مقدمة حول مفهوم الثقافة في التراث الإسلامي

Introduction

• The concept of "culture" (broad knowledge and information) was present among Muslim scholars.
• This is evident in their works, such as Ibn Abd al-Rahb's Al-Uqd al-Farid, Al-Qalqashandi's Subh al-A'sha, and Al-Abshihi's Al-Mustatraf.
• These works aimed to encompass various disciplines within a single accessible book, providing engaging content.
• The word "Thaqaf" appeared in historical texts with this meaning.
• Ibn al-Jawzi used it in the phrase, "Thaqaf yourself with etiquette"
• A biographical book mentions "Sultan Mahmoud, who had learned the management and administration of the kingdom from his father."
• The term "culture" as a specific academic field is a modern European concept.

Linguistic Meaning of "Culture"

• The term "Thaqaf" and its variations are used in Arabic in both sensory and abstract ways.
• Sensory uses include:
  • Possession or attainment of something: (e.g. a phrase from the Quran)
  • Coincidence or chance encounter: (e.g. a poetic line)
  • Rectifying the crooked: (e.g. a tool used for straightening)
  • Visual perception.
• Abstract uses include:
  • Sharpness, intelligence: (e.g. a clever boy)
  • Skillfulness: (e.g. an expert)
  • Speed of learning.
• These diverse meanings make the word adaptable to represent achievements of civilizations.

Cultural Definitions

• Dr. Ahmad Shalabi defines culture as "intellectual progress, encompassing advancements in law, politics, and crucial historical events, as well as moral and behavioral progress."
• This definition focuses on intellectual & abstract aspects, not material ones.
• Other definitions exist, although phrased differently.
• One definition is "drawing aspects from each discipline;" this led to the phrase "to be cultured, learn something about everything."
• A separate definition is given relating culture (of a nation) as being its intellectual legacy.
• A Western source points out that culture encompasses knowledge & beliefs, art, morals, etc.
• Another definition offered by authors of "al-Mu'jam al-Wasit" focuses on "studies and knowledge areas that require proficiency."

Islamic Culture Definition

• Islamic culture is the intellectual and material output of the Islamic nation, aligned with Islamic principles, and reflecting its identity.

Importance of Islamic Culture

• Reinforces Muslim's connection to their faith, nation, and history.
• Promotes unity among Muslims in terms of belief and society.
• Encourages skillful work, based Islamic teachings.
• Guides Muslims toward positive conduct.
• Promotes humane treatment of others; including prisoners.

Objectives of Islamic culture

• Strengthening the Muslim's connection to their Islamic teachings and sources of law.
• Reinforcing knowledge of Arabic, the language of the Quran.
• Addressing issues facing the Islamic nation.
• Reminding Muslims of their past greatness.
• Strengthening the unity and development of Muslim communities.
• Encouraging ethical conduct and proficient work.
• Preserving Islamic identity.
• Promoting insightful critical thinking.
• Correctly portraying historical events and beliefs.
• clarifying cultural differences between Islamic and other cultures.
• Avoiding misinterpretations and highlighting distinctions in terminology.

Islamic Religious Categories (Levels):

• The concept of three categories of Islam (Islam, Iman, Ihsan)
• Islam: Submission to God, encompassing all of God's revelations. (Different types of Islam exist: universal and particular.)
  • Particular Islam is associated with the Islamic faith specific to the teachings of the Prophet.
• Iman: Belief, encompassing belief in God, angels, books, messengers, and the Day of Judgement.
• Ihsan: The desire to worship God as if you were seeing him.

Islamic Rituals

• Zakat (alms giving), fulfilling religious obligations, encouraging economic activity and social responsibility.
• Fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), emphasizing devotion.
• Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), emphasizing unity among Muslims.