Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's Ethics of Non-Violence: Implications for Christian-Muslim Relations Today

Islam, unlike any other major religious tradition, is often associated with violence and extremism. This essay explores some of the elements of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's (1876/77-1960) ethics of non-violence and the historical context within which it evolved and was put into practice. It will become evident that Bediuzzaman's advocacy of non-violence is rooted in a qur'anic framework by providing a holistic reading of scripture. This takes into consideration major qur'anic ethical virtues of compassion and mercy and a re-interpretation of jihad suitable with those. Introducing the general Christian audience to these Muslim advocates remains crucial in fostering Christian-Muslim relations.