The International Unit of İİKV Explained Risale-i Nur at the Qadiri Gathering in Gambia
Representatives of the International Unit of the Istanbul Foundation for Knowledge and Culture (İİKV) attended the traditional annual gathering of the Qadiri community held in the African country of Gambia. As part of the program, the İİKV delegation came together with Sheikh Muhammad Gilani, one of the descendants of His Holiness Abdul Qadir Gilani and one of the most important spiritual leaders of the Qadiri path today. In the gathering, which took place in a spiritual atmosphere, various lessons and dhikr circles were conducted.
Special Session for Risale-i Nur and Bediuzzaman
At the event, a special session was allocated to the İİKV delegation to make a presentation about the Risale-i Nur Collection and its Author, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi. In the speech, the life of Bediuzzaman, the periods of exile and imprisonment he endured for the cause of Islam, and his method of service were conveyed to the participants. Additionally, the chapter titled "It is Only the Truth That Speaks" (Konuşan Yalnız Hakikattir) from the book Tarihçe-i Hayat was read and expounded upon during the program.
During the presentation, attention was drawn to the importance of the Risale-i Nur in this century and its deep-rooted connection with the Sufi tradition—especially with the Qadiriyya order—and information was provided about the global activities carried out by the Istanbul Foundation for Knowledge and Culture.
Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah: "The Particularity of This Time is the Risale-i Nur"
In the meeting attended by participants from more than ten countries, the renowned American Islamic scholar Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah also made significant evaluations. Emphasizing the nature of the Risale-i Nur that responds to the spiritual needs of the century, Dr. Abd-Allah noted the following:
"Every time has its own unique characteristic. The greatest particularity of this time is the emergence of the Risale-i Nur in this era. Furthermore, I must point out that; the Treatises (Risales) will experience a widespread expansion and powerful manifestations in this century. I believe this wholeheartedly."
The program, which served as a means for Muslims from different geographies of the world to come together, concluded with the positive impressions of the participants regarding the Risale-i Nur service and the constructive dialogues that were developed.