URDU 6 CULTURE, CIVILIZATION AND HERITAGE – A BRIEF OVERVIEW

تہذیب، تمدن اور ثقافت – ایک مختصر جائزہ

Abstract

Change and development started with the creation of the universe and human beings. Society’s advancement and development depended on man’s past experiences, environmental situations, relations with all other species around him, etc. The culture and civilization also developed with time. The man could not decide with justice even with his full understanding of the problems and situation. On the eve of the unsuccessful approach of the human being towards such problems and their solutions/decisions, Almighty Allah guided the human being through His messengers. The purpose of sending them was to make a favorable and useful approach to the problems faced by man as an individual as well as in society. Culture and civilization are the progressive shapes of man-made advancements, with all the past experiences of social life confronted by him. Islamic civilization considers all the elements essential to effectuate the living of human beings. The concept of life, the purpose of life, the beliefs & thoughts, the involvement of man, the collective structure of the society, etc. are the basic elements of Islamic culture & civilization. Cultures & Civilizations are formulated on three major factors, i.e., Geographical, Biological, and Ideological factors. Culture and Civilization also require moral groundings on which the rites and rituals  are formulated and performed by all the members of the society. The purpose of Islamic civilization is ‘Peace’ and ‘Tranquility’ for humans in this world and the Hereafter. Therefore, the characteristics of Islamic culture & civilization are the oneness of God, brotherhood, justice & goodwill, respect, cleanliness, moral character, and freedom. Islamic culture and civilization guarantee success for human beings in this material world and life after death.