The Social Dimension of Islamic Civilization Dr Khaled Mohamed Azab* The first premise of Islam was the preservation of human dignity and freedom. To Islam goes the credit of presenting the loftiest principles of human freedom and dignity, having as a starting point the divine verse: [We have honored the sons of Adam] (Al-Israa, verse 70). Human dignity is the foundation of a system that places social wellbeing above all other considerations. This dedication to Man’s welfare provided a shield of inviolability and protection, safeguarding every member of society against the loss of his worth in the eyes of society and against the violation of any of his rights. The Holy Quran affirms the right of the poor and the needy to a portion of the possessions of the wealthy: [And in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged (by them)] (Al-Maarij, verse 24); and in another verse: [And [would assign] in all that they possessed a due share unto such as might ask [for help] and such as might suffer privation.] (Al-Zariat, verse 19) The Prophet, May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, described in this hadith Muslim society in the image that the Almighty decreed it to be, attentive to the needs of its members: “The believers are like one body in their love, mercy, and compassion. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” In another hadith, the Prophet said: “Believers are like a structure supporting each other.” The Muslim community is one complementary and solidary body. It does not abandon one of its members to his or her fate, nor does it accept that they suffer humiliation or indignity. On this basis, the Islamic civilization witnessed the building of many social welfare facilities that were a most eloquent expression of the community’s * Member of the Egyptian Higher Council for Antiquities, member of the Association of Arab Archeologists, member of the Egyptian Association for Historical Studies and head of the Department of Central Studies at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.