This transient material world attracts us greatly with the kind of life it imposes upon us, the many opportunities it presents, and its overwhelming daily engagements. As a reaction to these attractions, one may feel inclined to become isolated from society; a desire to retreat may surface. What should a person do in this situation? … Continue reading Desire to Retreat →

“They are utterly deaf, dumb, and blind; they can no longer recover.” (Al-Baqarah, 2:18) “They are deaf, dumb and blind, and so they have no understanding of (what is said to them).” (Al-Baqarah, 2:171) One of the above verses is about hypocrites; and the other is about unbelievers. As clearly expressed in these verses, the … Continue reading Who are the People the Qur’anic Verses 2:18 and 2:171 Refer to →

What is the believers’ version of the concept of self-confidence or self-esteem? Can we strike a balance between being an ordinary person and cherishing high goals? Self-confidence, or self-esteem, is usually defined as a person’s believing and trusting in himself, relying on his personal abilities and opportunities, living in peace with his own person and … Continue reading What is the believers’ version of the concept of self-confidence or self-esteem? →

It is very important for our spiritual and emotional life to pay special attention to repentance, the greatest shelter against sins, in the following respects: Reaction to Sin One’s reaction to a sin that he or she has committed is closely related to one’s moral and spiritual station. There may be an instance in which, … Continue reading How Can We Avoid Sins, and How Can We Show Sincere Repentance? →

Humanity is being tested in this world. Life itself, from the beginning until the end, is full of tests that are different in shape and level of difficulty. Said Nursi has mentioned the most dangerous six categories of these pitfalls in the 29th Letter and showed the safe paths that “brings to naught the six … Continue reading What are the Greatest Dangers and Pitfalls That a Believer Faces, and What Precautions Can Be Taken? →

The question refers to one of the greatest difficulties of modern life. Even the not-so-young, but of course especially the young live in a social environment that exaggerates the natural pressures of youth to an extreme; ever-present temptations and passing desires scatter one’s nobler sentiments and higher aspirations. It is difficult indeed in this environment … Continue reading How Should People Avoid Sins, Distractions, and Temptations? →

Spiritual tension (or metaphysical tension) is an inward posture, a sort of standing to moral and spiritual attention. In its positive aspect, it means that believers hold an exceptionally strong and determined disposition for all that is good and permitted. They are preoccupied with such matters, and always work to achieve them. It has other … Continue reading What is the Purpose of Spiritual Tension? →

Question: There are positive developments around the world in the direction of a revival of ethical and spiritual values. How should believers position themselves on a safe ground to avoid claiming divine favors upon themselves? This matter has two aspects; we are concerned with one aspect, while the other one is beyond our capacity. Regarding … Continue reading How to avoid claiming divine favors upon oneself? →

How do we distinguish between the desire to emulate and envy? What are your thoughts regarding the charities and alms given away openly by some leading people in good work in order to inspire others and stimulate their feelings of generosity, while others cannot help but feel envy of their generosity? Desire to emulate (gibta) … Continue reading Desire to Emulate, Envy, and Hastening to do Good As If Competing with One Another →