The First Word of The Words by Imam Said Nursi is short but foundational. Its purpose is to explain why Muslims begin actions with:

Imam Nursi argues that this phrase is not merely a religious formula, it expresses a profound truth about how human beings relate to the universe and to God.

Central Analogy: The Desert Journey

Imam Nursi imagines two men traveling through a desert.

The First Man

• Travels in the name of a powerful king.
• Carries the king's authority.
• Receives assistance, protection, and hospitality wherever he goes.

The Second Man

• Travels relying only on himself.
• Has no authority or protection.
• Faces fear, hardship, and insecurity.

The contrast illustrates human life, we are naturally weak.

We need

• food,
• shelter,
• health
• protection
• countless things beyond our control.

If we rely only on ourselves, we are like the second traveler.

But when we act "in the name of God":

• we recognize our dependence on the Creator,
• we connect ourselves to divine mercy,
• we gain spiritual strength and confidence.

The Universe as a Divine System

Imam Nursi observes that everything in nature appears to serve other things:

• The sun provides light.
• Trees produce fruit.
• Animals provide benefits.
• The earth sustains life.

Imam Nursi argues that these creatures are not acting independently. Rather, they work as servants of God, distributing His gifts, therefore:

Gratitude

The First Word also emphasizes gratitude.

Imam Nursi asks: When someone receives a gift through a messenger, whom should they thank ?

Not only the messenger, but the one who sent the gift.

Similarly:

• food comes through farmers,
• rain,
• sunlight,
• soil,
• countless causes.

Yet ultimately these are means through which God provides sustenance.

Therefore gratitude should be directed primarily to God.

Summary

The First Word teaches that: