I was in Pakistan last June visiting various officials and Universities and I stressed during my visit on these main topics:
- Excellence in Science and Technology: Urging Pakistan to lead in these fields
- Governance and Civic Excellence: Calling for outstanding leadership and citizen engagement.
- Unity: Advocating for unity across political and religious lines.
- Strategic Institutional Planning: Encouraging Pakistani institutions to develop and implement effective plans if they want to see the intended results.
- And the support of the International Qur’an Research Association IQRA’ to reach these goals and objectives.
Today, we gather to discuss the future of Islamic sciences and explore new horizons for Pakistan possible leadership in the area of Islam and sciences in today’s world.
The Islamic world today, as you all know, faces numerous challenges that have hindered our progress in science and knowledge creation. Despite having around two billion Muslims and extensive material resources, we find ourselves disengaged from the process of creating new knowledge.
Political instability, lack of funding, brain drain, and inadequate infrastructure are significant factors contributing to this disengagement. Additionally, the fragmentation of our societies and the absence of a unified vision have further aggravated these challenges.
A quick look at our present spending on R&D will tell us a lot about where we are today and where we need to be. Muslim-majority countries spend, on average, less than 0.5% of their GDP on research and development, compared with five times that in the advanced economies. They also have fewer than ten scientists, engineers, and technicians per thousand people, compared to the global average of 40 – and 140 in the developed world. And even these figures tend to understate the problem, which is less about spending money or employing researchers than about the basic quality of the science being produced.
So, what is causing this problem?
Is It Our Understanding of Islam that Is the Problem?
Our understanding of Islam plays a crucial role in shaping our attitudes towards science and knowledge. Traditional interpretations of Islam, while valuable, are often rooted in historical contexts that differ significantly from today’s world and the tools of knowledge available to us today. Some interpretations may inadvertently discourage critical thinking and innovation. It is imperative to revisit and reinterpret Islamic teachings in light of contemporary knowledge and challenges. By doing so, we can foster an environment that encourages scientific inquiry and innovation while staying true to Islamic principles.
What other crucial reason can exist in explaining the problem?
Well, from my experience there is an attitude problem that is leading to this disengagement between Muslims in general, and the world they live in. It is the difference between an average Muslim who is simply living, and a mission driven Muslim!
There is a significant difference between the two. An average Muslim is primarily focused on obtaining a degree to secure a livelihood and support a family, all while diligently performing prayers on time and fasting during Ramadan. In contrast, a mission driven Muslim is dedicated to understanding the purpose for which Allah created him, his life’s purpose and actively works towards fulfilling it. This individual is guided by the higher purposes of Shariah, which include the preservation of faith, life, intellect, progeny, and wealth. He is driven by a sense of responsibility towards his community and the world at large. This is the understanding the Sahaba of Rasulillah had, because this is the training he pbuh gave them in order to change the world.
To re-educate and retrain our youth in the manner our Beloved Prophet (pbuh) trained his companions, we must emphasize the importance of having a clear mission and purpose in life.
Now, let’s explore what enabled our ancestors to build a worldwide civilization and what is keeping us from doing the same.
Our ancestors built a worldwide civilization by embracing knowledge, innovation, and ethical principles. They were able to reconcile their faith with their intellectual curiosity. They properly understood the meaning of the verse:
سَنُرِيهِمْ آيَاتِنَا فِي الْآفَاقِ وَفِي أَنفُسِهِمْ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ ۗ أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِ بِرَبِّكَ أَنَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ شَهِيدٌ (فصلت 53)
“We will show them Our signs on the horizons and in themselves until it is clear to them that this is the Truth. Is it not sufficient that your Lord is a Witness over all things?” (Qur’an 41:53)
Several factors enabled this remarkable period of advancement:
Inclusive and Pluralistic Society: The Islamic civilization was inclusive and open to ideas from different cultures and traditions. This openness facilitated the exchange of knowledge and fostered innovation.
Patronage of Knowledge: Rulers and wealthy individuals provided patronage for scholars and scientists, enabling them to conduct research and make discoveries. Let’s remember Darul Hikma in Baghdad.
Interdisciplinary Approach: Scholars of the Islamic Golden Age did not confine themselves to a single discipline. They explored various fields, integrating insights from different areas of knowledge.
Today, several factors hinder our progress:
Our fragmented societies as a result of Western colonialism, past and present, led to the absence of a unified vision and the fragmentation of our societies, which hinders our collective progress.
Lack of Investment in Education and Research & Development. Insufficient funding for education and research limits our ability to innovate and advance.
Brain Drain: Lack of opportunities lead to the migration of talented individuals to other countries in search of better opportunities. This process is a major cause of depleting our intellectual capital.
Resistance to Change: Some segments of society resist new ideas and innovations, hindering progress and adaptation.
Let’s talk now about Steps necessary to Reengagement in Scientific Fields
I call on all leaders and planners to use innovative thinking, if we are to find innovative solutions.
Our situation today, is sensitive and very challenging. As a professional strategist, business consultant, and a student of Qur’an, I see many ways to find the necessary resources to fund such plans.
Yet, each one of your institutions, Brothers and Sisters, has its own peculiarities, based on its circumstances.
Proper planning can play a crucial role in helping your particular institution achieve its goals by starting the year with a business plan. A business plan is important because it helps you in Setting Clear Goals, especially if the plan is based on SHURA, a collaborative effort with your executives to define clear, achievable goals based on your particular situation in alignment with your institution’s mission, vision, and long-term objectives.
As important as planning is, monitoring the implementation and tracking progress towards the intended objectives is as important.
Six Steps toward Reengagement in Science
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Invest in Education and Training:
Make sure all of your youth are able to attend schools and have a fair opportunity to learn. Remember 48% of Pakistanis between the age of 5 and 15 will never set a foot in a school ever.
Modernized Curricula: Develop and implement curricula that emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary learning. Encourage a blend of traditional Islamic teachings with modern scientific knowledge.
Train your teachers: Provide professional development opportunities for educators to equip them with the latest pedagogical techniques and scientific knowledge.
STEM Education: Promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education from an early age to build a strong foundation for future scientists.
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Foster a Culture of Innovation:
Increase funding for research projects and offer grants to young scientists and researchers. Establish national and regional research funds.
Create innovation hubs and technology parks that provide resources and support for start-ups and research initiatives.
Encourage collaborations between academic institutions, government bodies, and private enterprises to drive innovation and research.
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Address Brain Drain:
Offer competitive salaries, research funding, and career advancement opportunities to attract and retain talented scientists and researchers.
Let us all push to establish global networks of Muslim scientists to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange.
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Improve Infrastructure:
We need to invest in building state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers equipped with the latest technology.
We need to ensure that researchers have access to necessary resources, including scientific journals, databases, and advanced equipment.
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Promote Ethical Research:
We need to develop and enforce ethical guidelines for scientific research that align with Islamic principles.
We need to raise awareness about the importance of ethical research practices and the role of science in improving societal well-being.
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Engage the Community:
Science Outreach: Organize science fairs, public lectures, and workshops to engage the community and inspire the next generation of scientists.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between scientists and scholars from various fields, including theology, to address complex issues.
A Call to Action for Scholars and Scientists
To realize this vision, scholars and scientists must play a crucial role. They need to become a lobby explaining and emphasizing the importance of advancement in various fields of science to the political leadership as well as to average people. Science is advancing rapidly, and our scholars must be at the forefront of these developments. Here are some ways scholars can contribute to this endeavor:
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Interdisciplinary Research:
Cross-Disciplinary Studies: Engage in research that bridges Islamic studies with other disciplines like sociology, political science, economics, and environmental science. This will create a holistic understanding of how Islamic principles can be applied in diverse contexts.
Collaborative Projects: Encourage collaborative research projects between Islamic scholars and experts from other fields to develop innovative solutions to contemporary issues.
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Historical Contextualization:
Contextual Analysis: Delve into the historical context in which specific Qur’anic verses were revealed. Understanding the socio-political and economic conditions of the time can provide deeper insights into the intended applications of these teachings.
Reviving Forgotten Scholarship: Revisit and revive scholarly works from the Islamic golden age, such as those by Al-Kindi, Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, and Ibn Rushd, to uncover valuable insights that remain relevant today.
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Public Engagement:
Community Outreach: Actively engage with the broader community through lectures, seminars, and public discussions to disseminate knowledge and foster a deeper understanding of contemporary interpretations of Islam.
Media Presence: Utilize media platforms to share scholarly insights, counter misconceptions about Islam, and highlight its relevance in addressing modern challenges.
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Policy Advocacy:
Advisory Roles: Take on advisory roles in governmental and non-governmental organizations to ensure that policies and initiatives align with Islamic ethical principles.
Think Tanks: Establish or participate in think tanks focused on Islamic thought and contemporary issues to provide valuable policy recommendations and strategic insights.
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Educational Reform:
Curriculum Development: Contribute to the development of educational curricula that emphasize critical thinking and contextual understanding of Islamic teachings.
Training Programs: Develop training programs for educators and community leaders to ensure they are well-informed about contemporary interpretations and can effectively teach and guide others.
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Ethical Guidance:
Formulating Ethical Guidelines: Work on formulating ethical guidelines based on Islamic principles to address modern technological and social challenges, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and global migration.
Fatwas and Rulings: Issue thoughtful and well-researched fatwas that consider contemporary contexts to guide the Muslim community in navigating complex issues.
Conclusion
To revive interest in the sciences within Muslim countries, a multifaceted approach is needed. This includes promoting a culture of critical inquiry and intellectual curiosity within education systems, increasing funding for research and development, fostering collaboration between institutions and researchers, highlighting the compatibility of science with Islamic values, and empowering female scientists by addressing gender disparities in STEM fields. Additionally, emphasizing the historical contributions of Muslim scholars to science can inspire future generations.
The Muslim world has the potential to reclaim its legacy of scientific innovation by investing in education, fostering a culture of innovation, addressing brain drain, improving infrastructure, promoting ethical research, and engaging the community. By taking these steps, the Muslim world can create a vibrant scientific ecosystem that contributes to global knowledge and addresses contemporary challenges.
I invite all scholars, scientists, and community leaders to join hands in this noble endeavor. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future where the values of Islam shine brightly, guiding us towards a world that is more just, peaceful, and compassionate.
Thank you, and may Allah bless our efforts with success.