With the growing technology, today’s Muslim community is becoming habitual of depending upon technology not just for everyday tasks but for religious practice as well. For instance, there are multiple devices and sensors people use for counting the Rakats they have prayed, for doing verbal wuzu (if they are traveling), or even for Tilawat e Quran. If this all was happening a few years back, it would have been considered a Fatwa but as we grow our surrounding also grows.
You might be wondering if science, the provenience of technology, is somehow related to Muslims or Islam in general. Although there have been some non-negligible conflicts among both science and Islamic teachings, modern technology doesn’t take part in resolving any of them. Nor does it point to whether one is wrong or the other is not. Considering the result of a few surveys of authorized communities, it is asserted that those who concede technology are mostly well educated or live urban life while the others still want to follow the medieval practices in their comfort zone. The latter doesn’t mean they are not convinced by the ascendancy of science in the flourishing world.
Even though Islam does favor scientific principles but only those which are beneficial for mankind, and restrain us from following unfavorable beliefs. These days, most Muslims, don’t hesitate from accepting scientific methods and technology, provided that there is no involvement of violation in Islamic teaching.
Good Assets of Technology:
Far-reaching reform: Certain mobile apps, online websites, or channels give a platform for Muslims to raise their voice against violations, to discuss their rituals, and ask a religious inquiry, they are doubtful about. Or even young Muslims can seek help from scholars and their Muslim brothers without recompensing.
Act of initiation: Previously, televisions have started airing Islamic educational shows and are trying to spread Islam to all Muslims through this content. Subsequently, young generations are able to stand for themselves and their Islamic beliefs against non-believers.
Righteous lead: Technology is not just helping the Muslim community but, these online websites and social media apps are providing a step of admiration to non-Muslims and bringing a change by helping non-Muslims to revert to Islam.
Helping hand: Likewise, modern technology gives us a specific time for azan and prayer. Also, it assists Muslims to determine the direction of Qibla when in an unfamiliar location
Aids in medicine: On the other hand, if technology is helping Muslims and mankind to discover cures for saving a life, then why not rely on it? Protection by any kind means is also part of Syariah.
Bad assets of Technology:
Forbidden act: Though mobile phones and new technology is acceptable but using them for prohibited relationships is not acceptable.
Misguniding content: Television has caused a lot of controversies, from airing elicit content to showing fights going on among scholars, political parties, and more which should be condemned as it shows negativity among Muslim brothers. Although watching television is not haram but its wrong use can be bad.
Misinterpretation: Considerable amount of foul teachings and knowledge spreads via the internet. The majority of the population believes what they see on the internet without even confirming it beforehand which leads to misconceptions.
Lead astray: Not only that but these online websites can misshape the whole concept of Islam and misguide the Muslims who lack Islamic education.
Isolation: Brotherhood among Muslims keeps them strong and connected but, with this enhancing technology, you might be sitting together but still feel distant.
Technology and Muslim Scholars Beliefs:
Without any doubt, there have been great contributions in science by Muslim scholars without compromising their religious beliefs, which in turn leads to major inventions. No matter how vast technology and modern teachings get, there always is a space for prohibition when things go against the law, but in compulsory affairs prohibition is uncalled for. With the emergence of new technologies, few scholars were against them, declaring them as evil tools. But they had to change their mind after realizing the good and beneficial aspects of technology. For instance:
Television as an instrument of Satan: From the beginning, the scholars disapproved of television regarding it as a tool of Satan as there were unopposed and non-educational shows. However, with time they realize that access to television can be controlled and depend on a person’s own will to watch good or evil programs.
Internet as a minefield: Similarly, while using the internet people can be distracted from their religion, which was why Muslim scholars opposed the advanced technology. But when you look at it, the internet doesn’t have only a bad influence on a generation but teaches some valuable things as well. This is why scholars were obliged to accept it.
Social media apps and population: These new applications are a way of ensuring ease to many people as not only do they help us to keep the track of prayer time but they also facilitate us to improve our talafuz (pronunciation) and listen to the Holy Quran in scholar’s voice. Although it was opposed by scholars at first, seeing how beneficial it can be, no one could resist it.
Medicine and biotechnology: As per Quran, it is mentioned how in the natural way humans are created and raised by their parents. Although, there is a violation through technology, the concept of human cloning, which is thus against the Islamic point of view. But technology thus provides easy access to cure various diseases, so keeping the positive point scholars do appreciate the legal modern methods in medicine.
Conclusion:
In short, religious enlightening is a collection of gained beliefs, and practices without any modification whereas in modern technology and scientific point of view, there is a whole process of testing and modifying for better and better. Technology doesn’t cease you from getting educational knowledge nor does it cut you off from your religion. Though using modern and advanced technology does require a balance between bad and good things, which only can be maintained by you. Science takes a great part in one ethical norm, side by side with Muslim’s religious believes. Hence development is a crucial part of our lives. From spreading the teachings of Islam to becoming a better Muslim, all are significantly assured through technology. In the end, it is all up to humans to use technology for learning or for following the wrong path. Everyone should understand the technology for progressing in the world and the growth of a strong Muslim state.