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Questions and Answers
Below are the articles under the tag Questions and Answers.
Articles
Asceticism and Generosity
31 August 2024 | The Fountain | Issue 161 (Sep - Oct 2024)
Asceticism (zuhd), in essence, involves renouncing worldly pleasures and completely removing the desires for the material world from one’s heart. A p…
Social Interactions and Spiritual Integrity
30 June 2024 | The Fountain | Issue 160 (Jul - Aug 2024)
Answer: Sha’rani [1] mentions that when he is in the company of a person who does not pray, even for a short period, he cannot feel the spiritual ple…
The Servants of the Most Merciful
30 April 2024 | The Fountain | Issue 159 (May - Jun 2024)
“And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them harshly, they say “Peace!’…
Globalization, Identity, and Inclusivity
29 February 2024 | The Fountain | Issue 158 (Mar - Apr 2024)
It was believed that globalization would lead to the diminishing of cultural differences, dilute individual and group identities, and suppress nation…
Steadfastness
31 December 2023 | The Fountain | Issue 157 (Jan - Feb 2024)
Emotions like resentment, enmity, hatred, and jealousy, which, if left unchecked, can render us morally blind, deaf, and heartless. These emotions ha…
Systematic Reading
31 October 2023 | The Fountain | Issue 156 (Nov - Dec 2023)
God has created the universe in a perfect system. A person who correctly reads the “book of the universe” will immediately notice this wonderful orde…
Taking Action, Wisely
31 August 2023 | The Fountain | Issue 155 (Sep - Oct 2023)
Doing or producing something good and beautiful and ensuring that others perceive these beauties as “beautiful,” and then sustaining these beauties…
Rising to True Humanity
30 June 2023 | The Fountain | Issue 154 (Jul - Aug 2023)
Our primary concern, regardless of time or place, is to have people rise to the level of true humanity. Only those individuals who are moved by a sen…
Architects of Revival
30 April 2023 | The Fountain | Issue 153 (May - Jun 2023)
Question: What is the essential duty of those who seek to ensure that humanity and faith can be properly represented once again? Many current proble…
Divine Will Is Essential
28 February 2023 | The Fountain | Issue 152 (Mar - Apr 2023)
Those who “rely on God, embrace the struggle, and yield to wisdom” will eventually be victorious. Victory will come to them sooner or later, in this…
Sickness of self-admiration
12 January 2023 | The Fountain | Issue 151 (Jan - Feb 2023)
Speaking of oneself all the time—in other words, doing things to attract attention to oneself and impress others—is a weakness in character. Of cours…
Motivation and Sincerity
31 October 2022 | The Fountain | Issue 150 (Nov - Dec 2022)
How can one keep their motivation and sincerity while doing good works and services—and keep it as fresh as at the beginning? What can be done to…
Pluralism
31 August 2022 | The Fountain | Issue 149 (Sep - Oct 2022)
“Pluralism” is a concept more pronounced in modern times than at any other time in history. Yet, it did exist in the past—maybe not as a word but as…
Living for Others
30 June 2022 | The Fountain | Issue 148 (Jul - Aug 2022)
Question: How should believers approach the tribulations of those who devote themselves to the happiness of others? “So others may live” is the loft…
Company with the Beloved
30 April 2022 | The Fountain | Issue 147 (May - Jun 2022)
The true Beloved is our Lord, the Merciful and Everlasting. Company with Him is to feel His presence all the time, with our entire being. One thing w…
Religion Is Ease
28 February 2022 | The Fountain | Issue 146 (Mar - Apr 2022)
Question: It is stated that practicing religion is easy, but to many it doesn’t appear to be so. Can you please explain this apparent contradiction…
Moral of the Parable
31 December 2021 | The Fountain | Issue 145 (Jan - Feb 2022)
Question: What are the messages given to believers in the parable of Cain and Abel? In relation to this and other stories in the Qur’an, it is impor…
A New Way of Reading
31 October 2021 | The Fountain | Issue 144 (Nov - Dec 2021)
Question: We are living in a time in which minds are confused, especially in matters of faith. What needs to be done to address the problems of our a…
Faith and Concern
31 August 2021 | The Fountain | Issue 143 (Sep - Oct 2021)
Being trouble-free is the biggest trouble of all. I’d rather wish people felt so troubled for others that their hearts felt burning in embers, rather…
The Sultan of This World and the Next
30 June 2021 | The Fountain | Issue 142 (Jul - Aug 2021)
Question: What are the points to be considered while seeking to have a fair perspective of Prophet Muhammad? There are extensive literature and sour…
Helping Others Without Seeking Recognition
01 May 2021 | Fethullah Gülen | Issue 141 (May - Jun 2021)
Question: The need for affiliation and sense of belonging are human conditions, but they may sometimes overshadow charitable actions. What should bel…
The Web of Arrogance and the Centrifugal Force of Sincerity
01 March 2021 | The Fountain | Issue 140 (Mar - Apr 2021)
Question: Arrogance is a serious character problem we experience throughout our lives. We falsely claim ownership over every good deed we are involve…
How to Respond to Oppression
31 December 2020 | The Fountain | Issue 139 (Jan - Feb 2021)
Question: Oppression is everywhere and exists in almost every form. How should believers respond to oppression when they have to face it? Oppressio…
The Weight of Our Assumptions About Others - 2
01 November 2020 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 138 (Nov - Dec 2020)
Question: While sayings of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, counsel against condemning believers to shame, despising them, and disclosing their f…
The Weight of Our Assumptions About Others - 1
01 September 2020 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 137 (Sep - Oct 2020)
Question: While sayings of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, counsel against condemning believers to shame, despising them, and disclosing their f…
“Peaceful Settlement is Better”
01 July 2020 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 136 (Jul - Aug 2020)
Question: “Peaceful settlement is better” (Nisa 4:128) reads a Qur’anic verse. What are the messages to be drawn from this verse? Answer: The basic…
The Coronavirus Changed How Ramadan Looks. But It Will Not Change Our Faith In God
01 May 2020 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 135 (May - Jun 2020)
Many yearly rituals of Ramadan will continue even as some change in deference to our social responsibility to respect God’s laws in the universe. T…
I Seek Refuge in You…
01 January 2020 | The Fountain | Issue 133 (Jan - Feb 2020)
Question: Among things Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, sought refuge from were “knowledge, hearts, prayers, and eyes” according to one specific…
Being Preoccupied with the Truth
01 November 2019 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 132 (Nov - Dec 2019)
Question: “Those who are not preoccupied with elevated goals will be consumed by lowly troubles.” What needs to be understood from this statement? A…
Real Freedom
21 October 2019 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 131 (Sep - Oct 2019)
Question: “There is no greater title and position than servanthood to God. Even if there is, it must be freedom, which is actually another dimension…
Having Bad Opinion of Others: A Disease to Topple a Person
01 July 2019 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 130 (July - Aug 2019)
Question: Is having bad opinion of others actually self-inflicting? Answer: “When you hear a man say, ‘The people are ruined,’ he himself is the mo…
Staying behind for Profound Knowledge
01 May 2019 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 129 (May - Jun 2019)
Question: What are the lessons today’s believers should draw from the following Divine message: “Believers should not go forth to war all together. B…
Hunt for Divine Manifestation
26 March 2019 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 127 (Jan - Feb 2019)
Divine manifestation (tajalli) is the attainment of inner light as a result of special Divine gifts. This is experienced by travelers on the way of T…
Boasting of One’s Rank, Reviling Others’ Genealogies
01 March 2019 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 128 (Mar - Apr 2019)
Question: Among the characteristics of “ignorance” that his followers would not completely abandon, the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, mentions…
The Powerful Elite and the Challenge of Truth
06 January 2019 | The Fountain | Issue 126 (Nov - Dec 2018)
Question: Why are the elite having difficulty in accepting truths? Answer: In every period of history, as well as today, there exists an oligarchica…
Repairing the Stronghold of Faith
15 October 2018 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 125 (Sep - Oct 2018)
Question: Bediuzzaman says that the stronghold of faith has been damaged for years. What needs to be done to restore this stronghold? Answer: Restor…
The Four Most Difficult Virtues
15 September 2018 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 124 (July - Aug 2018)
Question: Why are forgiveness, generosity, chastity, and speaking up for truth said to be the four virtues very difficult to accomplish? The followi…
Our understanding of servanthood to God
08 July 2018 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 123 (May - June 2018)
Question: In his work, Gulistan, Sheikh Sadi states: “Be soil, so that you grow roses; nothing other than soil can grow roses.” What meanings does th…
“If Only…”
24 April 2018 | The Fountain | Issue 122 (March - April 2018)
Question: Is it possible to live a life without regrets? What needs to be done to live a life free from pangs of conscience? Answer: If believers do…
Q&A: How to be effective while “enjoining the good”
31 December 2017 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 121 (January - February 2018)
Question: What points should we consider to avoid doing more harm than good while carrying out the duty of “enjoining the good and forbidding the evi…
System Blindness and the Lifespan of a Society
31 October 2017 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 120 (November - December 2017)
Question: It usually is inevitable to lose motivation in good works, which, like other things, may become ordinary and monotonous in time. Is this a…
Sincerity
31 August 2017 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 119 (September - October 2017)
“Always intend to earn God’s good pleasure when performing your deeds, for God accepts deeds that are done purely for Himself.”[1] Question: How can…
Taqwa
30 June 2017 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 118 (July - August 2017)
Question: What does taqwa mean and what needs to be done to achieve it? Taqwa is having the due high regard for God Almighty. And those who adopt it…
Love and Obedience
30 April 2017 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 117 (May - June 2017)
Question: “Love should be learned from Satan and obedience from Adam.” What does this statement, which is originally attributed to Hallaj al-Mansur…
A Spirited and Active Life of Service
28 February 2017 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 116 (March - April 2017)
Question: What are the essentials to remain constantly spirited and active, both in our individual and social lives? Answer: Stagnancy or complacenc…
To Reach "The Emerald Hills of The Heart"
31 December 2016 | The Fountain | Issue 115 (January-February 2017)
Question: What are the pathways to better experience and benefit from journeying into the horizons of our spirituality, which is also called &ldquo…
Consultation and Submission
31 October 2016 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 114 (November - December 2016)
Question: When a consultation committee makes a decision but the decision seems to contradict some of the participants’ minds and opinions, then what…
Service in the Face of Obstructions
31 August 2016 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 113 (September - October 2016)
Question: People trying to serve humanity through education, dialogue, and charity are usually facing challenges, antagonism, and defamation from oth…
“Reading” the Meaning of Events and Human Actions
30 June 2016 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 112 (July - August 2016)
Question: How are the troubles one is facing related with his or her actions? Answer: When a believer experiences some fiascos on the path he walks…
Hubris or Becoming Tyrannical
30 April 2016 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 111 (May - June 2016)
Question: It is sometimes the case that people who are responsible for a certain area or who govern a certain place, after a period of time, begin to…
Wings of Humbleness
29 February 2016 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 110 (March - April 2016)
Question: How is it possible to reach a balance between pursuing high achievements and seek perfection on one hand and to be self-critical and remain…
How can one reach his or her spiritual potential?
31 December 2015 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 109 (January -February 2016)
First, it is important to practice concentrated contemplation, which should be directed both into one’s inner self and to the wider existence of the…
What Needs to Be Overcome for People of Will
31 October 2015 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 108 (November - December 2015)
Question: The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, "The things I fear most for my community are: large stomachs, excessive sleep, idleness, and…
The Attributes of Virtuous People
31 August 2015 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 107 (September - October 2015)
How can one make virtue his or her nature? To be able to lead a virtuous life, especially one that is extremely careful about moral values and worsh…
Islam and Reactionary Movements
30 June 2015 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 106 (July - August 2015)
QUESTION: There are reactionary movements in different parts of the world. These are waged against established systems, and their perpetrators argue…
Realizing Ideals
30 April 2015 | The Fountain | Issue 105 (May - June 2015)
Question: In a society where disorder is rampant and a war of values is taking place, how can balance be established between reality and ideals? What…
Defraud and Corruption
28 February 2015 | The Fountain | Issue 104 (March - April 2015)
Defraud is not just the act of usurping financial or material means that aren’t yours. Spiritual defraud exists, and it is also a major sin. Bel…
Divinely Granted Favors
31 December 2014 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 103 (January - February 2015)
Question: What is meant by the phrase "divinely granted favors"? What are their different dimensions? Divine favors that are granted out of God's wi…
The Islamic world and cultural revival
31 October 2014 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 102 (November - December 2014)
Question: The Islamic world has been in a period of stagnation for a long time regarding scientific development and cultural life. What are your thou…
Faith, Wisdom, and Power
31 August 2014 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 101 (September - October 2014)
Question: What roles do faith, wisdom, and power play in the survival of a society? Faith, especially in the form of religion, refers to a heavenly-…
Return of Grace
30 June 2014 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 100 (July - August 2014)
Question: The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was an epitome of generosity, full of grace for others. Could you further expound on the contribut…
Constructive Criticism
30 April 2014 | The Fountain | Issue 99 (May - June 2014)
Question: When it comes to administrative and political issues, severe criticism is viewed as the major form of engagement. Are there any other means…
Financial and Physical Ways of Worship
28 February 2014 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 98 (March - April 2014)
Question: What would you say about financial forms of worship? Are there any conditions and guidelines for well-off believers regarding donations and…
Willpower and Being Tested With It
31 December 2013 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 97 (January - February 2014)
Question: What is the willpower and how are we being tested with it?" Willpower is considered as one of the four basic elements of what we call the…
How To Respond To Hostile Attitudes
31 October 2013 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 96 (November - December 2013)
Question: How should we respond to hostile attitudes towards believers? Whatever the conditions may be, a believer should not go out of the frame o…
Mechanisms of Soul and Conscience
31 August 2013 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 95 (September - October 2013)
Question: What could be said about comprehending the essential natures of the soul and the conscience, which play a dramatic role in the rise and fal…
The Worst of all Tribulations
30 June 2013 | The Fountain | Issue 94 (July - August 2013)
Question: It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, “Those afflicted with the severest trials and tribulations are the Prop…
Historical Recurrences
30 April 2013 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 93 (May - June 2013)
Question: Taking into account the notion that history repeats itself, how should we view recent incidents and events that are taking place in our wor…
How To Avoid Claiming Divine Favors Upon One Self
28 February 2013 | The Fountain | Issue 92 (March - April 2013)
Question: There are positive developments around the world in the direction of a revival of ethical and spiritual values. How should believers positi…
The Nature Of The Self
31 December 2012 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 91 (January - February 2013)
The ego1 is basically what we call the essence of human nature with qualities that are prone for goodness and evil. God Almighty has placed both good…
Seeking Forgiveness in the Service of God
31 October 2012 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 90 (November - December 2012)
Question: Why is seeking forgiveness needed even right after a good work in the service of God? It is very likely for us human beings to lapse or s…
Modesty and Effacement
31 August 2012 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 89 (September - October 2012)
Question: A person who is busy with philanthropy and good services bears the risk of developing self-pride and fall into some personal expectations…
Action in the Service of God and Community
30 June 2012 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 88 (July - August 2012)
Question: What is the secret of being a person of constant action in the service of God in accordance with the conditions of today? What are the poss…
The Means of Detecting Potential Errors and Sins
30 April 2012 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 87 (May - June 2012)
Question: If a person's self recognition of errors or sins is the first step to the path of perfection, how do you advise us to actually detect these…
Our Sole Duty Is to Communicate the Truth
29 February 2012 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 86 (March - April 2012)
Question: Given that God may cause us to act as a means for guidance of people to truth, will we be held responsible because of failure to convey the…
The Prophet Muhammad's Illiteracy
31 December 2011 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 85 (January - February 2012)
Question: Was the Prophet illiterate throughout his life? Or did he-the one for whom veils were lifted with the verse "Read!", and thus who could rea…
Two Assurances and Two Fears
31 October 2011 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 84 (November - December 2011)
Question: It is narrated in a Prophetic saying that God said the following: "I will not give my servant two fears or two assurances at the same time…
Divine Support and Ensuring Its Continuation
31 August 2011 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 83 (September - October 2011)
Question: God Almighty has graced us with a great deal of possibilities to serve humanity. What would you recommend so that this holy grace and bened…
Using Abilities On The Path Of God
30 June 2011 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 82 (July - August 2011)
Question: How can we make use of the abilities God has given us in the service of faith? Do we fulfill our responsibility with financial assistance o…
Tying Altruistic Work to Personalities
30 April 2011 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 81 (May - June 2011)
Question: What would you say about tying some altruistic work to certain individuals? The place of some individuals in altruistic work cannot be den…
Reproaching Our Fellow-travelers
28 February 2011 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 80 (March - April 2011)
Question: Different groups or individuals who do good work in their own way are sometimes critical of others for using different methods. What would…
Vacations
31 December 2010 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 79 (January - February 2011)
Question: How should we make use of our vacations to dispel fatigue and boredom arising from our regular occupations? Even if work done is for the…
The Meaning of Wisdom
31 October 2010 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 78 (November - December 2010)
Question: “He grants Wisdom to whomever He wills, and whoever is granted Wisdom, had indeed been granted much good. Yet none except people of discern…
Time Management
31 August 2010 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 77 (September - October 2010)
Question: How should a person spend one day, one week, one month, and one year in order to perform services in the path of God? Management of time a…
Method of Contemplation
30 June 2010 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 76 (July - August 2010)
Question: There is a saying of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, to the effect: “One hour of contemplation is better than one year of superero…
Delusion of Immortality
30 April 2010 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 75 (May - June 2010)
Question: How can the delusion of immortality be overcome? The phrase “delusion of immortality” means people think they are eternal and immortal. Su…
Measure of Selflessness
28 February 2010 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 74 (March - April 2010)
Question: Do acts of selflessness conflict with reason? What is the measure of agreement we should seek between the two? Selflessness is when one re…
Faults in Belief and Fellowship
31 December 2009 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 73 (January - February 2010)
Question: Feelings of fellowship between people can be damaged because of some unexpected behavior, and thus good will towards one another can easily…
Desire To Retreat
31 October 2009 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 72 (November - December 2009)
This transient material world attracts us greatly with the kind of life it imposes upon us, the many opportunities it presents, and its overwhelming…
Who are the people the Qur'anic verses 2:18 and 2:171 refer to?
31 August 2009 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 71 (September - October 2009)
Q: Who are the people the Qur’anic verses 2:18 and 2:171 refer to? A: “They are utterly deaf, dumb, and blind; they can no longer recover.” (Al-B…
Self-Confidence
30 June 2009 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 70 (July - August 2009)
Question: What is the believers' version of the concept of self-confidence or self-esteem? Can we strike a balance between being an ordinary person a…
Because of me
30 April 2009 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 69 (May - June 2009)
Question: What are the matters that believers should always keep in mind with regard to the fact that both individual and collective misfortunes and…
How do we distinguish between the desire to emulate and envy?
28 February 2009 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 68 (March - April 2009)
How do we distinguish between the desire to emulate and envy? What are your thoughts regarding the charities and alms given away openly by some lea…
Victory of the Spirit
31 December 2008 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 67 (January - February 2009)
Q: What is the meaning of “victory” for a believer, and how is it realized? Human life in this world is a composite of two distinct powers, the spir…
"You alone do we worship..." (Fatiha 1:5)
31 October 2008 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 66 (November - December 2008)
O Lord! I am determined that I will not sacrifice my freedom to anyone but You and I will not fall in humiliation before anyone or anything. I turn t…
What does "insaf" mean? What are the signs of possessing it as a virtue?
31 August 2008 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 65 (September - October 2008)
Insaf means accepting and confessing the truth, treating everyone with mercy and justice, observing others’ rights besides one’s own, behaving not ac…
We should think well of others
30 June 2008 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 64 (July - August 2008)
People’s way of thinking shapes their behavior. The way they are is parallel to how they think, and is connected to their potential. While a person k…
Women Confined and Mistreated
30 April 2008 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 63 (May - June 2008)
Question: Some people claim that in Muslim societies, women are confined to their home and they are oppressed. Is there any truth in this claim? What…
Human Rights and Islam
29 February 2008 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 62 (March - April 2008)
Question: What is the Islamic stance on human rights? How does Islam regard the killing of a person? Islam is a universal religion, and the signific…
The Relationship between Our Prayers and Deeds
31 December 2007 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 61 (January - February 2008)
What are the ways of internalizing good ethical conduct and high virtues so as to make them a part of our nature? Virtues such as sincerity (ikhlas1…
The Month of Ramadan and Discipline
30 September 2007 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 60 (October - December 2007)
Question: What benefits can the month of Ramadan provide for us to become disciplined people? What good habits should we develop during this month…
Questions and Answers
30 June 2007 | The Fountain | Issue 59 (July - September 2007)
Question: Materialism, upon which Marxism is based, alleges that the idea of God was derived from the ignorance of ancient men and suggested that the…
What is the ideal attitude expected from a believer before divine favors?
31 March 2007 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 58 (April - June 2007)
What is the ideal attitude expected from a believer before divine favors? A believer takes all the divine blessings he or she is honored with as an…
Questions and Answers
31 December 2006 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 57 (January - March 2007)
We know that Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, possessed contrasting merits like courage and compassion. Could you please tell us mo…
What does Islam say about killing an innocent person?
30 September 2006 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 56 (October - December 2006)
God Almighty declares that killing an innocent person unjustly is like killing all of mankind and saving a person’s life is like saving all of mankin…
What is the Islamic view on the Messiah and the anticipation the Mahdi near the end of time?
30 June 2006 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 55 (July - September 2006)
Messiah is a name or attribute of Jesus, peace be upon him. Messiah means “blessed” in Hebrew, thus this name might have been used for him in admirat…
As God already gives His blessings and peace to the Prophet Muhammad...
31 March 2006 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 54 (April - June 2006)
As God already gives His blessings and peace to the Prophet Muhammad, what is the wisdom in our invoking God’s blessings and peace upon him? Does he…
What should be the understanding of Mujaddin our time?
31 December 2005 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 53 (January - March 2006)
Q: What should be the understanding of “Mujaddid” in our time? Does it refer to a single individual only, or does it rather signify a collective pers…
What are the greatest dangers and pitfalls that a believer faces, and what precautions can be taken?
30 September 2005 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 52 (October - December 2005)
Humanity is being tested in this world. Life itself, from the beginning until the end, is full of tests that are different in shape and level of diff…
Three Groups Opposing Dialogue: How are those who are hostile to dialogue activities today relevant to and Kharijites, Karmatis, Anarchists?
30 June 2005 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 51 (July - September 2005)
Karmatism is a heretical esoteric sect founded by Hamdan ibn Karmat in the ninth century AD. Hamdan took advantage of the poverty of people and was i…
How should we establish balance with respect to the spiritual and worldly dimensions of our life?
31 March 2005 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 50 (April - June 2005)
Balance holds a very significant place in every phase of life. Balanced action is necessary over the spectrum which covers the essentials of belief a…
What are Information Sources in Religon?
31 December 2004 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 49 (January - March 2005)
Much has been said on the issue of information sources. Some of the people who have commented on this issue have sometimes been restricted by their k…
Is There an Islamic Code of Conduct Concerning Way of Dressing
30 September 2004 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 48 (October - December 2004)
There are no formal rules in Islam concerned with the way one wears one’s hair, the style of clothing or anything else related to external appearance…
What is Sufism?
30 June 2004 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 47 (July - September 2004)
Q: What is Sufism? A: Sufism is a path followed by Sufis (adherents of Islamic mysticism) to reach the Truth-God. While the term Sufism usually expr…
What is the purpose of death?
31 March 2004 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 46 (April - June 2004)
Although we are confined in this impermanent material world, every one of us has an inborn feeling and yearning for eternity. Our desire for the eter…
How should we react to the evil thoughts and desires?
31 December 2003 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 45 (January - March 2004)
Q: How should we react to the evil thoughts and desires whispered by Satan? A: Involuntary evil thoughts, fancies, or associations of ideas usually…
What would you say about the equality of men and women?
30 September 2003 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 44 (October - December 2003)
Q: In recent years a lot of things have been said concerning the equality of men and women. What can we say about the subject from an Islamic point o…
Why are there differences between Muslims?
30 June 2003 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 43 (July - September 2003)
Q: You say that Islam is a religion of unity, but we see differences - sometimes major differences - even among the Companions. Why is this so? A: I…
How does the Qur'an regard "knowledge"?
31 March 2003 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 42 (April - June 2003)
Q:What are the differences between the Islamic and the modern scientific points of view on knowledge (ilm)? How does the Qur'an regard knowledge? A…
What does the Qur'an say about science?
31 December 2002 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 41 (January - March 2003)
Q: What does the Qur'an say about science? A: The Qur'an was revealed to make us aware of the Creator, affirm that He is known through His creation…
Why does God tell Muslims to fast?
30 September 2002 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 40 (October - December 2002)
Q: Why does God tell Muslims to fast? A: The sparrow hawk's swooping contributes to the sparrow's alertness and evolving skills of escape. Although…
Why did Prophet Muhammad practice polygamy?
30 June 2002 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 39 (July - September 2002)
Q: In this time of sexual permissiveness and sexual scandals within certain religious and social circles, some people are claiming that polygamy is a…
What are your ideas about women's rights?
31 March 2002 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 38 (April - June 2002)
Q: What are your ideas about women's rights? A: This is a very comprehensive subject. From one perspective it's open to debate. It's very difficult…
What does the Qur'an say about Jihad and how did the Prophet implement it?
31 December 2001 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 37 (January - March 2002)
Q: In light of recent events, the media is constantly talking about jihad. However, sometimes they do not define this term. Can you please tell us wh…
Questions and Answers
30 September 2001 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 36 (October - December 2001)
Question: Will religion, supposedly developed by “primitive” people to explain the unknown, eventually become unnecessary? Answer: Those who answer…
Why is atheism so widespread?
30 June 2001 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 35 (July - September 2001)
Q: Why is atheism so widespread? A: Atheism means denying God's existence, rejecting His commandments, avoiding religious reflection and seriousness…
Question and Answer
31 March 2001 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 34 (April - June 2001)
Question: How should we, especially those of us who are young, interact with the world? Answer: Today's social environment is overrun with temptatio…
What is the spirit, and how does it affect us?
31 December 2000 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 33 (January - March 2001)
Q: What is the spirit, and how does it affect us? A: There are many worlds, among them those of plants, animals, people, and jinn. Our visible, mate…
Why should I believe in the Resurrection and the Afterlife?
30 September 2000 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 32 (October - December 2000)
Q: Why should I believe in the Resurrection and the Afterlife? A: After belief in God, this is the main way to secure a peaceful social order. If I…
Why do we need to worship God?
30 June 2000 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 31 (July - September 2000)
Question: What is the point of worship, and why does it have to be done in a certain way? Answer: Consider our position in this universe. We are nei…
What does guidance mean, and how can one guide someone else?
31 March 2000 | Hikmet Isik | Issue 30 (April - June 2000)
Q: What does guidance mean, and how can one guide someone else? A: Guidance is a light that God kindles in those people who use their free will in t…
Questions And Answers
31 December 1999 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 29 (January - March 2000)
Question: God has bestowed upon some people material wealth and comfort, status and prestige, and upon others poverty, misery, and affliction. Does t…
How can we avoid sins, and how can we show sincere repentance?
30 September 1999 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 28 (October - December 1999)
It is very important for our spiritual and emotional life to pay special attention to repentance, the greatest shelter against sins, in the following…
Questions And Answers
30 June 1999 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 27 (July - September 1999)
Question The Prophet says that at the sixth week of the embryo's development in the mother's womb, God sends an angel who writes whether the person…
Destiny and Man's Free Will
31 December 1998 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 25 (January - March 1999)
The arguments for the existence of man’s free will Before passing on the arguments for the existence of man’s free will, we should point out: Most…
Divine Decree and Destiny From Different Viewpoints
30 September 1998 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 24 (October - December 1998)
Divine Decree and Destiny in relation to Divine Knowledge As was pointed out earlier (in previous issues), God is beyond all comparison and whatever…
What Is The Meaning of Divine Decree and Destiny and Why is Belief in Destiny Included in the Essentials of Faith?
30 June 1998 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 23 (July - September 1998)
The original Arabic word translated as 'destiny' is 'Qadar', meaning, in its derivations, determination, giving a certain measure and shape, dividing…
Satan and the whispering of Satan (Involuntary thoughts occurring to man)
31 March 1998 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 22 (April - June 1998)
What Satan is and why he was created? Satan was, like the jinn with whom he mostly kept company, was also created from ‘fire’. Before he was put to…
Questions for Today
31 December 1997 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 21 (January - March 1998)
Contact with Jinn and the Reality of Sorcery or Magic Some people have an innate ability to go into trance and make contact with beings from the inv…
What kind of beings are jinn and can they appear in different forms in the visible, material world?
30 September 1997 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 20 (October - December 1997)
The nature of jinn Jinn are conscious beings charged with Divine obligations. The word jinn literally means something hidden or veiled from sight…
Questions for Today
30 June 1997 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 19 (July - September 1997)
What is death and what does the spirit do after death? Man has an inborn feeling for eternity. Confined within this transient, material world, he al…
Arguments for The Existence and Unity of God
31 March 1997 | Bediuzzaman Said Nursi | Issue 18 (April - June 1997)
First argument Every thing, every being in existence displays God’s Unity as a most manifest truth. For example, of the innumerable arguments for Hi…
Questions for Today
31 March 1997 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 18 (April - June 1997)
WHAT CAN WE SAY ABOUT THE TRUTH OF DREAMS? While you are in sleep, with your eyes closed, your ear deaf, your tongue mute and your arms and legs mot…
Is there any truth in supranormal phenomena such as spiritualism and telepathy?
31 December 1996 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 17 (January - March 1997)
The spirit does not belong to this visible world. It issues from the world of unconditioned existence where Divine commands are carried out instantly…
How Can We Argue For The Existence Of The Spirit And Can We Know of It ?
30 September 1996 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 16 (October - December 1996)
The spirit and its Identity 1. Although sciences are not yet ready to accept it, there are, besides the subdivisions in a world - like the worlds of…
What Are The Characteristics of Angels, Jinn and Satans or Devils ?
30 June 1996 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 15 (July - September 1996)
The characteristics of angels As was explained before, angels are created from light. The ‘Arabic word’ for angel is ‘malak’. According to the root…
How Can We Argue, In General Terms, For The Existence Of Invisible Beings?
31 March 1996 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 14 (April - June 1996)
Since man’s sensory powers are limited, it is not wise to deny outright the existence of realms beyond our senses. Also, we know very little with res…
Questions for Today
31 December 1995 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 13 (January - March 1996)
How can we answer those who attribute the origin of existence to nature or the laws of nature or to matter or to chance or necessity? False argument…
What are the arguments for the existence of God?
30 September 1995 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 12 (October - December 1995)
The existence of God is too evident to need any arguments. Some saintly scholars have even stated that God Himself is more manifest than any other be…
What is the meaning of 'mannerliness' in the terminology of sufism?
30 June 1995 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 11 (July - September 1995)
Its meaning covers being sensible and reasonable, well- behaved, well-mannered, treating people kindly. Mannerliness is used in the terminology of Su…
Questions For Today
03 January 1995 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 10 (April - June 1995)
The Qur'an was revealed in stages over a period of 23 years, and not as a complete book in one single act of revelation. There is wisdom and a number…
Questions For Today
31 December 1994 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 9 (January - March 1995)
Were the times of death of those who die in a disaster destined to be simultaneous? The appointed time of death is the end of the predetermined life…
Questions For Today
09 January 1994 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 8 (October - December 1994)
Animals live on plants, and human beings on both animals and plants. It seems that life in the universe depends on death, why? Death is the foundati…
Questions for Today
06 January 1994 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 7 (July - September 1994)
Is the Qur’an, as some people say, the work of the Prophet Muhammad? If not, how can it be proved that it is not? Much has been said and written in…
How is that Islam, a religon inspired by Allah for the good of humanity, allows slavery?
31 December 1993 | M. Fethullah Gulen | Issue 5 (January - March 1994)
There are historical, social and psychological dimensions to this question, which we must work through patiently, if we are to arrive at a satisfacto…
What will become in the Hereafter of those who were born and live non-Islamic countries?
09 January 1993 | M.f. Sahin | Issue 4 (October - December 1993)
Those who put this question imply: ‘Since we believe in God and His Prophet, we will go to paradise. But those who were born and live in non-Islamic…
Questions for Today - Prophethood
06 January 1993 | M. A. Sahin | Issue 3 (July - September 1993)
What is it? What does it mean for people? Did all the prophets appear in the Arabian Peninsula? Were there any people among whom a prophet was not…
The reasons behind the several marriages of the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace
03 January 1993 | M. F. Sahin | Issue 2 (April - June 1993)
Some critics of Islam, either because they are not aware of the facts about the marriages of the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace, or because they…
God, His Essence And Attributes
31 December 1992 | M. F. Sahin | Issue 1 (January - March 1993)
God is absolutely other than His creation. The Creator cannot by any means be the same kind of being as that which He created. Although this is self-…
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