Let's start our article in a creative way and have a conversation with history about the civilizations that were lost and destroyed. What were the reasons for their collapse? Why did they collapse at the height of their power? So, dear reader, take a little time to think with me; Because what I am presenting is the conclusions, challenges and research in the pages of history. I have asked Zaman a question through a conversation with him and asked him to explain the lives of nations and their situation between construction and progress, oppression and deviation. This article is a conversational narrative that aims to guide contemporary human thought and explain the concept of civilization, with a correct idea about the definition of civilization and how it is achieved, the reasons for survival and collapse and the difference between civilization and advanced civilization. Now allow me to go into the depth and essence of the matter.
The concept of civilization refers to the level of progress and development that a group of people have achieved in various aspects of their lives. In simple terms, civilization is everything that man produces in systems, ideas, values and material and spiritual criteria to organize and develop his life. Civilization is morality, science, culture, prosperity, development and modernization.
The elements of civilization encompass many interconnected human aspects, including:
- Material aspects: such as architecture , technology, machinery and industries.
- Cultural aspects: such as science, philosophy and education.
- Social aspects: such as laws, systems, customs and social justice.
- Cultural aspects: such as language, literature, art, mannerisms and morals.
- Political Party: such as governance and administrative systems, security, economy and services.
- Spiritual and faith aspects: A civilization without faith will be a life without purpose and message, so one must be connected to one's Lord and Creator.
Here is the definition of some scientists:
Ibn Khaldun believes that civilization is human prosperity and the stability and organization of life associated with it. Arnold Toynbee defines it as a person's response to the challenges he faces.
So civilization is not just architectural engineering or technological industry, but a universal way of life that reflects human development in terms of intellectual, material, moral and religious. This makes him a pioneer and example for others, for those who come after him to benefit from and become an example to be proud of or perhaps a subject and recipe to be recorded. Therefore, civilizations throughout history have not been built on strength or morality alone. Rather, it is built on a careful balance between the values that regulate behavior and the power that regulates life. But this balance has often failed, either power prevails and turns into oppression, or values weaken and civilization loses its essence. Here’s the important question:
Is morality the basis for the survival of civilizations? Or can oppression sometimes be a means of building them up? To answer this question, allow me to tell you about some of the civilizations and what they specialized in?
First, let us take examples of civilizations that were founded and survived on the basis of morality:
١. Islamic Civilization:
Islamic civilization represented an unparalleled example of the combination of morality and power, distinguished by justice in governance, respect for science and scholars, and religious tolerance in its developmental stages. In the time of the Companion 'Umar ibn al-Khattab, justice was a central value and we all remember his famous saying: "Since when have you enslaved people when their mothers gave birth to them freely?".
٢. Andalusian civilization:
In Andalusia, science and the arts flourished due to interfaith coexistence, cultural openness, and support for science, which continued for centuries, despite challenges, conspiracies, and internal divisions.
Then let us talk about the civilizations that were founded on the basis of force and oppression and destroyed and disappeared, which had nothing to achieve except to expose their mistakes and shortcomings:
١. Roman Empire: Despite its military greatness, political corruption, social oppression, and unjustified expansion were all factors that led to the gradual collapse of the Roman Empire.
٢. Nazi Germany: It relied on force and coercion under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, so it suppressed freedoms and racism prevailed. As a result of hostile expansionism, the end result was widespread devastation and rapid decline after World War II.
Earlier we asked a question of history: Can coercion build civilization?
A: Coercion may build a similar kind of civilization because it is distinguished by being quick to implement big projects and make decisions. But it is shaken, and its foundation collapses; Because it suffers from lack of justice, killing innovation and instability. Therefore, it may build the appearance of civilization, but it does not guarantee its continuity.