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Second fundamental (Moral training in one's personal life) |
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Life's Basic Questions -
Revealed Wisdom and Human Thought
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Written by Bediuzzaman Said Nursi
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Tuesday, 31 January 2006 |
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Second fundamental: Moral training in one's personal life: Sincere
students of philosophy are Pharaoh‑like tyrants.[1]
They abuse themselves by bowing in worship before the meanest thing if they
perceive it to be in their interest to do so. These materialist students are
stubborn misleading and unyielding but so wretched that they accept endless
degradation for one pleasure; unbending but so mean as to kiss the feet of
devilish people for a base advantage. They are conceited and domineering but.
unable to find any point of support in their hearts are utterly impotent and
vainglorious tyrants. Such people are no more than self‑centered egoists
striving to gratify their material and carnal desires pursuers of personal
interests and certain national interests.
Sincere students of the Qur'an are worshipping servants of God. They do not
degrade themselves by bowing in worship before even the greatest of the created.
They are dignified servants who do not worship in order to obtain a benefit.
even Paradise. They are modest students mild and gentle who only lower
themselves voluntarily to their Creator never exceeding what He has permitted.
They are aware of their weakness and need but are independent because the
Munificent Owner provides them with spiritual wealth. Relying on their Master's
infinite Power they are powerful. They act and strive purely for God's sake and
pleasure and to be equipped with virtue. The training given by philosophy and
the Qur'an may be understood through the above comparison.
[1] Pharaoh is a title given to
the kings of ancient Egypt. This particular one lived during the time of Prophet
Moses and was exceptionally arrogant and cruel. (Tr.) |
Life's Basic Questions 
