Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan: "The world is in a serious incubation period, experiencing labor pains"
The "Rethinking the Legacy of Ahl al-Bayt" themed symposium, hosted by Üsküdar University, was held at Üsküdar University NP Health Campus İbni Sina Auditorium.
Speaking at the opening of the program, President of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş:
"Essentially, there is a love for the Prophet in the roots of our civilization. Loving the Prophet is a requirement of our faith and our servitude to Allah."
Üsküdar University Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said, "We are moving towards days when goodness will prevail. For this, the world is currently in a serious incubation period, globally experiencing labor pains. Either the apocalypse will happen, or the world will get better."
The '2nd Ahl al-Bayt Symposium' themed 'Rethinking the Legacy of Ahl al-Bayt,' hosted by Üsküdar University, was held at Üsküdar University NP Health Campus İbni Sina Auditorium.
The opening speeches of the symposium, which began with a recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafız İbrahim Yağız, were delivered by the President of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş, Üsküdar University Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, and Rotterdam Islamic University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akgündüz.
Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş: "The concept of Ahl al-Bayt has acquired the identity of the special name for the family of our Prophet"
President of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş explained how the term 'ahl al-bayt,' a daily word meaning 'household' and 'family' during the period of the Quran's revelation, transformed into a concept with the principles brought by revelation and prophethood, stating, "This word, conceptualized in line with the principles, standards, and values of revelation and prophethood, has gained a new range of meanings within Islam's understanding of existence and life."
Prof. Dr. Erbaş, stating that this term, initially used to refer to every person's household, gradually acquired a special meaning within the framework of the exceptional value of Prophet Muhammad's family in the eyes of believers, continued:
"Thus, in the world of Islamic belief and culture, the concept of 'Ahl al-Bayt' has acquired the identity of the special name for the family of our Prophet, consisting of his pure wives, children, grandchildren, and other relatives. The concept of Ahl al-Bayt has been at the center of Muslims' theological, social, economic, and political agenda throughout history. There are many factors that make this concept important in the world of Muslim belief and culture and that justify the love, respect, and loyalty shown to Ahl al-Bayt. One dimension of the Prophet's exemplary life is his Ahl al-Bayt. In the early years of Islam, Muslims learned many standards and principles related to his private life from the Ahl al-Bayt."
"They are the wives of the Prophet and his close relatives from his lineage"
Prof. Dr. Erbaş stated that although there are different considerations regarding who constitutes Ahl al-Bayt, when the matter is viewed within the integrity of the Quran and Sunnah, it can be seen that this concept encompasses the wives of the Prophet and his close relatives, his children, without any distinction. He added, "However, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) mentioned on various occasions that Hz. Fatıma, Hz. Ali, Hz. Hasan, and Hz. Hüseyin were also from his Ahl al-Bayt."
"There is a love for the Prophet in the roots of our civilization"
Prof. Dr. Erbaş explained that all Muslims consider loving Ahl al-Bayt and showing them respect, including them in their prayers, salutations, and greetings, as a sign of their love for the Prophet and a requirement of their faith. He stated, "As the trust of the Messenger of Allah to the believers, Ahl al-Bayt has always received great love, interest, and reverence throughout our history of faith, culture, and civilization. Essentially, there is a love for the Prophet in the roots of our civilization. Loving our Prophet is a requirement of our faith and our servitude to Allah. The path to gaining Allah's love and attaining His pleasure lies in loving our Prophet, dedicating ourselves to him, taking him as an example, and following his path."
"Ahl al-Bayt is one of the important common denominators of the Islamic Ummah"
Noting that due to the deep respect felt for the Prophet and his memory, Muslims protect even the items he used with a sense of loyalty and great care, and show reverence to them, Prof. Dr. Erbaş said, "Ahl al-Bayt is one of the important common denominators of the Islamic Ummah. The love felt for Ahl al-Bayt is a Muhammadan love. This love, transcending ages, is an expression of the effort to firmly cling to the values represented by the last Prophet, Hz. Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH), sent as a mercy to the worlds, and to the trusts he left behind, and to walk in his path."
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan: "We are going through a period where people have forgotten Allah and moved away from prophetic morality"
Üsküdar University Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that selfishness and worldliness have intensified in the world, in society, and in the age of humanity more than ever before, saying, "We are going through a period where people have forgotten Allah and moved away from prophetic morality. Such global corruption has never occurred in human history."
Prof. Dr. Tarhan expressed that Ahl al-Bayt is presented as a moral touchstone, saying, "So, why Ahl al-Bayt? When we look at the life of Hz. Ali, he is an example of knowledge, courage, and justice. He fought against oppression and strived for the full manifestation of justice (adalet-i mahza). He secretly served the establishment of Islamic civilization. Why was Hz. Fatıma given such priority? As a moral example, Hz. Fatıma has been an example to us with her chastity, loyalty, and motherhood. Hz. Hasan becomes a symbol of peace. He prevents a great sedition by making sacrifices. Hz. Hüseyin became a symbol of resistance. Hz. Hüseyin showed that religion should not be used for political ends, for the sake of truth and justice."
Islamic Sensitivity in Gaza…
Prof. Dr. Tarhan noted that the resistance in Gaza, the martyrdom of its people, and their doing so with Islamic sensitivity without engaging in terrorism, have amazed people, saying, "I listened to a video of a foreign woman, a Muslim American. She tearfully recounts: 'A woman whose nine children have died still says 'Alhamdulillah.' What kind of thing is this, what kind of religion? How does it give her this faith?' she asks."
Pointing out that Ahl al-Bayt suffered great injustices throughout history, Prof. Dr. Tarhan said, "But against this, they always chose not to deviate from the straight path and the path of patience. In this era, too, I believe that the greatest miracle is steadfastness. If a person can remain steadfast in this time, truly being able to show this is no different from the miracles of the saints of the age. To remain steadfast in such a time..."
What does artificial intelligence say?
Prof. Dr. Tarhan explained that he asked artificial intelligence, "What method would Prophet Muhammad apply if he lived in this era?" and continued:
"Artificial intelligence answers as follows: 1. Adaptation to the Times: If he lived today, he would likely use tools such as social media, digital communication, and publishing for propagation and education. 2. Mercy and Justice-Based Approach: Mercy, justice, patience, and service stand out in Prophet Muhammad's message. In today's world, these values could manifest as reducing polarization, bringing people together on common ground, conveying religious knowledge with understanding rather than dogmatism, and living an exemplary life by respecting human rights and freedoms. 3. Emphasis on Education and Knowledge: The first command of the Quran is 'Read!' If he lived today, he would spread an understanding of knowledge compatible with the Quran and Sunnah, without excluding scientific knowledge. He would focus on combating ignorance, violence, and tyranny with knowledge. He would prioritize education for youth and women, just as he did in his own time. 4. Shura and Participatory Governance: Our Prophet attached great importance to consultation and shura in his decisions. If he lived today, he would support the principles of participatory, just, and transparent governance. 5. Peace and Dialogue: He acted with patience during the Meccan period and with diplomacy during the Medinan period. In today's global conflict environment, peaceful dialogues, and understanding between sects and religions would be his priority. He would never approve of terrorism, tyranny, and oppression in the name of religion. Conclusion; if Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) lived in this era, he would likely use technology as a tool and preserve the divine message as its essence. That's all for the answer regarding Ahl al-Bayt. Now, the comments are yours."
Days when goodness will prevail are coming
Prof. Dr. Tarhan, pointing to the importance of keeping prophetic morality alive in this era, concluded his words by saying, "We are moving towards days when goodness will prevail. For this, the world is currently in a serious incubation period, globally experiencing labor pains. We are experiencing some of its pains. Rest assured, these are all labor pains. Either the apocalypse will happen, or the world will get better. We believe that the spiritual disposition of Ahl al-Bayt continues. God willing, it will be a symposium in accordance with Allah's will."
Family photo taken
Following the speeches, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan presented a plaque to the President of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş. Afterwards, the symposium participants took a family photo.
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akgündüz: "Let us pray for all our Muslim brothers and sisters"
Rotterdam Islamic University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akgündüz pointed to the seditions in the Islamic world, saying, "In a hadith, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) says, according to one narration, that eighteen thousand flags will gather behind them. That is, Zionist Christians and Jews who are enemies of Islam. And when they defeat Muslims, they will say, 'Did you see? Islam is over!' However, the hadith heralds that after this, the people of faith will unite around an important commander. God willing, this will be the Republic of Turkey; my hope is in this direction. This force will reach Anatolia and, in a short time, will defeat the armies hostile to Islam gathered behind those flags, making Islam victorious. Do not say 'Shiite' or 'Sunni'. Today, whether it is Iran, Iraq, or another state, if it has been exposed to the attack of those two armies of disbelief, I say let us pray for all our Muslim brothers and sisters."
Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir: "What is happening in Gaza is another Karbala intertwined with the deepest contradictions of our age"
Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Philosophy faculty member Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir stated that today the Islamic world is being tested with deep humanitarian and moral problems, saying, "What is happening in Gaza is another Karbala intertwined with the deepest contradictions of our age. This time, children, women, and the elderly are being starved, tortured, and massacred. Homes, hospitals, and mosques are being razed. This genocide is unfolding before our eyes and in real-time. We watch it on live broadcasts. Everything is being recorded with satellite images, social media posts, and journalists' videos. The world knows but remains silent. Because this tragedy has also shown everyone that Western civilization and its values have gone bankrupt. That is why rethinking the legacy of Ahl al-Bayt; from there, it is our duty to share and present these eternal values to both our own people and all humanity. This is the essence of this symposium."
What was done at the symposium?
The first session of the symposium was moderated by Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Philosophy faculty member Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir. In the session, respectively; Üsküdar University Institute of Sufi Studies faculty member and Head of Risale-i Nur Research Platform (RINAP) Prof. Dr. Niyazi Beki, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çelenk from Bursa Uludağ University Faculty of Theology, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yusuf Açıkel from Isparta Süleyman Demirel University Faculty of Theology delivered their presentations. In the second session, moderated by Risale-i Nur Research Platform (RINAP) Member Prof. Dr. Alparslan Açıkgenç, Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir participated as a speaker. Subsequently, Rotterdam Islamic University Rector and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ottoman Research Foundation Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akgündüz and 23rd Term Member of Parliament, theologian, and educator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Tuğcu shared their views.
