Bediuzzaman Said Nursi and the Nature of Human Creation in his Major Works: Considering a New Breakthrough in Islamic Philosophy

Abstract

This paper aimed to analyse Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s ideas regarding the nature of human creation in his major works. In order to achieve such goal, this paper utilized a ‘conceptual analysis’ method to reveal Nursi’s elaboration on the concept. The research found that humans, according to Nursi, arise from the mother's womb with God's fondness-Rahīm-governed with the eternal pact in the metaphysical realm to be ‘abid in the physical world, who are expected to fulfil their responsibility as God's servant by worshipping Him and Him alone in the form of honest submission. Furthermore, worship is only possible via the perfect actualization of intellect, and recognizing the essence of worship is the Amānah to be the vicegerent of God-Khalīfatullāh-as humans will discover a comprehensive understanding of God-Ma'rifātullah-through their worldly journey. This work finally ended with a reflection pertaining to the possibility of the philosophical thoughts of Nursi as a breakthrough in advancing Islamic philosophy in the present age.