Imagine the vast, dangerous Arabian desert. To survive the journey, a traveler must take the name of a powerful local chieftain and enter his protection. Without this "passport," they would be helpless against countless enemies and their own needs. Two men set out on such a journey:
In this parable, the "desert" represents our world. The "traveler" is every human being who is weak but has endless needs, and faces "enemies" like illness and death.
He takes the name of a chieftain and travels under his protection. Whenever he meets bandits, he says, "I travel in the name of such-and-such leader," and they leave him in peace. He finds every door open and completes his journey safely. Bismillah Birinci Soz
Represents the believer who starts every action with "Bismillah," acknowledging that all power and sustenance come from God.
He refuses to take a name, believing in his own strength. Throughout the journey, he is constantly harassed by bandits, terrified by every shadow, and struggles to find basic necessities. He lives in a state of perpetual fear and poverty. Imagine the vast, dangerous Arabian desert
The story teaches that everything in nature—from the seeds that split the hard earth to the cows that provide milk—acts in the name of God. By saying "Bismillah," a person aligns themselves with this universal order, gaining a "limitless strength" and "endless blessing". Sözler, Birinci Söz, 27 - Sorularla Risale
The "Birinci Söz" (First Word) is a foundational parable from the collection by Said Nursi, explaining the profound power and necessity of saying "Bismillah" (In the name of Allah). The Story: The Two Travelers in the Desert Two men set out on such a journey:
Represents the name of Allah ("Bismillah").
Imagine the vast, dangerous Arabian desert. To survive the journey, a traveler must take the name of a powerful local chieftain and enter his protection. Without this "passport," they would be helpless against countless enemies and their own needs. Two men set out on such a journey:
In this parable, the "desert" represents our world. The "traveler" is every human being who is weak but has endless needs, and faces "enemies" like illness and death.
He takes the name of a chieftain and travels under his protection. Whenever he meets bandits, he says, "I travel in the name of such-and-such leader," and they leave him in peace. He finds every door open and completes his journey safely.
Represents the believer who starts every action with "Bismillah," acknowledging that all power and sustenance come from God.
He refuses to take a name, believing in his own strength. Throughout the journey, he is constantly harassed by bandits, terrified by every shadow, and struggles to find basic necessities. He lives in a state of perpetual fear and poverty.
The story teaches that everything in nature—from the seeds that split the hard earth to the cows that provide milk—acts in the name of God. By saying "Bismillah," a person aligns themselves with this universal order, gaining a "limitless strength" and "endless blessing". Sözler, Birinci Söz, 27 - Sorularla Risale
The "Birinci Söz" (First Word) is a foundational parable from the collection by Said Nursi, explaining the profound power and necessity of saying "Bismillah" (In the name of Allah). The Story: The Two Travelers in the Desert
Represents the name of Allah ("Bismillah").