethics. Özdemir stated, “Said Nursi taught us that compassion is not only a human virtue but also a divine principle reflected in all aspects of creation. Even the smallest creatures are valuable as they represent Allah's mercy.”

In his presentation, Özdemir emphasized key points such as showing respect to all living beings, demonstrating kindness and empathy even under difficult circumstances, and recognizing compassion as a duty rather than a choice, reflecting divine mercy.

Prof. Faris Kaya Discussed the Central Themes of Risale-i Nur

Prof. Faris Kaya, a member of RİNAP's Management and Advisory Board, explored the main themes of Risale-i Nur. Following both presentations, students engaged in discussions by asking questions on topics of interest.

Yalçın Highlighted Risale-i Nur as the Greatest Fruit of Said Nursi’s Challenging Life

Dr. Nafi Yalçın from the Department of English Translation and Interpreting delivered a presentation on Said Nursi's educational background, scholarly career, religious and social thoughts. He highlighted the significance of Nursi’s Medreset’üz Zehra project, his efforts to inspire hope for a bright future in the Muslim world, his advocacy for freedom as essential for social peace and security, and his consistent teachings on adopting "positive action." Yalçın also described the Risale-i Nur collection, which Nursi referred to as his greatest work, as the most beautiful outcome of his challenging life.

The program, which attracted significant interest from both students and academics, concluded with a Q&A session.

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)