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Islam and Civilization

1. Meaning of civilization
2. Civilization and Culture
3. Arabic terms for civilization
4. Characteristics of Civilization
Aspects of Muslim city
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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
13 Types of cities in the qur 13 Types of cities in the qur 13 Types of cities in the qur 13 Types of cities in the qur an an an 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-Araf: 94)
13. Mother City (al-Anam: 92)
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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.
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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
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
Scribners 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: Brentanos, 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
Fukuzawa Yukichi (1835-1901)
An outline of Civilization or bummeiron no
gairyaku published in 1875.

in the narrow sense, civilization

in the narrow sense, civilization
merely means
merely means
the increase of what
the increase of what
man consumes and of the superficial
man consumes and of the superficial
trappings added to daily necessities
trappings added to daily necessities
.
.

In a broader sense,
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: 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 Meaning of civilization Meaning of civilization 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 Material side of civilization Material side of civilization 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 Civilization: a way of life Civilization: a way of life 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
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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.
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 Islamic criteria of a civilized city Islamic criteria of a civilized city Islamic criteria of a civilized city
Supremacy of Shariah (Allahs 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
1. Faith and morality (Tazkiyat al-Nafs & Akhlaq)
2. Education & intellectual development (theory & practice).
3. Social system (Family, brotherhood, etc..)
4. Economic System (usury free- dealings, Bayt al
Mal, Zakat, fair transactions)
5. Shura Political System (mutual consultation)
6. isbah (Institutions for safety, health &
accountability).
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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
ruled (all people are equal)
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2. Universality
Islamic civilization embraces the entire humanity
It declares equality for all human beings of all
descents, races, or colors
'-- '' --= - Verily 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 (non-
Muslim citizens)
This civilization is attributed to all Muslims on an
equal basis.
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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)
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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.
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.
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5. Integrated and balanced civilization:
Integrates faith with state/ rejection of
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 Characteristics of Islamic Characteristics of Islamic Characteristics of Islamic
Civilization Civilization Civilization Civilization
1. Origin: Revelation &Prophethood
2. Supremacy of the Shariah (Islamic law)
3. Comprehensive & Practical Knowledge
4. Dawah, Ijtihad & Jihad
5. Moderate & Just Leadership of the world
6. Tawhid (Pure Monotheism)
7. Akhirah-oriented vision
8. Honorability of Human Being
9. Worship as the ultimate goal
10. Istikhlafic (vicegerental) worldview
11. Universal Message
12. Moderate and Balance
13. Unity & Diversity
14. Realistic
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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,
C e l t i c a n d N o r d i c P e o p l e s .
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Western Civilization
Characteristics of Western civilization
In terms of material progress and scientific
exploration, modern Western civilization
surpassed all civilizations across history.
Pushed forward mans 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
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Ideologies of Western civilization
1. Utilitarian materialism
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)
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2. Secularism
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
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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
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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
Learning & Social Institutions
1. Masjid
2. Madrassa (Zawiyah/khanaqah).
3. Universities (Jamiah)
4. Libraries (Maktabahlkhizanah)
5. Waqf System (Islamic Endowment)
6. Hospitals
7. Bayt al Mal (House of
Wealth/Treasury)
8. Observatories.
9. Waqf System
10. Al-Hisbah
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 Allahs
Apostle (saw) and sought his advice in regard to it. He said: Allahs 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