Üsküdar University Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan and senate members met for condolences with Dr. Rowanda D. Ahmed, a faculty member from the Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Üsküdar University, and 14 Palestinian students who lost their relatives due to the war in Palestine.
During the condolence meeting held in the Central Campus Senate Meeting Hall, students shared their feelings with faculty members and administrators.
Üsküdar University Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, stating that he understood their situation and the emotions and pain they were experiencing, expressed that there are nearly 300 Palestinian students at Üsküdar University, and used the expressions, “First of all, I wish them all well. We are facing an inhumane practice.”
It has turned into a struggle between humanity and inhumanity…
Prof. Dr. Tarhan explained that when such an atrocity is seen, the Prophet's advice is 'Correct it with your hand, if you cannot, correct it with your tongue, and if you cannot do that, correct it with your heart, take a stance with your heart,' and continued:
“At least we are trying to do this. We know very well that in such a situation, one cannot be neutral towards the oppressor. This is no longer a war of Muslims or non-Muslims. This has turned into a struggle between humanity and inhumanity. We do not know what kind of outcome such an atrocity will yield in the divine plan, but it is certain that there is an intention to intimidate and demoralize the people in Palestine, to plunge them into hopelessness and pessimism. In such a situation, the results of a serious resistance, without falling into despair or pessimism, will absolutely be achieved in the medium term.”
An event is unfolding where good and evil can be separated
Noting that the world is starting to see Israel's wrongdoing more clearly, Prof. Dr. Tarhan said, “Therefore, I believe that time, in such a situation, will work in favor of those who act correctly.”
Stating that there is a serious occupation, Prof. Dr. Tarhan continued his words as follows:
“I liken this to the following: for example, if you corner a cat and it has no escape, it will jump on a person. It is expected for a society feeling besieged to react this way at some point. Therefore, I am actually thinking about the unseen plan of this event. Here, righteous people, people with conscience, will also cause unity in the world. An event is unfolding where good and evil can be separated.
Humanity is undergoing a test
Beyond Muslims uniting, humanity is undergoing the test of being able to react against an inhumane event. Therefore, I see this event not just as an event of Palestine, but as an event of humanity. Of course, there is much to say. This topic will be discussed at length… Humanity is undergoing a test. We don't know what time will show, but not even a single leaf falls without the Creator's permission. For this, we must patiently do what is right and wait.”
Mandela receiving support from the Holy Quran
Prof. Dr. Tarhan, referring to Nelson Mandela's 18 years in prison, recounted that during his imprisonment, he once fell into despair, and when he saw an Indian Muslim prisoner in the adjacent cell fall into despair, he told him, 'Never lose hope! Our book, the Holy Quran, says 'Do not despair of Allah's mercy',' and that Mandela recovered himself after reading this.
Prof. Dr. Tarhan reminded that after establishing the state, Mandela appointed 2-3 Muslim ministers despite the small Muslim population, and a newspaper wrote that his son was Muslim, and concluded his words as follows:
Our biggest prayer is for the war to end as soon as possible…
“For this, it is necessary to look at this Gaza event from a large window. It is necessary to look from a broad perspective. I saw the young people standing tall, vibrant. May Allah grant us all beautiful patience (Sabr-i Jamil), Inshallah. I pray for mercy for the deceased, may their souls rest in peace. I wish a speedy recovery to the wounded, and our biggest prayer is for the war to end as soon as possible…
Let them also not forget that the Islamic world is currently there, at least as an army of prayer… When we are worthy of good victories, destiny will grant them. I again extend my condolences and wish them well. May Allah be their helper, and if there is anything we can do, our door is always open, let us say that.”