DAR AL HARB - RUSSIA: NEO-SOVIET RELATIONS WITH THE MOSLEM WORLD

A critical detail in relatons between Russia and the Muslim world

A short article in a Turkish newspaper mentioned a lawsuit filed in Russia against the Risale-i Nur Collection, written by one of the greatest Islamic scholars of the last century, Bediüzzaman Said Nursi. The article took me by surprise because the Risale-i Nur collection is a commentary on the Qur’an and moral values and does not promote or encourage hostility in any way. The Risale-i Nur collection, new editions of which have been published for 70 years in Turkey, is widely read and has readers not only in Muslim countries but also in the Western world.
According to a prominent theologian, Professor Thomas Michel, in the teachings of Said Nursi, interfaith dialogue is seen as one of the main tenets of Islam. It’s hard to imagine that this publication would be the subject of a legal action, alleging that it teaches a divisive creed and insults disbelievers in Russia. If indeed there is a lawsuit, then certainly there must be a mistake or misunderstanding.

Russia’s wise policies in recent years have paved the way for great Muslim sympathy in the Muslim world. There are several reasons for Russia’s political moves. The first and foremost is that Russia would like to win the support of millions of Muslims living in and around Russia. It already has an observer member status in the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). While Russia’s membership in the OIC will strengthen Russia’s strategic hand, it would also contribute to world peace.

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Pertinent Links:

1) A critical detail in relatons between Russia and the Muslim world