Islam and the Prototypes of Muslim Civilization

Abstract

There is no ambiguity in it that Islam in substance is a culture of sacrifice for abiding interests. All different cultures and groups, the cultures of avarice and self-interest are mortgaged to desires and are meant for disintegration and disunion. They produce an Umma divided within itself and self-defeating in its purpose. The basic law of the culture of Shahadat revealed in several verses of the Book is that no soul is burdened with its obligation more than that of its own capacity. The law is for all time and for all situations. In other words, no man is under compulsion to make such sacrifices of his means and energy that puts his own survival at stake. Beyond the provisions of reasonable survival as determined in view of the general lot of mankind, everything is part of Shahadat. The timely interest has to be governed by the abiding interest under the Law of Wages: This is the cornerstone of the culture of Islam. The Culture of those who are with God for all time, and prove it by rendering their Shahadat to it on all occasions, for them are all the good promises of the Destiny. Mankind is sure to meet them, if faithful to it. Unfolding a number of commendable features, the Muslim Civilization made some very valuable contributions to the progress of Mankind. But most striking point about it is that at no stage of its evolution could it nurture an urge for human rights. No mass uprisings and agitations for higher values adorned the pages of its history. The idea of individual’s freedom which would have eventually led to the idea of collective self-determinism and legislation was quite alien to the game of power, often savage, in its wide expanses.