Thinking about technology – some Islamic reflections

By Auwais Rafudeen

When Muslims think and talk about technology, its often in utilitarian terms. What benefit can the cultivation of a specific technology have for the Muslim world? How do we catch up with the West in terms of technology so that we can stand militarily on equal terms and not be humiliated?

These utilitarian concerns are vital. It is in fact an Islamic legal requirement to develop technology that benefits Muslims and preserves their honour. Whether we appreciate it or not, technology means power- a power that can be creative or destructive and we need as Muslims to be in control of guiding these processes, not merely be at the receiving end of its effects or simply copiers of other technologies. It is obvious, and Islamic scholars concur, that Muslim countries must develop the infrastructure and education to develop technological capacity. Whatever the causes of technological retardation in the Muslim world it is certainly not due Islamic law.

What Islamic law is concerned about, however, are the uses of technology. Very broadly, if the technology is put into use in a manner that does not conflict with the Shariah then it is permitted; if there is such a conflict then not. Technology in itself is normally not good or bad- but the uses to which it is put are. The classic example in this regard is television. The majority of the ulama are of the opinion that if what is viewed is Islamically non-problematic then okay, otherwise not. There were some scholars who took umbrage with the technology itself, seeing it as the equivalent of “picture-making”, which they held was not permitted in Islam. But this view was relatively marginal and I think that the sheer pervasiveness of technology have compelled its proponents to modify their position and get involved in what they would deem as Islamically acceptable alternative viewing. The development of nuclear weapons is another example. Obviously, if these weapons are to be used in a way not sanctioned by the rules of jihad, this would be unacceptable. But if they are used as a deterrent in order to protect attacks on Muslim countries, or in self-defense, their use would be fine. In fact, an Al-Azhar fatwa even makes the development of such weapons a religious obligation. It is worth noting, however, that some scholars support nuclear non-proliferation on the grounds that the catastrophic effects of nuclear war will overstep the rules of jihad. Again, though, this is the marginal view.

While the utilitarian issues pertaining to technology are often discussed, its spiritual and theological dimensions are less well-known. Apart from the uses to which technology is put, how do we spiritually engage this phenomenon?

This question assumes heightened urgency given the fact we use computers, cell-phones, cars etc all the time. Technology has obviously impinged upon every facet of our existence. As Muslims we naturally look at the legal consequences of such technology. So many of us know, for example, that it is permitted to switch off a ringing cell-phone while making salaah! But, beyond the legal, how do we respond to the ubiquity of the phenomenon in our daily life? How do we see the cell-phone and the computer in the broader scheme of existence?

In the dominant theological perspective in Islam, every act, every thing, every item is in reality created by Allah. The Quran says that Allah created us and all our acts (S 37: V 96). It conveys that not only did Allah create the seas but that He subjected the ships that sail on them to us (S 14: V 32). We choose to make artifacts, items and objects, but in reality it is only through His Power that all these things come into existence. By extension cell-phones, televisions and computers are created by Allah. Human beings are the instruments through which they come about. The intent of the human being in developing the object, whether good or bad, is what they will be rewarded for but the actual object purely comes into existence through Allah’s power. This does not mean that we can be inactive and simply wait for things to happen. On the contrary, we are required to respect Allah’s “habit” which is to exercise His Power through the laws of cause and effect. A technological item can only be developed through effort, know-how and the requisite infrastructure- these are the “causes” that must be respected and adhered to for the “effect”-the technological” item to come into being. But underlying this is the understanding that all causes and effects only come into being through the Power of Allah.

Such an understanding spiritualizes our approach to technological items. Whenever we engage with such an item we witness the power of Allah, knowing truly that the item comes from Allah. This witnessing and this realization itself is through Allah’s power, making us aware of out utter dependence upon Him. The cell-phone and the computer become a manifestation of the Divine act.

Also, truly knowing that these items only come into being through the power of Allah will help rid many Muslims of the complex they have developed with regard to the West. Dazzled by the West’s achievements in the sphere of science and technology, some feel inferior and overwhelmed and start subscribing to notions of racial hierarchy that are antithetical to Islam. However, as we have seen, technological items only come into being through Allah’s power and thus a specific civilization’s technological achievements are all part of the Divine plan. As to why they have been granted these achievements Muslim scholars have forwarded a few reasons. One is that the West has respected Allah’s “habit” in creating the necessary educational and social infrastructure for the development of technology. Their achievements are Allah’s worldly reward for their respecting the laws of cause and effect. However, technology can also be a blight as one becomes so absorbed in its workings that one forgets its true Maker. Success in technology could, ironically, also be Allah’s punishment for stubbornly ignoring His existence and control of all things.

While technology can be spiritualized by looking at each object as a manifestation of the Divine act of creating, we may also need to take a break from technology to rediscover what truly counts. Technology can fixate us, make us spellbound, to the detriment of our overall development. Television viewing is an example. Even if what we are watching is Islamically non-problematic, it may so absorb us that we forget the pleasures of reading, exercising, taking in a bit of fresh air or having a family conversation. To regain perspective and overall well-being we may just need to switch off the TV for a few hours. In general, and as pointed out by the philosopher Albert Borgmann, technology also makes us obsess about “things”, about devices, about gadgets rather than truly and fully engaging people and family- building practices. To rediscover this sense of engagement we might have to now and then push our obsession with technology into the background.