مُلخّص ومراجعة الثقافة الإسلامية

Islamic Culture Summary and Review

• The concept of culture, meaning vast knowledge and information, was prevalent among Muslim scholars. It existed as a meaning, not a term.
• The term "culture" is of European origin.

Linguistic Meaning of Culture

• Culture's linguistic meaning encompasses various aspects:
  • Spiritual meaning
  • Sensory meaning
  • Achieving or gaining something, correcting the crooked
  • Chance encounters, visual perception, swordplay
  • Skill, intelligence, quick learning, education, and refinement.
  • "To refine someone in war"
  • "A sword used to correct the crookedness of something"
  • "If you are captured, kill me"
  • "If captured, you will see my fury"
  • "As if the gleam of its brilliance…swords of the reformers in the truth"
  • "Cultivate a man"

Definitive Meaning of Culture

• Islamic culture is defined as the intellectual and material output of the Islamic nation, which adheres to Islamic guidelines and expresses its identity.
• The meaning encompasses both the visible and the less obvious.
• Some define culture as refinement in theoretical ideas, drawing aspects from all disciplines

Islamic Culture

• Some define Islamic culture as "sciences, knowledge and arts that demand skill."
• It plays a crucial role in enlightenment and continuous reminders of the foundations of Islamic faith and principles
• It contributes to unity among Muslims across different groups and communities.
• It promotes values associated with work and its translation into applicable practices.

Importance of Islamic Culture

• It presents a positive image of Islamic culture in relations with other nations, using a humane approach .
• It equips Muslims with awareness to deal with new developments while retaining their identity and core values.
• This methodology aids communities and individuals in planning for the future, anticipating potential issues and opportunities.
• It enables societies to embrace and contribute actively to intellectual growth.

Islamic Culture Objectives

• Strengthening ties between Muslims and their Islamic faith, and reinforcing Islamic beliefs.
• Connecting Muslims with the Arabic language, as the language of the Holy Quran.
• Addressing societal challenges faced by the Islamic nation.
• Reminding Muslims of the causes of their strength and weakness.
• Emphasizing the need to return to the Book of Allah and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad for renewal.
• Providing intellectual and religious immunity to future generations against global intellectual and cultural trends.
• Preserving Islamic identity while benefiting from global developments.
• Creating conscious critical thinking.
• Avoiding dependence on others.
• Utilizing the knowledge and intellect granted by Allah to discern truth and righteousness; preventing reliance on external guidance.

Islamic Culture: Avoiding Misuse of Terms

• Using appropriate terminology in line with Islamic principles, avoiding the adoption of Western terms without understanding.
• Emphasizing the need for building an Islamic cultural foundation with clear and precise terminology.
• Benefiting from other cultures and traditions, but avoiding conflicting with established Islamic principles.

Islam

• Islam includes all divinely inspired messages.
• Islam is the creed of Abraham.
• Islam after the arrival of prophet Muhammad is specific to his followers.
• Islam linguistically means submission and surrender, submission to God's will.
• Islam in its general meaning also entails the surrender and submission to God’s will, encompassing all creations, both animate and inanimate, Muslims and non-Muslims.
• Islam's specific meaning refers to the submission to the laws and rulings of the sharia.

Requirements for Entering Islam

• No one can act for someone else in terms of faith.
• The bearing of witness (two testimonies) is the foundation of admission into Islam

Aspects of faith (Shahada)

• The testimony of faith liberates one from subservience to creations and dependence on messengers other than prophets.
• The testimony differentiates Muslims from non-believers and guarantees protection of their blood, wealth and possessions.
• The testimony of faith reveals the individual's belief in God.

Pillars of Islam

Salat (Prayer)

• Prayer is a pivotal element for spiritual well-being.
• It's a mandatory and crucial aspect, making the difference between faith and disbelief.
• It demonstrates the connection between the worshipper and God.

Zakat (Charity)

• An obligatory portion from their wealth, and a form of worship.
• Expressed as an obligatory disbursement from stipulated assets.
• Zakat is a means of purifying wealth.

Sawm (Fasting)

• Islamic fasting involves abstaining from food, drink, and other bodily necessities during daylight hours.
• Fasting can be obligatory (Ramadan) or voluntary (optional days).
• Fasting signifies self-discipline.

Hajj (Pilgrimage)

• A pilgrimage to Mecca for specific acts during a particular time.
• The pilgrimage symbolizes devotion and seeking divine favor
• The pilgrimage is considered obligatory for all able Muslims.

Iman (Faith)

• Faith is described as actions, speech, and conviction.
• It is strengthened by obedience and weakened by disobedience.
• Faith includes belief in God’s oneness, His attributes, knowledge about him and submission to Him.

Ihsan (Excellence)

• Ihsan is the highest level of religious devotion.
• It encompasses faith and Islam.
• It encompasses good intentions, actions, and circumstances.

Islamic Dialogue: Principles and Guidelines

• Islamic dialogue emphasizes the common humanity of all people and asserts the dignity of every individual.
• Dialogue should be conducted with compassion and respect, avoiding aggression.

Causes of Difficulty in Dialogue

• Incorrect Methodology

• Relying on Questionable Sources

• Ideological Bias

• Subjectivity (intuitive interpretation of information)

Efforts in Islamic Dialogue

• Initiatives promoting religious tolerance and mutual understanding between people of different beliefs.
• Establishment of national and international dialogue centers for interfaith communication.

تناقش هذه المراجعة مفهوم الثقافة في السياق الإسلامي، حيث يتم تناول المعاني اللغوية والثقافية الواسعة ومعناها الروحي والحسي. كما يتم التعريف بالثقافة الإسلامية باعتبارها نتاج الأمة الإسلامية وفق الشريعة الإسلامية.