Risale-i Nur Discussed in Milan

The President of Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture (IIKV), Mr. Said Yüce, introduced the Italian translations of three significant works by Bediüzzaman Said Nursi: Lem’alar (The Gleams), Mesnevi-i Nuriye (The Mathnawi al-Nuri), and Asa-yı Musa (The Staff of Moses) at a launch event held in Milan. These translations, published by Rejhan Publishing House and translated by Gabriele Tecchiato, marked their first international presentation.  

Speaking at the Milan event, Mr. Yüce expressed his happiness, saying, “It’s a great honor to meet you in the historic city of Milan.” He also announced that a follow-up launch event would take place in Rome on November 16.

During his speech, he highlighted that Bediüzzaman Said Nursi, who lived between 1878 and 1960, witnessed significant historical milestones, including the fall of the Ottoman Empire, both World Wars, and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey. Yüce emphasized Nursi’s ability to offer solutions to humanity’s material and spiritual crises, drawing inspiration from the Qur'an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).  

The Problem of Atheism and Nursi's Solutions  

Mr. Yüce pointed out that, according to Nursi, humanity’s greatest concern is whether one attains or loses eternal life, and that the most pressing issue of our time is the problem of atheism. “For the past two centuries, secular and materialist ideologies have distanced people from their Creator, plunging them into a state of emptiness and chaos,” he stated. Yüce explained that Nursi provided remedies derived from the Qur’an, presented in a way that satisfies both the mind and the heart.  

He elaborated on Nursi’s identification of three primary enemies of humanity—ignorance, poverty, and disunity—and his proposed solutions: education, trade and arts, and unity. Yüce highlighted Nursi’s belief that an education system blending scientific knowledge with religious teachings is crucial, as it re-establishes the connection between the Creator and creation.  

The Universal Message of the Works  

Discussing the significance of the introduced works, Splendori (The Gleams), Mathnawi al-Nuri, and La Verga di Mosè (The Staff of Moses), Yüce stated his belief that these books would resonate not only with Muslim readers but also with non-Muslims. He noted that the works contain original insights about the essence of humanity and the wisdom in creation.  

Concluding his speech, Mr. Yüce remarked, “Every being in the universe is a testament to the Creator’s existence; to deny Him is the greatest ignorance.” He stressed the importance of collaboration between Christians and Muslims to combat atheism, which he described as humanity’s greatest disaster. Yüce expressed hope that these Italian translations of Nursi’s works would benefit all of humanity.  

The event concluded with enthusiastic participation from the audience, with the Italian translations of Bediüzzaman Said Nursi’s works receiving significant attention and appreciation.