Based on the fact that human history mostly covers wars among human beings as a prevalent event, they developed, as some have pictured them, into wars waging between two civilizations, generating destruction and calamity.

Because these wars were raging among peoples even before the emergence of civilization and urbanism, it became possible to consider that human civilization could play a crucial role in the solidarity of people, and not necessarily be a factor for hostility and warfare.

Therefore, the call for dialogue among civilizations was proclaimed, considering that it was not exclusive to its makers. It essentially results from the interaction among people, and it can only be attributed to a certain people through geographic belonging, so any civilization belongs to mankind, and inasmuch as the integration and reaction among people is positive, then progress and development are the logical outcome of this integration. As a result, the areas of conflict diminish and the margin of peace, progress, and prosperity broadens. The best proof of that is the social, political, and economic integration that took place among European peoples after centuries of conflicts and wars that claimed the lives of millions and squandered vast fortunes, causing great tragedies.

Moreover, after some in-depth historical exploration, we may observe a significant humanitarian leap at the beginning of the Middle Ages, when the Islamic Da’wah called for the release of the mind from the constraints that elicited ignorance for a long time in addition to consecrating human values that demand goodness, peace, and tranquility through a moderate and temperate culture which revived hope in dignity through fighting ignorance and instigating the demand and pursuit of knowledge. It was keen to safeguard and activate the ethical system that other monotheistic religions brought after it aimed to fulfill the moral component.

The Islamic culture came to upend the ideals of Pre-Islam (or Jahiliya) that were marked by invasion, aggression, and ruthlessness, all traits of tribal mentality.

I say that this culture formed a social coup because it rejected the principle of vengeance and devoted rights to women, preserving their dignity and raising them to their decent human level.

What is striking about this human civilization is that it was founded to build a society reigned by justice and solidarity and governed by divine laws that represent a positive moderation without being neutral with regards to what is right and what is wrong. It always calls for more knowledge and wisdom. It considered the wise man as blessed and demanded the pursuit of knowledge and mind exertion, calling as well for further reflection after outlining the qualities of freedom, an early invitation to the implementation of this choice. This invitation was not restricted to abolishing slavery and emancipating slaves; it also ensured their human rights through several means gradually and carefully so as not to create a social vacuum and a shock of unpredictable consequences. As a result, the weak and the vulnerable felt connected to this invitation, so they rushed to embrace it despite the injustice and abuse.

 Islam went further than that when it called for the freedom of thought and meditation in spite of its knowledge of the limitations of the mind when it comes to its recognition of important facts and its inability to conquer the secrets of the universe.

Respect for the right to think allowed it to know that philosophy and philosophizing are but an operation that revolves around itself without reaching its aim in interpreting the world, understanding its origin, and realizing its end.

Yet, without disguising the effectiveness of the mind, it proceeded to invest this logic and that discussion for the mind to perceive the dimensions of the texts as a prelude to a better understanding of the Hanafi Sharia and adopting defense positions against anti-Islam propaganda waves. Etymology is the active investment for mind forces given that philosophy is not conducive to the truth and cannot meet man’s need for the absolute truth. Thus, etymology resulted in intellectual doctrines and mental trends that enriched the Islamic culture and expanded its library.

It was not long before the Islamic Da’wah claimed a corner of the world and controlled the civilized world. It started spreading the teachings of Islam in a world floundering in darkness, ignorance, and backwardness, but despite what it offered humanity, it became a target for many enemies who kept lying in wait to disfigure its bright face. It responded to the call for dialogue and integration with skepticism about its credibility, making it a reason for the backwardness on one hand and accusing it of terrorism on the other.

Regardless of all that, Islam remains a fresh oasis of morals and a resounding cry in the face of injustice and tyranny. It calls for peace among societies and the rule of justice therein.  It represents at all times the call for understanding among peoples through a dialogue of civilizations, and it shall not rest until the entire world becomes an oasis of peace and a garden of tranquility.