Month: June 2020

The aim of this talk is to critically examine one particular aspect of sadness, namely ḥuzn (translated as sorrow, grief, sadness), from a Muslim perspective generally and from the perspective of Said Nursi in particular. It endeavours to determine whether ḥuzn has a positive role to play and, if so, whether it should be treated as something that is ‘normal’. It tries to understand why ḥuzn is acknowledged as something which is both given to, and taken from, individuals by God, but yet is apparently viewed by the Quran as a negative feeling that is to be obviated whenever possible. It also questions why, if ḥuzn is a negative attribute, believers – prophets in particular – were not exempt from it, particularly given its link to unbelief.

Topic: Phenomenology and Self in Said Nursi: Reflective reading of the Anā Treatise (First Part of 30th Word) within the phenomenological method Presenter: Dr.Necati Aydin Date and Time: Tuesday, May 26, 2020, 04:00 PM Istanbul Abstract: The objective is to engage in scholarly discussion in comparing and contrasting Nursi’s concept and use of ana (self) with the phenomenological concepts and method. The debate is expected to shed light on his epistemic, ontic, and phenomenological approaches based on his understanding of human self and consciousness. Particularly, it might help to better understand his mana-i harfi approach in reading the universe with its physical, social, and personal events like a meaningful book. The presentation will consist of three parts: First, a definition and a brief history of phenomenology will be provided. Second, key phenomenological concepts will be presented. Third, the presenter will share his own reflective reading of Ana Treatise within the framework provided in part 1 and 2.