A Comparative Study of the Methods of Rumi and Nursi in Da‘wa and Establishing Peace with the Other

Özet

Peace is one of the most important moral elements in the Sufi tradition. In Sufism peace is without conditions or return for all mankind regardless of a person's gender, color, race, religion or belief, peace in the Sufi path is preferred over power and coarseness because their effect is superficial and temporary while peace has deep and lasting effect of people's lives. Peace brings about peaceful co-existence with the other on basis of mutual respect and tolerance. Rumi and Nursi were keen to call for peace and tranquility. Their discourse was tolerant for all ideas and beliefs. Each of them, in accordance with his own methodology, was passionate to call for peace and reconciliation among Muslims and among all human beings. Rumi adopted the Sufi Way or Tariqah which is based on shari'a. According to Rumi, Tariqah is the solo path to gather people from different religions and sects. For him, it is very difficult to gather two people who belong to different ideologies by Shari'a, while it is easy to do that by the Tariqah. This discourse shows the liberal aspect of Sufism. In this manner, the Magi, the Brahma, the Christian, the Jew, the Muslim, and even the worshippers of idols are equal and can all participate in hearing and reciting remembrance of God or Zikr, silent or recited out loud. Coexistence between Muslims and Hindus in India might be a good example of what is discussed in this research. They are brothers in humanity and equal in the ways of Sufism. Nursi, who is influenced by Rumi, on the other hand, disagrees with him and relies on the Qur'an, the Sharia, reason and logic in his call for peace. Nevertheless, he does not forget Tariqah and its impact on establishing peace and brotherhood among Muslims. This research study examines the call for peace and brotherhood in the works of Rumi and Nursi and compares their approaches.