اسلامی تہذیب و ثقافت میں اخذ و عطا کا منہج: قرآن و سنت کی روشنی میں تحقیقی مطالعہ

The Methodology of Acceptance and Adaptation in Islamic Civilization and Culture: A Research Study in the Light of the Qur’an and Sunnah

Abstract

Islamic civilization and culture are not static entities; rather, they constitute a dynamic and evolutionary system that has developed through interaction with diverse nations and societies. While firmly rooted in its foundational principles, Islamic civilization accommodates external diversity within a structured moral and intellectual framework. In this regard, the concept of Akhz wa ʿAṭāʾ (receiving and giving) holds significant relevance in the contemporary era. Linguistically, akhz denotes taking or acquiring, whereas in a technical sense it implies a principled, conscious, and selective acceptance grounded in Islamic values.

The Qur’an and Sunnah present Akhz wa ʿAṭāʾ as a morally guided and intellectually responsible practice. From a jurisprudential perspective, its permissibility is determined in light of the objectives of Sharīʿah (Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah), prevailing customs (ʿurf), and considerations of public welfare (maṣlaḥah). Any engagement that undermines the protection of religion, life, intellect, lineage, or property falls outside its legitimate scope.

Civilization encompasses the intellectual, scientific, and institutional dimensions of society, whereas culture reflects its moral values, traditions, and social patterns. Islamic history demonstrates that constructive engagement with other civilizations enhanced its intellectual vitality and creative strength without compromising its identity. In the modern context, the Islamic approach to Akhz wa ʿAṭāʾ advocates a balanced, critical, and conscious engagement that preserves core principles while benefiting from global advancements.