Sincerity and Brotherhood

1. Sincerity and Brotherhood In the Risale-i Nur

2. From the 21st Flash “…in this world sincerity is the most important principle in works pertaining to the hereafter; it is the greatest strength, the most acceptable intercessor, the firmest point of support, the shortest way to reality, the most acceptable prayer, the most wondrous means of achieving one’s goal, the highest quality, and the purest worship…”

3. General points on sincerity To have ‘sincerity’ is to be free of pretense, to be genuine. Sincerity can apply in any domain In the domain of ‘works pertaining to the hereafter’, sincerity is a pre-requisite for the acceptability of deeds Sincerity in this domain amounts to acting solely for the sake/pleasure of Allah Since sincerity, in this domain, entails acting for Allah’s sake, it requires us to act only in a manner that is pleasing to Allah. You cannot be sincere in respect of Allah, in wrong-doing You cannot manifest sincerity without uhuvet (brotherhood/sisterhood). Why?

4. Uhuvet (Brotherhood) The term ‘uhuvet’ - brotherhood/sisterhood - applies to all those with whom we have relations, whether familial or non-familial. It relates largely to those with whom we share important goals – especially those pertaining to the hereafter Uhuvet involves having a certain kind of regard, kinship, closeness and love for these ‘brothers/sisters’ To have uhuvet is, partly, to prefer your brothers to yourself for Allah’s sake

5. Uhuvet and sincerity Why is uhuvet required for sincerity? Most of the opportunities we have to reflect the beauty and perfection of Allah exist within interpersonal relationships. It’s hard to act as a comprehensive mirror to Allah living in solitude If we don’t show the required regard for our brothers, we fail to reflect many instances of Allah’s beauty and perfection. We in fact manifest ugliness Recall: You cannot be sincere in respect of Allah in wrong-doing

6. How can we gain and preserve sincerity? Bediuzzaman offers four rules for sincerity and uhuvet. Given what we have discussed, these should be quite self-explanatory… 1. “You should seek divine pleasure in your actions.” 2. “Not to criticize your brothers … and not to excite their envy by displaying superior virtues.” 3. “Know that all your strength lies in sincerity and truth” (and act in accordance with this knowledge). 4. “To imagine your brothers’ virtues and merits in your own selves, and to thankfully take pride at their glory.”