On understanding the Islamic Concept of History: A Conceptual study

Islamic history is the science which informs us about our heritage, which makes us conscious of links with past; which makes aware of origin; and which provides us with a sense of direction for the future. Historical writing was a primary Islamic discipline that underwent profound elaboration over centuries, and in its early appearance portrayed a universal vision of humanity from creation until the present. The holy Qur’an, through the mouth and example of the Prophet (SAAS) stressed the importance of relating what has happened to nations and civilizations of the old as a warning for mankind so that historical knowledge will serve as a moral exhortations to the believers. The Qur’an states in Surah Ghafir Chapter number 40, Ayat number 21:“Have they not travelled in the land to see the nature of the consequence for those who disbelieved before them? They were mightier than thee in power and (in the) traces (which they) left behind them in the earth. Yet Allah seized them for their sins and they had no protector from Allahâ€. In this paper, an attempt has been made to describe the concept of history in Islam by highlighting the Quranic concept of history as well as the Muslim consciousness of history