The Significance of the Concept of Mercy and Its Value in One’s Life, According to Imam Bediuzzaman Said Nursi

Abstract

Betania Kartika Muflih[1]

Abstract

 This work investigates the approach used by Imam Bediuzzaman Said Nursi in interpreting the Qur’anic verses on Allah being Merciful and Compassionate and attempts to understand his lively scriptural approach to the value of mercy, which makes life meaningful and purposeful. This work aims to highlight distinctive aspects and features of his approach and methodology of Qur’anic exegesis. It discusses the background, reason, and the purpose behind Imam Bediuzzaman’s approach to the issue at hand. It is also important to note that this work is not merely an intellectual enterprise but  living answers to problems he personally experienced. The article presents a textual analysis to answer the research questions and address the main problem. It concludes that it is necessary to situate Nursi’s work within the context of Tawhid (Divine Unity), which constitutes the background of his entire system of thought. Through the insight of Tawhid, all that happens in this universe is the product of universal mercy and under the direct control of Merciful Lord. From the perspective of Tawhid too, the order in this universe is the manifestation of the Compassionate Creator’s practices. Indeed, Imam Bediuzzaman’s approach provides a framework for a profound understanding and interpretation of the concept of mercy and its impact on one’s life and social fabric.

[1]    Betania Kartika Muflih is a Ph.D. candidate at the Faculty of Islamic Studies, Department of Qur’an Sunnah, University of Malaya, Malaysia and an academic staffmember at International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM Holdings). Supervised by: Prof. Dr.  Dato’ M.Y. Zulkifli Haji Mohd Yusoff, University of Malaya, Malaysia.