Islam and Civilization (Analysis Study On The History of Civilization in Islam) Muhammad Hifdil Islam
Islam and Civilization (Analysis Study On The History of Civilization in Islam) Muhammad Hifdil Islam
Islam and Civilization (Analysis Study On The History of Civilization in Islam) Muhammad Hifdil Islam
Abstract
The history of Islamic civilization is one of the most important fields of study of
Islamic studies. Islamic history is events or events that really happened in the past
that are entirely related to the religion of Islam. Islam is too broad in scope, so
Islamic history has become a broad scope. Among them are related to the history of
the process of growth, development, and the spread of Islam, figures who develop
and spread Islam, the history of progress and setbacks achieved by Muslims in
various fields, such as in the fields of religious and general science, culture,
architecture politics, government, war, education, economy, and so on. The History
of Islamic Civilization is a product description of the activities of the life of the
Islamic ummah in the past that originated in Islamic values. This article will explores
the history of civilization in Islam and How the civilization of Islam is developed.
A. Introduction
The history of Islamic civilization is one of the fields of study of Islamic
studies which attracts the attention of researchers from both Muslims and non-
Muslims. By studying Islamic history, we make it possible to know the times or
epochs of Islamic glory, allowing us to be proud and confident as Muslims and
take I’tibar. Likewise, we can know the periods of decline in Islam, and we can
take lessons and experiences so as not to recur (al muhafadzah ala qadim ash
shalih wal ahdzu bi al jadid al ashlah) and we can determine future steps in order
to find alternative paths for glory Islam. We are all aware of course that al-Islam
is' wala yu'la aih alaihi.
Realizing the above, the field of study of the history of Islamic civilization
is a field of study that is significant enough to be studied. Therefore, as a
preliminary framework in this paper, we try to discuss some basic conceptions of
the history of Islamic civilization, here are described about the relation of Islam
as divine revelation on one side and civilization --- which also includes culture --
- on the other side and that is the realm humanity (insaniyah).
1
Poerwadarminto,Kamus Umum Bahasa Indonesia, Jakarta, Balai Pustaka, 1992)887
2
Sidi Gazalba,Azas Kebudayaan Islam,(Jakarta; Bulan Bintang 1978) 2
3
Dudung abdurrahman, Metode Penelitian Sejarah,(Jakarta; LOGos, 1999),2-3
4
Sayyid Quthub, Konsepsi Sejarah dalam Islam,(Jakarta;Pedoman ilmu Jaya , 1992, cet II,)
40-55, Terjemahan Tarikhuna fi dzou’il al Islam, penerjemah Nabhan Husein
and spread Islam, the history of progress and setbacks achieved by Muslims in
various fields, such as in the fields of religious and general sciences, culture,
architecture, politics, government, war, education, economy, and so on.
Thus, Islamic history is a variety of events or events that really occur that
are related to the growth and development of Islam in various aspects. In this
connection, a variety of terms are usually used for history, including: Islamic
History, Islamic Cultural History and the History of Islamic Civilization.
economic systems, family and political power. While the elements of culture
according to C. Kluckhon --- as quoted by Koentjaraningrat --- are:
Equipment and supplies for human life (clothing, houses, transportation
equipment)
Livelihoods and economic systems
Community systems (kinship, organizational, political, legal systems)
Language (oral and written)
Art (fine art, sound art, and the art of motion)
Knowledge system
Religion (belief system).
Effat al-Sharqawi said that culture is a form of expression of deep
enthusiasm from a value that is contained and ingrained in a society. While the
manifestations of mechanical progress and technology are more related to
civilization. Furthermore Sharqowi argues that culture is what we long for (ideal),
while civilization is what we use (real). In other words, culture is reflected in art,
literature, religion and morals. Whereas civilization is reflected in politics,
economics and technology.
In anthropology studies, we know the understanding of culture in
particular and in general. According to special understanding, culture is a human
product in the field of art and unique customs. Whereas culture in the general sense
is the product of all aspects of human life which include: social, economic,
political, philosophical, artistic and religious knowledge.
Taylor, a British scientist, formulates culture as a complex whole that
includes knowledge, art dogma, moral values, law, tradition, social, and all human
products in his position as members of society, including in this reality is religion.
The meaning of Islamic Culture is a way of thinking and feeling that Islam
states itself in all aspects of life from a group of people who form social unity in a
space and at this time integralistic understanding, placing Islam as a source of
value and motivation for the growth of Islamic culture. Thus what is meant by
Islamic Culture History is a product description of the activities of the life of the
Islamic ummah in the past that originated in Islamic values. It's just that in the
various treatises of existing literary texts often the author gives his narrative in
terms of politics. It is assumed that conceptually, from this political side, the source
of Islamic culture revolves.
5
Ahmad Syalaby, Tarikh al Islamiyah al hadzarah al islamiyah,(Kairo; …. cetakan ke IV,
1978), 10
6
Yusri Abdul Ghani Abdullah, Historiografi islam;dari klasik hingga modern,
(Yakarta;Rajagrafindo, 2004), VII - IX
considered very dangerous and misleading, because in Islamic theology it has been
explained that all Islam is revelation, there are no parts of Islamic culture in it.
Religion or revelation is not at the level of Islamic culture, because religion or
revelation comes from Allah while Islamic culture is the result of human creativity,
taste and intention. Therefore, those thoughts and ideas must be rejected and
cannot be justified.
Meanwhile, Western thinkers also view Islam as a cultural product, for
example delivered by H.A.R. Gibb who said that "Islam is indeed much more than
a system of theology it is a complete civilization" (Islam is actually more than one
system of theology. It is a complete civilization). Gibb's opinion is appropriate
when expressed by the orientalist group, but if just swallowed up raw by Islamic
scientists will give birth to a rather ambiguous understanding,
It is recognized that between religion and culture are two related and
inseparable fields, but both are different. Religion is absolute, does not change
because of changes in time and place. Whereas culture, even if based on religion,
can change from time to time and from place to place. Most cultures are based on
religion, but never happen otherwise, religion is based on culture. Therefore
religion can be said to be primary and culture is secondary. Culture can be an
expression of religious life, because it is a sub-ordinate culture of religion, and
never vice versa. Religion essentially contains two groups of teachings namely:
• The basic teachings revealed by God through his Apostles to humans whose
teachings are found in the holy books. Because it is a revelation from God,
then the teaching is absolute, absolutely true, eternal, unchanging and cannot
be changed.
• Teachings in the form of explanations from the scriptures (both concerning
the meaning and manner of implementation) carried out by religious leaders
or experts. Because it is an explanation and a result of the thoughts of a
religious leader or expert, the teachings are relative, relative, change and can
be changed according to the times.
In Islam, the first group is in the Qur'an and the Mutawatir Hadist. Al-
Qur'an consists of 6,300 verses, but which regulates faith, worship, muamalah and
human social life, according to the scholars' study there are no more than 500
verses. The basic teachings of Islam (the Qur'an and al-Sunnah which are saheeh
narrations) are not included in the culture, but the understanding of the ulama of
the basic teachings of religion is the result of the ulema's initiative. Therefore it is
part of culture. However, Muslims believe that the culture which is the result of
the efforts of scholars in understanding the basic teachings of Islam, was guided
and obtained instructions from God, namely the Qur'an and the Sunnah. This is
then called Islamic culture.
Islam was stated by Bassam Tibi, 7 namely that Islam is a cultural system.
According to him Islam as a cultural system consists of various symbols that
correspond and combine to form a model for reality. However, in that position
religion cannot be experimentally penetrated, but only interpretatively. In religion,
the human conception of reality is not based on knowledge but on the belief in a
divine authority conceptualized in the holy book (Al-Qur'an). It is this Qur'an that
underlies all forms of reality. Furthermore the concepts of reality produced by
humans undergo parallel changes. Adaptation of religious-cultural concepts to
changing reality then forms a central component in cultural assimilation for
change. That way directional change, because people don't just react to the change
process by using cultural innovation. Thus it can be understood that the nature of
religion has a dual aspect namely:
• Give meaning to various aspects of social and psychological reality for its
adherents, so as to obtain an objective conceptual form.
• Religion can be tangible by reality and at the same time form a reality that is
in accordance with reality. This means that the interpretation of religious
symbols forms part of reality, because these symbols also affect reality. At
the same time the manifestation (practice) of the symbols to empirical reality
forms a structured pattern in the form commonly known as culture and
civilization.
7
Basssam Tibu, 2012. Islam Budaya dan Perubahan Sosial, Jakarta, Tiara Wacana,
Thus it can be concluded that Islam is the source of existing Islamic culture
and civilization. The foundation of Islamic civilization is Islamic culture,
especially its ideal form. So, Islam is not a culture but can give birth to culture. If
culture is the result of human creation, feeling and intention, then Islam is the
reality of revelation from God.
Taking the theme of Islamic civilization does not mean that the problem
of Islamic culture is not important in Islamic studies (Dirosah Islamiyyah). The
issue of Islamic culture is very important, because it is the foundation. Therefore,
studying Islamic civilization is also the same as studying Islamic culture.
Many writers (West or East) identify between Islamic Culture and
Civilization and Arabic Culture and Civilization. In classical times, this opinion
could be justified, even though it was actually different between Arabic and Islam.
In the Classical period, only one government center (ie the Arabs) and for several
centuries was very strong. The role of the Arabs was very dominant, so that the
cultural expressions that existed were all expressed through Arabic, in the end they
manifested the unity of Islamic culture.
But over time, the middle and modern periods emerged, where non-Arab
nations began to participate and foster a culture and civilization. Even though at
that time the Islamic ummah still looked at Islamic jurisdiction as their homeland.
Islam is still seen as a homeland and power.
The participation of the non-Arab nation in fostering culture and
civilization is not due to the disintegration between Islamic political forces and
several kingdoms in a very wide area, but because the expressions of culture and
civilization are no longer expressed through one nation. The administrative
language of Islamic government began to vary, such as Persia, Turkey, even the
role of Arabs had declined. Three major Islamic kingdoms in the middle period
were not controlled by the Arabs. Moreover, Islam is very tolerant in treating the
culture of the local community. Insofar as it does not deviate from the principles
of existing Islamic teachings. 8
8
Badri Yatim,Sejarah Peradaban Islam,(Jakarta;Rajagrafindo,1993):7
term from Gus Dur--. Because, in addition to relating to the social order of
cultural communities, there are also many who intersect with religious behavior,
especially those that are favored by fiqh.
Many writers identify Islamic culture and civilization with Arabic
culture and civilization. That opinion may be justified even though actually
between Arab and Islam can still be distinguished. In classical times the
government center was only one and the Arab role in it was very dominant. All
Islamic jurisdictions use Arabic. All cultural expressions expressed through
Arabic. Although at that time non-Arab nations had also begun to participate in
fostering a culture & civilization. Moreover, many non-Muslims also contribute
their cultural works.
Lately there has been a kind of quite and radical movement with, There
is a tendency for a number of parties to prioritize the construction of Islamic
shari'a in the Arabic face while denying the reality of other traditions. Even
though Islam is not synonymous with Arabic as Indonesia is not Arab
sociocultural and its politicians. Although it is admitted that there is really
nothing wrong with using Arabic culture in expressing one's diversity, provided
that it does not give birth to a conflict in the community that is framed in a solid
conceptual understanding.
But what becomes the problem is when the use of the assumption that
"arabic color" is a single form of religion which is considered the most valid and
muthlak. So that the law must be applied in all conditions and situations patent.
This certainly affected the situation in which Arab expressions became dominant,
even hegemony in the culture and traditions that developed in the local
community. What is even more disturbing is the emergence of justifications like
ebelum / not kaffah (perfect), heresy, bid'ah or musyrik to people who do not use
the expression "arabic color". The issue of using headscarves, for example, is that
some veiled people see women who have not used headscarves or headscarves
differently from the hijab commonly used in Arabic, meaning that Islam is not
yet Kaffah.
9
A. Hasjmy Sejarah Kebudayan Islam di Indonesia,(Jakarta: Bulan Bintang, 1993) 55
10
Harun Nasution, Pembaharuan Dalam Islam,;Sejarah Pemikiran dan Gerakan
((Jakarta:Bulan Bintang,1982) 12 - 14
the Arab country itself, especially the challenges posed by Arab tribes who
did not want to submit again to the government of Medina. This is because
the Arabs consider that the agreement that was made with the Prophet
Muhammad was canceled, after the death of the Prophet Muhammad. After
domestic matters were completed, Abu Bakr sent power out of Arabia. During
the leadership of the Bin Khattab Ummah Islamic jurisdiction included the
Arabian Peninsula, Palestine, Syria and Egypt.
The classical period that lasts from 650-1250 AD This can be divided
into two: first, the progress period of Islam I, the progress period of Islam I
began in 650-1000 AD. The progress of Islam I was recorded in the history
of the struggle of the Prophet Muhammad from 570 –632 M. Khulafaur
Rashidin from 632-661 AD, Umayyad from 661-750 AD, Banu Abbas from
750-1250 AD And Secondly, the period of disintegration is 1000-1250.
2. Middle Period (1250-1800 M)
This mid-period ranged from 1250-1800 AD during this period was
a period of decline, with the fall of the city of Baghdad in the hands of the
Spaniards, after the Khilafah Abasyiah collapsed due to the attack of the
Mongol army, Islamic political forces suffered a drastic decline.
In 1500-1800 AD the overall political situation of the Islamic ummah
progressed again after the emergence and development of three major
kingdoms, namely the Ottoman Empire in Turkey, the Syafawi Empire in
Persia, and the Mughal Empire in India. In the year 1700-1800 AD, there was
a decline of the three kingdoms.
Furthermore, the middle period which lasts from 1250-1800 AD, can
be divided into two periods, namely:
a. First, the decline period I,
The decline period I took place in 1250-1500 AD In this era
decentralization and disintegration and the differences between Sunni and
Shi'a as well as between Arabs and Persians are very striking. The Islamic
world is divided into two, first, Arabic. The Arabic section consists of
Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Palestine, North Africa, and Egypt as its center.
Second, Persia. Persian culture takes an international form and thus urges
the field of Arab culture. The opinion that the door to ijtihad is closed is
increasingly widespread among Muslims. Likewise the tarekat with
negative influences. Very little attention to science. Muslims in Spain are
forced to enter Christianity or leave the area.
b. Second, the Period of the three great kingdoms
The period of the Three Great Kingdoms lasted 1500-1800 AD
which began with the age of progress in 1500-1700 AD and the age of
decline II year 1700-1800 AD Three kingdoms in question were the
Ottoman Empire in Turkey, the Safavid empire in Persia and the Mughal
kingdom in India. During the progress of the three great kingdoms, each
kingdom had its glory, especially in the form of literature and architects.
In an age of decline, the Ottoman empire was hit by European
powers, the Safavid empire was destroyed by Afghan tribal attacks, while
the Mughal kingdom's territory was reduced by the blows of Indian kings.
Muslims in a drastic decline. Finally, Napoleon in 1798 AD, could
occupy Egypt, which at that time was one of the most important Islamic
civilizations.
3. Modern Period (1800-Now)
The Modern Period in the history of Islam dates back to 1800 AD and
continues today. At the beginning of this period the condition of the Islamic
World was politically under the penetration of colonialism. Only in the middle
of the 20th century did the Islamic world rise to liberate its country from
Western colonialism.
This period was indeed a revival of Islam, after a setback in the
middle period. In this period began to emerge thinking of renewal in Islam.
The renewal movement arises because of two things, namely:
The emergence of awareness among scholars that many foreign
teachings were entered and accepted as Islamic teachings.
The West dominates the World in the fields of politics and civilization,
so they try to get up by imitating the West in matters of politics and
civilization to create a balance of power.
The modern period of 1800 AD and so on was the age of the rise of
Muslims. The fall of Egypt in the hands of the West convinced the Muslim
world of weakness and made Muslims aware that in the West a new
civilization had emerged that was higher and a threat to Islam. Kings and
Islamic leaders began to think about how to improve the quality and strength
of Muslims again. In the Modern period, the idea of renewal in Islam arose.
The general generally used the periodization used by Harun Nasution in
dividing the period of history of Muslims (Atang, Hakim and Mubarok, 2000:
139). Harun Nasution began the period of the year 650 or during the time of
Ustman because in the Ustman government various kinds of conflicts arose,
both theology and political opposition.
In connection with the history of the above, there are some notes that
need to be examined, the problem of the classic period of discontinuation with
the time of the Prophet. Harun began the classical period from 650 AD, which
was famous for the time of the Caliph Usman (644–656 AD). The question is
why did not start since the time of the Prophet (611–634) and not also during
the time of the Caliph Abu Bakr (632–634) and Umar ibn Khattab (634–644
AD).
Whereas, by many historical researchers, especially those from the
Islamic ummah themselves, it is said that the Messenger of Allah until the
time of Abu Bakr and Umar was an essential golden age from the point of
commitment of his ummah to Islam, is that commitment to Islam that gave
birth to Islamic cultural products. Harun began the chapter from Ustman's
time, because he emphasized at a time when theological and political conflicts
began to grow and color the next period. Therefore the periodization
formulated in advance is suitable if the emphasis is given on the history of the
development of Islamic thought.
I. CONCLUSION
The history of Islamic civilization is one of the most important fields of
study of Islamic studies. Islamic history is events or events that really happened
in the past that are entirely related to the religion of Islam. Islam is too broad in
scope, so Islamic history has become a broad scope. Among them are related to
the history of the process of growth, development, and the spread of Islam,
figures who develop and spread Islam, the history of progress and setbacks
achieved by Muslims in various fields, such as in the fields of religious and
general sciences, culture, architecture, politics, government, war, education,
economy, and so on. The History of Islamic Civilization is a product description
of the activities of the life of the Islamic ummah in the past that originated in
Islamic values.
In the Classical period, only one government center (ie the Arabs) and
for several centuries was very strong. The role of the Arabs was very dominant,
so that the cultural expressions that existed were all expressed through Arabic, in
the end they manifested a unity of Islamic culture which all in the form of Arabic.
To distinguish the region of Arabic culture and Islamic culture can be
reviewed by taking a concept that in Islam there is a collection of normative and
Islamic dogmas in fact is a historical reality. Besides the normative conception
and hostoris to determine Arabic culture and Islamic culture it is also possible to
use the Ushul and Furu conception.
Among historians there are differences of opinion about the time when the
history of Islam began. Commonly used in the periodization of the history of Islamic
civilization is divided into three periods namely, classical, mid and modern.
DAFTAR PUSTAKA