Definition of civilization and its principles in Islam

Definition of civilization:

Civilization is a set of features including scientific, cultural, literary, and social advancement in a society or in similar communities. So, it is a sublime stage of human evolution.

Bases of civilization in Islam:

The period of the advent of Islam was the period which formulated man inside the Arabian Peninsula, established the blocks of a new civilization that brought people out of darkness to light, and placed the bases for building man in Islam. Revelation was the core of formulating the creeds and ideas of an individual, purifying him, creating links, and establishing the building upon which the entire nation is based. Allah has said the truth when He said: "Indeed, there has come to you from Allâh a light (Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him) and a plain Book (this Qur'ân)." * Wherewith Allah guides all those who seek His Good Pleasure to ways of peace, and He brings them out of darkness by His Will unto light and guides them to a Straight Way (Islamic Monotheism)." [Surat Al Ma'idah: 15 - 16].

Of the prominent bases upon which the Islamic civilization is based are:

* Monotheism: Islam established the concept of monotheism when it addressed the polytheists of Makkah, reminding them that it was not enough to believe only in the Oneness of Lordship i.e., acknowledging that Allah is the Lord of everything and the Creator of everything. However, this acknowledgment of the Oneness of Lordship must be correlated with worshipping Him alone. This acknowledgement resulted in positive impacts on the building of Muslims because when people submit to Allah alone, they shall deem His Lawful Things permissible and His Unlawful forbidden and fight in the cause of Allah to establish the values of the truth, justice, equity, dignity, and useful knowledge.

* Justice: The texts of the Qur'an and the Sunnah focused on the issue of justice. Of the Qur'anic examples are the following, Allah says: "Verily, Allâh enjoins Al-'Adl (i.e. justice and worshipping none but Allâh Alone - Islâmic Monotheism)."  [Surat An-Nahl: 90].

And Allah says: "O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do." [Surat Al Ma'idah: 8].

And Allah says: "Verily, Allâh commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice. Verily, how excellent is the teaching which He (Allâh) gives you! Truly, Allâh is Ever All-Hearer, All-Seer." [Surat An-Nisa': 58].

Of the examples reported in the Prophetic Sunnah is the Messenger's saying: "Indeed, just people at Allah will be on pulpits of light on the right hand of the Most Merciful (Glory be to Him), and both his hands are right, they are the people who are just in their rule, among their families, and among those whom they judged."[1]

* Knowledge: Islam came to rearrange the human reason then release it to know its lord through His Signs in the universe and within oneself. The first command revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was Allah's Saying: "Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists)."  [Surat Al `Alaq: 1].

Of the things which indicate the care of Islam with knowledge is that the Prophet (peace be upon him) made the ransom for releasing the captives of Badr teaching ten Ansari Muslims reading and writing by each captive. Many Ayahs and Hadiths reported in urging to gain useful knowledge which has effective impact on building the Islamic culture.

* Lofty moral values: The Glorious Qur'an is a comprehensive constitution to rear individuals and groups rightly in various aspects of life, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "I was sent to complete the high moral values."[2]

So, completing and perfecting the high moral standards was the core of the Prophet's mission.

* Work: It establishes the building of civilization. Islam calls people to work but it rather a practical religion, and the Prophet of Islam used to seek refuge from inability and indolence.

Islam exhorts people to construct the earth in various fields, emerging from the saying of Allah (may He be Glorified and Exalted): "He it is, Who has made the earth subservient to you (i.e. easy for you to walk, to live and to do agriculture on it, etc.), so walk in the path thereof and eat of His provision, and to Him will be the Resurrection."  [Surat Al Mulk: 15].

And Allah says: "And say (O Muhammad peace be upon him) Do deeds! Allah will see your deeds, and (so will) His Messenger and the believers."  [Surat At-Tawbah: 15].

The Prophetic Hadiths that call to work, seeking sustenance, and constructing the earth are many and pushed Muslims to establish an international civilization that made them at the top of civilized peoples.

These are the principles of the Islamic civilization which represent the reformative principles of Islam. By these principles, Allah sent His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) to regulate and reform this world, and lead it to the right direction which direct him to goodness and happiness and keep him away from evil and misery.[3]

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[1] Reported by Muslim.

[2] Sunan Al Bayhaqy.

[3] Islam and the west, Dr. Safwat Mustafa Khaliluvitch, translated by Dr. Hadeer Abu An-Naja, P. 104.