Technological Development and Quran

by Haroon Saadiq

Technological development is an utmost necessity and has a strong relation with Quran. It is almost compulsory to acquire technical know how in order to harmonize with the Quranic requirements. Although technology (Knowledge or use of mechanical arts and applied sciences) is an important element in nurturing and propagating the Quranic message, it is not the only requirement. There are many Nations that are highly developed as far as technology is concerned, but when it comes to moral values, they are hopeless! Foremost reason that comes forth show that it is the lack of "Differentiating Ability" regarding the ethical and unethical aspects of technology that renders it useless. So what is it that develops this differentiating ability? It is Iman (Faith) and Taqwa (Piety) which are the essential requirements of the Quran. That's why Allah said:

" So do not become weak (against your enemy), nor be sad, and you will be superior (in victory) if you are indeed (True) Believers (Mo'mineen)" [3:139]

" And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (Piety, Righteousness). So fear Me, O men of understanding! " [2:197]

Therefore it is Iman and Taqwa in addition to technology which is the comprehensive need of the Quran. And of course no one can rule out the factor of Muslim Unity, which plays a key role. Allah says:

" And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute (with one
another) lest you loose courage and your strength departs... " [8:46]

However keeping it to technological development, which as already mentioned is of utmost importance, we need to see how it is related to the Quran. Many directives of the Quran when contemplated deeply encourage us to strengthen our technological knowledge and development. This is to insure better propagation of the Quranic message. Following are some examples that may prove the point.

Allah says in the Quran:

" Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining Al-Maruf (Islamic monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (Polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden) And it is they who are the successful " [3:104]

Now to act according to this verse of Quran, we need to spread good and stop the evil. In the past it was achieved by talking to people personally and by writing to them in form of letters. At present this method (though still effective) is not enough! It is just not possible to fulfil the demand of the masses unless electronic audio-visual media is used. So lacking in the above mentioned technology means less spreading of the Quranic message. While acquiring this technology means augmented spreading of the Quranic message in a more suitable way.

Many Muslim countries have acquired the audio-visual communication technology but their Islam is still not benefiting from it. In fact they are deviating further away from the Quranic message due to the negative effects of technology. That is why it was emphasized earlier that it is Iman and Taqwa, which form the basis of development. They must be combined with technology to get the desired result.

The most important example to mention is of "Shirk" (Polytheism). It is among those sins which Allah dislikes the most. That is why He clearly mentioned:

" Verily Allah forgives not (the sin of) setting up partners (in worship) with Him, but He forgives whom He wills sins other than that, and whoever sets up partners in worship with Allah, has indeed strayed far away " [4:116]

There are people who worship idols made up of stones or some that worship pious dead people believing that they have control over various supernatural events. Technology can play a very vital role in bringing these people closer to the true monotheistic faith (which is the essence of Quran) and to stop them from the cardinal sin of polytheism. Take for example the technical educational documentaries presented by "National Geographic Society". They are so helpful that anyone who has got some sort of insight can easily understand that the development of humans, animals and plants or occurrences of other natural phenomena is not because of some idol made up of stone or a person who is dead in his grave. These are the creations of Allah Almighty, which no other can accomplish. On one extreme we find some people who no more believe in God i.e. they talk solely on technological grounds. So once again it must be emphasized that without "Iman" and "Taqwa" this technology cannot be fruitful.

Another example would show the importance of medical technology in relation to the Quran. Allah says:

"... And if anyone saved a life, it would be
as if he saved the life of all mankind ..." [5:32]

The verse promotes the importance of saving a human life. Had there been no medical technology, there would have been a very low turnout to the directive issued by the Quran, but advanced technology now assists us to act more on this directive. People still die due to unclean diet where there is lack of technological development but in places where advanced technology is abundant people manage to escape lethal cancers by the grace of Almighty Allah.

Indeed artificial body parts and organs are being developed now due to advanced medical technological development. Those people who were once considered abnormal and could do nothing are now becoming normal and are ready to offer their services for the propagation of the Quranic message, along with others.

Another example would show how technology helps the military directives of the Quran. Allah says:

" And make ready against them all you can of power, including steeds of war to threaten the enemy of Allah and your enemy, and others besides whom, you may not know but whom Allah does know ..." [8:60]

While commenting on this verse Allah's Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

" Indeed, power is in archery, power is in
archery, power is in archery " [Sahih Muslim]

Mentioning of horses, bows and arrows by Allah and His Prophet provides clues to make us realize that we must develop something for fast traveling and shooting. It is with technology that we can develop artillery equipment for shooting (guns or missiles) and vehicles for fast travelling (airplanes or cars), both vital for modern day wars. At another place Allah says:

"... And capture them and besiege them,
and lie in wait for them in every ambush ..." [9:5]

But what if you are located in a valley and the enemy is located high above you near the mountain peak. What if you are on the ground with your troops and the enemy attacks with cruise missiles from above. How can you then setup an ambush for them? Technology helps here again! Develop something that monitors the enemy from above. Yes! The satellite monitoring system. This can give a clear picture of the enemy's intentions.

So we can carry on with as many examples as we like, to comprehend that technology when combined with "Iman" and "Taqwa" has got very bright prospects for propagation of the Quranic message. May Allah help us all to take part in it!