An Introduction to Said Nursi: Life, Thought, and Writings

One of the more extraordinary aspects of the discussion surrounding Islam and September 11 is the manifest ignorance of the diversity of Islam. Many in the West have no idea that there is a form of Islam committed to positive action, non-violence, and constructive engagement with the West. This book introduces the English-speaking world to the leading modern Islamic thinker Said Nursi (1877-1960) - who has some six million followers in modern day Turkey and around the world. After an opening chapter that provides an overview of his life, the next four chapters outline the theology of Nursi on God, the Qur'an, the West and Politics. The final section provides an invaluable resource of readings from Nursi's most important writings. Providing an introduction to a major form of Islam which is committed to non-violence, dialogue and constructive relationships with the West, this is the first student textbook to introduce a contemporary Islamic theologian in a systematic way.