Podcasts by Risale Roundtable

Risale Roundtable

Risale Roundtable is a discussion group at the University of Melbourne focussed on the thought and writings of the renowned Islamic scholar and theologian Bediuzzaman Said Nursi. Each episode, we read and then discuss a brief section of Bediuzzaman’s celebrated Risale-i Nur. Like the Risale itself, these discussions are aimed at the fortification of faith and the improved knowledge and worship of Allah. Topics include: arguments for the existence and unity of Allah, proofs of the tenets of faith, Divine Name theology, purposes in the creation of humankind and the universe, and related matters.

Further podcasts by Ebu Aydin (Turhan Yolcu)

Podcast on the topic Islam

All episodes

Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 74 from 2023-10-22T02:33:44

A discussion of questions relating to marriage and qadar (Divine Determining), with the benefit of readings from the Risale-i Nur.

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 73 from 2023-10-22T02:25:37

A discussion of the Divine Name of al-'Adl (The Absolutely Just) and how this Name manifests in both the physical world and in our own lives. We consider, in particular, how Divine justice m...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 72 from 2023-10-10T00:37:20

A discussion of the irrationality of neglecting salah (the prescribed prayers) or failing to give salah its due. We also consider how the performance of salah can, with the right intention, conv...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 71 from 2023-09-02T00:34:08

A discussion of one of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's key arguments for Divine Unity and Oneness. Based on readings from the Twenty-Second Word of the Risale-i Nur.

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 70 from 2023-08-26T06:11:36

A discussion on the issue of discord among believers, and Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's prescription for how we can personally address it.

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 69 from 2023-08-12T00:15:57

A discussion of the human capacity for anger, and related capacities. Based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's discussion of the 'sirât al-mustaqeem' (the straight path) in his Quranic comm...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 68 from 2023-08-04T21:58:32

A discussion of the notion of supplication (dua) and its relation to worship and Divine Unity. Also discussed is a formula for how best to perform dua, so as to maximise its acceptability.

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 67 from 2023-07-29T06:11:39

A discussion of backbiting or 'ghiybah', based on the concluding section of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's, 'Twenty-Second Letter'. We consider what does and does not count as ghiy...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 66 from 2023-07-21T23:23:47

A discussion of some key strategies Iblis utilises to corrupt sound thought and reasoning. With the benefit of readings from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's 'Thirteenth Flash', we consider ...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 65 from 2023-07-15T00:05:44

A discussion of a category of thoughts known as 'satanic whisperings'. We consider some key ways of identifying these satanically inspired thoughts, and how should we deal with them. Bas...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 64 from 2023-07-06T01:43:20

A discussion on dhikr (the remembrance of Allah) and the numerous forms it can take. We highlight the fact that even the performance of habitual 'sunnah' actions amounts to a sort of dhi...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 63 from 2023-06-23T23:32:51

A discussion on the meaning of sincerity (ikhlas) for Muslims, and how the faculty of 'love' should be directed or utilised in a manner that captures this sort of sincerity. Based on rea...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 62 from 2023-06-16T00:58:45

A discussion on the human capacity for love, and our ability to direct this capacity, despite it being involuntary in a sense. Based on readings from the 'Thirty Second Word' of Bediuzza...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 61 from 2023-05-27T03:42:19

A discussion of the notion of the 'amanah' or 'trust' in Islam. What are the sorts of things we are given on 'trust' by Allah, and what is our responsibility in relation ...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 60 from 2023-05-19T23:10:57

A discussion of some of the wisdom in Allah's causing us to undergo hardships such as illnesses. We focus particularly on how these hardships benefit us in terms of our knowledge and worship...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 59 from 2023-05-13T00:10:59

A discussion on Divine determining, based on the First Topic of the Twenty-Sixth Word, Risale-i Nur. Does the fact that events in the universe are all subject to 'Divine determining' (or...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 58 from 2023-05-06T00:10:46

A discussion of one of the many mysteries contained within the 'Basmala' (the formula, "In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate"). We discuss the relation between...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 57 from 2023-03-19T03:25:35

In our first session for 2023, we revisit Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's main argument for Allah's existence and unity, to be found in his celebrated treatise known as, 'The Supreme Sign&#...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 56 from 2022-12-10T23:17:13

A discussion on malâika (angels), some of the duties or worship they perform, and the wisdom in their plenitude in the created realm.  Based on readings from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Twenty...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 55 from 2022-12-01T20:16:12

In this session, we consider some questions that arose out of our recent discussion on sincerity (ikhlas).  We ask whether a wrongdoer can count as having ikhlas if they commit their wrongd...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 54 from 2022-11-25T01:15:25

What is the manner in which a Muslim should engage in discussion or debate, particularly on topics relating to religion?  In this session, we read sections of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's 'Lett...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 53 from 2022-11-18T04:21:57

A discussion on the requirement for ukhuwah (brother/sisterhood) among Muslims, and the implications of our failing to have ukhuwah.  Also discussed are some prescriptions for how to deal w...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 52 from 2022-11-04T23:21:21

A discussion of the miraculousness of the Quran.  Based on readings from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Twenty Fifth Word.

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 51 from 2022-10-20T21:16:53

A discussion on waswasa or unwarranted doubts/worries, and how to confront them.  Based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Twenty First Word, Second Station. 

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 50 from 2022-10-07T01:41:41

In this session, we consider some issues pertaining to Hell.  We read and discuss sections of the Thirteenth Flash, from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's 'The Flashes' collection, in which he deals...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 49 from 2022-09-30T23:57:59

A discussion of Jannah or Paradise.  In the Twenty Eight Word of the Risale-i Nur, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi responds to certain criticisms relating to Jannah.  We read and discuss some o...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 48 from 2022-09-16T00:50:19

A discussion on the infinitude or absoluteness of Divine power.  We discuss how the contingency of the universe, and the contingency of the motions, changes and interactions of its componen...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 47 from 2022-09-08T23:36:58

A discussion on the Divine attributes of Unity and Oneness, based on readings from the Second Station of the Twenty-Second Word, in Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's 'The Words' collection.  In this...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 46 from 2022-09-01T10:19:21

A discussion on the nature of the human ruh (spirit).  Based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's, 'Seeds of Reality', where he describes the ruh as a sort of 'law' that has been clothed in external...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 45 from 2022-08-25T22:02:04

A discussion of some of the reasons why Allah causes us to experience difficulties.  Based on readings from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's 'Second Flash'.

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 44 from 2022-08-18T23:10:25

In the Quran, Allah exhorts us to make du'a or supplicate to Him, saying, "Call upon Me; I will answer your prayer" (40:60).  Yet it seems that we do not always receive what we ask for in o...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 43 from 2022-08-11T23:09:40

A discussion on the life and writings of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, author of the Risale-i Nur.  

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 42 from 2022-08-04T22:11:58

A discussion on how the transformations of minute particles points to Allah, and tells us of His beauty, and His other attributes and Names.  Based on the Second Aim of The Thirtieth Word o...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 41 from 2022-05-26T09:52:47

A discussion based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Quran-based argument for Allah's existence, which appears in his celebrated treatise, 'The Supreme Sign' (Âyet'ül Kübra).  We read and discuss...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 40 from 2022-04-01T03:32

A discussion of Sincerity (Ikhlas) and its relation to worship, with readings from the Twenty-First Flash of the Risale-i Nur.  Also discussed are some thoughts on how to gauge our own sinc...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 39 from 2022-03-24T10:30:16

A discussion of the notion of adâb (sometimes translated as 'courtesy' or 'good conduct') and its relation to the Divine Names.  Based the 'Eleventh Flash' of the Risale-i Nur.

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 38 from 2022-03-17T17:45:12

A discussion of the issue of Divine Determination (Qadar) and its relation to human freewill and responsibility for actions.  Based on the Twenty Sixth Word of the Risale-i Nur.

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 37 from 2020-11-09T05:42:42

Why think that the universe points to an infinite or absolute Cause, as opposed to a merely finite one?  We discuss this issue with the benefit of selected readings from Bediuzzaman Said Nu...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 36 from 2020-11-02T06:27:20

Could the universe be the product of two or more Divine beings?  Our scholars have traditionally repudiated this idea via the dalîl al-tamánu' (often translated as the 'argument from mutual...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 35 from 2020-10-19T23:35:08

What is the reality of entities in the universe?  Are physical objects merely collections of particles, formed in certain ways?  Or is there more to them than just this?  In this ...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 34 from 2020-10-13T04:29:34

A discussion of dua (supplication), its forms, power and the circumstances under which it becomes most acceptable.  Based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Twenty-Fourth Letter, First Addendum.

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 33 from 2020-10-05T04:40:03

In order for our actions to count as worship, and thereby gain value for us, they need to be done with sincerity (ikhlas).  This means that they need to be for Allah's sake, or to gain His ...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 32 from 2020-09-28T07:59:57

What is the human 'ana' (ego)?  Why has Allah created us with this faculty, which makes us feel as though we 'own' and 'do' various things?  How does it enable we finite beings to know...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 31 from 2020-09-21T06:24:31

In this session, we discuss the issue of backbiting.  We consider what does and does not count as backbiting.  We then focus on the spiritual or metaphysical consequences of backbiting...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 30 from 2020-09-14T07:02:19

How should the Muslim view entities and events in the world, and how does this view differ from that of the secular philosopher and naturalistic scientist?  We consider this issue from the ...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 29 from 2020-09-07T06:31:21

Do we have any basis for enmity (hatred, hostility or dislike) toward a fellow believer, on the basis of wrongs that they commit against us?  In his Twenty Second Letter, Bediuzzaman Said N...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 28 from 2020-08-31T06:36:03

We learned from our readings last week that all the good that occurs in the world is attributable wholly to Allah.  This week, we ask whether any of the evil that occurs in the world is als...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 27 from 2020-08-24T10:59:57

This discussion is based on The Eighteenth Word of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Risale-i Nur.  This section of the Risale pertains to the issue of egotism, and its relation to shirk or the attr...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 26 from 2020-07-13T12:17:48

Most Muslims would be aware that Paradise is a Divine favour.  It is granted on the basis of Divine generosity and compassion - it is not something we become entitled to on the basis of our...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 25 from 2020-07-02T10:24:25

A discussion of the story of Prophet Yunus (as), and the supplication he made to Allah whilst in the belly of a whale.   Based on the First Flash of the Risale-i Nur.  Issues disc...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 24 from 2020-06-24T00:44:39

A discussion of Allah's eternality, and the invocation, 'Oh Enduring One, You are the Enduring One' (Ya Bâqî, antal Bâqî). Based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Third Flash, which acts as a tafsir of t...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 23 from 2020-06-16T00:25:39

A discussion on racism, based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's discussion of tribalism and nationalism in his Twenty Sixth Letter, Third Topic.  Issues discussed include the Muslim position on racism, h...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 22 from 2020-06-02T06:38:20

A discussion of patience, and three different contexts in which the believer is required to exhibit it.  Based on the Twenty Third Letter of the Risale-i Nur, Fourth Question.  Also di...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 21 from 2020-05-20T12:58:39

A discussion of the nafs al-ammara (instinctual or evil-commanding soul), and how the fast of Ramadan can train it.  Also discussed is why Allah would burden us with such a soul in the firs...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 20 from 2020-05-11T13:26:26

A discussion of the Sunni position that human choices have no effect in the physical world unless Allah gives physical effect to them.  Also discussed is how this notion of khalq-i af'al (t...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 19 from 2020-05-03T07:23:41

In this session, we briefly discuss two more benefits in the fast of Ramadan: enhanced thankfulness and enhanced compassion for others.  Based on the Second and Third Points of Bediuzzaman ...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 18 from 2020-04-20T10:51:53

If actions must be done purely for Allah's sake in order to count as sincere, can we nonetheless expect gratitude from those whom we help or serve?  Based on the Twenty Fourth Flash of the ...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 17 from 2020-04-13T08:43:57

A discussion on worship, what is expected of the worshipper, and the ultimate goal of the worshipper.  Based on the Twenty Third Word of the Risale-i Nur (Second Chapter, Fifth Remark).

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 16 from 2020-04-06T08:58:20

A discussion on one of the wisdoms in the fast of Ramadan.  Based on the Second Part of the Twenty Ninth Letter, Risale-i Nur.

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 15 from 2020-03-30T08:21:04

Following on from our session last week: A discussion on the general reason why Muslims are made to suffer calamities like earthquakes or viruses - based on the 'Addendum to the Fourteenth Word'...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 14 from 2020-03-24T04:15:22

A discussion on the notions of 'weakness and poverty', and their relation to belief in God, and the present health crisis.  (Based on the Twenty Third Word of the Risale-i Nur - Second Chap...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 13 from 2020-03-16T10:47:39

A discussion focussed on Quranic verses such as, "Who takes as his god his own desires..." (45:23). Based on part of the Twenty Eight Flash of the Risale-i Nur.

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 12 from 2020-03-09T08:21:16

A discussion on the difference between the 'reason' for doing acts of worship, and the 'wisdom' or 'benefits' in doing them.  Based on the 27th Word of the Risale-i Nur. 

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 11 from 2019-12-10T00:58:40

In our last episode for 2019, we read and discuss a short section of the Twenty Eighth Flash on the question of whether it is just that the unbeliever is imprisoned in Hell for infinite time, de...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 10 from 2019-12-02T23:42:32

This episode is based on a short section of the Twenty Eighth Flash of the Risale-i Nur.  In this Flash, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi notes that when the literal meaning of a Quranic verse expres...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 9 from 2019-11-25T22:36:19

A discussion on the issue of 'criticism' and the spiritual or metaphysical effects of non-constructive criticism.  Based on the Second Rule of the Twenty First Flash, Risale-i Nur.

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 8 from 2019-11-12T00:18:07

Last week, we saw that on Bediuzzaman's view, the commission of even major sins is not tantamount to unbelief. This week, we examine a related issue - the status of the person who persists in the c...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 7 from 2019-11-05T01:29:36

A discussion at the University of Melbourne Islamic Society based on Thirteenth Flash of the Risale-i Nur. This week, we consider Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's view on the issue of whether the commissio...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 6 from 2019-10-28T14:17

Discussion on the nature and function of angels. Based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Twenty Ninth Word.

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 5 from 2019-10-22T01:03:49

Part 2 of our discussion, which we commenced last week, on the question of evil. Last week, we argued that the contingent justice in this world is best explained through God, Who has justice (‘adal...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 4 from 2019-10-14T23:15:47

Part 1 of a two-part series on the question of evil. With selected readings from the Thirteenth Flash and other parts of the Risale-i Nur. This week, we ask: why do we take Allah to be a Being of a...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 3 from 2019-10-07T12:42:28

Discussion at the University of Melbourne Islamic Society on sincerity and its relation to brotherhood (ukhuwwah). Based on The Twenty First Flash of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s Risale-i Nur. Issues c...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 2 from 2019-09-23T22:21

A discussion on supplication (dua), and the Quranic verse, “Say: No importance would your Sustainer attach to you, were it not for your supplication.” Based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s 24th Letter,...

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Risale Roundtable
Risale Roundtable Podcast Episode 1 from 2019-09-16T11:47:54

The superiority of compassion over love - based on Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s Eighth Letter, The Letters.

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