A Model Book for Faith-Based Education Based on the Risale-i Nur: The Fundamentals of Islam (Belief, Worship, Morality)

Abstract

The Risale-i Nur has been highly sought after by the Islamic Ummah and spread across every corner of Anatolia until 1945, despite the many challenges faced during its composition. In a short time, millions of people strengthened their faith through the truths of belief conveyed within, overcoming all obstacles and difficulties. These writings hold immense significance in 21st-century education, where the barriers of the past have been removed. Drawing upon the faith-based truths disseminated through the Risale-i Nur in these textbooks and teaching these truths to new generations will open the doors to profound spiritual conquests.

The heart, soul, and emotions—not just the mind—will find their needs fulfilled through these teachings. Weakness of faith, which is the source of many social and individual ills, will dissipate. By proving and deeply instilling the truths of faith in hearts, traditional faith will transform into verified, conscious faith. This will achieve the educational goal of fostering behavior characterized by willpower. Worship will replace emptiness, and virtuous traits will take the place of reprehensible ones.

This article aims to introduce the school textbooks The Fundamentals of Islam (Creed, Worship, and Morality), which take Imam Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s works, known as the Risale-i Nur, as their primary reference. To this end, the article first explains the importance of the truths of faith and their connection to the Risale-i Nur. It then discusses the contents of the book The Fundamentals of Islam, the intended objectives, the skills it seeks to develop, and the benefits in detail.