PANEL: RELIGION, THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD, AND SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION: WHAT CAN SAID NURSI'S RISALE-I NUR OFFER?
10/07/2025 11:00 - 15:00
HALL: Dean's Hall of the Faculty of Catholic Theology

Proponent: Gülerce H., Yildiz A.

Chair: Yildiz A.

Speaker: Kurt H., Lagha I., Rouzati N., Yildiz A.

Description
This panel examines the significance of Said Nursi's Risale-i Nur (Epistles of Light), a contemporary Qur'anic commentary, in addressing modern societal challenges and offering transformative solutions in daily life grounded in faith, moral values and spirituality. As societies face issues such as moral fragmentation, polarization, and the spiritual void left by materialism, Nursi's writings provide a framework for spiritual renewal, social harmony, and constructive dialogue. The discussion will explore the Risale-i Nur's potential to bridge gaps between religious and secular spheres, foster unity, and inspire moral action in today's world.


Objectives
• Analyze Risale-i Nur as a revitalizing text that harmonizes faith and reason, providing practical solutions to contemporary issues.
• Highlight its capacity to promote unity in pluralistic societies through tolerance and mutual respect.
• Examine its insights into individual moral transformation as a foundation for social change.
• Discuss its role in addressing modern challenges such as consumerism, violence, environmental crises, and social alienation.


Target Audience
Scholars in religion, sociology, psychology, political science, and philosophy; policymakers; students of Islamic studies; and individuals interested in the intersection of religion and social transformation, and comparative studies. The panel invites scholars and practitioners to contribute insights or case studies that highlight the transformative potential of the Risale-i Nur.





196.3
DIVINE LOVE AS THE REASON FOR CREATION IN ISLAM—AN EXPLORATION OF NURSI'S EPISTLES OF LIGHT

Rouzati N. *

Manhattan University ~ Riverdale, New York ~ United States of America
196.4
THE ISLAMIC HERITAGE OF TOLERANCE: SAID NURSI'S VISION

Lagha I. *

Higher Institution for Scientific research ~ Tripoli ~ Lebanon