ISRA Academy Podcast

This episode part of the the Risale-i Nur series.

In this episode, Dr Zuleyha Keskin speaks with Dr Omer Atilla Ergi about one of the most enduring questions of our time: are science and religion really in conflict? They explore the historical relationship between faith and scientific inquiry, challenge common misconceptions about Islam and science, and discuss why the deeper we understand the universe, the more profound its mysteries become.
Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:15 Emergence of naturalism05:03 Many classical scholars were scientists as well10:37 God of everything, not God of gaps14:54 Life is the biggest mystery21:17 God is the author of the Qur’an and the universe

Raising daughters in a Western context comes with challenges that are not always obvious. In this conversation, Zeynep speaks with Dr Zuleyha Keskin about helping Muslim girls develop the confidence, resilience and inner strength needed to remain grounded in their faith. They discuss the subtle social pressures young Muslim women face, the importance of building trust and creating a relationship in which daughters feel safe speaking openly.
Timestamps00:00 Introduction00:30 One of the biggest challenges04:36 Being Muslim requires a lot of strength07:58 The challenges are socially more subtle13:55 Your daughter should be able to come to you for anything

In this conversation, Ustadh Ahmet Ozturk speaks with Professor Mehmet Ozalp about the deeper meaning and spiritual significance of Bismillah — “In the name of Allah.” This is a thoughtful conversation on faith, creation, dependence on Allah, and the spiritual power contained in words we often say without fully reflecting on their meaning.
Timestamps00:00 Introduction01:00 We don’t say Basmala enough02:34 Basmala is the summary of the Qur’an09:40 Everything cooperates to support life15:43 Humankind being created in the “image of God”20:50 Tapping into the power of God with Basmala

If God needs nothing, why did He create the universe? And if He is completely self-sufficient, why does He ask us to worship Him?
In this episode, Dr Zuleyha Keskin speaks with Dr Omer Atilla Ergi about Allah's absolute independence, the purpose of creation, and why worship benefits us, not God. Together they explore how worship is ultimately a process of purification and spiritual growth.
Timestamps00:00 Introduction04:49 It’s the talent that results in an outcome10:10 Humans are agents of need and we compare15:55 Response to “Why does God need our worship?”21:15 Purification process

In this thought-provoking Q&A session, Dr Omer Atilla Ergi addresses some of the most challenging questions surrounding suffering, justice, evil, and the wisdom of Allah. Drawing on Islamic theology and spirituality, he explores how believers can make sense of suffering while maintaining faith, trust, and hope.
Timestamps:
00:00 Why do evil people get away with evil?06:48 Why is suffering distributed unevenly?09:44 Advice for someone who feels distant from Allah because of suffering17:33 Why do non-Muslim countries appear more just than Muslim countries?21:21 Why do some people suffer to the point of suicide?28:20 Does a privileged Muslim have it easier than a destitute non-Muslim?35:20 Why are evil people created?

In this episode, Dr Suleyman Sertkaya explores the historical significance of the Madinah Charter, one of the earliest documented agreements governing a diverse society. He discusses the circumstances that led to its formation, when and how it was documented and who the parties were.

Dr Omer Atilla Ergi explores one of the most challenging questions in philosophy and theology: the Problem of Evil. Drawing on reason and Islamic theological insights, he examines whether suffering truly contradicts belief in a merciful God and how concepts such as free will, human perspective, and divine wisdom contribute to understanding this issue.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction00:26 The term theodicy01:17 The argument that suffering contradicts God’s mercy09:02 Is God All-Powerful?09:51 If God is all-powerful, is He intentionally not stopping suffering?13:50 Evil and suffering are subjective19:03 Free will can cause suffering, but free will is needed

In this conversation, Dr Zuleyha Keskin and Dr Omer Atilla Ergi explore one of the most important questions a person can ask: how do we know which religion is true? 
00:00 Introduction00:52 Who asks this question?05:07 How the names of God may be understood in other religions07:12 Renowned historic figures may have been prophets13:15 Why would there be no prophet after Prophet Muhammad?17:12 What if I was born into a non-Muslim family?23:31 Being born into a certain religion is not an advantage

Many modern atheists argue that the natural world is fundamentally cruel, a place where survival depends on predation, competition, and death. In this thought-provoking discussion, Prof Mehmet Ozalp and Dr Zuleyha Keskin explore a different perspective.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction00:38 Famous atheists portray life as all about suffering04:05 There’s less suffering in the animal kingdom than it’s made out to be11:44 Rational argument that life is about helping one another19:50 Imam Ghazali’s approach22:47 Knowledge beyond the animals