Category Archives: Risale-i Nur

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

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

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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The Hajj: A Muslim Vision for the Interreligious Life

Community is a messy and wild business. As someone who loves her community deeply, sometimes my impulse is to withdraw and be in my own little bubble. It is not easy to get along, collaborate, communicate and cooperate. Giving up … Continue reading

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The Dead Teach Us Much About Life – A Muslim Experience of Memento Mori 

I wash dead bodies in my free time. Along with around seventy Muslim women, I volunteer to perform the last Islamic rites. It is a collective obligation in Islam: Some members in the community need to fulfill this religious duty … Continue reading

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A Message of Gratitude, Comfort and Hope

My dear colleagues and friends, dear neighbors, dear sisters and brothers in faith, my dear community, “Indeed, to God do we belong and indeed to Him is our return,” (Qur’an 2:156) As many of you know by now, our beautiful … Continue reading

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