464-465
Even if we disregard the universal and vast Qur’anic service that Ustadh performed and assume that his entire occupation and service consisted solely of the lessons he gave to the people he met and the guidance he offered to them, it is still a service that is so great and effective that it is unparalleled. His service in this area is monumental. In Emirdağ and its surrounding villages, he had many sisters of the âkhirah, students and friends, just as men and women that he had accepted as students, brothers and sisters of the âkhirah while in Barla. He paid great attention to innocent children in particular.
Ustadh’s boundless ‘iffah and istiqâmah are testified to, proven and undeniable. Throughout his life, he strictly avoided talking to women or even looking at them. It is understood from one of his letters that, even in his youth, he was at the pinnacle of ‘iffah and istiqâmah as it was established through the testimony of the people who knew him and his life well.
By seeing this exemplary ‘iffah and istiqâmah of Ustadh, the townspeople showed him ma’nawî attachment for the âkhirah. Ustadh would always offer du'â for the women he accepted as his sisters of the âkhirah and the innocent children he considered his ma’nawî children and students. He would briefly inform them that women are the heroes of compassion; in this age, it is necessary for them to act within the sphere of tarbiyyah of Islam; they are responsible for their children’s lives in the âkhirah; if they were to raise them religiously, they would have a share in their children’s rewards. He would say to them that he is very ill. He would request their du'â and offer du'â for the elderly and young women who perform salâh and accept them as his sisters of the âkhirah. He would speak very few words. Through the innocence of their hearts, the blessed women would know that Said Nursî was an eminent person of ahl al-haqq and haqiqah.