The True Purpose of Worship
Worship is not a burden, but a natural and uplifting response to the Creator.
— Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, The Words, The Third WordWorship is gratitude. And gratitude is thankfulness to the one who bestows bounties. Just as you would thank a man who gives you an apple. I wonder, what an ugly ingratitude it would be not to thank the Generous One who spreads the whole universe before you as a table of bounties, and makes the sun a lamp for that table. Therefore, worship is a requirement of human nature. The person who worships becomes like the master and sultan of all beings. For they connect themselves to the Creator of all creatures.
Key Philosophical Insight
Worship aligns human intention with the natural gratitude woven into existence.
Q&A Analysis & Recap
Q Why is avoiding worship compared to ingratitude?
A Because every element of life—air, water, the sun—is a boundless gift, and failing to acknowledge the Giver through worship is the ultimate denial of this cosmic generosity.