A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
The Islamic concept of civilization.
It is the concept of worship, which is the ultimate purpose of human existence.
As defined by Allah, the Almighty and Majestic, in His saying:
“I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me.” (51:56)
Meaning that civilization or being civilized is a methodology of guidance.
It regulates man’s relationship with his social and environmental surroundings.
The absence of this divine methodology.
Signifies moral permissiveness and dissolution.
And social decay.
And underdevelopment in its comprehensive sense.
Which leads its people to destruction and misery.
And animalistic barbarism.
For worship, in its comprehensive sense, is the ultimate goal.
It is the standard by which civilization and progress are measured.
Whether in ascent or decline.
Whether in uprightness or deviation.
True civilization is divine in its source.
And thus, it came and was realized for eras of time.
Characterized by qualities of comprehensiveness and stability.
And justice and balance.
And positivity and realism.
Containing no contradictions.
Achieving goodness, happiness, and righteousness for humanity.
“Those who, if We give them power in the land, establish worship and pay the poor-due and enjoin kindness and forbid iniquity. And Allah's is the sequel of events.” (22:41)
They established prayer and gave the zakat.
“Those who, if We give them power in the land, establish worship and pay the poor-due and enjoin kindness and forbid iniquity. And Allah's is the sequel of events.” (22:41)
And to Allah belongs the outcome of all matters.
Meaning it is a civilization established upon the cultivation of the earth.
By the covenant and pledge of Allah.
Which is the worship of Allah alone, with no partner.
And ruling by His Sharia.
Through this, the lands and the servants flourished.
And they progressed industrially and socially.
And economically and agriculturally, without corruption.
And do not cause corruption upon the earth after its reformation.
When these concepts and values prevail in a society.
It is then considered civilized and advanced.
And contrary to that.
When there prevail in society.
Values and animalistic, utilitarian tendencies.
Such a society cannot be considered civilized.
Regardless of the level of technical, industrial, and economic progress it reaches.
Rather, it becomes backward and barbaric.