Arab-Muslim civilization: the secrets of a brilliant era
In this intervention, Omar Merzoug, philosopher and specialist in Islamic thought, explores the fundamental characteristics of Arab-Muslim civilization. He highlights the distinctive features of this civilization, emphasizing his humanism, his universalism, his spirituality and his relationship to trade. His analysis shows how Islam has shaped a unique civilization, marked by a balance between material and the spiritual, as well as by a deep respect for human dignity.
Omar Merzoug chronicle report
What is a civilization?
Omar Merzoug begins by defining civilization as a set of ideas, customs, beliefs, techniques, sciences, institutions and works that contribute to the progress and refinement of the human species. He recalls that the term “civilization” comes from the Latin “civilitas”, which refers to politeness and courtesy. Thus, a civilization is characterized by the refinement of mores and institutions.
Arab-Muslim civilization: a creation of Islam
Merzoug explains that the Arab-Muslim civilization was born from the Islamic religion. Before Islam, the Arabs had a rudimentary civilization, centered on poetry and empirical medicine. It is with the advent of Islam and the revelation of the Koran that this civilization has taken off, developing sciences, arts and institutions that have marked history. Arab-Muslim civilization is distinguished by its refusal to separate the temporal from the spiritual, unlike modern Western civilization, which tends towards materialism.
Humanism in Islam
One of the fundamental features of Arab-Muslim civilization is its humanism. Merzoug specifies that this humanism should not be confused with the idolatry of man, as in certain literary or philosophical traditions. In Islam, there is no idolatry: only God is adored. Islamic humanism is manifested by respect for human dignity. This civilization embodied this ideal by honoring what man has most transcendent and better in him. Merzoug illustrates this by the example of Saladin, who, even in wartime, respected the rights of his enemies, thus showing high moral values.
The universalism of Arab-Muslim civilization
Another characteristic feature of this civilization is its universalism. The Koran is aimed at all human beings, whatever their origin, their race, their culture or their language. This universality has enabled people of different origins – Afghans, Persians, Spanish, Africans – to recognize themselves in Muslim civilization and to flourish in its context. This opening has favored unprecedented cultural and scientific enrichment.
Spirituality at the heart of civilization
Omar Merzoug insists on spirituality as a pillar of Arab-Muslim civilization. Unlike modern civilizations, which often sacrifice spirituality in favor of materialism, Islam seeks to balance the material and spiritual dimensions of life. This holistic approach makes it possible to avoid psychological and social imbalances observed in contemporary societies. Omar Merzoug notes that disciplines such as psychoanalysis, which deal with neuroses linked to repression, have not emerged in the Muslim world, because Islam takes care to satisfy both the needs of the body and the mind. He quotes Avicenne (Ibn Sina), who, in the 11th century, already underlined the importance of regular sexual intercourse for good psychological health.
Trade and exchanges
Another significant aspect of Arab-Muslim civilization is its relationship to trade. After the Muslim conquests, trade has taken a central place, connecting Asia, Africa and Europe through a network of commercial roads, ports and market cities. Omar Merzoug attributes this importance of trade to two factors: first, the Prophet Mohammed (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was himself a trader, which valued this activity in Islamic culture. Then, unlike medieval Christianity, where money was often perceived negatively, Islam considers enrichment as legitimate, provided that it is honest. It was only with Protestantism in the 16th century, that the West began to see the accumulation of wealth as a sign of divine favor.
Conclusion: a balanced and inclusive civilization
In conclusion, Omar Merzug underlines that the Arab-Muslim civilization is distinguished by its humanism, its universalism, its spirituality and its commercial dynamism. It has been able to reconcile the material and spiritual dimensions of life, while respecting human dignity and promoting cultural and economic exchanges. This civilization, shaped by the teachings of Islam, remains a source of inspiration to meet contemporary challenges, in particular in matters of balance between material progress and spiritual development.
