The Third Part
The Element of Belief
In the Name of God, the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate.
I bear witness that there is no deity but God, and I also bear witness that Muhammad, upon him be blessings and peace, is His Messenger.
While this elevated proclamation is the basis of Islam, it is also the loftiest and most luminous flag waving in the heavens. The belief, which is a pledge we gave to God in pre-eternity and through which we are bound to God, is epitomized in this sacred proclamation. And Islam, which is the pure water of life, has its source in this pure spring. This proclamation is an eternal “royal decree” given into the hands of those who among humankind have been appointed to the palace of eternal happiness which they have been promised. It is also the luminous map of the heart, which is the spiritual faculty given to humans by the Lord, the King of Eternity, to know and make Him known, and to believe in Him, and as a window that opens on the worlds of the Unseen. Furthermore, it is a fluent orator, presenting the mysterious, eloquent oration of the conscience to the whole universe, and an eternal decree at the disposal of the tongue, which is an eloquent herald of belief, announcing the Eternal Sovereign to the universe.
AN INDICATION
Each of the two parts of this elevated proclamation is a true witness and proof for the other. God’s existence and Oneness, or Divinity, is a priori proof for the Messengership; Divinity demands one who will make God known to others; and Prophet Muhammad, who represents the Messengership in all its dimensions and entire comprehensiveness, upon him be peace and blessings, is a posteriori proof for Divinity with his person, life, and mission.
A REMINDER
The truths of Islamic belief have been detailed in all their aspects in relevant Islamic books. So they are clear enough for all to perceive. Since attempting to show what is already clear and obvious may be regarded as taking the audience for a fool, I will explain only a few elements of Islamic belief. I refer the reader to the works of scholars for the rest.
Introduction
It is well known that the Qur’an has four basic purposes, or pursues the establishment of four cardinal truths: The existence of the Oneness of the Creator, the Prophethood, bodily Resurrection, and Worship and Justice.
One of the proofs that establishes the Creator’s existence is Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings. In fact, God’s existence and Oneness is so clear that it is far above needing discussion or proof. But since many people are thrown into doubt about this most manifest truth, and since some Japanese people (visiting Istanbul) asked me about it, I feel obliged to write about this truth. They ask: What is the clearest proof for the existence of the Deity to Whom you call us. What has existence been created from—from non-existence, or matter, or the Essence of that Deity?
AN INDICATION
As the proofs for God and signs for knowledge of Him are innumerable, it is impossible to describe Him in only a few words. So I beg forgiveness for my inability to explain the matter as clearly as required.
A REMINDER
What I intend is to be able to show the way to sound, balanced reasoning, so that the resulting truth will appear clearly at the end of the article. Otherwise, skepticism, which is supported by the desire to see the result in every part of the article, and which is opposed by the inability of the human mind to show the intended result in every part of speech or writing, will cause the truth to be hidden in doubts and whims.
Under the influence of some negative factors such as biased and willful opposition or self-centeredness, humans have a tendency to excuse themselves by basing their groundless suspicions and whims on a reality. In addition, they look for pretexts. Also, a customer usually finds defects or faults with something they will buy. All these factors prevent one from seeing or admitting the truth. If you are not prevented by such obstacles, you may try nevertheless to listen to me with a peaceful heart.
Said Nursi