Islam is a religion and its teachings are universal.[1] No other religion but Islam is capable of carrying its universal mission to the corners of the earth. Islam is there wherever we set foot. Graham E. Fuller, a former CIA officer[2] and the professor from America wrote in his book, A World Without Islam Arabic version Al-alam Bilaa Islam said "If it weren't for Islam, this world would be poor in civilization, intellect and culture..."[3]
Gustave Le Bon in his works The Civilization of the Arabs also stated; "Arab-Islamic philosophers are pioneering figures who introduced to the world how harmony can occur between freedom of thought and the upholding of religion.
Not only that, another confession from George Sarton in his work The History of Science He wrote, "Muslims are an intelligent, genius nation in the eastern region. (Middle East) in the Middle Ages and made great contributions to mankind.”[4]
As a religion of civilization, Islam has survived and even continues to thrive to this day, confronting and helping the world by providing solutions and contributions. This is especially true in the modern (Western) secular era, where Islam has become a rapidly growing religion.[5]
Despite all this, if we observe the spread of Islam to various continents and the establishment of civilizations there, this is because the Muslim armies at that time strictly adhered to the principle of da'wah (preaching) to elevate the word of God. Tawhid [There is no god but Allah].
Regarding principles and urgency tawhid which is the main pillar of the glory of Islamic civilization in the past, Ismail Raji al-Faruqi, a contemporary Muslim figure, examines the principle of tawhid in more depth, considering that the concept of tawhid in the present era is gradually being eroded by the current of secularism which is entering and destroying the beliefs of Muslims.
Seeing this phenomenon, the concept tawhid As the foundation of Islamic civilization, it should not be studied merely in terms of theory or method, but rather as a solution for the revival of Islamic civilization. This article will analyze the thoughts of a contemporary figure, Ismail Raji al-Faruqi, who takes a deeper look at tawhid as a primordial concept for rebuilding Islamic civilization.
There are many intellectual figures and Muslim scholars who discuss Islam as a civilization, but for al-Faruqi, this discussion is still seen as a civilization. historical, not as a civilization contemporary (present) and future civilization. In fact, the context of civilization cannot be separated between Islamic civilization in the past, present and future.
It requires several approaches or breakthroughs real in achieving this goal. In this case, al-Faruqi tries to carry out the principle monotheism as (al-din) which binds Muslim identity in rebuilding the collapse of civilization. For him, the essence or essence of Islamic civilization is Islam itself and the essence of Islam is tawhid or oneness with God.
Two basic assumptions (Islam and Monotheism) Al-Faruqi's sharp focus on the foundation of Islamic civilization, which he played a role in. However, secularists, missionaries, orientalists, and the enemies of Islam attempted to cast doubt on Muslims regarding the principle of monotheism as the foundation of civilization. Due to this influence, many Muslims were swayed and immediately shaken by their beliefs about the essence and value of Islam. tawhid.
Wallhua'lam Bis Shawab
[1] Abdallah H. Al-Kathany, The universality of Islam, (Beirut: Dar-al Moayyad, 1995) and HAR Gibb in Muhammadanism (New York City: Riney Halt Pyblishing Company, 1995) which also states "It is a complete civilization."
[2] Central Intelligence Agency, the Central Intelligence Agency, is one of the intelligence agencies of the United States federal government. As an executive agency, CIA is under the Director of National Intelligence.
[3] Graham E. Fuller, A World Without Islam. (New York, Hachette Book Group, 2010).
[4] Ahmad Fuad Basya, Contribution of Islamic Scholarship to the World, (East Jakarta, Al-kautsar Library, 2015), XI.
[5] Zakir Naik, The Answers to Non-Muslims' Common Questions about Islam, (Islamic Research Foundation, www,irf.net), 15. Trans. by Noor Cholis, Islam vs. Non-Muslim Debate: Zakir Naik's Intelligent Arguments Amaze People and Even Make Them Convert to Islam (Solo: Aqwam 2016), 96.
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Al-Faruqi's concept of Tawhid demonstrates the importance of a deep understanding of the principle of monotheism in rebuilding Islamic civilization. How can we apply this concept in our daily lives? Let's discuss it together!