CSS 2018 Solved Islamiyat Past Papers | Characteristics of Islamic Civilization
The following question of Islamiat is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted on the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
The examiner asked about the basic characteristics of Islamic civilization. However, you must provide a detailed explanation of the relevance of Islamic civilization standards in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah if you wish to perform exceptionally well in Islamic studies. Furthermore, critical analysis and conclusion would increase the chance of good grades
Outline
1-Introduction
2- A cursory glance at the concept of civilization
3- The compulsion of moral values in Islam according to Qur’an and Sunnah
4- Basic characteristics of Islamic civilization
- ✓Islamic civilization; Freedom of Will/ religion
- ✓Islamic civilization; a strait route towards self-purification
- ✓Islamic civilization; a custodian of human rights
- ✓Islamic civilization; a system that ensures justice and honesty
- ✓Islamic civilization; a mechanism of social Peace and harmony
- ✓Islamic civilization; promoting goodness to others and striving for the eradication of vice
5- Critical analysis
6- Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
The term Islamic civilization pertains to the advancements and accomplishments in the fields of art, intellectualism, culture, and society that have arisen from cultures that have been primarily shaped by Islamic beliefs and ideals. It is crucial to remember that Islamic civilization is not limited to any one place or era in history; rather, it includes a diverse variety of communities that have been influenced by Islamic teachings, practices, and beliefs throughout history. Developing a civilization is a challenging endeavor that involves many different elements, such as governmental systems, economic resources, moral traditions, science, and the arts. Islamic culture has a lasting legacy because of its unique characteristics, which include its emphasis on humanity and its tremendous influence on history.
A cursory glance at the concept of civilization
Civilization is an organized society with a sovereign government and well established political, economic, and social institutes. Moreover, a civilized society has its own culture, language, religious beliefs, societal norms, and shared ideologies, evolving with time as the citizens of society adopt new cultures and religious ideologies. The concept is simply related to the manners in which citizens live together and share values. Therefore, civilization is a theme of particular society reflecting its core principles.
The compulsion of moral values in Islam according to the Qur’an and Sunnah
Islam’s definition of morality includes the ideas of justice, moral rectitude, and the collection of moral principles and attributes found in Islamic sacred books. Islamic morality is based on the fundamental idea of love—both love for God and love for God’s creation. Islam has established several universally applicable fundamental rights for all people, which must always be upheld and protected. Islam forbids excessive formality because it places such a high value on the love of God and man.
And worship Allah and associate not aught with Him; and unto parents show kindness, and also unto kindred and orphans and the needy and the near neighbour and the distant neighbour and the companion by your side and the wayfarer and those whom your right hands own Verily Allah loveth not one who is vainglorious, boaster”
-[Quran; 4:36]
In a similar vein, character development and morality were important topics for Allah’s prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) sayings emphasized the significance of the character-building process. For instance, the Holy prophet said
“I have been sent to perfect good character”.
Thus, the ethical principles imparted by the Qur’an and the lives of the prophets are real. Islamic ethics originate from the Quran and the Sunnah and are compulsory to be followed by all Muslims.
Basic characteristics of Islamic civilization
- Islamic civilization; stresses the self-purification of an individual
Tazkiyah Nafs, or self-purification, is the Islamic Civilization’s other core tenet. This idea makes it quite evident that before urging someone to adhere to the teachings of this genuine religion, one should first seek to cleanse one’s own soul or inner self, for an individual plays a role in the basic unity of civilization. For instance, Allah says in the Quran,
“Successful indeed are those who purify themselves, remember the Name of their Lord, and pray.”
(Al-A’la-14,15)
The Divine Messengers came to instruct humanity on the way to self-improvement, self-nourishment, and self-perfection. They also came to support and lead humanity through this essential and decisive duty. For instance, Upon his return from Jihad, the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) informed his companions that they were transitioning from a lesser type of Jihad to a larger form of Jihad known as Tazkiyah Nafs”. Therefore, Islam offers a direct path to self-purification since it elevates humanity.
- Islamic civilization; Freedom of Will/ religion
Every human is born free, not only in worldly affairs but also in religious matters. Islam does not stand behind the coercion in faith, for faith is an individualistic and personal perspective of every person, and it cannot be built on forceful compulsion. The Qur’an says,
“There is no coercive compulsion in Deen”
(Al Baqrah, 2:256)
Therefore, Islam gives respect to the will of people and instructs to show others a merciful and moderative aspect of Islam to attract towards Deen instead of posing compulsion to follow Islam. So, it demonstrates a good example of motility and inculcates positivity in the civilization.
- Islamic civilization; a custodian of human rights
Islamic culture, which is based on the teachings of the Quran and the deeds of the Prophet Muhammad, has a long history of defending and promoting human rights. Islamic administration has the dignity of every person from its inception, irrespective of gender, colour, or socioeconomic standing. For instance, Allah says in the Quran,
“Indeed, We have dignified the children of Adam, carried them on land and sea, granted them good and lawful provisions, and privileged them far above many of Our creatures”
(Al-Isra-70)
The Quran clearly advocates for the value of human life, everyone’s right to an education, and treating everyone equally. Sharia, or Islamic law, places a strong emphasis on protecting and providing for the weak, such as widows, orphans, and the impoverished. Thus, Islamic civilization may be viewed as a protector of human rights, and issues about justice and equality are still influenced by its core principles today.
- Islamic civilization: a system that ensures justice and honesty
Social justice and honesty are vital to Islamic civilization and are the major forces behind the material and spiritual advancement of humanity. Roman law’s formal justice and every other human law are subordinate to Islamic justice. For instance, Allah says in the Quran,
“Indeed, Allah commands you to return trusts to their rightful owners; and when you judge between people, judge with fairness. What a noble commandment from Allah to you! Surely Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing”
(Al-Nisa-58)
The verse from the Quran that commands men in positions of power to uphold all obligations by treating everyone fairly and adjudicating disputes amongst people was revealed. According to Abdullah bin Umar, the prophet appeared to declare,
“You are all shepherds, and each of you is in charge of your own flock.”
The Imam ruling the people is like a shepherd tending to his flock; a man tending to the people in his household is like a shepherd tending to his flock; a woman tending to her husband’s home and children is like a shepherd tending to them; a man’s slave is like a shepherd tending to his master’s property and bearing responsibility for it. As a result, every one of you is a shepherd and in charge of his flock. Accordingly, the attribute of justice is the moral right to treat every individual fairly. Everyone has accountability for their acts and must answer for them.
- Islamic civilization: a mechanism of social Peace and harmony
Islam is a religion whose primary values are harmony and peace. Islam urges its followers to abstain from violence and conflict, placing a strong emphasis on harmony and peace in interactions with both Muslims and non-Muslims in society. The Qur’an prohibits using excessive force. For instance, Allah says in the Quran in Surah Baqarah ayat 224
“Do not use Allah’s Name in your oaths as an excuse for not doing good, not guarding against evil, or not making peace between people. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing”.
Therefore, Islam emphasizes unity and harmony in order to elevate civilization.
- Islamic civilization; promoting goodness to others and striving for the eradication of vice
Amr bil ma’ruf wa nahi anil Munkar, or enjoining what is good and prohibiting what is bad, is one of the greatest duties of the Muslim Ummah and is specifically stated in the Quran. Humans are imperfect beings who make mistakes. He or she should pursue their heart’s desires regardless of whether Allah (SWT) forbids them, according to their Nafs (souls), and the devil stokes the flames by luring people to sin. Allah (SWT) has instructed us in the Quran to prohibit that which is bad (Al-Munkar) and to enjoin that which is beneficial (Al-Maruf) in order to shield a person’s heart from contracting such diseases. Allah says in Quran
“Let there be a group among you who call ˹others˺ to goodness, encourage what is good, and forbid what is evil—it is they who will be successful”
(Al-Imran-104)
Imagine living in a society that acknowledges Allah’s creation, eradicates poverty via Sadaqah and Zakat, practices justice and fairness in all of its transactions, and outlaws immorality, corruption, and obscenity. This is not only going to help people personally in terms of their mental and spiritual well-being, but it is also going to help society as a whole.
Critical analysis
According to an old proverb, “cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.” However, Islam definitely signifies this and proved as a religion of charity, harmony, and peace in society. However, Allah clearly emphasizes the significance of Amr bil Maruf. Regrettably, our civilization exists in a very wretched state where the idea of Amar bil Maruf is limited to the concept of sin qua non. It is imperative that we embrace Islamic civilization in its purest form in order to save today’s society from the quagmire of injustice, corruption, thievery, and numerous other moral disorders.
Conclusion
The important aspect of Islamic civilization is described in one of the Islamic Moral Value Systems. Since Islam is a religion of equality and peace, morality is emphasized in every facet of Islamic teaching. How to become more morally advanced is one of the central themes of Islamic culture. Islamic teachings are an obvious example of how much significance Islam places on moral principles that set right from wrong and vice versa. Among the moral principles that address here are perseverance, honesty, keeping one’s word, refraining from backbiting, and refraining from foul language. Allah says in the Quran,
“Indeed, Allah is with the patient”.
(Surah Baqarah)
God commands us to speak honestly and with sincerity in the Quran (Surah Ahzab). Consequently, the Quran instructs people to uphold morality in all spheres of life.
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