Civilization is the emergence from an ignorant and primitive state to a higher one, through education, refinement of morals, manners and aesthetics, and sound development of legal, economic, social and political institution.
Which islamic percept encourages the spread of education?
The Quran encourages the spread of education, as the very first revelation of the Quran begins with the command to “Read”, and mentioned the pen as the instrument of learning and human progress. There are also numerous hadith which follow up the theme of education: “Seek knowledge from cradle to the grave.“ “The search for knowledge is compulsory for every muslim.” “The ink of the scholar is more precious than the blood of the martyr.” “One learned person is harder on the devil than a thousand of ignorant worshippers.”
It was recorded that after the battle of badr, the Prophet Muhammad(SAW) undertook to release the prisoners-of-war, who could teach at least ten muslims how to read. Verses of the Quran encourages us to ponder on creation and how it is made, the Quran is a spur to the methodical scientific investigation as an essential of man search for knowledge.
Quran verses and hadith which emphasizes moral action, respect for others and refinement of manners.
The Quran not only set out for mankind the minimum moral commands, like the injunctions on kindness to parents and spouses, care for neighbours, and brotherhood of man, it also follows up with verses enjoining the spirit of peace, humility and consideration for others.
Quran 16 verse 125- Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided.
Quran 41 verse 34- And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allah and does righteousness and says, “Indeed, I am of the Muslims.”
“A kind word with forgiveness is better than charity followed by injury. Allah is Free of All Wants and Most Forbearing.” (Quran 2:263).
Prophet Muhammad(SAW) said: obey who is placed in authority over you, even if it be an African slave.
What significant prohibition distinguishes Islamic economic activities from those of non-Muslims?
Islamic civilization gave rise to a new pattern of economic development based on Riba(interest) free investment in accordance with the injunctions of shari’ah. New trade links were forged by land and sea and great advances were made in the uses of technology and in economic activity at the time, provision for social welfare were developed based on Bait-ul Maal(the public treasury), zakat as a compulsory welfare tax, sadaqah as a voluntary charity, and waqf established to for the poor, sick, students, travellers and those generally in need.
How do the teachings of the Quran and Hadith break down racial barriers and help to create a multi racial state?
The Quran says: “We have created you all from male and female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. And the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him.” (Quran 49 verse 19). Islamic civilization became multi racial and religions intermingled and travelled widely along routes of the Muslim world. The Prophets conducted dialogue with Christians and Jews and entered into agreements with them with the acknowledgement of the right to practice their religion.
