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Author Archives: zeynebsayilgan
The Muslim Jesus: A Reflection During Easter
Muslims love Jesus, something unknown to most non-Muslims. I know many Muslims who are named after ‘Isa—the Qur’anic name for Jesus. When remembering him and other messengers of God, Muslims pronounce the formula of reverence: “God’s peace be upon him … Continue reading
Posted in Bediüzzaman-Said-Nursi, Community, God, Islam, Jesus, Mary, Quran, Risale-i Nur
Tagged Christianity, Faith, Islam, Jesus
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The Prayer of a Flower
O Lord of all flowers, all plants, the earth and the skies, and the worlds… I was once a lifeless seed from your creation; you gave me life. You accepted my prayers and made me a flower. You shaped me … Continue reading
Posted in Bediüzzaman-Said-Nursi, God, Islam, Prayer, Quran, Risale-i Nur
Tagged Faith, God, Prayer
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A Prayer for Relief
Oh Friend of the lonely and those who are left alone,Oh Helper of those who have fallen into misery,Oh Wealth of the poor,Oh Strength of the weak,Oh Treasure of the destitute,Refuge of the stranger,Oh the One who holds all power … Continue reading
When I Die
On the day of my death, when my coffin is carried away, Do not think that I suffer or feel pain in leaving this world. Do not weep for me, nor say, “How tragic! What a loss!” For if you … Continue reading
Ramadan 2025: Nourishment for the Human Soul
Ramadan is a time of spiritual growth and deep human connection, offering a path to inner and communal transformation. Ramadan, the holiest and most anticipated month in the Islamic calendar, is just around the corner. This weekend, nearly two billion … Continue reading
An Ode to a Snowflake – Inspired by the Risale-i Nur
O delicate jewel of the sky, Crafted by the Hand unseen, so high, You fall, a soft, pure messenger, A sign of mercy that we confer. In your fleeting form, you softly weave A thousand secrets we long to believe. … Continue reading
Posted in Bediüzzaman-Said-Nursi, God, Islam, Risale-i Nur
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I grew up Muslim in a Catholic community – and Mary represented common ground
I had just finished teaching a class on “The Muslim Mary”. Many non-Muslims who attended were puzzled to find out that Muslims had a connection with Mary at all, and had no knowledge of how important she is to our … Continue reading
Death The Greatest Teacher: Three Life-Lessons From The Child I Lost
If you want advice – death is sufficient, says Muslim scholar Bediüzzaman Said Nursi. True. Every time I visit the gravesite of my sweet three-year-old Meryem, I am painfully awakened in new ways. Her love and light continue to sustain and strengthen … Continue reading
Imam Ali (ra) and His Wisdom for the Interreligious Life
This past July Muslims around the world entered the new Islamic year of 1446. The first Islamic month of Muharram is a moment in which Muslims not only observe the important fast of Ashura but also commemorate the martyrdom of … Continue reading
The Grieving Prophet – How this Muslim Mother finds Comfort in Muhammad’s Sorrow
He buried his own six children. Three of them died in infancy and three others in young adulthood. His only surviving child – daughter Fatima – died six months after him. Prophet Muhammad was no stranger to death. His father … Continue reading
Posted in Death
Tagged Bediüzzaman-Said-Nursi, Death, God, Grief, Hadith, Islam, Prophet-Muhammad, Quran
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