Home ARTICLES Introduction To Islam ISLAMIC CULTURE by Allahyarham Tan Sri Dato’ S.O.K. Ubaidulla
ISLAMIC CULTURE by Allahyarham Tan Sri Dato’ S.O.K. Ubaidulla  E-mail

The world witnessed the birth of one of the greatest reformers of mankind – Prophet Muhammad (May Peace and Blessings of God be upon him). How he revolutionsed human thoughts and ways is eloquently evident in every aspect of life and in every corner of the world.

 As a result of the preachings of the Prophet and the teachings of the Holy Quran, a well-balanced and well-ordered society "enjoining the right and forbidding the wrong” blossomed in the world and led to what is now called Islamic Culture. The purpose of this brief article is to have a quick glimpse at this Culture.

 

                                                      WHAT IS MEANT BY CULTURE

 Culture means cultivation and when used alone it means cultivation of human mind. The terms culture and civilization are often mistaken even by learned persons as if they are one and the same. The term culture being an attribute of the mind signifies intellectual development. Civilisation denotes an advanced stage of social development. Culture therefore pertains to mental condition and civilization to material forms.

 Islam insists on the civilization of certain fundamental values in the minds of its followers, and adherence to them. The rest in daily life is considered unimportant and left to the convenience and taste of a person. A supreme test of a fundamental value is that it should be universal and  applicable to all people in all climes and for all times.

The spirit of Islamic Culture is not exclusive. It does not suppress differences. However, it does try to accommodate distinctions within the framework of a single unity so that such unity can exist in diversity within Islamic Culture.

 

SALIENTS FEATURES OF ISLAMIC CULTURE

 The following features express the spirit of Islamic Culture:-

(i)     The Unity of God:

Its basis is unity of God or oneness of God about which Islam is very uncompromising as well as

    that of the dignity and equality of mankind.

 

(ii)      Reflective Thinking

It encourages a critical, responsible and reasonable approach towards life and its problems and forbids all unreasonable prejudices.

(iii)       Observation of Nature

It stimulates keen observation of the phenomena of Nature to appreciate the laws governing them.

 

(iv)         Dynamic and Liberal

It is broadbased and embraces the essentials of other earlier cultures and gives ample scope for

further assimilation within the teachings of the Quran and the preachings of the Prophet.

 

(v)           Entire Humanity

The entire sphere of nature and gthe whole of humanity is its universe.

 

(vi)          Perpetual Peace

It advocates promotion of universal peace and tolerance in human relations as a fundamental necessity for the progress of the human race.

One of the outstanding attributes of Islamic Culture is its modern outlook, its creative and productive approach to living. Man’s life is an intergral whole. He has both a body and soul which needs balanced nourishment for material and spiritual growth.

Islam has attempted a middle path between material and spiritual life. “Thus we made you a community properly balanced” say the Quran and the balanced community has given birth to a balanced culture. In this sense, Islamic Culture is neither Eastern nor Western. It stands in the middle of the two. It is not other-worldly in the sense that it does  not advocate the renunciation of this world. At the same time it does not make this world an end in itself, for a man is supposed to serve God’s purpose.

 Islam is not fatalistic in the generally accepted meaning of the word. It does not bid man to accept an existing condition as a necessary evil but commands him never to cease striving for improvement.

The keynote of Islamic Culture is its sense of moderation. Thus we have made you a nation of middle path” says Quran. Even in religion, Quran warns against excess, “Oh People of the Book! Exceed not in your religion the bounds of what is proper.” Hence unity or difference, should not be pushed too far. Islam admits a good deal of national sentiment in all ages and is opposed to nationalism only when it degenerates into jingoism and becomes aggressive and exclusive.

 

IDEALS OF ISLAMIC CULTURE

A brief reference is made to the inspiring ideals that Islamic Culture champions:-

The ideals of Islamic Culture are:

(a)       The Social Ideal

The Islamic social ideal requires a social order wherein no notice is taken of the distinction of

caste, creed, colour, financial status, etc. Character and moral virtues alone raise the status of a person.

(b)        The Political Ideal

In the field of politics, the ideal would be the building of a healthy society, guided by well      defined laws and institutions.

(c)         The Intellectual Ideal

Intellectual pursuit receives the highest priority, so much so the “ink of the scholar” is considered more sacred than even “the blood of the martyr.”

Acquisition of knowledge and wisdom is incumbent upon every Muslim.

 (d)        The Moral Ideal

Doing virtures deeds is given the highest place in the ethics of Islam. Says the Quran: “The noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the best of you in conduct.”  “The best of you are those who have the most excellent morals”, said Prophet Muhammad.