Page 80 - The School of Yusuf (as)

THE SCHOOL OF YUSUF

is because of this that we have been put to this arduous test,
with a task pertaining to belief and the Hereafter. Only one or
two prisoners out of twenty to thirty performed the obligatory
prayers as they should be performed; but following the Risale-i
Nur students, forty to fifty without exception have begun to

perform them perfectly; this is such instruction and guidance
through the tongue of disposition and action, that it reduces to
nothing the distress and hardship; indeed, it makes one love it.
We hope from Divine mercy and grace that just as the students
have taught this through their actions, so through the powerful
true belief in their hearts, they will become like a fortress of
steel, delivering the believers from the doubts and suspicions of

the people of misguidance.
The worldly here preventing us from speaking and having con-
tact causes no harm. The tongue of disposition is more power-
ful and effective than verbal speech. Since imprisonment is for
training and education, if they love the nation, they should

allow the prisoners to meet with the Risale-i Nur students so
that in one month or even a day, they may receive more training
and education than they would otherwise receive in a year, and
may all become persons beneficial both to the nation and coun-
try, and useful for their own futures and their lives in the
Hereafter... 25

In a number of instances, Bediuzzaman addressed the inmates
directly, calling them onto the path of Allah, to quit their bad
habits, and to become as forgiving of others as believers are to be.
Bediuzzaman stated, in the following passage, that one aspect of
the wisdom behind their imprisonment could be to educate these
inmates according to the Risale-i Nur:

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