Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan was a live guest on the iftar program hosted by Hakan Karagül and broadcast on Akit TV. Tarhan made evaluations on the topics of 'Ramadan, holidays, and changing social life'. Sharing his views on the events in Al-Aqsa Mosque, Tarhan said; “All Muslims need to act. As Al-Aqsa Mosque is bombed and flames emerge, Jews rejoice. We, however, act passively. Al-Aqsa Mosque is a matter for all Muslims.”
“Mental health also needs renewal”
Prof. Dr. Tarhan, offering advice on what humanity can do during the pandemic, said; “I observe that people are very overwhelmed during this lockdown period. Our freedom was restricted, we couldn't hug our loved ones during the holiday again, and we couldn't go out to crowds. These are really great stresses. There must be solutions for these. If we are solution-oriented, we can overcome this situation. Fear is used as fear against this disease, not an opportunity. We need to evaluate and focus on this situation as an opportunity. We should view it as temporary and consider it in the context of 'global tragedies occur in history'. Evaluating the situation on an individual level is very important. Especially during Ramadan, people should embark on their inner journey, eliminate negative emotions if they have any, forgive themselves. All of these are about renewing mental health. The human body also needs renewal. Globally, what is happening is no longer just a coronavirus process, but a coronavirus tragedy.”
“‘Bad world syndrome’ emerged in some individuals”
Tarhan pointed out that antidepressant use, which increased worldwide during the pandemic, also increased by 25 percent in Turkey in the last year; “Antidepressant use in Turkey increased by 25 percent in one year. This is a serious rise. People are susceptible to depression. This treatment also needs to be used at the right place and time. In some individuals, for example, 'bad world syndrome' emerged. These individuals exhibit aggression, future anxiety, and an escape tendency. In the face of this calamity, our Anatolian wisdom has shown us a very important path. A person needs to integrate with a higher power. It has been said that an individual needs to take refuge in a mental sanctuary. We need scientific discourse.”
“If we insist and choose wrong, we will become the trash of history”
Tarhan, stating that a divine power is giving a lesson to the whole world and reminding that a global reset is needed, said; “We are in a process where humanity needs to learn lessons. Global capital is pursuing a digital dictatorship, trying to bind people to itself. They want to establish global dominance. We, however, are given many messages. If this process we are experiencing brings us closer to God, it means we will win. But if it distances us, our job is very difficult. If a power close to us shows us this process, we should look at it as if God wants to tell us something. The month of Ramadan has been an opportunity to establish a heartfelt connection with God. We need to learn material and spiritual lessons. Let's change our strategies. If we insist and choose wrong, we will become the trash of history. Let's also evaluate it socially, let's not fall into depression and despair. Humanity had gone off track. Perhaps the ongoing process is a lesson.”
“We need to file down our malicious sides and nurture our good sides”
Tarhan, stating that we should direct our minds and hearts to be good people, suggested; “We need to file down our malicious sides and nurture our good sides. Let's add goodness to society, let it be a gift. A warm touch, a smile, a loving gaze, and loving words are four gifts, very precious, very valuable, but very cheap. Let's give these to everyone we love and don't love. Our Prophet first looked at all humanity as human beings, without distinguishing between religion or language. This is inherent in our religion. There are living Muslims, and there are potential Muslims. Let these potential Muslims take us as an example with these characteristics of ours. In this current process, let's not lose hope in God's mercy.”
“Al-Aqsa Mosque is a matter for all Muslims”
Tarhan, also expressing his sadness over the events in Jerusalem, said, “All Muslims need to act. As Al-Aqsa Mosque is bombed and flames emerge, Jews rejoice. We, however, act passively. If all Muslims support and protest with Palestinians, Israel and the US will fall into line. All Muslims and humanity must come together. The truth in our hands is not to throw mud, but to show diamonds. Let's show this to the world with the right methods. If we make demands to the United Nations and pressure them, things will fall into place and a solution will be reached. That place is our home, the place of the religion we believe in. Jews are cowardly and live by threat in this world. We should show our firm stance against such people. It is our first qibla. Our Prophet and God will hold us accountable; this situation carries responsibility. Al-Aqsa Mosque is a matter for all Muslims.”