The Twenty-First Flash

O my brothers! If unity and cooperation in worldly and material affairs yield such great and abundant benefits, consider how immense the rewards must be in spiritual matters concerning the Hereafter. For through the mercy of Allah, the entire profit and thawābThe rewards granted in the Hereafter for deeds performed in pursuit of Allah’s pleasure and acceptance., without being divided or diminished, are recorded in the book of deeds of every participant.

It is as though all the fruits and thawābThe rewards granted in the Hereafter for deeds performed in pursuit of Allah’s pleasure and acceptance., consisting of light, are reflected in their entirety in the books of deeds of each participant, like images in mirrors. Such immense rewards must not be forfeited through rivalry and insincerity!

The Second Cause

The second cause that destroys ikhlāsSincerity in worship, seeking only the pleasure of Allah and avoiding the pursuit of fame or status. is the gratification of the ego and the indulgence of the nafs-i ammārahThe aspect of the soul that incites a person toward evil and harbors negative traits and desires. through love of rank and position, concealed beneath the guise of honour and glory, and through the desire to attract the attention of others.

This is a grave spiritual disease that impairs sincerity and opens the door to hypocrisy and egotism, which constitute a form of hidden shirkThe act of associating partners with Allah or ascribing to others qualities or rights that belong exclusively to Him; the gravest sin in Islam..

O my brothers! Since our service of the Qur’an is founded upon truth and brotherhood, and since the mystery of brotherhood requires that one sacrifice one's ego for the sake of one's brothers and prefer them to oneself, rivalry born of love of rank should have no place among us.

Indeed, to harbour rivalry towards one's brothers is utterly contrary to the principles of our way. Since every individual may regard the collective honour of all his brothers as his own, I hope that the students of the Risale-i Nur will remain far removed from sacrificing such immense spiritual honour for the sake of petty, personal fame born of egotism and rivalry.

Indeed, the hearts, intellects, and souls of the students of the Risale-i Nur would never stoop to such base, wicked, and contemptible inclinations and qualities. Nevertheless, everyone possesses a nafs-i ammārahThe aspect of the soul that incites a person toward evil and harbors negative traits and desires.. At times, egotistical feelings may gain the upper hand and exert their influence in defiance of the heart, intellect, and soul.

I do not, however, reproach your hearts, souls, or spirits. I have confidence in you because of the instruction you have received from the Risale-i Nur. Yet the nafsThe aspect of the soul associated with lower desires and negative traits., desires, emotions, and false imaginings can sometimes deceive us. It is for this reason that I admonish you so sternly. These severe warnings are directed at the nafsThe aspect of the soul associated with lower desires and negative traits., desires, emotions, and false imaginings. Therefore, be on your guard.

Indeed, if our way were founded upon hierarchy, there would be only one rank, or a limited number of ranks, for which various individuals would compete. This could give rise to egotism and rivalry.

Our way, however, is founded upon brotherhood. One brother cannot assume the position of a father towards another, nor can he occupy the position of a murshid. Brotherhood is not confined to a limited number of ranks and therefore gives no occasion for envious rivalry. Rather, each brother supports his fellow brother in advancing his service.