The Civilization, Its causes of Rise and Fall in the The Qur’an

Contributed by Dr.Zubaidi W. Rachmad

The Definition

The Meaning of Civilization (al-hadarah)

The word Civilization derived from the Latin word ‘civitas’ which means “city”
which is in Arabic word “al-hadir” means the urban as an opposite of the word “al-
Badwi” which means the the rural or the primitive. Based on this literal meaning
civilization is simply defined by some scholars as “city based culture” or “culture of
the city”.1 This meaning can be explained in such a way that why the city life is
synonymous with civilization due to its more advanced human organizations with
their more established life and culture as whereby all kinds of social, intellectual,
economic, political, religious, literary and legal organization are found and
developed. Various terms have been oftenly used by the scholars such as al-tamaddun
and al –‘Umran which carry almost similar connotation.

However, the term al-hadarah is more common in use to denote civilization and the
term has been eventually used in wider sense which implies more general and
comprehensive meanings. Various descriptions were then developed by different
scholars according to their schools of thought. The following are the selected
definitions of civilization :

The term civilization has evolved from an era to another. Ibn Khaldoun defined
civilization as "a sophistication in luxury and the mastery of crafts used to advance it
in various aspects such as cooking, clothes, decoration, architecture, and all social
situations. Each of these requires skills and crafts to achieve it. They are specific and
corollary one to another, but vary according to the variation of the inclinations of the
soul towards the pleasures, delights and enjoyment of luxury that are determined by
the decorum. Therefore, the cycle of civilization related to monarchy is necessarily
intertwined with the cycle of peasantry, since peasantry and monarchy are
consubstantial with one another."2

In modern times, the meaning of the term civilization has evolved considerably. The
American historian, Diorant, states in his large encyclopedia “The story of
civilization”, translated into many languages, that civilization is a social system which

1
M.A.J.Beg, .Islam and Civilization, M.A.J. Beg Publ., Kuala Lumpur, 1985, p.20
2
Abderrahman Ibn Khaldoun, Al-Muqaddima, p. 548, annotated by Dr. Ali Abdulwahed Wafi, Dar
Nahdah Misr, Cairo.

1
 allows man to increase his cultural production. It is made up of four components:
social resources, political systems, ethical standards and the pursuit of science and art.

According to the Encyclopedia of Britannica 3 civilization means :

“An advanced state of intellectual, cultural, and material development in human

society, marked by progress in the arts and sciences, the extensive use of record-
keeping, including writing, and the appearance of complex political and social
institutions”. While other definition says “ a level of human culture or society
characterized by great size and complexity and by widespread influence, often
associated with such developments as writing and the growth of cities”4.

However, the most comprehensive definition which expresses the general meaning of
civilization is the one which views civilization as the expression of a system of beliefs,
values and principles as well as the synthesis of human activities in the various fields
of science, literature and art, without any distinction whatsoever, along with the
ensuing trends, tendencies and tastes shaping the pattern of conduct, the lifestyle, the
way of thinking and the standards to be heeded and sought.5

Every civilization is underpinned by general principles, which stem from religious

creeds or philosophies. No matter how numerous creeds and philosophies are, the
distinctive characteristics of a civilization are determined by the most well-entrenched
creeds in the hearts and minds of people and the most influential in the public life, to
the extent that civilization becomes tainted and associated with them. This association
is all the more sound when these underpinnings are sound in themselves, as is the case
with the Islamic civilization.6

The philosophy of the major civilizations in the history of humanity differ from one
another depending on their stance on material and spiritual life. There are in fact
civilizations where materialism is overwhelming, others which favor the spiritual life
and the last those which strike a fair balance between the materialistic and the spiritual
sides.

3
Encyclopedia Britannica, CD rom Edition (2002)
4
Emanuel Friemdman (ed.),Collier’s Encyclopedia, Macmillan Ed. Company, New York, p.480.
5
Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, Perception of Dialogue among Civilizations” in the “White book on
Dialogue among Civilizations”, pp. 97-99, Publications of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (ISESCO), Rabat, 2002.

6
Abdul Aziz Osman,Dr., Ibid.

2
 The Concept of Islamic civilization :

The connotation of Civilization in the Islamic perspective is definitely different

from other perspective due to its philosophy and objectives that shape its own
worldview and characteristics. It differs from the Roman, Greek or Western
civilization which is dominant today.

Islamic civilization can be defined as a spiritual, intellectual, cultural and sociological

achievement of the Muslims based on the divine principles of Tawhid (Oneness of
God) and His divine laws, human role as khalifah and human servitude to One God7.

While according to the Qur’anic interpretation on the meaning of civilization it is

inclined more on the aspect of human spiritual excellency in moral and social values
which are dominating people’s life and embelishing their character and activities as
well as their political, social, economic, cultural systems and all spheres of their life8.

According to Sayyid Qutb the the Islamic civilization can take various forms in its
material and organization structure, but the principles and values on which it is based
are eternal and anchangeable. These principles are the worship of One God alone, the
foundation of human relationship based on that belief, the supremacy of the humanity
of man over material things, the development of values and the animalistic desires,
protection of the family institution and the assumption of human role as khalifah on
earth by following His guidance and laws (Shari’ah )in all affairs of life.9

The Islamic civilization in this context is always identical with the era when the
Muslims reached their golden age of civilization that was taking place between the 7th
to 16th century AD. the era that started from the Prophets life ( around 7th century
AD), the four guided Chaliphs, and reached its peak during Bani Umayyah Empire
and Abbasid Empire and started to decline during the Mamluk Empire in Qordoba.
During that periode of about 1000 years the Muslims managed to establish the greatest
world civilization in all aspects of human life including social organization, literature,
scientific persuit, legal and economic systems as well as the art.10

The civilization of Islam is unlike any other civilizations which focuses on the
materialistic aspects of life as well as on the immediate pleasures of life and worldly
affairs as their only concern and it becomes the only destination of their effort and
knowledge, and left no room for spiritual and metaphysical attention in their philosophy,
ideology, cultural and social endeavour. In contrast, the civilization of Islam is the one
that combines various dimensional progress of men. It dedicates life of man in the world
to the preparation for the Afterlife. It mingles between spirit and matter, strikes a

7
See Muhammad Higab, Islam: The Moderate Legislation, Al-Falah Foundation, Cairo, 1997,p.134-135
8
see Mahmoud Haishur, Sunan al-Qur’an fÊ QiyÉm al HaÌÉrah wa SuqËtihÉ, IIIT, Cairo,( 1996) p.71
9
Sayyid Qutb, Milestones, Markazi Maktaba Islami, Delhi, 1996. p.196.
10
See John Sabatini, Islam: A Primer, Middle East Editorial Associates, Washington DC 1987 p.81-98.

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balance between the mind and the heart, weds science to faith and cherishes ethical
sublimity as much as materialistic development. It is a blend of both spiritual and
materialistic civilization. It is idealistic and real, holy and human, ethical and
populational, and individualistic as well as general. It is the civilization of balance and
moderation which was the basis on which a just and distinguished Nation established11.
Almighty Allah described it saying what means “And so We have appointed you as a
just and distinguished Nation”(Q.S. 2:143)

THE CAUSES OF RISE OF CIVILIZATION ACCORDING TO QUR’AN

It is worth to mention that apparently, based on the thoroughly reading of the ayat
of al-Qur’an some one way assume that the past civilization of various nations
disseapeared or died out due to merely the divine punishment befelt on them for their
mischief on earth. But when we read deeply the ayat we will find that the destruction of
that nations can not be detached from the natural laws of God for human negligance or
ignorance. In other words God’s punishment of an evildoing individual or group is
depending in general to the natural laws of cause and effect. The quick punishment of
certain people by God according to the Qur’an in this world in the past did not occur
merely because of the rejection of God’s messages by these people, but owing to an
overwhelming evildoing of a community, such as oppression, exploitatin, injustice,
corruption of moral values etc. In one ayah Allah said :” Such were the populations we
destroyed when they committed iniquities; and We fixed an appointed time for their
destruction”.(Q.S. 18: 59)
But as far as the generation of Prophet Muhammad SAW is concerned, the Qur’an states
clearly that these people are left to the regular natural laws of destruction :” And had
God so willed, He could indeed defeat them (the enemy of the Prophet) directly by
Himself; but He wills to test you (all) by means of one another”.(Q.S. 47:4)
However, even if such previous quick punishment may not be taking place now, God’s
natural laws have never ceased to make evildoers suffer for their evil in the long term,
even if it seems that they are left unaccountable in the short term.12

Based on the runnning of God’s natural laws, any nation may achieve the highest level
of civlization if they fulfilled the required factors regardless of the space or time while its
opposite of ignorance will result in its collapse and destruction.

Below are the main characateristics of Islamic civilization as its causes of rise according
to the Qur’an :

1. The faith in One God as the first source of Islamic civilization.

Islam came to lead human being to ackonwledge the existence of God as a

Creator , to worship Him and to live according to His guidance. Human beings are

11
See Shaikh Yusuf al-Qaradhawi, Islam : The Future Civilization, Al Falah Foundation, (1998) p.138-
139.
12
See Fathi Osman, Concept of The Qur’an: A Topical Reading, ABIM, Kuala Lumpur, 1997, p.120

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 the God’s vicegerent on earth to inhabit and develop it based on hte with the aim
to enable them to worship the One God and to serve Him. “ We did not create
ginie and man but to worship me”.(Q.S.51:56). Hence the development of human
civilization should be done in conformity with this mission and not to separate it
from this very objective of human creation.13
Even the establishment and the survival of one nation according to the Qur’an
depends on the adoption of this faith solely. (see Q.S.6:6; 22:41; 3:110).

In brief the faith in one God includes the belief of the Oneness of God as a
Creator , the Master of the creation and His predestiny, the faith in the divine
books and Prophets and the belief in the day of judgement.

2. Worship of the One God and Subjection to His Divine Laws

As the consequences of the first point, it is necessary for man to

implement God’s laws on earth as a manifestation of their faith and obedience to
Him. This principle is completely different from other’s perspective of
civilization for its disregard of Divine laws and values in their life as Islam
emphasized on this issue and considered it as the main reason of their existence
on earth.14 51:56; 22:41.
As Allah said “ Not a messenger did We send before thee without this inspiration
sent by Us to him; that there is no god but I; therefore worship and serve Me”.
(Q.S. 21:25).
The establishment of God’s laws is reflected in their commitment to worship,
establishment of justice, enjoining the right and forbidding the wrong, as well as
their implementation of God’s laws. (Q.S.12:40)

3. Establishing Moral Values by Promoting Virtues and Eliminating Evils

The Virtues here means the moral principles which was brought up by
Islam including the moral and social values as well as judicial laws which came
together as a package to guarantee peace and justice for the society. “Ye are the
best nation evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is evil
and believing in Allah”.(Q.S. 3:110). . The role of moral values in civilization is
just like the skeleton of the body where the whole body rest on it. 15 This fact has
been reminded by a great poet, Ahmad Syawqi in his poem :

Nation (flourish) only as long as their character remains,

When their character vanished, they also disappear.

4. Developing Knowledge and Art and Integrating them with Faith.

13
Muhammad Higab, op.cit., p.136
14
See Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, op.cit., p. ..
15
M. Higab, op.cit, p.137

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 No doubt the development of knowledge, sciences and art are the
backbone of any civilization as we witness in the Western civilization today.
Even Islam has been emphasizing the importance of knowledge and sciences
since it very first time when it obliged muslims to learn and seek knowledge.”
Allah will rise up to ranks (and degrees) those of you who believe and who have
knowledge”.(Q.S.58:11).

Realizing this duty, the Muslims have indeed surpassed other nations in
developing knowledge and introducing sciences and art of which its progress has
never been achieved by other nations and it has inspired the renaissance of Europe
and the world during its heyday between 7th and 16 century16. But Islam never
seperated sciences and art from faith, the reason and talent from revelation.
Instead of being the rival, religion of Islam has encouraged reasoning and
learning, even it inspired man to seek knowledge and develop science and not as
of other opinion that religion opposed the progress of sciences. Evidently, Al-
Qur’an has proven its miracle in scientific realm and natural sciences with no
contradiction found so far between both the statements of al Qur’an and the
scientific facts, it complements each other.17

5. Establishment of Ideal and Balanced Society or ummah based on the social values
of Islam.

Any civilization rests on how strong the structure of the society that
determines its survival or its extinction. Therefore Islam emphasized on the the
solidness of this structure by ensuring the strength of its element that consists of
individual and families.
The Muslim society which constitutes of righteous individuals and families
is established on the very foundamental principles of unity of mankind and
brotherhood, love, sympathy and mercifulness, support and co-operation,
solidarity and mutuality, mutual consultation and advice, justice and decency18. “
O mankind ! We created you from single (pair) of a male and a female, and made
you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other. Verily the most
honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most rightous of you”.(Q.S. 49:13) On
the co-operation Allah said:” And help one another to benignancy and piety, and
do not help one another to vice and histility” (Q.S.5:2).
This principles are indeed unnegotiable and these are the features that
distinguished between the Muslim civilization and the rest.

6. Protecting the basic human rights as the main purpose of religion. The basic
human rights according to Islam is the protection of faith, life, wealth, dignity and
progeny all the members of society. This objective includes the guarantee of the

16
Jamal A.Badawi, Muslims’ Contributions to Civiliztion, (ed).IKIM, 1995, p.21
17
See. Yusuf al-Qaradhawi, ibid. p152-153
18
Ibid, p. 181-186

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 freedom of faith, freedom expression of individual, freedom of movement as long
as its freedom is within the discretion of Shari’ah 19.”Not take life which Allah has
made it sacred- except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have
given his heir authority (to demand qisas or to forgive: but let him not exceed
bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the law)”. (Q.S. 17:33) As
for the protection of wealth Allah said:” And do not eat up your property among
yourselves for vanities, nor use it as bait for the judges, with intent that ye may eat
up wrongfully and knowingly a little of (other) people’s property. (Q.S.2:188)

These are some of the most fundamental elements of the Islamic Civilization
according to Qur’an that has brought the Muslims in the past up to the highest
level of human civilization ever established on earth. The condition of the Muslim
nation however is depending on how far these factors are being absorbed in their
culture as it is the determining factors of their civilization. In contrast, the
abstinence of these factors will result in the decline and the collapse of that
civilization despite of the population of the Muslim nation at that particular time.
“ Indeed Allah will never change (the fate) of a nation untill they change by
themselves” (Q.S.13:11)

The Causes of the Fall of Nations in the Qura’n.

In contrast to the causes of the rise of a nation, Al-Qur’an also clearly mentioned
the causes of fall that has brought several nations in the past into bankruptcy or
destruction. The main causes of their decline or destruction are as follow:

1. Ignorance of God’s revelation and the disobedience of the Prophets.

If the faith in God and His guidance is considered as the main factor of its
strength in contrast its ignorance will result in its fall or decline. This factor has
caused different nations in the past of fall. It is due to the fact that man needs
divine guidance that can strengthen his spirit and moral to face the challenges and
to enable man to overcome his lowest desire that tends to commit evil and
destruction. Allah said :” Nor do I absolve my own self (of blame): the (human)
soul is certainly prone to evil, unless my Lord do bestow His mercy: but surely
my Lord is oft-forgiving, Most Merciful” (Q.S. 12:53) . Another ayah said
:”Whoever disbelieve in Allah, His angels, His holybooks, His Prophets and the
Day of Judgment, indeed they are led far astray”.(2:177)

As for the contemporary Muslim nation, according to Sheikh Muhammad Shakib

Arselan, the current problem of the Muslims ummah is serious ignorance of their
religious teachings in response to the modernization challenges so that may not be
able to distinguish the between the right and the wrong between the good and bad
of the alien culture and modernization. Due to that some muslims resorted to

19
M. Higab, op.cit., p.137

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 either accepting the whole package of Western modernization per-se or by
rejecting it completely which are both equally dangerous20.

In addition to the above, belittling the quest of knowledge and having no concern
with it is another factor of decline. It is mentioned that having partial knowledge
or mastering little knowledge is dangerous that may harm the owner instead of
benefiting him. This is referring to the half-hearted effort of the Muslim nation
generally in this age in mastering knowledge which is nowhere compared to other
nations nowadays who are far ahead such as Japan21.

2 Rejoicing over scientific knowledge or material advantage and turning away from
the revelation. This situation has led people to make wrong judgment due to the
limitation of human reason to know the truth and the facts beyond his empirical
and experimental judgement. “ Then when their Messengers came to them with
clear proofs, they were glad (and proud) with what they had of the knowledge (of
worldly things) . And that (punishment) is what they used to mock, surrounded
them.” (Q.S. 40: 83). It was with the case of Pharaoh and Qarun who tasted the
severe punishment of God due to their arrogance.

3. The spreading of evils, immoralities and corruptions in the society.

The widespread of corruption, committing evil in public without the least attempt
to forbid each other these wrongdoing, and committing abominable affenses and
indulgence in lust will lead the society into the banks of collapse. This evil had
been committed by the people of Luth, Bani Israel as well as ‘Ad and Thamud22.

Referring to the Muslim nation today according to Shaikh M. Sakib Arselan that
the degradation of moral of the Muslim ummah today has penetrated into both
levels, the common people and the elites and rulers which are equally dangerous.
The common values missing from the Muslims at the low level are such as
honesty, sincerity, brotherhood, tolerance, mutual respect, love and care, hard
work, bravery, commitment, dedication, etc. While the common values missing
from the high level of the ummah are truthfulness, dedication, zuhd, wara’ etc
which in the opposite the vices such as corruption, oppression, selfishness,
wickedness, luxurious, wastefulness become the common way of life of the
people23.

These moral values are equally important to any nations regardless of the faith
whereby their absence will bring the nations into collapse despite some positive
values that still exist with them. It is merely the matter of time that will decide
whether it takes long course of time or otherwise depending on the seriousness of
the moral illnesses.

20
Amir Shakib Arslan, Our Decline; Its Causes and Remedies, (trans.), Islamic Book Trust, Kuala Lumpur,
2004, p. 38
21
Ibid.
22
Shaikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, op.cit, p.120.
23
See Amir Shakib Arselan, op.cit. p. 38.

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 4. Oppression, exploitation, discrimination, injustice, treachery against the poor and
the weak are the contributing factor of the collapse of nation building 24. This
practice leads to the fraction in the society which eventually brings into its
collapse. As it was the case of the Romans, Pharaoh and ‘Ad:” And never would
We destroy towns, unless the people thereof are Zalimun (polytheist, wrong-
doers, disbelievers, oppressors or tyrants). (QS. 28:59).

5. Insolence and denial of the bounties of Allah and rejection of doing righteous
deeds and using the bounties of God to disobey Him. The story of Qarun and Bani
Israel was the clear example of it. In this regard Allah says:” But it was
ungrateful for the blessing of God so He let it taste the garment of hunger and fear
because of what they were doing”. (Q.S. al Nahl 112).

These are some of the important factors that caused the collapse of some nations in the
past and by having some of the above transgressions and vices surely it will result in the
imbalanced system of the society that eventually based on the rule of God’s natural laws
it will affect its structure and finally it will bring the nation and its civilization into
collapse sooner or later besides getting Allah’s wrath.

The Examples from the Past and the Contemporary Civilization

The examples of the Past Civilization in the Qur’an that had vanished :

1. The Greek and Roman Empires

Before the Christian era, the Greeks were one of the most advanced nations in the
world. They laid the foundations of philosophy and were the standards bearers of all
sciences and arts with their iconic philosophers and thinkers as well as their great
language which is still inspirable to the world until today. Similarly, the Roman
empire, in the heyday of its glory, was unsurpassed in power and majesty. But after
sometimes, they started to decline and eventually they sank into the lowest level of
civilization and remained only in the memory of history.
The main factors of their decline are of internal and external. For the internal factors,
it was mainly due to the corruption of national character, the enfeeblement of the
national will, the spread of lax morals, the propagation of Bohemianism and Atheism
and the senility of the Government as Ibn Khaldun called it and some others. While
the external factors are mainly due to the war with other nations as well as the
aggression.25 The defeat of Roman Empire was miraculously expected and recorded
in the Qur’an in Surah Rum 2-7. “ The Romans have been defeated. In the nearest
land , and they , after that they will be victorious. Within few years (below 9 years).
The decision of the matter, before and after (these events) is only with Allah, before

24
Shaikh Yusuf al-Qaradhawi, ibid p121.
25
Amir Shakib Arsalan, Our Decline : Its Causes and Remedies, Islamic Book Trust, Kuala Lumpur, 2004,
p.83

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 the defeat of the Romans by the Persians, and after the defeat of the Persians by the
Romans). And on that day , the Believers (Muslims) will rejoice. With the help of
Allah. He helps whom He wills, and He is the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful. It is the
promise of Allah, and Allah will not fail His promise, but most of men know not.
They know only the outside appearance of the life of the world, and they are heedless
of the Hereafter”. (Q.S. Al-Rum,2-7).

2. ‘Ad People

Another example of the high civilization which perished recorded in the Qur’an
was ‘Ad civilization. Although these people were not very well known in the history
of old civilizations due to poor documentation and lack of records of ancient
civilization or others, the people of ‘Ad indeed existed in history as confirmed by the
Archeologists in the early nineties with the finding of the ruins believed to be the citi
of the people of ‘Iram26 or ‘Ad in the South Yemen where “The Atlantis of the Sands,
Ubar “ is found deep under the sand dune27. These people were described in the
Qur’an as having high civilization and culture that is by having an ability to build fine
buildings and high towers and big dams which could not be challenged by other
nations at that time. The Qur’an said:” Seest thou not how thy Lord dealt with the ‘Ad
(people); and of the Iram (people), with lofty pillars, The like of which were not
produced in (all) the land? (Q.S. Al Fajr:6-8). Another ayah said describing the ‘Ad
people :”do ye build a landmark on every high place to amuse yourselves? And do ye
get for yourselves fine buildings in the hope of living therein (for ever)? And when ye
exert our strong hand, do ye do it like of absolute power?”. (Q.S.Al-Shu’ara 127-
128).
Due to their arrogance and doing mischief on earth and by rejecting the signs of God
and the message of truth brought by the Prophet Hud, then they were destroyed by
God as their punishment. “They said :” O Hud, No clear (signs) that has you brought
us, and we are not the ones to desert our gods on thy word! Nor shall we believe in
thee!. We say nothing but that (perhaps) some of our gods may have seized thee with
imbecility”. (Q.S. Hud 50-60).

Finally Allah sent to them his punishment by driving the furious wind, exceedingly
violent and He made it rage against them seven nights and eight days in succession to
their annihilation. (Q.S. Al-Haaqqa 6-8).

26
According the Tafsir Ibnu Kathir Iram is not the name of the city as some people believe, but it is the
name of the tribe referring to the children of Iram the son of Sam( the son) of prophet Nuh A.S.
27
Harun Yahya, The Perished Nation, p….

10
 3. Thamud

The story of the people of Thamud were always related to ‘Ad which
according to the Muslim historians both tribes may have strong relationship to come
from the same origin despite the far geographical distance between them. Thamud
according to Tafsir Ibnu Kathir and supported by the archeological proof was living
in North of Arab peninsula namely Al-Hijr the area between Wadi al-qura and Syam
(Syria) today while ‘Ad was living in the South of Arab peninsula28.
The Qur’an mentioned both tribes as having high material civilization that is by
having an ability to build beautiful and high architectural buildings as mentioned in
different ayat such as in surah al-A’raf 74 :” And remember how He made ou
inheritors after the ‘Ad people and gave you habitations in the land; ye build for
yourselves palaces and castles in (open) plains, and carve out homes in the
mountains, so bring to remembrance the benefits (ye have receieved) from Allah, and
refrain from evil and mischief on the earth”.
In other surah it is mentioned :” And with the Thamud (people), who cut out (huge)
rocks in the valley?”. And with Pharaoh, Lord of Stakes ? . All these transgressed
beyond bounds in the lands. And heaped therein mischief (on mischief).Therefore did
thy Lord pour on them a scourge of diverse chastements. For thy Lord is (as a
guardian) on a watchover. (Q.S. Al Fajr 9-14).

With their achievement and luxurious life the people of Thamud later on rejected
the message of the prophet Saleh and refused to refrain from doing evil and mischief
on earth as mentioned in Surah al-Shu’ara 141-157 :” The Thamud (people) rejected
the messengers. Behold, their brother Saleh said to them:”
Will you not fear Allah: I am to you a messenger worthy of all trust. So fear Allah,
and obey me. No reward do I ask of you for it ; my reward is only from the Lord of
the Worlds. Will ye be left secure, in (the enjoyment of) all that ye have here?
Gardens and Springs, and Corn-fields and date-palms with spathes near breaking
(with the weight of fruit)? And ye carve houses out of (rocky) mountains with great
skill. But fear Allah and obey me; And follow not the bidding of those who are
extravagant, Who make mischief in the land, and mend not (their ways)”. They said:”
Thou art only one of those bewitched! Thou are no more than a mortal like us: then
bring us a sign, if you tell us the truth”. He said:” Here is a she-camel ; she has a right
of watering, and ye have right of watering, severally on a day appointed. “Touch her
not with harm, lest the penalty of a Great Day seize you”. But they ham-strung her;
then become full of regrets. (Q.S. Al-Shu’ara 141-157)

Their arrogance and evil doing had gone further instead of following the message of
the Prophet Saleh that is by challenging the Prophet, criticized him and accused him
of being a liar, and to the worse they dared to kill the camel sent by God that the
Prophet Saleh had warned them not to do so. “Then they ham-strung the she-camel,

28
Ibnu Kathir, Tafsr al-Qur’an al-Adhim, p.1358

11
 and insolently defied the order of their Lord, saying :” O Saleh ! bring about they
threats, if thou are a messenger (of Allah)”. (Q.S. al-A’raf :77).

Consequently, the people of Thamud had to taste the punishment of God and paid
the price for not obeying the messenger and they were destroyed. The buildings they
had built and the works of art they had produced could not protect them from the
punishment. The people of Thamud and their civilization were destroyed with a
terrible punishment of powerful earthquake that turned them and their belongings up
site down and erased their civilization completely form the surface of earth just like
all the other peoples before and after them who denied the Truth29.

4. Bani Israel

Another important case of the past civilization was the civilization of Bani
Israel with its long story of victory and defeat throughout the centuries beginning
from the time of prophet Ishaq up the time of the Prophet Muhammad even today as
mentioned clearly in the Qur’an.
Bani Israel was a lucky people who were given a lot of favours by Allah SWT by
sending to them different prophets to lead and to bring prosperity to them . "O
Children of Israel! Call to mind My favour which I bestowed on you and that I
preferred you to all others (for my Message) (Q.S. al-Baqara 2:47). The vafours of
God on Bani Israel includes their escape from bondage in Egypt under the Pharaoh’s
rule, which was led by Prophet Moses which was tremendous trial for them. Then
they were saved by God by miracle when the sea was separated to enable them to
escape from the Pharaoh’s torture. They were also given the promised land that is in
Kan’an land ( Palestine area today) and they were given a furtile land where they can
enjoy all the delicious food and fruits such as manna and salwa.

Unfortunately , instead of appreciating the bounties of God by obeying Him and by

following the guidance of Prophets , they were rebellious and ignorant of their
messages by committing evils and doing mischief on earth as recorded lengthy in
surah al Baqarah (40-108)
Among their bad characteristics which were recorded in these ayat of Qur’an are :

-They never fulfilled their covenant with Allah .

- They liked to spread mischief and corruption on earth and strived hard to
accomplish this (Q.S. al-Maida 5:65)

29
Al-Imam Abu al-Fida’ al Hafidh Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Adhim, Dar al-Fikr, Beirut, 2002,
p.1359

12
 - They refused to carry out the orders of the many prophets sent to them because they
were afraid of death and too attached to this world. "But they will never seek for death,
on account of the sins which their hands have sent on before them" (Q.S. al-Baqara 2:95)

- They rebelled and disobeyed the Command of Allah, and how they became
extremely arrogant i.e. They demanded to see Allah to believe in the Moses message
(Q.S. Al-Baqarah :55).

-They were people of indignity, disobedience and transgression as stated by God in

the Holy Book: "Indignity is put over them wherever they may be, except when under a
covenant (of protection) from Allah, and from men; they have drawn on themselves the
Wrath of Allah, and destruction is put over them. This is because they disbelieved in the
Ayats (evidences) of Allah and killed the Prophets without right. This is because they
disobeyed (Allah) and used to transgress beyond bounds (in Allah's disobedience, crimes
and sins)" (Q.S. Al-Imran 112).

- They were people of cowardliness, dismay and weakness.e.i. they refused to fight to
defend themselves and their land but instead they support the enemy.

- They have returned to mischief by disbelieving in the last Messenger (Muhammad

SAW), by covering his characteristics that are mentioned in their books, and by breaking
their covenant with him and supporting his enemies, and many of their other hideous
habits. (Q.S.85)

- They treated their prophets with no respect whatsoever. Their disbelief and rejection of
the Message of Allah with utmost arrogance was the true nature of the Jews. (Q.S.2:87)

- They killed many prophets such as Zakariya (pbuh) and his son Yahya (pbuh). They
also wanted to kill Isa (pbuh), but Allah elevated him before they could kill him. That is
why no deviant nation has been cursed by Allah more than that of the Children of
Israel.(Q.S.2:87)

In spite of these evils and sins, the Jews could still have obtained God's forgiveness if
they had not obstinately rejected the greatest of the Prophet also, but as they persisted in
their sins.

As a result and retaliation for the utter disobedience to the Commandments of Allah and
His prophets, over time they suffered many calamities. Plague broke out and numerous
people died miserably. The other punishments were their defeat to their enemy and their
loss of their land twice as mentioned in surah Al –Isra 4-530. “We revealed to the Israelis
in the Boo (the Torah):” You shall commit evil in the land twice, and you shall commit
great oppression .”When the first round of your oppression will come over, We shall send
formidable loyal servants of Ours to ravage your lands in fulfillment of Our command.”

30
See Tafsir Ibnu Kathir, op.cit p.1079

13
As a miracle of al-Qur’an, it overtook the historical records that the Israelites had
reneged and deviated, incurring yet more divine displeasure and punishment. The
Israelites were first ravaged by the Babylonians under Nebuchardnezzar in 586 BC, when
the Temple of Sulaiman in Jerussalem was destroyed and they were taken into captivity.
The second time was in 70 AC at the hands of Titus, later to become Roman Emperor,
who razed the Temple to the ground (after which it was never rebuilt) and scattered the
Israelites thoughout the world. 31

These are some of the examples of past civilization in the Qur’an which vanished despite
their power and capability to established great civilization on earth. But due to their
ignorance and misbihaviour their great civilization vanished either by the act of God or
by natural consequences of their own actions and at the end it remains as a story for the
future generation. May Allah guide us in this life.

References:

Al-Imam Abu al-Fida’ al Hafidh Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Adhim, Dar al-Fikr,
Beirut, 2002.

Amir Shakib Arsalan, Our Decline : Its Causes and Remedies, Islamic Book Trust,
Kuala Lumpur, 2004

Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, Perception of Dialogue among Civilizations” in the

“White book on Dialogue among Civilizations”, pp. 97-99, Publications of the
Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the Organization of the
Islamic Conference (ISESCO), Rabat, 2002.

Emanuel Friemdman (ed.),Collier’s Encyclopedia, Macmillan Ed. Company, New

York,

Encyclopedia Britannica, CD rom Edition (2002)

Fathi Osman, Concept of The Qur’an: A Topical Reading, ABIM, Kuala Lumpur,
1997

Harun Yahya, The Perished Nation,

John Sabini, Islam: A Primier, Middle East Editorial Assoc., Washington 1987.

31
Syaikh Muhammad al-Ghazali, A Thematic Commentary on the Qur’an, Islamic Book Trust, Kuala
Lumpur, (2001) p.293

14
Mahmoud Haishur, Sunan al-Qur’an fÊ QiyÉm al HaÌÉrah wa SuqËtihÉ, IIIT,
Cairo,( 1996)

Muhammad Higab, Islam: The Moderate Legislation, Al Faralh publ. Cairo, 1997.

Sayyid Qutb, Islam: The Religion of the Future, Markazi Maktaba Islami, Delhi,
1996.

Sayyid Qutb, The Milestone, Markazi Maktaba Islami, Delhi, 1996.

Shaikh Yusuf al-Qaradhawi, Islam : The Future Civilization, Al Falah Foundation,

(1998)
Syaikh Muhammad al-Ghazali, A Thematic Commentary on the Qur’an, Islamic
Book Trust, Kuala Lumpur, (2001)

Syed Othman al-Habshi & Nik Mustapha Nik Hassan, Islamic Civilization, IKIM,
1995.

15
 The Civilization, Its causes of Rise and Fall in to The Qur’an
prepared by Zubaidi W. Rachmad

The Definition

The Meaning of Civilization (al-×aÌÉrah)

The word Civilization derived from the Latin word ‘civitas’ which means “city”
which is in Arabic word “al-×ÉÌir” means the urban as an opposite of the word “al-
Badwi” which means the the rural or the primitive. Based on this literal meaning
civilization is simply defined by some scholars as “city based culture” or “culture of
the city”.32 This meaning can be explained in such a way that why the city life is
synonymous with civilization due to its more advanced human organizations with
their more established life and culture as whereby all kinds of social, intellectual,
economic, political, religious, literary and legal organization are found and
developed. Various terms have been oftenly used by the scholars such as al-tamaddun
and al –‘Umran which carry almost similar connotation.

However, the term al-×aÌÉrah is more common in use to denote civilization and the
term has been eventually used in wider sense which implies more general and
comprehensive meanings. Various descriptions were then developed by different
scholars according to their schools of thought. The following are the selected
definitions of civilization :

Islamic civilization can be defined as a spiritual, intellectual, cultural and

sociological achievement of the Muslims based on the divine principles of Tawhid
(Oneness of God) and His divine laws, human role as khalifah and human
servitude to One God33.

While according to the Qur’anic interpretation on the meaning of civilization it is

inclined more on the aspect of human spiritual excellency in moral and social
values which are dominating people’s life and embelishing their character and
activities as well as their political, social, economic, cultural systems and all
spheres of their life34.

THE CAUSES OF RISE OF CIVILIZATION ACCORDING TO QUR’AN

It is worth to mention that apparently, based on the thoroughly reading of the ayat
of al-Qur’an some one way assume that the past civilization of various nations
disseapeared or died out due to merely the divine punishment befelt on them for their
mischief on earth. But when we read deeply the ayat we will find that the destruction of

32
M.A.J.Beg, .Islam and Civilization, M.A.J. Beg Publ., Kuala Lumpur, 1985, p.20
33
See Muhammad Higab, Islam: The Moderate Legislation, Al-Falah Foundation, Cairo, 1997,p.134-135
34
see Mahmoud Haishur, Sunan al-Qur’an fÊ QiyÉm al HaÌÉrah wa SuqËtihÉ, IIIT, Cairo,( 1996) p.71

16
that nations can not be detached from the natural laws of God for human negligance or
ignorance. In other words God’s punishment of an evildoing individual or group is
depending in general to the natural laws of cause and effect. The quick punishment of
certain people by God according to the Qur’an in this world in the past did not occur
merely because of the rejection of God’s messages by these people, but owing to an
overwhelming evildoing of a community, such as oppression, exploitatin, injustice,
corruption of moral values etc. In one ayah Allah said :” Such were the populations we
destroyed when they committed iniquities; and We fixed an appointed time for their
destruction”.(Q.S. 18: 59)
But as far as the generation of Prophet Muhammad SAW is concerned, the Qur’an states
clearly that these people are left to the regular natural laws of destruction :” And had
God so willed, He could indeed defeat them (the enemy of the Prophet) directly by
Himself; but He wills to test you (all) by means of one another”.(Q.S. 47:4)
However, even if such previous quick punishment may not be taking place now, God’s
natural laws have never ceased to make evildoers suffer for their evil in the long term,
even if it seems that they are left unaccountable in the short term.35

Based on the runnning of God’s natural laws, any nation may achieve the highest level
of civlization if they fulfilled the required factors regardless of the space or time while its
opposite of ignorance will result in its collapse and destruction.

Below are the main characateristics of Islamic civilization as its causes of rise according
to the Qur’an :

7. The faith in One God as the first source of Islamic civilization.

Islam came to lead human being to ackonwledge the existence of God as a

Creator , to worship Him and to live according to His guidance. Human beings are
the God’s vicegerent on earth to inhabit and develop it based on hte with the aim
to enable them to worship the One God and to serve Him. “ We did not create
ginie and man but to worship me”.(Q.S.51:56). Hence the development of human
civilization should be done in conformity with this mission and not to separate it
from this very objective of human creation.36
Even the establishment and the survival of one nation according to the Qur’an
depends on the adoption of this faith solely. (see Q.S.6:6; 22:41; 3:110).

In brief the faith in one God includes the belief of the Oneness of God as a
Creator , the Master of the creation and His predestiny, the faith in the divine
books and Prophets and the belief in the day of judgement.

8. Worship of the One God and Subjection to His Divine Laws

As the consequences of the first point, it is necessary for man to

implement God’s laws on earth as a manifestation of their faith and obedience to

35
See Fathi Osman, Concept of The Qur’an: A Topical Reading, ABIM, Kuala Lumpur, 1997, p.120
36
Muhammad Higab, op.cit., p.136

17
 Him. This principle is completely different from other’s perspective of
civilization for its disregard of Divine laws and values in their life as Islam
emphasized on this issue and considered it as the main reason of their existence
on earth.37 51:56; 22:41.
As Allah said “ Not a messenger did We send before thee without this inspiration
sent by Us to him; that there is no god but I; therefore worship and serve Me”.
(Q.S. 21:25).
The establishment of God’s laws is reflected in their commitment to worship,
establishment of justice, enjoining the right and forbidding the wrong, as well as
their implementation of God’s laws. (Q.S.12:40)

9. Establishing Moral Values by Promoting Virtues and Eliminating Evils

The Virtues here means the moral principles which was brought up by
Islam including the moral and social values as well as judicial laws which came
together as a package to guarantee peace and justice for the society. “Ye are the
best nation evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is evil
and believing in Allah”.(Q.S. 3:110). . The role of moral values in civilization is
just like the skeleton of the body where the whole body rest on it. 38 This fact has
been reminded by a great poet, Ahmad Syawqi in his poem :

Nation (flourish) only as long as their character remains,

When their character vanished, they also disappear.

10. Developing Knowledge and Art and Integrating them with Faith.

No doubt the development of knowledge, sciences and art are the

backbone of any civilization as we witness in the Western civilization today.
Even Islam has been emphasizing the importance of knowledge and sciences
since it very first time when it obliged muslims to learn and seek knowledge.”
Allah will rise up to ranks (and degrees) those of you who believe and who have
knowledge”.(Q.S.58:11).

Realizing this duty, the Muslims have indeed surpassed other nations in
developing knowledge and introducing sciences and art of which its progress has
never been achieved by other nations and it has inspired the renaissance of Europe
and the world during its heyday between 7th and 16 century39. But Islam never
seperated sciences and art from faith, the reason and talent from revelation.
Instead of being the rival, religion of Islam has encouraged reasoning and
learning, even it inspired man to seek knowledge and develop science and not as
of other opinion that religion opposed the progress of sciences. Evidently, Al-

37
See Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, op.cit., p. ..
38
M. Higab, op.cit, p.137
39
Jamal A.Badawi, Muslims’ Contributions to Civiliztion, (ed).IKIM, 1995, p.21

18
 Qur’an has proven its miracle in scientific realm and natural sciences with no
contradiction found so far between both the statements of al Qur’an and the
scientific facts, it complements each other.40

11. Establishment of Ideal and Balanced Society or ummah based on the social values
of Islam.

Any civilization rests on how strong the structure of the society that
determines its survival or its extinction. Therefore Islam emphasized on the the
solidness of this structure by ensuring the strength of its element that consists of
individual and families.
The Muslim society which constitutes of righteous individuals and families
is established on the very foundamental principles of unity of mankind and
brotherhood, love, sympathy and mercifulness, support and co-operation,
solidarity and mutuality, mutual consultation and advice, justice and decency41. “
O mankind ! We created you from single (pair) of a male and a female, and made
you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other. Verily the most
honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most rightous of you”.(Q.S. 49:13) On
the co-operation Allah said:” And help one another to benignancy and piety, and
do not help one another to vice and histility” (Q.S.5:2).
This principles are indeed unnegotiable and these are the features that
distinguished between the Muslim civilization and the rest.

12. Protecting the basic human rights as the main purpose of religion. The basic
human rights according to Islam is the protection of faith, life, wealth, dignity and
progeny all the members of society. This objective includes the guarantee of the
freedom of faith, freedom expression of individual, freedom of movement as long
as its freedom is within the discretion of Shari’ah 42.”Not take life which Allah has
made it sacred- except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have
given his heir authority (to demand qisas or to forgive: but let him not exceed
bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the law)”. (Q.S. 17:33) As
for the protection of wealth Allah said:” And do not eat up your property among
yourselves for vanities, nor use it as bait for the judges, with intent that ye may eat
up wrongfully and knowingly a little of (other) people’s property. (Q.S.2:188)

These are some of the most fundamental elements of the Islamic Civilization
according to Qur’an that has brought the Muslims in the past up to the highest
level of human civilization ever established on earth. The condition of the Muslim
nation however is depending on how far these factors are being absorbed in their
culture as it is the determining factors of their civilization. In contrast, the
abstinence of these factors will result in the decline and the collapse of that
civilization despite of the population of the Muslim nation at that particular time.

40
See. Yusuf al-Qaradhawi, ibid. p152-153
41
Ibid, p. 181-186
42
M. Higab, op.cit., p.137

19
 “ Indeed Allah will never change (the fate) of a nation untill they change by
themselves” (Q.S.13:11)

The Causes of the Fall of Nations in the Qura’n.

In contrast to the causes of the rise of a nation, Al-Qur’an also clearly mentioned
the causes of fall that has brought several nations in the past into bankruptcy or
destruction. The main causes of their decline or destruction are as follow:

1. Ignorance of God’s revelation and the disobedience of the Prophets.

If the faith in God and His guidance is considered as the main factor of its
strength in contrast its ignorance will result in its fall or decline. This factor has
caused different nations in the past of fall. It is due to the fact that man needs
divine guidance that can strengthen his spirit and moral to face the challenges and
to enable man to overcome his lowest desire that tends to commit evil and
destruction. Allah said :” Nor do I absolve my own self (of blame): the (human)
soul is certainly prone to evil, unless my Lord do bestow His mercy: but surely
my Lord is oft-forgiving, Most Merciful” (Q.S. 12:53) . Another ayah said
:”Whoever disbelieve in Allah, His angels, His holybooks, His Prophets and the
Day of Judgment, indeed they are led far astray”.(2:177)

As for the contemporary Muslim nation, according to Sheikh Muhammad Shakib

Arselan, the current problem of the Muslims ummah is serious ignorance of their
religious teachings in response to the modernization challenges so that may not be
able to distinguish the between the right and the wrong between the good and bad
of the alien culture and modernization. Due to that some muslims resorted to
either accepting the whole package of Western modernization per-se or by
rejecting it completely which are both equally dangerous43.

In addition to the above, belittling the quest of knowledge and having no concern
with it is another factor of decline. It is mentioned that having partial knowledge
or mastering little knowledge is dangerous that may harm the owner instead of
benefiting him. This is referring to the half-hearted effort of the Muslim nation
generally in this age in mastering knowledge which is nowhere compared to other
nations nowadays who are far ahead such as Japan44.

3 Rejoicing over scientific knowledge or material advantage and turning away from
the revelation. This situation has led people to make wrong judgment due to the
limitation of human reason to know the truth and the facts beyond his empirical
and experimental judgement. “ Then when their Messengers came to them with
clear proofs, they were glad (and proud) with what they had of the knowledge (of
worldly things) . And that (punishment) is what they used to mock, surrounded

43
Amir Shakib Arslan, Our Decline; Its Causes and Remedies, (trans.), Islamic Book Trust, Kuala Lumpur,
2004, p. 38
44
Ibid.

20
 them.” (Q.S. 40: 83). It was with the case of Pharaoh and Qarun who tasted the
severe punishment of God due to their arrogance.

6. The spreading of evils, immoralities and corruptions in the society.

The widespread of corruption, committing evil in public without the least attempt
to forbid each other these wrongdoing, and committing abominable affenses and
indulgence in lust will lead the society into the banks of collapse. This evil had
been committed by the people of Luth, Bani Israel as well as ‘Ad and Thamud45.

Referring to the Muslim nation today according to Shaikh M. Sakib Arselan that
the degradation of moral of the Muslim ummah today has penetrated into both
levels, the common people and the elites and rulers which are equally dangerous.
The common values missing from the Muslims at the low level are such as
honesty, sincerity, brotherhood, tolerance, mutual respect, love and care, hard
work, bravery, commitment, dedication, etc. While the common values missing
from the high level of the ummah are truthfulness, dedication, zuhd, wara’ etc
which in the opposite the vices such as corruption, oppression, selfishness,
wickedness, luxurious, wastefulness become the common way of life of the
people46.

These moral values are equally important to any nations regardless of the faith
whereby their absence will bring the nations into collapse despite some positive
values that still exist with them. It is merely the matter of time that will decide
whether it takes long course of time or otherwise depending on the seriousness of
the moral illnesses.

7. Oppression, exploitation, discrimination, injustice, treachery against the poor and

the weak are the contributing factor of the collapse of nation building 47. This
practice leads to the fraction in the society which eventually brings into its
collapse. As it was the case of the Romans, Pharaoh and ‘Ad:” And never would
We destroy towns, unless the people thereof are Zalimun (polytheist, wrong-
doers, disbelievers, oppressors or tyrants). (QS. 28:59).

8. Insolence and denial of the bounties of Allah and rejection of doing righteous
deeds and using the bounties of God to disobey Him. The story of Qarun and Bani
Israel was the clear example of it. In this regard Allah says:” But it was
ungrateful for the blessing of God so He let it taste the garment of hunger and fear
because of what they were doing”. (Q.S. al Nahl 112).

These are some of the important factors that caused the collapse of some nations in the
past and by having some of the above transgressions and vices surely it will result in the
imbalanced system of the society that eventually based on the rule of God’s natural laws

45
Shaikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, op.cit, p.120.
46
See Amir Shakib Arselan, op.cit. p. 38.
47
Shaikh Yusuf al-Qaradhawi, ibid p121.

21
it will affect its structure and finally it will bring the nation and its civilization into
collapse sooner or later besides getting Allah’s wrath.

The Examples from the Past and the Contemporary Civilization

2. ‘Ad People

Another example of the high civilization which perished recorded in the Qur’an
was ‘Ad civilization. Although these people were not very well known in the history
of old civilizations due to poor documentation and lack of records of ancient
civilization or others, the people of ‘Ad indeed existed in history as confirmed by the
Archeologists in the early nineties with the finding of the ruins believed to be the citi
of the people of ‘Iram48 or ‘Ad in the South Yemen where “The Atlantis of the Sands,
Ubar “ is found deep under the sand dune49. These people were described in the
Qur’an as having high civilization and culture that is by having an ability to build fine
buildings and high towers and big dams which could not be challenged by other
nations at that time. The Qur’an said:” Seest thou not how thy Lord dealt with the ‘Ad
(people); and of the Iram (people), with lofty pillars, The like of which were not
produced in (all) the land? (Q.S. Al Fajr:6-8). Another ayah said describing the ‘Ad
people :”do ye build a landmark on every high place to amuse yourselves? And do ye
get for yourselves fine buildings in the hope of living therein (for ever)? And when ye
exert our strong hand, do ye do it like of absolute power?”. (Q.S.Al-Shu’ara 127-
128).
Due to their arrogance and doing mischief on earth and by rejecting the signs of God
and the message of truth brought by the Prophet Hud, then they were destroyed by
God as their punishment. “They said :” O Hud, No clear (signs) that has you brought
us, and we are not the ones to desert our gods on thy word! Nor shall we believe in
thee!. We say nothing but that (perhaps) some of our gods may have seized thee with
imbecility”. (Q.S. Hud 50-60).

Finally Allah sent to them his punishment by driving the furious wind, exceedingly
violent and He made it rage against them seven nights and eight days in succession to
their annihilation. (Q.S. Al-Haaqqa 6-8).

3. Thamud

The story of the people of Thamud were always related to ‘Ad which
according to the Muslim historians both tribes may have strong relationship to come
from the same origin despite the far geographical distance between them. Thamud
according to Tafsir Ibnu Kathir and supported by the archeological proof was living
in North of Arab peninsula namely Al-Hijr the area between Wadi al-qura and Syam
(Syria) today while ‘Ad was living in the South of Arab peninsula50.

48
According the Tafsir Ibnu Kathir Iram is not the name of the city as some people believe, but it is the
name of the tribe referring to the children of Iram the son of Sam( the son) of prophet Nuh A.S.
49
Harun Yahya, The Perished Nation, p….
50
Ibnu Kathir, Tafsr al-Qur’an al-Adhim, p.1358

22
 The Qur’an mentioned both tribes as having high material civilization that is by
having an ability to build beautiful and high architectural buildings as mentioned in
different ayat such as in surah al-A’raf 74 :” And remember how He made ou
inheritors after the ‘Ad people and gave you habitations in the land; ye build for
yourselves palaces and castles in (open) plains, and carve out homes in the
mountains, so bring to remembrance the benefits (ye have receieved) from Allah, and
refrain from evil and mischief on the earth”.
In other surah it is mentioned :” And with the Thamud (people), who cut out (huge)
rocks in the valley?”. And with Pharaoh, Lord of Stakes ? . All these transgressed
beyond bounds in the lands. And heaped therein mischief (on mischief).Therefore did
thy Lord pour on them a scourge of diverse chastements. For thy Lord is (as a
guardian) on a watchover. (Q.S. Al Fajr 9-14).

With their achievement and luxurious life the people of Thamud later on rejected
the message of the prophet Saleh and refused to refrain from doing evil and mischief
on earth as mentioned in Surah al-Shu’ara 141-157 :” The Thamud (people) rejected
the messengers. Behold, their brother Saleh said to them:”
Will you not fear Allah: I am to you a messenger worthy of all trust. So fear Allah,
and obey me. No reward do I ask of you for it ; my reward is only from the Lord of
the Worlds. Will ye be left secure, in (the enjoyment of) all that ye have here?
Gardens and Springs, and Corn-fields and date-palms with spathes near breaking
(with the weight of fruit)? And ye carve houses out of (rocky) mountains with great
skill. But fear Allah and obey me; And follow not the bidding of those who are
extravagant, Who make mischief in the land, and mend not (their ways)”. They said:”
Thou art only one of those bewitched! Thou are no more than a mortal like us: then
bring us a sign, if you tell us the truth”. He said:” Here is a she-camel ; she has a right
of watering, and ye have right of watering, severally on a day appointed. “Touch her
not with harm, lest the penalty of a Great Day seize you”. But they ham-strung her;
then become full of regrets. (Q.S. Al-Shu’ara 141-157)

Their arrogance and evil doing had gone further instead of following the message of
the Prophet Saleh that is by challenging the Prophet, criticized him and accused him
of being a liar, and to the worse they dared to kill the camel sent by God that the
Prophet Saleh had warned them not to do so. “Then they ham-strung the she-camel,
and insolently defied the order of their Lord, saying :” O Saleh ! bring about they
threats, if thou are a messenger (of Allah)”. (Q.S. al-A’raf :77).

Consequently, the people of Thamud had to taste the punishment of God and paid
the price for not obeying the messenger and they were destroyed. The buildings they
had built and the works of art they had produced could not protect them from the
punishment. The people of Thamud and their civilization were destroyed with a
terrible punishment of powerful earthquake that turned them and their belongings up
site down and erased their civilization completely form the surface of earth just like
all the other peoples before and after them who denied the Truth51.

51
Al-Imam Abu al-Fida’ al Hafidh Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Adhim, Dar al-Fikr, Beirut, 2002,
p.1359

23
24