The
Significance of History in Al-Islam
by Tavis Adibudeen
It is a common saying among people that those
who do not learn from the mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat them in the
future. The Qur'an warns us about such mistakes, and the Prophet (saaws), on
many occasions, warned the Ummah about repeating the mistakes of the past. How
well we take heed to these warnings depends on how well we objectively analyze
history and its impact on the affairs of this world.
In his famous work, Muqaddimah, the famous
historian and father of Sociology, Ibn Khaldun, describes civilizations as being
repetitive and cyclical in nature. The rise and fall of civilizations is thus
very similar to the coming and going of seasons. Every year there is a Summer,
Autumn, Winter, and Spring. Every year, the cycle repeats itself. Such has been
the case with history. What significance this realization provides for people of
understanding is evident in the volumes of literature and essays that have been
produced to elaborate on historical facts and also on historical mysteries.
The study of history, in any form, is no easy
task. Historians try, as often as is possible, to use what they call "primary
sources" to derive their conclusions. Primary sources are, just as the name
indicates, firsthand accounts of historical events. For example, let us suppose
that yesterday, it was reported that a teenage boy stole a basket of peaches
from a stand at the local market. After investigation, we find that the person
who reported the story was not actually present at the market when the alleged
incident occurred. Instead, he heard the account from someone who was there. If
we were to accept this report as factual, we would in fact be accepting a
secondary account. In order to get the report from a primary source, we would
need to interview the person who was actually there.
Obviously, it may not always be possible to
interview eye-witnesses. Thus, other primary sources include but are not limited
to writings, artifacts, recordings, etc. Careful analysis should lead the
historian to a conclusion or set of possible conclusions. This method of
gathering historical information is the general process accepted and used by
modern western historians. Ultimately, the historian decides what is useful
information and only selects that which is deemed relevant to the given topic.
Thus, it is possible that important facts can be conveniently left out based on
the historian's judgment.
Early Muslim historians found this method to be
inadequate. In order to objectively record history, they decided to truly record
it. Thus, every account of every large or small event that occurred was
recorded. This led to the writing of numerous volumes over a small period of
time. The result is that we have much of our history accurately preserved. One
point that should be noted is that the historians wanted their readers to be
able to decide on truth for themselves. So, they did not weed out "inaccurate"
accounts of dubious narrations. Instead, false accounts are placed side-by-side
with authentic ones. Thus, the reader might read 4 accounts of the same incident
in one Islamic history book.
What significance does this method of
historical research hold for today's Muslims? Today we are in an information age
where we have easy access to information in multiple formats. As easy as it is
to access accurate information, it is also just as easy to access inaccurate
information. The Internet, in particular, has become a place where people have
found a means to express their personal views. There is good in this, but there
is also bad. While expressing personal views is acceptable, many have taken this
opportunity to express their views as if those views were in fact the truth.
Under the guise of "true Islam" these Internet extremists have used this mode of
communication to establish followings.
This danger makes the study of history even
more important to Muslims. We must learn from the mistakes of the past so that
we do not repeat them. Allah warns us about this in the Qur'an.
"And well ye knew those amongst you
who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath: We said to them: "Be ye apes,
despised and rejected. So We made it an example to their own time and to
their posterity, and a lesson to those who fear Allah." (2:65-66)
"To those who inherit the earth in
succession to its (previous) possessors, is it not a guiding, (lesson) that,
if We so willed, We could punish them (too) for their sins, and seal up
their hearts so that they could not hear? Such were the towns whose story We
(thus) relate unto thee: There came indeed to them their messengers with
clear (signs): But they would not believe what they had rejected before.
Thus doth Allah seal up the hearts of those who reject faith."
(7:100-101)
"(Respite will be granted) until,
when the messengers give up hope (of their people) and (come to) think that
they were treated as liars, there reaches them Our help, and those whom We
will are delivered into safety. But never will be warded off our punishment
from those who are in sin. There is, in their stories, instruction for men
endued with understanding. It is not a tale invented, but a confirmation of
what went before it,- a detailed exposition of all things, and a guide and a
mercy to any such as believe." (12:110-111)
"Does it not teach them a lesson, how
many generations We destroyed before them, in whose dwellings they (now) go
to and fro? Verily in that are Signs: Do they not then listen?"
(32:26)
In the Qur'an Allah repeatedly warns us of the
mistakes of previous Ummahs and reminds us not to repeat those mistakes. Past
generations took their prophets as gods besides Allah. Past generations
committed adultery and abominable acts. Past generations changed their religions
and innovated falsehood into their religions. Past generations divided into 71
and 72 sects. Past generations fell victim to tribalism, loving it more than
they loved submission to Allah (Islam). Past generations loved the life of this
world more than the life of the next. Past generations were replaced by new
ones, and the cycle continues.
This day we must pray that Allah protects us
from the evils of past generations so that we may learn from their errors and
not be like those who refused to submit willingly. So, Allah destroyed them in
their homes when they did not expect it and were found dead prostrate in the
very positions they neglected to enjoin.
"When it is said to them: 'Come to
what Allah has revealed; come to the Messenger.' They say: 'Enough for us
are the ways we found our fathers following.' What! even though their
fathers were void of knowledge and guidance.?" (5:104)