New Year’s Day is universally a time for renewal. The turning of the calendar page energizes us to commit to resolutions, striving for improvements in health, education, and relationships. Yet, as a spiritual addition to these worthy goals, we must recognize the true nature of what a passing year represents: the most precious capital gifted by the Merciful Creator. Our resolutions should ultimately be about transforming this finite time into infinite value.
The Risale-i Nur offers a profound insight into the relentless flow of time. It teaches that time is not merely a neutral container for events; it is a sculptor and a record-keeper that swiftly moves us toward the Eternal. When we reflect on a year that has passed, we should not see only loss or decay, but rather a completed scroll of deeds, now sealed and preserved. This passing is a constant reminder of our own impermanence (fana), forcing us to confront the question: How do we save our brief, transient moments from being swept into oblivion?
Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s methodology compels us to look beyond the surface, recognizing that every transient reality points to an Eternal One (Baqi). The sun sets, the year ends, and our youth fades not to cause despair, but to demonstrate that ultimate permanence belongs only to God. The only way to save our fleeting time is to invest it in actions that possess eternal value, namely, acts of gratitude, worship, and service that are performed for His sake.
Let’s take the passing of the year itself as an example: The year is composed of days, and the day is a microcosm of our life. The sun’s rising and setting, the cyclical nature of creation, does not merely mark 24 hours. It is a sign of Divine Power (Al-Qadir) and Wisdom (Al-Hakeem), providing a meticulously scheduled opportunity for us to fulfill our covenant. When we commit to resolutions, whether to fast, to read more, or to serve our community, we are essentially accepting this capital of time and consciously choosing to invest it in our eternal portfolio.
This involves more than simply saying a prayer or two; it means transforming the whole of our day into purposeful action. Utilizing our time consciously, reflecting on the Divine Names manifested in our work, our rest, and our interactions, elevates the mundane into worship. Our sincere New Year’s resolution is therefore a renewed intention to use our transient life as a polished mirror, reflecting the Names of the Everlasting Creator. In those moments of heightened awareness, realizing that our time is measured and precious, we actualize our potential for God-consciousness.
We, at Nur Publishers, extend a warm and happy new year to everyone; may 2026 be a year full of peace and prosperity for all. May we use the capital of time wisely to draw closer to our purpose. We would like to close with the following authentic saying:
Prophet Muhammed (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“There are two blessings which many people lose: health and free time.” (Bukhari)
–Dr. O. Birgeoglu, Ph.D.