ISLAM AS A CIVILIZATION

The Concept of Civilization Islamic Civilization: The Characteristics The Sources The Uniqueness The Rise & Fall Factors

Definition
Latin word civitas: city / town culture & material development In Arabic civilization / tamadun derive from the word din which means religion or a life that based on religious teaching Always refers to a state of life where mankind are developed in thinking, action, culture and material.

The Concept of Civilization

Civilization: An advanced state of human society, in which a high level of culture, science, industry and government has been reached. A civilization is a society or culture group normally defined as a complex society characterized by the: - practice of agriculture - settlement in towns - members of a civilization are commonly organized into a diverse division of labor and a complex social hierarchy

COMPARISON
ISLAMIC WESTERN

Unity of knowledge Islam as the fundamental

Specialization impossible to master all knowledge

Ibn Sina memorize alScholars that specialize in Quran at 10 & became one field of knowledge doctor at 16, master all fields of knowledge at 18 Spiritual aspect tauhid Separation of spiritual aspect Integration of revelation and Base on human reason- No knowledge need for revelation

Islamic Civilization
Islamic civilization is based on unity which stands completely against any racial or ethnic discrimination. Emphasize on physical and spiritual development. Produced Muslim community that has: - right concept of belief. - organized and systematic lifestyle. - sense of responsibility as Allahs caliph in this world. - right understanding on their purpose of life.

The Basic Concepts of Islamic Civilization

1. Human Concept Human concept revolves around 3 questions: - from where did we come? - why are we here? - where will we go? The answers for these questions determine the direction and the formation of the civilization itself.

2. Community Concept i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. Right to live Right for freedom Dignity and personal rights Right to think and giving opinion Right of equality Justice

3. History Concept In Islamic civilization, history has been made as a mechanism for guidance and example. The example that is derived from the history is very important as guidance in our daily life.

The Aims of Islamic Civilization

To produce human who has right concept of belief, that is believe to the power of Allah only. To produce human who has organized and systematic lifestyle suitable with any places and at any time. To produce responsible mankind as Allahs caliph in this world. To create mankind who know who they are and know what are their aims of life.

The Characteristics
Universal Islamic civilization is suitable for all kind of people regardless of race, skin color, language or nationality. Islamic civilization can be seen anywhere in the world. Liberal Islamic civilization is not rigid. It has been fixed according to syariah but developed inline with changing of time. It accepts other civilizations as long as they are not contradicting with syariah.

Continuously and Forever The development of Islamic civilization began with first revelation and still developing until present. It is not limited by any geographical or time boundaries.

Tolerate to Other Religions and Cultures Non-Muslim community under Islamic civilizations development are allowed to practice their own religions and lifestyles. Muslims are required to maintain good relationship with them.
Unity in Variety Unity in mankinds belief that Allah is the only God. Any form of development and achievement in Islamic civilization are based on unity of Islamic aqidah. Any new discoveries and inventions must be returned to Allah Almighty.

The Sources
Al-Quran Allahs words which was revealed in Arabic to Prophet Muhammad with lafaz and meanings and it is immutable. It consists of 114 chapters and not less than 6,000 verses. Contains the foundations for entire system of life, covering a whole spectrum of issues. Al-Sunnah Al-Sunnah means to pave the way or make a path easily passable. Technically it refers to anything narrated or related to the Prophet Muhammad, authentically traced to him regarding his speech, actions, traits and silent approvals. It is second source of Islamic jurisprudence.

The backbone of Islamic civilization is the principle or foundation that was stated in the Al-Quran and explained in detail by al-Sunnah.

Heritage
Greek: scientific works translated to Arabic India: math, astronomy & medicine Persian: science China: paper production

Actions are judged by their intentions (Prophet)

Prophets complexion and the rest of his physical features

Traits
Speeches Al-Sunnah Silent Approvals Actions

Prophet loved to do everything starting with the right side (Aishah)

His not opposing or minding of the actions or sayings of his Companions.

The Uniqueness
Religion based Create civilized human Based on al-Ummah concept Knowledge based on al-Quran and al-Sunnah

The Rise & Glory of Islamic Civilization

Clash between Greek & Islamic Civilization in Middle East
Alexander the Great brought in scholars Iskandariah fell under Islamic territory Muslim learned from Greek civilization and instill it with Islam

Translation Activity
Greek to Arabic Umayyah & Abasiyyah period

Establishment of Educational Institution

Bayt al-Hikmah & Dar al-Hikmah for translation activity & scholars meeting Schools & universities Libraries Laboratories

Encouragement to Scientist
Research Salary, accommodation, room for research

Economy
Agriculture Industries ceramic Trading

Fall Factors
political mismanagement after the early Caliphs (10th century onwards)

closure of the gates of ijtihad (12th century)

institutionalisation of taqlid rather than bid'ah (13th century)

foreign involvement by invading forces and colonial powers (11th century Crusades, 13th century Mongol Empire, 15th century Reconquista, 19th century European colonial empires
the disruption to the cycle of equity based on Ibn Khaldun's famous model of Asabiyyah (the rise and fall of civilizations) which points to the decline being mainly due to political and economic factors

CONCLUSION
Civilization in Islam does not only stress on physical development but also on spiritual development. This will ensure that Muslims are balance externally and internally. Muslims must stick to the Quran and the Sunnah as their main guidance to bring back the glorious era of Islam as what have been done by the Prophet (pbuh) and the previous generations.