Turkish American Islamic Institute

Basira and Firasa (Insight and Discernment)

by Fethullah Gulen

Literally meaning perception, intelligence, discretion, evidence, and witness, insight (basira) is defined as having an eye of the heart open, deep perception, an ability to see consequences just at the beginning of an act, or foresight. Insight acquires a different, deeper dimension among Sufis. It is considered the sole source of spiritual knowledge obtained through reflective thought and inspiration, the first degree in the spirit's perception of the reality of things; and a power of conscience that discerns and establishes values originating in the spirit, whereas reason becomes entangled in colors, forms, and qualities.

The Challenge of Peaceful Coexistence

by B. Jill CARROLL, The Fountain Magazine

"Peaceful coexistence is the most important project of our era. But we cannot do it alone or in isolation; we must do it together."

The world has become very small.

Mass communications, mass travel, and economic interdependence have created a contemporary world in which we as individuals and groups no longer can live in isolation from other groups as well as we could have in previous periods. Nations and groups of people who barely knew of each other now see each other's lives and worlds in living color and in real time through television and the internet. read more...

TAII's Corner

Between Exclusivism and Pluralism:

The need for a practical and encompassing theory for interfaith world.

by Suleyman Eris

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Turkish American Islamic Institue

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On September 11, 2011 Imam Suleyman Eris and Turkish-American community of Tampa participated in the remembrance service of 9/11 at Unity Church of Tampa.

The interfaith service began with a beautiful welcoming song by Leah Clark and her choir:

"Come on in welcome home you are loved and you belong

Here now no matter where you've been

Come on in, come on in."

After this meaningful song and short meditation, Reverent Debbie Moss and Imam Suleyman Eris shared their message of hope with the audience. In this video, you can listen to Reverent Moss' introduction and Imam Eris' message of hope

9/11: A decade to learn from and decades to come in peace... PART 1

9/11: A decade to learn from and decades to come in peace... PART 2

Mustafa Akyol: Faith versus tradition in Islam

Dr. Jill Caroll talking about Fethullah Gulen, a contemporary Turkish Scholar: