What Are the Foundations of Muslim Faith?

One of the most fundamental questions in human history is: “What are the foundations of Muslim faith?” On this subject, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s Risale-i Nur Collection provides strong answers by explaining Islamic belief through rational and logical proofs, offering satisfaction both to the heart and the mind.

According to the Risale-i Nur, Muslim faith consists of divine truths that reveal the purpose of human creation and guide mankind to happiness in both this world and the Hereafter. In other words, Muslim faith is not merely a rigid tradition; it is a reality affirmed by the unity of reason, heart, conscience, and soul.

What Is Muslim Faith?

Muslim faith is the acceptance of the principles of Islam, the last religion revealed by Allah. The Risale-i Nur defines faith not as a weak attachment based on blind imitation, but as investigative faith (tahqiqî îmân).

Bediuzzaman Said Nursi states:
“Imitative faith is weak in the face of doubts. Investigative faith, however, is like an unshakable mountain.” (Lem’alar)

Therefore, the foundation of Muslim belief is a faith based on solid proofs a faith that brings peace to the heart and stands firm against every doubt.

The Fundamentals of Faith in the Risale-i Nur

According to the Risale-i Nur Collection, the foundations of Muslim belief are built upon tawhid (the oneness of God), nubuwwah (prophethood), resurrection (belief in the afterlife), worship, and justice/morality. These principles appeal to the intellect, the heart, and the conscience. This is why Islam is the only true religion that leads humanity to happiness in this world and eternal bliss in the hereafter.

1. Tawhid: The Oneness of God

The perfect order in the universe shows that everything belongs to a single Creator.

“Everything bears the seal of the One and Unique.” (The Words)

For this reason, the first and greatest truth of Islam is tawhid.

2. Nubuwwah: Prophethood

The human mind alone is insufficient to discover ultimate truth. Therefore, Allah sent prophets to guide mankind.

Bediüzzaman Said Nursî states:
“Prophethood is essential for humanity.” (The Letters)

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final messenger, and the religion he brought will remain valid until the Day of Judgment.

3. Resurrection: Belief in the Afterlife

One of the topics the Risale-i Nur emphasizes most is resurrection.
“Man was created for eternity.” (The Words)

Death is not annihilation but a transition to a new life. Without belief in the hereafter, the human soul cannot attain true peace.

4. Worship: The Essence of Servitude

The Risale-i Nur summarizes the purpose of human creation as follows:

“Man was created for worship.” (The Words)
Acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, and charity are not only individual duties but also sources of social harmony and balance.

5. Justice and Morality

Islam ensures not only individual order but also the balance of social life.

“Justice is the pillar of the universe.” (The Rays)
Justice, together with noble morality, is one of the pillars of Muslim faith. It brings harmony between a person’s inner and outer world.

The Distinctive Feature of Muslim Faith: Not Imitation, but Investigative (Tahqiq) Belief

The Risale-i Nur Collection defines Muslim faith not as a mere tradition bound to forms or blind imitation, but as investigative belief (tahqiqî iman) based on solid evidence. According to Bediüzzaman Said Nursî, true faith is that which convinces a person intellectually, emotionally, and through the conscience. Reaching this level of faith is possible not through imitation alone, but through reflection, reasoning, and the pursuit of truth.

Why Is Imitative Faith Weak?

As expressed in the Risale-i Nur:
Imitative faith is a superficial belief that a person accepts merely by observing family or social environment, without relying on evidence. Such faith is easily shaken in the face of doubts and objections. When the intellect and the heart are not provided with solid proofs, a person may even fall into the danger of denial over time.

Bediüzzaman Said Nursî describes this situation as follows:
“Faith based on imitation is weak in the face of doubts; it is quickly extinguished.” (The Gleams)

Why Is Investigative (Tahqiqî) Faith Necessary?

Investigative faith (tahqiqî iman) is one of the most emphasized forms of belief in the Risale-i Nur. This is because such faith is:

Supported by reason: A person must reflect and read the signs of evidence within the universe.
Satisfying to the heart: Faith is not only intellectual; it also requires peace of heart.
Convincing to the conscience: The human inner voice naturally inclines toward God, and investigative faith provides answers to this search.
Eliminating doubts: Investigative faith responds with solid proofs, even to the heaviest claims of denial.

Bediüzzaman Said Nursî states:
“Investigative faith occurs when truth becomes firmly established in the heart. Such faith withstands doubts as great as mountains.” (The Letters)

Happiness in This World and the Hereafter

According to the Risale-i Nur, a Muslim who possesses investigative faith:
– Finds peace in this world, since the mind and the heart no longer live in contradiction.
– Is freed from doubts, as every question finds an answer.
– Attains eternal happiness in the hereafter, since a heart that believes in God is prepared for everlasting life.

The most essential feature of Muslim belief, as emphasized in the Risale-i Nur, is that it is based not on blind imitation, but on investigative faith. While imitative belief remains weak in the face of spiritual tremors, investigative faith provides both peace in this world and eternal bliss in the hereafter.