Page 80 - The Alliance of the Good

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THE ALLIANCE OF THE GOOD

is the brother of a Muslim, he does not wrong him, fail to assist
him, lie to him nor despise him. 7

Said Nursi, also known as Bediuzzaman (the Wonder of
the Age) who is one of the greatest Islamic scholars of the
20th century gives extensive reference to these issues in his
Risale-i Nur collection, a commentary on the Qur'an. In the
sincere style that is peculiar to him, Bediuzzaman relates that
believers should strictly avoid corrupt feelings such as
competitiveness when they strive for a common goal:
The service of the truth is like carrying and preserving a great and
weighty treasure. Those who carry that trust on their shoulders
will be happy and grateful whenever powerful hands rush to their
aid. Far from being jealous, one should proudly applaud the
superior strength, effectiveness and capacity of those who in
upright love come forward to offer their help. Why then look on true
brothers and self-sacrificing helpers in a spirit of rivalry, thus
losing sincerity? You will be exposed to fearsome accusations in the
eyes of the people of misguidance, such as pursuing worldly
interest through religion, even though it is something a hundred

times lower than you and your belief, earning your livelihood
through the knowledge of truth and rivalling others in greed and
acquisitiveness. The sole remedy for this disease is to accuse your
own soul before others raise these charges, and always to take the
side of your fellow, not your own soul. 8
As Bediuzzaman Said Nursi also states, offering one's
service towards establishment of the moral values of the
Qur'an can be seen as preserving a treasure for the believers;
one that is extremely precious. To this invaluable service,
everybody must provide his wholehearted support and help.
Feeling jealous of another believer who offers his devoted