In commemoration of the 1500th Year of the Prophetic Mawlid of the Messenger of Allah, Mercy to the Worlds, the "3rd Al-i Bayt Symposium" themed "Islamic Civilization in the Light of the Prophetic Heritage," hosted by Üsküdar University, has commenced at the Ibn Sina Auditorium of Üsküdar University NP Sağlık Yerleşkesi İbni Sina Oditoryumu'nda başladı.
The opening speeches of the symposium, which began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafiz İbrahim Yağız, were delivered by President of Üsküdar University Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, Istanbul Provincial Deputy Mufti Zekeriya Bülbül, Director of Amman Ma'aric Institute for Islamic Studies Sheikh Awn al-Qaddumi, Executive Director of Afro-Asian Universities Union Prof. Ashraf Abdul Rafi Al-Darfaili, and Symposium Organizing Committee Head Prof. Mehmet Zelka.
Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: “Technology can also be used for good purposes”
President of Üsküdar University Prof. Nevzat Tarhan described the symposium coinciding with the 1500th anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the beginning of the Hijri year as a "meaningful coincidence."
Sharing a striking example in his speech, Prof. Tarhan recounted asking artificial intelligence what method Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would use to reform society if he lived today. Stating that the answers given by artificial intelligence were remarkable, Prof. Tarhan expressed that technology can be used not only for negative aspects but also for right purposes, conveying the following assessment:
"Artificial intelligence says: 'If you want society to improve, first mend hearts, then families, then institutions. Morality stands not by fear of law, but by consciousness of Allah and conscience. Strengthen the home and conscience. The noblest among you in the sight of Allah is the one with the most piety towards Him. Re-center good morals. I was sent to perfect good morals. Raise children with values such as honesty, patience, sharing, empathy, and responsibility. Indeed, Allah commands justice, kindness, and helping relatives. Guard against extravagance and the passion for consumption. Protect morality in the digital world too; do not engage in backbiting, slander, or hate speech on social media. Use technology to serve humanity. Do not just talk about morality, live it. Leave character to your children before wealth. Be just when powerful, generous when wealthy, patient when angry. Instead of seeking people's faults, correct your own self. Society rises again not with laws, but with the increase of people whose consciences are alive, whose words are truthful, and who are faithful to trusts. The morality of society begins with the conscience of individuals, takes root in the family, is protected by justice, grows with compassion, and is passed down from generation to generation through good examples.'"
“His goal was not power, but to build hearts”
Stating that these assessments are important for understanding today's conditions, Prof. Tarhan said, "After seeing this, I believe we should evaluate the current period not as the Medina period, but as the Mecca period."
Drawing attention to Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) method of conveying the message during the Mecca period, Prof. Tarhan stated that this period contains important messages for today, saying:
"The Mecca period lasted 13 years. Despite all forms of embargo and pressure, the Messenger of Allah never prioritized physical struggle. Despite Umar's proposals to retaliate, he chose to appeal to hearts. When he was told, 'Let us give you the governance of Mecca, abandon your cause,' he did not accept it. If he had sought political power, he would have become the emir of Mecca and could have tried to force people to convert to Islam. But his goal was not power, but to build hearts. He developed a method based on making people love Islam, convincing them, and winning hearts. Today, our priority should not be to force people to accept Islam, but to make them love it, convince them, and ensure it takes root in their hearts."
Zekeriya Bülbül: “The construction of Islamic civilization begins with the individual”
Istanbul Provincial Deputy Mufti Zekeriya Bülbül, in his speech, stated that the construction of Islamic civilization begins with the individual, saying, "Therefore, the first pillar of Islamic civilization passes through the righteousness of the servants who have committed to its construction. The primary target audience in the building of Islamic civilization is the individual themselves. One must keep their bond with Allah strong and maintain their love for the Prophet so that the example of a righteous servant of this civilization can first manifest in their own life."
Stating that he found it important that the topics in the symposium program focused on family, allegiance, and the building of the human being, Bülbül said, "When I reviewed the program, I saw that emphasis was placed on family, on allegiance, and that the importance given by the Messenger of Allah to these two values in human development would be discussed."
Drawing attention to the digital transformation engulfing humanity in the modern era, Bülbül also pointed out that technology, while offering possibilities, also harbors significant risks, stating, "We live in an age where phones are constantly in our hands, and artificial intelligence has taken center stage in life. I must confess I feel scared when I see that we have started to rely on artificial intelligence developed by others, even in getting to know each other, instead of trusting our own minds and the accumulated knowledge of our own civilization."
Following his speech, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan presented him with a plaque and a book set.
Sheikh Awn al-Qaddumi: “May the symposium be a source of good for the Islamic world and humanity”
In his speech at the symposium, Sheikh Awn al-Qaddumi, Director of Amman Ma'aric Institute for Islamic Studies, stated that the program's organization during the first days of the Hijri new year and on the occasion of Muharram was a meaningful coincidence, wishing the symposium to be a source of good for the Islamic world and humanity. El-Qaddumi, expressing that the symposium's theme, dedicated to the 1500th anniversary of Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) birth, was an apt choice, drew attention to the spiritual and social crises faced by modern humanity.
"Today's human has reached a point where they are socially alienated, psychologically turbulent, and culturally and intellectually exhausted. As a result, wars, crime rates, and bad habits have increased," said el-Qaddumi, adding that the solution to these problems faced by humanity lies in the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Holy Quran.
Allocating a significant portion of his speech to psychological health, el-Qaddumi referred to Üsküdar University's work in mental health and stated that the principles put forth by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regarding human psychology remain valid today. Reminding the noble hadith of Prophet Muhammad, "Whoever wakes up safe in his community, healthy in his body, and has his food for the day, it is as if the whole world has been given to him," el-Qaddumi said, "This hadith shows us that a person's mental health is directly related to security, physical health, and the fulfillment of basic needs. Our Prophet teaches that this peace is maintained through feelings of gratitude and thankfulness."
"Unfortunately, today we live in a civilization of doubt”
Arguing that the modern world distances humanity from its spiritual center, el-Qaddumi stated, "Unfortunately, today we live in a civilization of doubt. Approaches that center humanity and the universe are increasingly disappearing. In an age where materialism rapidly dominates, people find it difficult to gather around a common value and center."
Stating that they are addressing all humanity from Istanbul, el-Qaddumi said, "Today in Istanbul, from an important center of knowledge like Üsküdar University, we address all humanity and say that the solution is in our Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. The solution is in the Holy Quran revealed to his heart."
Also making assessments regarding the future of Islamic civilization, el-Qaddumi stated that the main discussion topic of the symposium was to develop a new civilization concept centered on faith, Islam, and ihsan (excellence), and added, "Today, we are discussing how a civilization will be established within the triangle of Islam, faith, and ihsan. We are entering a period where we will experience the universality of a new Jerusalem-centered Islamic civilization. I believe Turkey will also undertake a very important role in this process."
Following his speech, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan presented him with a plaque and a book set.
Prof. Ashraf Abdul Rafi Al-Darfaili: “The meaning carried by the symposium is extremely important”
Prof. Ashraf Abdul Rafi Al-Darfaili, Executive Director of the Afro-Asian Universities Union, emphasized that the meaning carried by the symposium coinciding with the 1500th anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is extremely important. Stating that Üsküdar University not only excels in scientific achievements but also acts as a bridge bringing together different cultures and ideas, Al-Darfaili said, "Üsküdar University is one of the leading universities in both knowledge and science, while also making significant contributions to cultural and intellectual unity."
Emphasizing that the symposium is not just an academic meeting, Al-Darfaili said, "Our meeting today is not just an academic meeting. It is also a spiritual gathering that transcends geographies, languages, and cultures. The most important aspect of this gathering is that it coincides with the 1500th anniversary of the birth of our Prophet."
At the end of his speech, Al-Darfaili thanked everyone who contributed to the organization, reminding them of the verse from the Holy Quran, "Is there any reward for good other than good?" and the noble hadith, "Whoever does not thank people does not thank Allah." He concluded his words by saying, "I wholeheartedly thank all individuals and institutions who contributed to the preparation of this symposium."
At the end of his speech, Prof. Mehmet Zelka presented him with a plaque.
Prof. Mehmet Zelka: “Islam is inherently a civilization of ethics formed in the light of revelation”
Prof. Mehmet Zelka, Head of the Symposium Organizing Committee, drew attention to the fact that today's world, despite technological advancements, faces moral, ecological, and spiritual crises, stating that the prophetic heritage centered on mercy, justice, wisdom, and humility of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is not only important to remember but also to be revived for humanity.
Emphasizing that Islamic civilization is a civilization of ethics shaped in the light of revelation, Zelka said, “The secular and materialistic worldview of our age has transformed humans into mere producers and consumers. For this reason, humanity, having fallen into various whirlpools of crisis, is seeking ways out. We are in a period where Islamic civilization is desperately needed. Because the material and spiritual well-being humanity seeks can be achieved through applied Islam.”
Stating that paper submissions were also made from Pakistan, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Malaysia, and Syria to the symposium, which gained an international character, Zelka expressed that a total of 62 papers would be presented during the two-day organization.
Prophetic heritage and civilization concept are discussed in different dimensions
In the sessions to be held within the scope of the symposium, many topics such as the civilizational heritage left by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the place of Ahl al-Bayt in Islamic thought, family, ethics, education, Sufism, law, communication, social life, and contemporary issues are being evaluated by expert names.
The first session of the symposium will be chaired by Prof. Alparslan Açıkgenç, a member of the Risale-i Nur Research Platform (RINAP). In the session, first, Prof. İbrahim Özdemir will give his online presentation titled "Civilization of Mercy: The Universal Heritage of Prophet Muhammad and His Foundational Role in Building Civilization." Following this, Prof. Niyazi Beki, Faculty Member of Üsküdar University Institute of Sufi Studies, discussed Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) conquest and subjugation of minds, souls, hearts, and selves. Dr. İhsan Ünlü took part in the session with his presentation on "Ahl al-Bayt Being a Role Model Family for the Ummah Throughout History."
Prof. Mahmud Erol Kılıç chaired the second session of the symposium. In the session, Prof. Gülgün Uyar gave her presentation titled "Ahl al-Bayt in Islamic History: The Descendants of Ali-Fatima." Dr. Kerim Güç evaluated the love for Ahl al-Bayt in Anatolian Khalwatiyya and the establishment of Imam Ali's spiritual authority. Dr. Ilahe Memmedova Kurşun discussed Sufis' perception of Ahl al-Bayt under the title "Ahl al-Bayt of Mustafa as the Heirs of Muhammad," while Assoc. Prof. Gencal Şenyayla explained the transformation of the meaning and scope of the concept of Ahl al-Bayt throughout history.
Current issues from the digital age to the ethics crisis were discussed
In the subsequent sessions of the symposium, the reflections of the prophetic heritage in today's world were also discussed. Topics such as the truth of Karbala and the love for Ahl al-Bayt in Fuzûlî's Hadîkatü's-Süedâ, the role of fiqh in building ethics and civilization, and the prophetic understanding of wisdom against the meaning crisis of the digital age were evaluated by academics.
Furthermore, the scientific, social, and cultural dimensions of the prophetic heritage were addressed through presentations in various fields such as endowment civilization, hospitals (shifakhana), the phenomenon of addiction, and embryological concepts in the Quran.
Family, education, and love for Ahl al-Bayt were discussed in parallel sessions
In the parallel sessions to be held in Z-21 Hall within the scope of the symposium, different aspects of the prophetic heritage were also discussed. In this context, topics such as the exemplary nature of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) family life for contemporary family crises, the reconstruction of religious education from a prophetic perspective, the role of the approach towards orphaned children in social transformation, and the ideal family model were addressed.
In addition to topics such as the love for Ahl al-Bayt in Ottoman thought and literature, the concept of a just ruler, and the relationship between prophecy and ethics, the evaluation of Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem from a prophetic perspective, the socio-political transformation in Medina after the Hijra, and the understanding of knowledge-wisdom in early Islamic literature were also examined by experts.
International participants also took part in the symposium
In the international sessions of the symposium, which will be held in English and online, academics from different countries discussed the universal dimensions of the prophetic heritage. Topics such as the place of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life in Islamic education, the role of Khadijah in the establishment of Islamic civilization, and the importance of exemplarity in human relations within the framework of the Quran and Sunnah were evaluated by international participants.
Civilization, epistemology, and artificial intelligence are on the agenda for the second day
On the second day of the symposium, Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) concept of civilization, the socio-cultural dimension of prophethood, contemporary epistemological crises, the unity of revelation-reason-heart, the historical role of Ahl al-Bayt, and current moral issues will be discussed from different perspectives.
Within the scope of the program, current topics such as the crisis of knowledge and ethics in modern Islamic societies, Ahl al-Bayt from the perspective of Risale-i Nur, ethical responsibility in artificial intelligence systems, environmental ethics, war ethics, human dignity in digital games, and communication ethics will also be opened for discussion.
The Al-i Bayt Manifesto will be read
The two-day symposium, with the participation of numerous national and international academics, researchers, and thinkers, will conclude with the sharing of the “Al-i Bayt Manifesto” with the public.
