The Roles of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in the Sphere of civilization (Part 2)
The Concept of Civilization
A. Literal Meaning
The word “civilization” in the Arabic language is derived from “مَدَن,” which means to reside and to acquire the ethics of city dwellers. This term is a translation of the word “civilization,” which originates from the Latin word “Civilis,” related to “vivis,” meaning “citizen.” The ancient Greeks employed this term to indicate that they viewed the city as a collection of institutions and social relations that represent a superior form of life. In Persian lexicons, “civilization” refers to becoming a city dweller, adapting to the morals and customs of citizens, and the cooperation of members of society in social, economic, religious, and political affairs.
Although both in Eastern and Latin languages, attribution to the city and urbanism serves as the criterion of civilization, it should be noted that civilization does not necessarily mean living in cities. Rather, a civilized person is one who has entered the stage of urbanization; in fact, urbanization is a consequence of civilization, not its cause. According to John Bernal, the city is part of civilization, rather than urbanism being its creator. Will Durant also believes: “It is only civilization that makes people think of creating cities and towns. In a sense, civilization is synonymous with politeness and the character of being polite and socializing. This sense of socializing is the moral purity that occurs in the city.”
B. Idiomatic Meaning
This word has undergone a conceptual transformation over the last few centuries. Despite this, I will consider the term from the perspectives of some Western scholars and a group of Muslim thinkers. According to Islamic scholars and thinkers, the best definition of civilization emphasizes that the material development of a society is what constitutes civilization.
Western scholars and Islamic thinkers have provided various definitions of this term, some of which will be mentioned as examples.
Will Durant defines civilization as follows: “Civilization is a social system that accelerates cultural achievements, invents, and creates to benefit from ideas, customs, and art. It is a political system maintained by morals and laws, and it is an economic system that remains stable with the continuation of production.”
Henry Lucas considers civilization to be an interwoven phenomenon that encompasses all social, economic, political, and even artistic and literary events.
According to Arnold Toynbee, civilization is the result of the genius of an innovative minority; that is, within society, there exists a privileged class endowed with genius, initiative, and innovation. As a result of societal changes and evolution, civilization emerges.
Muslim thinkers also have their own definitions of civilization. Ibn Khaldun considers it to be the social state of human beings. According to Ibn Khaldun, a society that has become ordered through the establishment of government—where a government has been created and society has accepted this order—represents civilization. He asserts that government is foundational for maintaining order, and the individual life transitions towards urban life. Furthermore, he views civilization as a means to promote the virtues of society, stating that science and art come together to form civilization.
Ibn Khaldun distinguishes between civilization and culture, which is both accurate and appropriate. Civilization refers to the material development of society, while culture represents a collection of concepts that have emerged from an intellectual foundation throughout history.
In a general summary of the definitions presented, it can be said that civilization is the result of materialism and the acceptance of social order. Civilization signifies leaving a Bedouin lifestyle and stepping onto the institutionalized highway of social affairs, or, according to Ibn Khaldun, evolving.
