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.