Civilization, Philosophy, Religion

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

In the name of ALLAH, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Civilization, Philosophy, Religion

The world today is called "Digital Age;" an advanced age of progress and development and it appeared after a long cycle of humans' struggle through various philosophies, civilizations and religions. The human beings are a special creation and the only intelligent living entity to make a mark on this "Blue Planet" supporting life. The life itself is a mystery and not much can be said with authority about it. However, "Homo Sapiens" have attempted to make a sense of life by developing various civilizations based on philosophies and religion. There are few well established and recognized civilizations in the world today which are taught and discussed in knowledge circles.

 The most famous ancient civilizations include Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Ancient China, the Indus Valley / Hindu Civilization, and civilizations of the Americas like the Olmec, Maya, and Inca. These "cradles of civilization" are well-known for their significant advancements in writing, urban planning, architecture, and the development of societies. The three most relevant of the above, in this age of digital era i.e. Greek, Chinese and Indus / Hindu civilizations, will be discussed briefly in the following:-

Civilization is an advanced and complex stage of human social development, characterized by features such as advanced cities, complex institutions, specialized workers, a system of record-keeping and advanced technology. It represents a high level of cultural, scientific, and industrial organization, moving beyond simple agrarian societies to complex societies with sophisticated systems of government, social structure, and shared communication. The civilizations are influenced deeply by philosophies and religions.

 Philosophy significantly influences civilization by shaping its values, guiding its political and legal systems, fostering intellectual progress, and providing a framework for societal understanding and change. Through the development of new ideas and critical analysis, philosophy provides the moral and ethical foundations that underpin laws, governance, and the very structure of society, impacting everything from education and science to art and daily life.

The Universal Influence of Religion on Civilization:  Religion has profoundly shaped civilizations by providing moral frameworks, reinforcing social cohesion, and legitimizing political power, while also influencing culture, law, and even architecture through shared beliefs and sacred texts. This symbiotic relationship between religion and civilization has been central to the development of ancient societies and continues to affect societies today.

Philosophy is the reasoned study of fundamental truths, ideas, and questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. The word itself means "love of wisdom" in Greek and involves a rational, systematic inquiry into abstract concepts like reality and human experience. Philosophy explores big questions concerning the universe, life's meaning, morality, and knowledge, using logic and reasoning rather than empirical experimentation to understand these deep concepts.

 Philosophy primarily influenced mythologies by providing alternative, rational explanations for the natural and societal phenomena previously explained by myths, leading to reinterpretations and symbolic allegories of mythological stories. Early philosophers critically examined myths, identifying human origins for gods and interpreting mythological narratives as reflections of human psychology and social structures rather than literal truth. This process shifted understanding from divine intervention and narrative to reason and observation, with myths evolving into philosophical allegories and vehicles for teaching moral and philosophical concepts.

 Religion is a complex set of cultural, spiritual, and moral beliefs and practices that address humanity's relationship to the sacred, divine, or ultimate concerns, often providing meaning, moral guidance, and community to adherents. It encompasses systems of belief, narratives, symbols, and traditions, such as a relationship with God, gods, or nature, and often includes rituals, prayers, or contemplation to guide individuals and shape their understanding of life and the universe. We will talk about it more after few paragraphs.

 Greek philosophy refers to the foundational philosophical contributions from ancient Greece, emerging in the 6th century BCE and focusing on understanding the world and human existence through reason and inquiry. It covers various fields like metaphysics, ethics, political theory, and logic, leading to the development of major schools of thought and influencing Western civilization profoundly. Key figures include the Pre-Socratics (like Thales), Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, whose work formed the basis for later philosophies like Stoicism and Epicureanism.

Greek mythology is the body of ancient Greek stories and beliefs about their gods, goddesses, heroes, and the origins of the world, serving to explain natural phenomena and provide moral lessons. It centers on the powerful, often-human-like deities of Mount Olympus, such as Zeus and Athena, and their interactions with mortals and monstrous creatures. These myths, recorded in works like Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, have deeply influenced Western art and literature, with many gods and concepts borrowed and adapted by the Roman Empire.

 Greek mythology and philosophy are intertwined systems of ancient thought that sought to explain the universe and humanity's place in it, with mythology relying on stories and divine beings and philosophy emphasizing reason, observation, and argument. Mythology provided cultural foundations and moral teachings through tales of gods and heroes, while philosophy arose from a need for a more rational, less narrative-based understanding of the world, though the distinction wasn't always clear in antiquity. Both traditions influenced the development of each other, with myths often serving as allegories for philosophical concepts and later philosophers sometimes reinterpreting or critiquing mythological narratives.

 It is said that current Western Civilization is a by product of Greek-Roman Civilization but not Greek Mythology. The foundation of Western civilization rests on the Greco-Roman world's intellectual and political traditions and the values of Judeo-Christianity, influencing its philosophy, morality, politics, social structures, and art. Key contributions include ancient Greek thought, Roman law, and the enduring impact of Christian ethics and institutions. However; there are five hundred years of historical developments since renaissance age; which has created today's western civilizational values, culture and traditions. 

The modern Western culture is a broad term for traditions, ideas, and artifacts from Europe and its influences worldwide, characterized by individualism, democracy, human rights, and liberal, secular influences. Key features include a strong emphasis on personal achievement, free speech, and capitalism, though it also encompasses diverse artistic, philosophical, and legal frameworks. The Western culture has a strong focus on innovation and invention through science and technology; and it ended up into a novel concept of "godless society", while preaching Christianity and sanctioning church. The philosophical confusion and religious in- difference, of the West today, may be the cause of its own slow but sure death.

 The Chinese civilization is a remarkably continuous ancient civilization, originating in the Yellow River basin over 5,000 years ago, with significant historical periods including Pre-Imperial, Imperial, and Modern China. Key aspects include its ancient writing system, major philosophical traditions like Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, and core values such as family, harmony, filial piety; and technological advancements in agriculture, architecture, and craftsmanship. The civilization has been characterized by its centralized governance under various dynasties and its profound, lasting cultural influence on East Asia and the world.

The Chinese civilization originated in the river basins of the Yellow and Yangtze rivers and has historically exerted a dominant cultural influence on the entire Sinosphere. National surveys conducted during the early 21st century estimated that an estimated 80% of the Chinese population practice some form of folk religion, for a total of over 1 billion people. 13–16% of the populations are Buddhists, 10% are Taoists; 2.53% are Christians, and 0.83% are Muslims. The Chinese civilization has given rise to today's most fast paced growing power of the world. There is no imminent threat to the survival of Chinese civilization and Nation China and the main reason for the same is non interference into other nations or civilizations.

 The Indian civilization spans millennia, beginning with the ancient Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1300 BCE), known for its planned cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. This was followed by the Vedic Period (c. 1500–500 BCE), the Mauryan Empire (c. 321–185 BCE), and the subsequent Gupta Empire, considered a Golden Age. Key cultural contributions include the foundational texts of Hinduism (the Vedas), advancements in urban planning, water management, and a rich tradition of arts and crafts, evidenced by surviving artifacts and legacies.

The Indian mythology primarily refers to the rich, ancient collection of stories and legends of Hinduism, found in texts like the Vedas, Puranas, and epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana. It features a vast pantheon of gods, goddesses, and mythical beings, with core figures like Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), and Shiva (destroyer). These narratives explain the cosmos, offer moral lessons, and explore themes of dharma, duty, and the human condition, with many stories serving as living beliefs for millions.

 There are multiple characteristics of the Indian Society, such as- Patriarchal Society, Multi-Ethnic Society, Multilingual Society, Multi-Class Society Tribes, Family, Kinship System and Diversity; the harmonious coexistence of spiritualism with materialism, individualism and collectivism. The cow is a sacred animal in Hindu culture and is depicted in mythology as accompanying several gods such as Shiva on his bull Nandi, or Krishna, the cowherd god.

 Independent civilizations around the world developed many similar core components that define a complex society. Civilizations that arose in isolation across the globe share common characteristics, suggesting that similar developmental paths emerge from fundamental human needs and environmental factors. These parallels can be seen in technology, social structure, and other cultural elements. Despite having different gods and goddesses, all of these ancient civilizations built special religious buildings. Many of them, like the Shang, the Egyptians and the Indus people, offered sacrifices to their gods. All of these civilizations produced writing about trade, religion, laws and rulers.

 The most common feature of the Greek and Indian / Hindu Civilizational mythologies is that both of them have a powerful super god (Zeus & Bhagwan) and then scores of sub ordinate gods and deities. Both the mythologies shaped the related human life by providing quite similar frameworks for understanding existence, transmitting cultural values, establishing a moral compass, and serving as a wellspring for creativity and personal identity. However, the chief difference between current Indian civilization and western civilization is that the former stands for spiritualism and moral being while the latter stands for the triumph of materialism. Indian civilization advocates for self-denial and not self-indulgence which is an essential part of the western civilization. However, the start of new millennium has seen rise of a unique situation, where all sections of various civilizations including Indians are adopting ways, means, systems, customs and traditions of western ethos; in search of material gains and rapid rise in social status. 

 Religion plays a fundamental and complex role in human lives by providing meaning, community, moral guidance, and psychological well-being for believing people. While the importance of religion varies from person to person, its historical and ongoing influence on individuals, cultures, and societies is undeniable. Religion serves several functions for society. These include (a) giving meaning and purpose to life, (b) reinforcing social unity and stability, (c) serving as an agent of social control of behavior, (d) promoting physical and psychological well-being, and (e) motivating people to work for positive social change.

 The main purpose of the practice of a religion are to achieve the goals of salvation for oneself and others, and (if there is a God and for a person of religion-Yes) to render due worship and obedience to God. Different religions have different understandings of salvation and God. Religion plays a significant role in shaping an individual's moral values and beliefs. Religious teachings often emphasize compassion, forgiveness, and respect for others, which can contribute to the development of empathy and ethical decision-making.

 The spirituality and religious beliefs begin to develop in childhood and continue to evolve throughout life. The religious guidance and dictums help guide human's decision making and impact many cultural and social aspects of life. Most importantly, religious beliefs can also have a profound influence on mental health and well-being. However; this world today is witnessing a cruel struggle of power in the name of religion and strategic objectives. Three Abrahamic Religions, namely Judaism, Christianity and Islam along with Hindu Indians and godless Chinese are at logger heads with each others. It is therefore, important to have a look into the assertions of religion. 

 The three most prominent religions influencing humans society and civilizations today are called "Abrahamic Religion," because, all three have the same link initiating from Prophet Abraham (AS). There are three most holy books revealed called "Torah," "Bible," and "Quran"; which form the basis of these three religions. All these books clearly state that there is only "One Holy Ultimate Truth and High" called God / ALLAH. The Ultimate Authority ALLAH claims through these books; His control over all the creations, that is seen or even felt by humans senses. ALLAH says that He is the creator of all the things (livings or non livings) and He is the master of life and death; and it is only He, who controls each and every thing that takes place any where known to human senses and otherwise.

The Ultimate High ALLAH has streamlined the beginning of every thing and says that He created human beings from Adam and Eve (AS). He also designated his creation "Satan" as an enemy of Adam's siblings. ALLAH describes that He educated Adam (AS) with "knowledge," so, the siblings of Adam must have known the reality of creations and the human dwellings habituated by them would have been religion based society. However, today we see as described above, civilizations were grown on the basis of philosophy and mythologies and all of them were based on polytheism (more than one god). This can be said that "Satan" played its role in a very subtle manner.

ALLAH Taala says in Quran's Surah Ya-sin: "Did I not command you, O Children of Adam, not to follow Satan, for he is truly your sworn enemy, but to worship Me ˹alone˺? This is the Straight Path. Yet he already misled great multitudes of you. Did you not have any sense?" (60-62)

The philosophy and mythology prevalent since ancient times as discussed above have created dogmas and polytheism and Quran says in clear terms about "Oneness of ALLAH;" negating all forms of philosophies and mythologies about the "Ultimate High / God".

"Say: He is Allah, the One! Allah, the eternally Besought of all! He begetteth not nor was begotten. And there is none comparable unto Him." Surah Al-Ikhlas (1-4).

The Surah Al-Ikhlas focuses on the absolute oneness of ALLAH, or Tawhid. It explicitly states that ALLAH has no offspring, is not born, and has no equals, rejecting polytheism and idolatry. Ikhlas means that our heart should not lean towards anyone except Allah ﷻ. Not even a tiny curve! Some great Mashaykh explained it in such a beautiful way: Ikhlas means that nobody sees your action except Allah ﷻ, and your ego (nafs) doesn't sneak in to demand credit. Surah Al-Ikhlas teaches believers to maintain sincerity in their faith even in the face of adversity. When confronted with challenges, sincere belief becomes a source of strength and resilience.

The Ultimate High ALLAH then guides His believers for seeking benevolence also from him. In Surah Al-Kawthar; the 108th and shortest Surah of the Quran, revealed in Mecca, assure the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) of Allah's abundant blessings and command him to worship and sacrifice to Allah alone.

"Lo! We have given thee Abundance; So pray unto thy Lord, and sacrifice. Lo! it is thy insulter (and not thou) who is without posterity." Surah Al-Kawthar (1-3)

The surah was a response to those who insulted the Prophet by calling him "abtar" (cut off) for lacking male offspring, assuring him that his enemies were the truly cut off ones and that he would receive Al-Kawthar, a river of goodness in Paradise. Through this Surah, ALLAH is describing for all Muslims that despite the sufferings in this mortal life, ALLAH would grant them immense blessings in this life and the Hereafter and commands the followers of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to express gratitude to Allah through prayer and sacrifice.

 ALLAH Taala Then takes up the matter of forming a society through Surah Al -Asr. Quran says:-

"By the ˹passage of˺ time! (By the declining day); Lo! man is a state of loss, Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance". Surah Al -Asr. (1-3)

ALLAH directs his believers to form a society on the basis of four principles: (1) Faith. (2) Righteous deeds. (3) Exhorting one another to truth. (4) Exhorting one another to patience. The Surah clarifies that through the test of times in all situations the man shall always believe in "Oneness / Tawhid" of ALLAH as the Ultimate High and Creator of the Entire Universe and All the things and therefore, shall seek guidance from Him only for spending his time in the cycle of day and night as per the covenants of Holy Books revealed through Prophets.

Quran says that ALLAH alone is worthy that man should worship, serve and obey Him. He alone can make or mar destinies; man should invoke Him alone and have trust in Him alone. ALLAH alone can enjoin things and forbid things; man is under obligation to obey Him and refrain from what He forbids. ALLA sees everything and hears everything; not to speak of any act of man, even his motives and intentions with which he has done an act, are not hidden from Him.

Quran directs that individuals, groups, nations, and entire mankind shall form a society and civilization as per the guidance provided by ALLAH. We must understand that according to the Quran true success is man’s success in the Hereafter and real loss his failure there, yet in this world too success will not be rewarded to non observant of natural laws of universe (time is one dimension that formats other dimensions). All the societies shall be established on laws to encourage and perform righteous deeds (salihalt). Quran has a described deed with Faith as good deed. The societies flourish when laws are made for collective good of all and violators are punished by proper legal course with out failure in any case for any reason.

Human dignity refers to the inherent, intrinsic value and worth of every individual, independent of social standing or personal achievements, which demands respect and fair treatment. Greatness, in contrast, is not an inherent quality but is expressed through actions and potential, allowing for the development of potential for flourishing and achieving a life worthy of the dignity one possesses. While dignity is universal and intrinsic, greatness, or the opportunity to realize one's potential, can be hindered by adverse conditions but also nurtured by supportive societies.

The Divine religions describe humans as specially created beings, deserving of inherent dignity regardless of actions or status. The Surah Al-Asr dignifies humans by telling them to from a "supportive society" based on "righteous deeds". The formation of such a society is possible by enacting laws for collective good of all; in which all humans are responsible to encourage and preach righteousness to each others. Such a righteous society takes responsibility for positive action and disallows, restricts and prohibits non confirming actions; which may be non productive and conjuring. Such a society is disciplined, well mannered and law abiding.

 Civilization, philosophy, and religion are deeply interconnected; philosophy provides frameworks for understanding existence and organizing society, often contributing to or influencing religion, which in turn shapes cultural values, social norms, and practices within a civilization. All three are essential for understanding the human condition and the development of societies, with religion offering spiritual dimensions, philosophy offering rational inquiry, and civilization encompassing the social and cultural structures that house both.

The world has not seen a civilization based on the philosophy of divine religion and some say that discussing such an idea is talk about "Utopia." Utopia is a concept referring to an imaginary, perfect society with highly desirable qualities, coined by Sir Thomas More in his 1516 book Utopia to describe an ideal society. It represents a perfect civilization free from evils like corruption and hate. Such a society was once established in "State of Medina" under Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). There is a need to encourage all humans to shun differences and work for a world of peace; which will a global society based on philosophy of religion as revealed by divine holy books.