Risale-i Nur Works Introduced in Italy: Inspiring Talks
The Italian translations of Bediüzzaman Said Nursi’s Risale-i Nur collection were introduced in events held in Milan and Rome, where participants shared how these works impacted their lives.
Milan/Rome, November 18, 2024 – The first Italian translations of the Risale-i Nur collection, including The Staff of Moses (Asa-yı Musa), The Gleams/Flashes (Lem’alar), and Al-Mathnawi Al-Nuri (Mesnevi Nuriye), were introduced in events organized in collaboration with the Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture, Reyhan Publishing, and Al Hikma Publishing. Speakers from diverse fields highlighted the profound meanings of these works and their personal significance.
“I experienced profound spiritual growth”
Gabriele Tecchiato, the translator of Risale-i Nur, shared his journey of discovering and translating the collection:
“Translating Risale-i Nur is unlike translating an article or a regular book. It brought profound spiritual growth to my life. About 20 years ago, a Turkish Embassy official gifted me a copy in Turkish. When I mentioned no one around me spoke Turkish, he said, ‘Don’t worry; one day, you will read these books in your language.’ Today, that prophecy has come true.”
“The Treatise for the Sick was my remedy”
Francesco Tieri, a religious freedom activist in Rome, described how the works affected his life:
“My first encounter with Said Nursi’s works came when I was deeply worried about my daughter’s health. The second was during the COVID-19 pandemic when I faced a life-threatening condition. The third was recently, as my father became ill and passed away just days before this conference. The Treatise for the Sick gave me healing and eased my suffering during these times. Studying his life and works, I discovered their relevance to the challenges of our era.”
“The light of the heart is faith; the light of the mind is knowledge”
Imam Nader Akkad spoke about Bediüzzaman’s approach to combining faith and knowledge:
“The light of the heart is faith, and the light of the mind is knowledge. When these two are united, truth emerges, and the student rises with both wings. When separated, ignorance and fanaticism arise. Said Nursi’s approach continues to guide us even today.”
“These works speak to all of humanity”
Serena Forni, a theologian and expert on modern Turkish history, emphasized the universality of Risale-i Nur:
“Islam is a religion with a universal mission. Said Nursi’s works are not limited to Muslims but speak to all humanity. The Islamic model presented by Turkey today is largely built on the teachings of Nursi.”
“A shared heritage of all Muslims”
Hamza Piccardo from Al Hikma Publishing described Risale-i Nur as a spiritual heritage for all Muslims:
“The Staff of Moses is a call to resist oppression with faith and knowledge. It represents a shared spiritual heritage for all Muslims. Risale-i Nur exemplifies the defense of Islam through complete adherence to the lifestyle of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).”
“Nur services in Europe are bearing fruit”
Erdoğan Nil, speaking on behalf of Reyhan Publishing, highlighted the historical significance of the events:
“Today, we witness the fruits of 15 years of Nur services in Europe as we gather here with Italian intellectuals. Bediüzzaman’s works are now laying a foundation of knowledge in Europe in the Italian language.”
These events marked a significant milestone in introducing Risale-i Nur to Italian readers and promoting Islamic literature in Europe.
