Risale-i Nur Launch Event Held in Historic Rome

Said Yüce, President of the Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture, delivered a speech during an international event held in the historic city of Rome. The event marked the introduction of three key works by Bediüzzaman Said Nursi, Splendori (The Gleams/Flashes), Mesnevi di Luce (Mathnawi al-Nuri), and La Verga di Mosè (The Staff of Moses), translated into Italian by Gabriele Tecchiato and published by Rejhan Publishing House. 

In his speech, Yüce addressed the crises faced by humanity, emphasizing that secular and materialist ideologies have distanced people from their Creator, leading to various individual and societal problems. He highlighted that Bediüzzaman, inspired by the Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), offered profound solutions to these issues.  

Yüce remarked, “In the past century, humanity has faced both material and spiritual crises. While material bombs end a person’s short life, spiritual bombs destroy their eternal life. For this reason, as devout Muslims and Christians, we must collaborate against disbelief and moral decay.”  

Noting that Bediüzzaman’s works, which have been translated into over 60 languages, serve not only Muslims but all of humanity, Yüce expressed his belief that the Italian translations would also be warmly received by the Italian public.  

“These works elaborate on the wisdom and purposes of human creation. The salvation of even a single soul is more valuable than everything on Earth,” he said, expressing hope that these works would shed light on humanity's problems.  

The event in Rome was met with significant interest from attendees representing various countries.  

Hamza Piccardo, Italian Muslim:   

"Bediüzzaman Said Nursi was a witness who illuminated his time."  

“There are many aspects of Bediüzzaman Said Nursi’s spiritual and cultural legacy that deeply move me, especially the depth and authenticity of his communication.  As a person, Said Nursi was a witness to a tumultuous and secular era but never allowed himself to be subdued. Fully aware of the reality that in troubled times, a believer's blood could be spilled by both sides, he resisted the temptation of violent reactions."  

Gabriele Tecchiato, Translator of Risale-i Nur into Italian  

"Nursi fought oppression with knowledge, not violence." 

“Bediüzzaman was a living example of unwavering strength in defending faith. Few individuals in history have endured as much suffering as him while bearing witness to the truth.  

In Islamic history, very few figures have adhered so completely to the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as Bediüzzaman did.

Risale-i Nur is a guide for anyone seeking to reach eternity through faith, reflecting the universal destiny of humanity.  

It stands as a flag for all Muslims against tyranny, calling not for violence but for resistance through faith and knowledge.  

The Staff of Moses is the staff of this flag, a shared spiritual legacy for all Muslims. Holding this staff against oppression is every Muslim’s right."  

Prof. Dr. Serena Forni, Italian Historian 

"The words of Said Nursi are lessons for humanity." 

Speaking at the launch event in Rome, Prof. Dr. Serena Forni stated:  

“Islam is a universal religion with a global mission. The works of an Islamic thinker like Nursi are not limited to Muslims but speak to all of humanity.  The teachings of Said Nursi are lessons for humanity.  

The example of Islam presented by Turkey today could serve as a model for the world. Undoubtedly, the foundation of this model lies in the teachings of Bediüzzaman Said Nursi.”  

Dr. Nadir Akkad, President of the Rome Islamic Cultural Center:

"Said Nursi was a wise mujaddid who illuminated the path of all who read his works."

“Nursi was a wise and highly esteemed mujaddid who, through his written works and moral conduct, became a beacon of wisdom for all who knew him or read his writings.  

In our youth, we memorized his profound words that united faith and 

science:  

‘The light of the heart is faith; the light of the mind is knowledge. When they unite, truth emerges, nourishing and elevating the student’s ambition on both wings. But when these wings are separated, one leads to bigotry and ignorance, while the other results in doubt and denial.’  

Our hope is that the light of Said Nursi will continue to illuminate the path of all humanity.”