Islam and Civilization 1. Meaning of civilization 2. Civilization and Culture 3. Arabic terms for civilization 4. Characteristics of Civilization
1
Aspects of Muslim city
Arabic terms for civilization: • al-Hadarah • Al-Tamaddun • al-Madaniyyah • Al-Tamaddun/ al-Madaniyyah:
derived from ‘madinah’(city or town), and din’(religion). • Al-‘Umran 3
13 Types of cities in the qur’ qur’an 1. Unjust (nisa’: 75/ kahf: 59/al-Haj: 45/48/hud: 102) 2. Corrupting (al-Anbiya’: 74) 3. Corrupted (al-Qasas: 58) 4. Fortressed (Hashr: 14) 5. Safe (Nahl: 112) 6. Well Established (hud: 100) 7. Powerful (Muhammad: 13) 8. Ruined (baqarah: 259/ hud: 100/Anbiya’: 11/74) 9. Blessed (Saba’: 18) 10. Raised (Saba’: 18) 11. Disobedient (Talaq: 5/8) 12. Tested City (al-A‘raf: 94) 13. Mother City (al-An‘am: 92)
Meaning of Civilization • An advanced level of development in society
marked by complex social and political organization, material, scientific and artistic progress. • A society, its culture and its way of life during a particular period of time or in a particular part of the world. The way and level of life of people in the cities as contrasted with the way and level of life in rural areas. The relation between ‘madinah’ and ‘din’ indicates the role of religion in the establishment of civilization and refinement of social culture. 5
Civilization designates a condition of human society characterized by a high level of cultural and technological achievements and correspondingly complex social and political development.
Civilization is an advanced state of intellectual, cultural and material development in human society
6
Each civilization has a body or matter and a soul. The body of the civilization is its material achievements such as buildings, infrastructure, agriculture, industry, educational institutions, technological equipment, and all that is related to various pleasures of worldly life.
Western Perspective “civilization is derived from the Latin word civites, which means a city, and Civis, which means the inhabitant of a city. Or Civilis, which means civility or what, is related to the inhabitant of a city. Or used to mean a citizen. Source: Philip Weiner, Dictionary of the History of Ideas, (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1973), p. 613. Degree of fairly advanced culture, in which the arts and sciences, as well as
political life are well developed, provides an additional perspective. V. Gordon Childe sees the essential characteristics of civilization as internal social hierarchies, specialization, cities and large populations and the growth of mathematics and writings. E. B. Taylor, Dictionary of Anthropology, Special Indian Edition, (Dehli: Goyl Saab, 1988), p. 117. See, also Taylor, Primitive Culture, (New York: Brentano’s, 1924), p. 1. “A well-established, complex society. Crucial characteristics of a civilization would include the emergence of towns and cities; an increasingly specialized division of labor; and the development of trade, manufacture, and commerce, and centers of local and national political and legal administration, systems of communication, literacy, and an elite culture of artistic and religious expression. David Jary and Julia Jary, The Harper Collins Dictionary of Sociology, Ed. Eugene Ehrlich, (New York: Harper Collins,1991), p. 48.
Eastern Perspective • “in the narrow sense, civilization merely means the increase of what man consumes and of the superficial trappings added to daily necessities. Fukuzawa Yukichi (1835-1901)
“An outline of Civilization” or “bummeiron no gairyaku” published in 1875.
• In a broader sense, civilization means not only comfort in daily necessities but also the refining of knowledge and the cultivation of virtue so as to elevate human life to a higher plane” Source: Fukuzawa Yukichi, An Outline of a theory of civilization, trans. David. A Dilworth & G. Cameron Hurst (Tokyo: Sophia Uniersity, 1973) Quoted by: Muhammad Abdul Jabbar Beg, Perspectives of Civilization (Kuala Lumpur: National University of Malaysia, 1985), p. 17
Meaning of civilization The term “civilization” literally used to mean ‘Umran
(human association) according to which people share a common life and work together to achieve their goals. The term “civilization” also denotes “a land or house inhabited, peopled, well peopled, well stoked with people and the like; in a flourishing state; in a state contrary to desolate or waste or ruined; a land colonized, cultivated or well cultivated; a house in a state of repair. Source: Edward. William. Lane, An Arabic-English Lexicon, (Beirut:1968), p. 2155).
Material side of civilization A civilization (or civilisation) is a complex society or culture group characterized by dependence upon agriculture, long-distance trade, state form of government, occupational specialization, urbanism, and class stratification. Aside from these core elements, civilization is often marked by any combination of a number of secondary elements, including a developed transportation system, writing, standards of measurement (currency, etc.), formal legal system, great art style, monumental architecture, mathematics, sophisticated metallurgy, and astronomy.
Quotation: “The blossoming of science and culture in Islamic civilization was the
result of increasing quality of material life in Muslim cities. The urban life of these cities, the material prosperity, the varied local industries, the local and international trade, and the flourishing science and culture, were all linked together, while none of the aspects of life in the cities would have flourished without a developing technology. And if Islam was the force behind the rise of the cities, as is frequently asserted, then it was also the force behind all aspects of the prosperity of these cities and hence the technological efforts associated with urban life” Ref. Ahmed Y. al-Hassan, Donald R. Hill, Islamic technology: an illustrated history (UK: Cambridge University Press, 1986) p. 8.
Civilization: a way of life The term Islamic civilization may sound confusing if it is taken to refer to the various historical expressions of Muslim achievements- for instance, the culture of Baghdad Caliphate, or of the administration system of Mughal India, or of the scientific, literary and artistic attainments of the Arabs in Spain, and so forth. I wish, therefore to make it clear at this place that by “Islamic civilization” I mean the peculiar (1) ethical outlook, (2) the social scheme and (3) the way of life engendered by Islam, and not the specific achievements of the Muslims in any one country or period of their history”
Source: Muhammad Assad (ed.), Arafat: A monthly critique of Islamic Thought (Dalhousie, Punjab: vol. 1, no. 1, September 1946), Quoted by: Muhammad Abdul Jabbar Beg, Perspectives of Civilization (Kuala Lumpur: National University of Malaysia, 1985), p. 40
The soul of civilization is the set of; ideologies, concepts, moral values, manners and traditions embodied in the
behavior of individuals, groups, and their interrelations.
14
Civilization: Total of Moral & Material Human Condition Malik Bennabi (d. 1974) Total result of moral and material conditions which grant a given society the possibility to offer each of its members, in every stage of existence from childhood till death, the necessary social assistance needed for their growth. Qadaya Kubra’,First. Ed. (Dimashq: Dar al-Fikr,1991), p. 43. The product of a substantial idea, which inspires a pre-civilized society the vital drive that, penetrates into the historical movement. Society constructs its intellectual system in conformity with the original pattern of its civilization, rooted in an original cultural ambiance, which will decide all of its characteristics vis avis other cultures and civilizations. Mushkilat al-Afkar, p. 41).
Islamic criteria of a civilized city
Supremacy of Shari‘ah (Allah’s Law)-religious sense Centrality of Masjid-religious/holy places Freedom and Justice. Learning Institutions. Bayt al Mal (Financial Institutions) Al-Hisbah Institution Low rate of Crimes. Low rate of poverty. Total security Shurah Institutions Preservation of resources & avoiding wastage. Healthy Family Strong Unity
Faith and morality (Tazkiyat al-Nafs & Akhlaq) Education & intellectual development (theory & practice). Social system (Family, brotherhood, etc..) Economic System (usury free- dealings, Bayt al Mal, Zakat, fair transactions) 5. Shura Political System (mutual consultation) 6. isbah (Institutions for safety, health & accountability). 1. 2. 3. 4.
Characteristics of Islamic civilization 1- Based on the Muslim civilization was the first universal
civilization established on a pure and strict monotheism (unity of God) The only One who deserves submission The only One who deserves worship The only One who deserves absolute obedience
Eliminates idolatry (idols, and statues) Frees people from the oppression of kings,
Papacy and Brahmanism Sets right the relationship between ruler and 18 ruled (all people are equal)
2. Universality Islamic civilization embraces the entire humanity It declares equality for all human beings of all
descents, races, or colors َُُْْ ِْ َ ا ِ َأَْآ َ ْن َأآ
“ ِإVerily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous of you” (49: 13). Open to contributions of all members regardless of their race, ethnicity, or color, or religion (nonMuslim citizens) This civilization is attributed to all Muslims on an equal basis.
19
3. Moderate Rationalism Elevates human reason Faith is based on reasoning and persuasion Rejects superstitious and myths Does not tolerate denial of the truths (not directly related to empirical knowledge but are based on revealed knowledge)
20
4. Tolerance Tolerance towards people of different religions
(especially Christians and Jews) Minorities enjoyed a high level of tolerance and freedom of religion and economic pursuit. The characteristic of tolerance is peculiar for a
civilization based on religious foundations.
21
It would be reasonable for a secularist who does not believe in any religion to treat religions equally and give people freedom of belief, but it may be difficult for a religious person to do so.
5. Integrated and balanced civilization: Integrates faith with state/ rejection of
22
secularism Integrates body with spirit (material vs. spiritual) Integrates worldly life with the hereafter Integrates empirical sciences with revelation Gives priority to moral principles (morality vs. pragmatism) Integration in a balanced manner: Balance means following a middle course between two extremes of thought and action(wasat)
Characteristics of Islamic Civilization 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.
Origin: Revelation &Prophethood Supremacy of the Shari‘ah (Islamic law) Comprehensive & Practical Knowledge Da‘wah, Ijtihad & Jihad Moderate & Just Leadership of the world Tawhid (Pure Monotheism) Akhirah-oriented vision Honorability of Human Being Worship as the ultimate goal Istikhlafic (vicegerental) worldview Universal Message Moderate and Balance Unity & Diversity Realistic
Western Culture and Civilization Western Civilization is “The civilization that has evolved out of the historical fusion of cultures, philosophies, values and aspirations of ancient Greece and Rome; their amalgamation with Judaism and Christianity, and their further development and formation by the Latin, Germanic, Celtic and Nordic Peoples”.
24
Western Civilization Characteristics of Western civilization
In terms of material progress and scientific exploration, modern Western civilization surpassed all civilizations across history.
Pushed forward man’s incentives and capabilities to exploit and benefit from nature
Technological achievements eased human life
Effective management and organization
Respect of human rights within its homelands
25
Ideologies of Western civilization 1. Utilitarian materialism
26
Western civilization may not deny the existence of God openly or deny the
existence of the spirit, but it does not recognize the value of “God” in its ideological system. WC acknowledges things considered of “practical value” The “practical value” is in luxury and worldly pleasure (the new ‘God’)
2. Secularism
27
Inspired by secular philosophy, devoid of certainty, subject to constant review and change The formulation of its worldview is not based on revealed knowledge or religious belief but rather upon cultural tradition, speculations to secular life centered upon man as physical entity
28
Religion is a personal business confined to individual practice without any interference in social, economic or political activities Religious practice limited to dead rituals Destruction of moral values = utilitarianism/ pragmatism Destruction of family (abortion, neglect of elderly…) Created an atmosphere of fear, anxiety and distraction
3. Atheism: The doctrine or belief that there is no God 4. Humanism: Reliance upon the powers of human reason alone to guide man through life 5. Dualism Adherence to the validity of dualistic vision of reality and truth Affirmation of the reality of the temporary/ impermanent aspects of existence projecting a secular worldview 29
Learning & Social Institutions Masjid Madrassa (Zawiyah/khanaqah). Universities (Jami‘ah) Libraries (Maktabahlkhizanah) Waqf System (Islamic Endowment) Hospitals Bayt al Mal (House of Wealth/Treasury) 8. Observatories. 9. Waqf System 10. Al-Hisbah 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Waqf institution Waqf: (Pl: Awqaf/waqfs) Literally waqf means to stop, contain, or to preserve. In shari'ah, a Waqf is a voluntary, permanent, irrevocable dedication of a portion of ones
wealth to Allah. Once a waqf, it never gets gifted, inherited, or sold. It belongs to Allah and the corpus of the waqf always remains intact. The fruits of the waqf may be utilised for any shari'ah compliant purpose. The waqf is a system that stems from the idea of institutionalizing voluntary giving in order to guarantee sustainability." Origins of Waqf: “Ibn ‘Umar reported: ‘Umar acquired land in Khaibar. He came to Allah’s Apostle (saw) and sought his advice in regard to it. He said: “Allah’s Messenger, I have acquired land in Khaibar. I have never acquired more valuable for me than this, so what do you command I do with it? Thereupon the Prophet (saw) said: If you like, you may keep the corpus intact and give its produce as Sadaqah. So ‘Umar gave it as Sadaqah declaring that the property must not be sold or inherited or given away as a gift. And ‘Umar devoted it to the poor, to the nearest of kin, to the emancipation of slaves, to wayfarers/guests, and in the way of Allah.- Sahih Muslim
