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Vol. 11 No. 3 (2026)
Special Issue: Risale-i Nur Studies and Bediüzzaman Said Nursi’s Intellectual Legacy

Special Issue: Risale-i Nur Studies and Bediüzzaman Said Nursi’s Intellectual Legacy

Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s Dynamic Strategy for the Reconstruction of Muslim Society: A Critical Analysis

https://doi.org/10.55831/ajis.v11i3.1105

Published 27.05.2026

  • Shumaila Majeed
Shumaila Majeed
Akhuwat College University Kasur

Abstract

This article investigates the dynamic strategy of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi in the context of the Ottoman decline for reconstructing Muslim society. First, it outlines the historical background of the Ottoman decline and Nursi’s diagnosis of the causes of degradation of the Musim world. This is followed by a detailed discussion of his proposed solutions to counteract the problems. Nursi’s life is divided into two phases, each marked by a difference in circumstances that shaped his distinctive methodological scheme for revitalisation. This study explores the nature and reason behind the strategic change along with the process of developing a revised strategy. The article also analyses Nursi’s contribution to resist the anti-religious policies of the Turkish government. Adapting a qualitative approach, the study finds that the Muslim decline resulted from multiple factors including educational downturn, backwardness in Islamic sciences, political instability, and neglecting Islamic teachings. Nursi sought to counter these problems with faith through investigation. He had foreseen that the aggressive strategies against the government would prove counterproductive. His dynamic strategy was grounded in wisdom and adaptability, which was instrumental in countering the onslaughts of anti-religious ideologies. His works can be of great assistance to understand the problems of the Muslim world today.

Keywords

Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, decline reasons, reconstruction, dynamic strategy

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Author Biography

Shumaila Majeed

Dr. Shumaila Majeed, Assistant Professor Translation of the Holy Quran /Islamic Studies at Akhuwat College University, Kasur (Ful-time), and a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Sialkot (part-time). Also founding editor of Nuqtah Journal of Theological Studies, her research interests focus on Quranic Sciences and revival of Muslim thought.

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