BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

ISLAM has helped to improve the shaping of a civilisation, according to a Lecturer at Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) Dr Abdol Rauh Yacob.

He was giving a lecture as part of the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD)’s Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Centre for Islamic Studies’ fourth International Conference (SICON 4) at the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS).

According to Dr Abdol Rauh, factors in the teaching and understanding of Islam have helped to shape a better civilisation; which includes having faith, morals and syariah laws.

“People who have faith towards the oneness of Allah (SWT), hang their hopes only to Him that creates a community with positive characteristics, such as dynamism, perseverance, high-spirited and as such. Therefore the correct faith is capable of producing civic features (Ciri-ciri insaniah yang luhur) and can compete in developing a pure and civil society,” he said.

He added that believing in one God will free an individual from the shackles of superstition that gives the individual a disadvantage, as Islam produces a free and independent individual that becomes a healthy and useful individual.

“This is because, belief towards the dominance and oneness of Allah (SWT) will free the individual from the control of their carnal desires, from the whispers and doubts from Syaitan, even from the allegation and threats of the world,” said Dr Abdul Raoh.

The lecturer went on to explain that Islam contributes to the shaping of an individual’s moral system, as pure morals will trigger behaviours and actions that builds, while negative morals will result in a negative manifestation.

“Islam gives importance to the moral aspects as well as other aspects, in fact a good moral condition is required to become a perfect Muslim,” he said.

Islamic laws have also helped shape a better civilisation, which can be seen through how the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) conducted his rule and administration that had political, economical, administrative, judicial and military aspects.

“As Islamic laws started to exist, thus a community with rules and system was born in the lives of individuals, families and the community. The rights and freedom of individuals were acknowledged, respected, with their lives and properties protected properly by Islam,” he said.

The only way to learn the proper way to be civilised according to Islam, an individual would need to follow the Quran, as the teachings of the Prophet (SAW) was guided by the Quran.

“Islamic civilisation blends the material and spiritual development by referring to principal that caters to the demands of human nature, which is both body and soul. In the event that the earlier mentioned factors are abandoned, then the community can no longer be regarded as a perfect civilisation and it is no longer eligible to be called civilised,” said Dr Abdul Raoh.

The Brunei Times