Description: Contemporary Islamic theology remains a neglected area in studies on Islam. This work is dedicated to the thought and ideas of Said Nursi (1876-1960), one of the most prominent Muslim theologians of the twentieth century. Nursi inspired a faith movement--the Nur community--that originated in Turkey. It continues to play a key role in the revival of Islam and now numbers several millions of followers worldwide. His legacy and impact deserve therefore to be examined more closely.
Brief description:
Zeyneb Sayilgan is Luce Muslim Visiting Professor and Senior Fellow in Peace and Reconciliation at Virginia Theological Seminary.
Review Quotes: "Markham and Sayilgan present a remarkably comprehensive set of studies of the life and thought of Said Nursi. They bring together works by an international group of scholars showing the many dimensions--intellectual, social, political--of one of the largest movements in the Muslim world. This is not just a volume for those interested in Turkish history; it should be read by anyone who needs to know about the development of modern Islamic thought and movements."
--John O. Voll, Professor Emeritus of Islamic History, Georgetown University
"Said Nursi is not yet sufficiently recognized in the English-speaking world, despite worthy pioneering studies, most of whose authors also contributed to this volume. The editors, each of them a pillar of Nursi studies, have gathered significant colleagues, both from within the Nur movement and without, resulting in a comprehensive guide to the life and thought of this influential Turkish spiritual leader and reformer. Like Colin Turner's Qur'an Revealed, this volume is a milestone in the advance of Nursi scholarship."
--Michael Birkel, Professor of Christian Spirituality, Earlham School of Religion; author of Qur'an in Conversation