❖ An Intellectual Analysis of Technology and Values in the Muslim World ❖
✍ By: Muhammad Yunus Qadri
In today's world, the significance of science and technology is undeniable. Modern life has become so deeply intertwined with technological advancements that imagining life without them is difficult. A large portion of the Muslim population, without deeply understanding the foundations of scientific thought and technology, either becomes overawed by it or fails to present a clear Islamic perspective.
This article explores three critical aspects:
① Clarifying the historical distinction between science and technology
② Understanding the relationship between technology and societal values
③ Examining the foundation and implications of modern technoscience
By understanding these dimensions, Muslims can better comprehend the challenges and threats posed by contemporary technology.
Modern science began in the West through modernist scientists, who positioned it as an alternative source of knowledge to revelation, relying on the scientific method. This approach to knowledge had no historical precedent, though some of its elements can be found in ancient Greek philosophy.
On the other hand, the term "technology" derives from "technique", meaning method or strategy. Humans have always developed tools and solutions for daily needs based on environmental and societal conditions. When certain techniques proved effective, they endured; otherwise, they faded with time.
✔ Conclusion:
Historically, science and technology were not synonymous. Technology has always remained subordinate to societal values, shaped by the belief systems and foundational principles of each civilization.
In the modern era, the line between science and technology has blurred. Contemporary products and services result from a fusion of both. Western thinkers like Bruno Latour have referred to this integration as “technoscience.”
Modern technological development is heavily reliant on capitalist structures. Institutions such as NASA or defense departments pursue research based on military objectives or commercial interests. Consequently, scientific research and technology today are primarily focused on capital accumulation.
The relationship between theory and practice is a central debate in modern thought. Two primary perspectives exist:
① Theory precedes practice: Ideas and beliefs shape practical methods.
② Practice precedes theory: Supporters of historical materialism argue that social practices give rise to ideas and beliefs.
In an Islamic society, integrating theory into practice is guided by religious knowledge. However, modern Muslims are largely absorbed in worldly knowledge, with religious education limited to recitation of the Qur’an and a few supplications. This intellectual weakness leads them to adopt the values of technoscience—especially the pursuit of capital growth—without critical reflection.
To confront the challenges of the present age, Muslims must be equipped with religious knowledge and ma‘rifah (gnosis) of Allah. Without this, they risk becoming servants of technoscience and capitalism, ultimately losing their true identity.
✍ By: Muhammad Yunus Qadri
◈ The Importance of Science and Technology in the Modern Era
In today's world, the significance of science and technology is undeniable. Modern life has become so deeply intertwined with technological advancements that imagining life without them is difficult. A large portion of the Muslim population, without deeply understanding the foundations of scientific thought and technology, either becomes overawed by it or fails to present a clear Islamic perspective.
This article explores three critical aspects:
① Clarifying the historical distinction between science and technology
② Understanding the relationship between technology and societal values
③ Examining the foundation and implications of modern technoscience
By understanding these dimensions, Muslims can better comprehend the challenges and threats posed by contemporary technology.
◈ Historical Distinction Between Science and Technology
Modern science began in the West through modernist scientists, who positioned it as an alternative source of knowledge to revelation, relying on the scientific method. This approach to knowledge had no historical precedent, though some of its elements can be found in ancient Greek philosophy.
On the other hand, the term "technology" derives from "technique", meaning method or strategy. Humans have always developed tools and solutions for daily needs based on environmental and societal conditions. When certain techniques proved effective, they endured; otherwise, they faded with time.
Examples from Ancient Civilizations:
- Egyptian Civilization: Building the pyramids and embalming the dead were technological feats—not scientific theories.
- Mohenjo-daro and Harappa: Their cities displayed advanced drainage systems, yet lacked modern scientific thinking.
- Greek Technology: Ancient Greece linked technology with art, as aesthetics were central to their values—not empirical science.
- Roman Innovations: The Romans focused on military strategies and public welfare, such as road construction and water supply systems.
✔ Conclusion:
Historically, science and technology were not synonymous. Technology has always remained subordinate to societal values, shaped by the belief systems and foundational principles of each civilization.
◈ Modern Technology: The Age of Technoscience
In the modern era, the line between science and technology has blurred. Contemporary products and services result from a fusion of both. Western thinkers like Bruno Latour have referred to this integration as “technoscience.”
Key Features of Technoscience:
- It is not merely about solving practical problems but is driven by capitalist motives aimed at maximizing profit through scientific innovation.
- It prioritizes human desires over genuine human needs.
✦ Examples:
- Cars: Originally intended as a mode of transport, new models are designed more for aesthetic appeal and consumer attraction than utility.
- Mobile Phones: Initially meant to facilitate communication, now frequently updated to stimulate consumption, regardless of actual necessity.
◈ The Alliance Between Capitalism and Technoscience
Modern technological development is heavily reliant on capitalist structures. Institutions such as NASA or defense departments pursue research based on military objectives or commercial interests. Consequently, scientific research and technology today are primarily focused on capital accumulation.
◈ Theory and Practice in Modern Society
The relationship between theory and practice is a central debate in modern thought. Two primary perspectives exist:
① Theory precedes practice: Ideas and beliefs shape practical methods.
② Practice precedes theory: Supporters of historical materialism argue that social practices give rise to ideas and beliefs.
In an Islamic society, integrating theory into practice is guided by religious knowledge. However, modern Muslims are largely absorbed in worldly knowledge, with religious education limited to recitation of the Qur’an and a few supplications. This intellectual weakness leads them to adopt the values of technoscience—especially the pursuit of capital growth—without critical reflection.
◈ The Path of Resistance: Religion and Divine Knowledge
To confront the challenges of the present age, Muslims must be equipped with religious knowledge and ma‘rifah (gnosis) of Allah. Without this, they risk becoming servants of technoscience and capitalism, ultimately losing their true identity.
