Category Archives: Bediüzzaman-Said-Nursi

Welcoming Ramadan 2026: Five Songs on My Playlist Capturing this Holy Month

Posted on February 20, 2026 by zeynebsayilgan

Zeyneb Sayılgan, Ph.D. Every year, Ramadan arrives in my home before the crescent moon is officially announced. It arrives in sound. A few days before the month begins, my daughter presses play. The first notes drift through the house, and … Continue reading →

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Mary to the Rescue – How the Mother of Jesus saved the first Muslim Refugees

Posted on December 23, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

Zeyneb Sayılgan, Ph.D. I return often to an important event from the very beginning of Islamic history, because it refuses to let me give in to despair. At a time when Muslim immigrants and refugees are routinely dehumanized and demonized … Continue reading →

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Islamophobia in the Classroom: Memories of a Muslim Student

Posted on December 22, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

by Zeyneb Sayılgan, Ph.D. Being bullied in school is a painful experience. When this injury is inflicted by teachers, though, it reaches another level. Your trust in adults who are supposed to nurture, guide and protect you is fundamentally shaken. … Continue reading →

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Pope Leo in Türkiye: Deepening Christian-Muslim Understanding

Posted on December 2, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

Pope Leo is visiting Türkiye – a country I call home and to which I have taken many Christian students to explore our shared religious history. Of course, Nicea (modern day Iznik) is a must visit destination in that regard. … Continue reading →

Posted in Bediüzzaman-Said-Nursi, Community, Jesus, Mary, Prayer, Prophet-Muhammad, Quran | Tagged Islam, Religion | Comments Off

Nostra Aetate at 60 – A Muslim Reflects on its Enduring Call to Mutual Understanding

Posted on October 30, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

Akdamar Church in Van – Türkiye I grew up as a Muslim child of immigrants in Germany in the beautiful city of Mainz. Surrounded by a rich Catholic culture, I often felt the weight of being seen as “other.” I … Continue reading →

Posted in Bediüzzaman-Said-Nursi, Community, God, Islam, Jesus, Mary, Prophet-Muhammad, Quran, Risale-i Nur | Tagged Christianity, Islam, Quran, Religion | Comments Off

World Happiness Report 2025: A Muslim Reflection

Posted on May 28, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

Zeyneb Sayılgan, PhD My young daughter often asks me at bedtime about my favorite childhood memories. As I share them with her, I have come to realize they often involve other people. Playing outside in nature with the neighborhood children … Continue reading →

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The Muslim Jesus: A Reflection During Easter

Posted on April 17, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

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 →

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The Prayer of a Flower

Posted on March 27, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

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 | Comments Off

Ramadan 2025: Nourishment for the Human Soul

Posted on February 27, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

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 →

Posted in Bediüzzaman-Said-Nursi, Community, God, Islam, Quran, Ramadan, Risale-i Nur | Tagged Fasting, Islam, Quran, Ramadan, Religion | Comments Off

An Ode to a Snowflake – Inspired by the Risale-i Nur

Posted on February 14, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

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 →

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