KNOWLEDGE, FAITH, AND DIALOGUE: SAID NURSI’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE DISCOURSE ON INTERRELIGIOUS HARMONY IN THE MODERN WORLD

Abstract

Abstract: The modern world grapples with persistent religious discord, a stark contradiction to the yearning for global harmony. This paper explores Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's intellectual contributions, particularly his emphasis on the integration of ilmu (knowledge), iman (faith), and dialog (dialogue), as a potent framework for fostering religious harmony. Nursi’s thought, often misunderstood or oversimplified, offers a compelling counter-narrative to the prevailing secularist assumptions that frequently dismiss religious conviction as a source of conflict. His vision challenges the artificial schism between scientific reason and spiritual truth, arguing instead for their profound complementarity, a perspective that could re-orient contemporary educational and societal approaches. The true value of his work lies not merely in its theological depth, but in its pragmatic application for cultivating a pluralistic mindset. Dismissing Nursi's ideas risks perpetuating the intellectual fragmentation that underpins much of today's religious tension, leaving societies ill-equipped to build genuine understanding.