Development of appropriate technology in Islamic countries

Abstract

"Many are the marvels of the heavens and the earth; yet they pass them by and pay no heed to them. The greater part of them believe in Allah only if they can worship other gods beside him (Qur'an 12:102). We introduce the paper by quoting the above passage from the Qur'an because we feel it represents both the predicament and state of Muslims today. The marvels of the heaven and the earth are the basis of scientist or human knowledge. However, while non-Muslims every where are busy studying and applying these knowledge Muslims seem to be quite contented with importing the technology derived from it. The second part of passage is particularly piognant in describing many Muslims and Muslim nations today. Many consider themselves Muslims but would also like to retain non-Muslim laws, science, technology, economic and educational systems and other demigods as part of the bargain. The Muslim nations are backward in the field of technology and other fields of human endeavour simply because they have deviated from the principles laid down by the Shariah. Any attempt to correct the situation would therefore first of all need retracing out steps to this primary source. In discussing the development of appropriate technology in Islamic countries, this paper will first of all describe the philosophical basis of Islamic science and technology and show how it differs from non-Islamic science and technology.