The magnitude of Islamic History

Islamic History is a treasure that we Muslims should search and learn. Tarik ibn Khaldun may Allah be pleased with him was a scholar of history, sociology and economics. In 1377, he echoed:

‘Know that the subject of history is a noble science that can be very beneficial only if it gives us a proper understanding of:

1- Previous nations’s morals and character

2- The stories of the Prophets

3- Government and politics

For whoever embarks on the study of history, they will end up in a beneficial imitation of the mindset of previous peoples in the subjects of religion and worldly matters.This subject is dependent on studying numerous sources, understanding diverse subjects, having the best insight and analysis, and being able to verify the truth of sources as they can deviate and be filled with mistakes. Historical research must not be dependent on bare copying of all reports. It should instead be based on an understanding of local customs, politics, the nature of civilization, and the local conditions of where humans live. You must also be able to compare primary and secondary sources, as they can help you differentiate between the truth and falsehood, helping derive conclusions that are believable and honest.’

Knowledge initiated when Adam alayhi salam was created. Allah subhanahu wa taala taught him the names of everything, how to reason and make decisions.

 “He taught Adam all the names of everything.”  (Quran 2:31)

“And He gave you hearing, sight, and hearts, that you might give thanks (to God).”  (Quran 16:78)

In addition, the first word that was revealed from Quran was ‘Iqra’ meaning to read. The angel, Jibraeel squeezed the Prophet Muhammad salla allahu alayhi wa salam’s heart and ordered that he must read and the Prophet’s response was ‘I cannot read.’ As he could not read or write just like many at the time.

 “Read!  In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists).  He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood).  Read!  And your Lord is the Most Generous, Who has taught by the pen, He has taught man that which he knew not.” (Quran 96:1-5)

The problem with reading and writing was resolved after the battle of Badr where the Muslims took tens of prisoners. The Prophet salla allahu alayhi wa salam knew some of the prisoners were literate and gave them the opportunity to teach Muslims to read and write. Many began to understand the importance of implementing the words of Allah subhanahu wa taala into their lives and increasing their closeness to Allah subhanahu wa taala. By seeking knowledge; it strengthened their imaan (faith)

 “And that those who have been given knowledge may know that it (this Quran) is the truth from your Lord, so that they may believe therein, and their hearts may submit to it with humility.  And verily, God is the Guide of those who believe, to the Straight Path.” (22:54)

Seeking knowledge is a key aspect of Islam and throughout the Islamic history many Muslims have played many roles in medicine, art, literation and education. They have even founded many schools, universities and libraries.

Below are some websites I recommend you to visit:

lostislamichistory.com/

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/orna/hd_orna.htm

http://www.shangrilahawaii.org/Islamic-Art-Collection/About-Islamic-Art/

http://arthistoryresources.net/ARTHislamic.html

To conclude; it is vital one studies the Islamic history to know how much the Muslims intervened in all aspects in society. I and two dear friends of mines have setup a project called ‘LHS’ ‘Lost History Speaks’. The first letter is an initial of our first names. ‘L’ for Lamya who has a passion for Art; ‘H’ for myself Hafsa; ‘S’ for Sabiha who is a pressed accredited photojournalist. We will mix our love for Art and Islamic History via our talents in Art and photography to create art pieces of Islamic historical sites and artefacts around the world to revive the Islamic History to both Muslims and Non-Muslims; our target audience. Lamya will focus on Europe and Asia. I will focus on North, South America and the Pacific. Sabiha will focus on Africa. After a number of art pieces created we aim to do an exhibition in sha Allah in 2015/16. Facebook page coming soon in sha Allah. Watch this space!