The Role of Islam Toward Technology

Let’s be honest, the first thing that most of us do when we wake up is looking at our phone. For me, after that, I go to brush teeth while looking at my phone. Then, I eat my breakfast while watching something on my phone.

Phones and social media which part of technology have become such an integrated part of success society that has taken over their morning and the rest of the day. However, this is a problem for everyone. Well, my name is Muhammad Ihsan Musyaffa from Diponegoro Islamic Senior High School.

Assalamualaikum Wr. Wb.

First of all, let’s say thanks to our God Allah SWT who has given us some mercies and blessings, so we can attend and gather in this beautiful place without any obstacles.

Secondly, may Sholawat and Salam always be given to our Prophet Muhammad SAW who has guided us from the darkness to the lightness, from the stupidity to the smartness era by Islamic religion that we love so much.

Thirdly, I will never forget to say thank you to all of the committees, our wisest judges, my friends, and all of the participants whom I love. Here, I am standing in front of you all, I would like to deliver my speech under the title “The Role of Islam Toward Technology”.

Ladies and gentlemen

The development of science and technology feels increasingly rapid every day. It has even been recognized as being able to bring about major changes in human civilization. Many results of the development of science and technology which were previously beyond human imagination have become their daily needs nowadays. However, Muslims still contribute very little things to the development of science and technology. Most of them are still comfortable as technology users without a strong desire to explore it. The Qur’an is a guide to life for Muslims, and many of its verses discuss science and technology. It is not surprising that in the early days of Islam, when Muslims often studied the Qur’an comprehensively, many Muslim scientists became pioneers in various fields of science, including medicine, earth sciences, mathematics, chemistry, astronomy, ethics, and literature.

Dear happy audiences

Islam, as a religion that is strong with ethical and human values, is a religion that spreads grace to the universe. It is time to grapple with the basic principles of the philosophy of science and how science works.The Qur’an and Al-Hadith have functions as a basic foundation and guide in the philosophical process, working methods and application of science. So that science and technology in their application are always effective, accordance with the aims and functions of science for human welfare. In addition, in history it has been stated that Muslim scientists at that time had become pioneers for the progress of Islamic civilization in all field of science about eight centuries before the time of Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) and Copernicus (1473-1543). This at least shows that the basic principles of science were compiled by scientists long before the philosophy of science was formulated as a scientific discipline. Islamic civilization has achieved spectacular glory and progress in the field of science in the early period of its history.

Technology refers to the application of scientific knowledge, skills, and tools for practical purposes. It encompasses a broad range of techniques, systems, and devices that are designed to solve problems, to improve efficiency, and to fulfill human needs. Technology can be tangible, such as smartphones, computers, or machinery, as well as intangible, like software, algorithms, and networks. The evolution of technology has significantly influenced various aspects of human life, such as communication, transportation, healthcare, education, and many other fields. It includes both ancient tools, like the wheel or simple tools, and modern innovations such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and biotechnology.

Dear happy audiences

Islam’s role in technology can be interpreted through the principles and values ​​promoted in Islamic teachings. There are several aspects of Islam’s role in technology such as Encouragement of the Search for Knowledge. Islam encourages its followers to seek knowledge. This principle paves the way for Muslims to develop and adopt technology as part of their efforts to gain knowledge.

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say,

 اَللَّهُمَّ اِنْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي, وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي, وَارْزُقْنِي عِلْمًا يَنْفَعُنِي

“O Allah! Grant me benefit in what you have taught me, and teach me useful knowledge and provide me with knowledge that will benefit me.”

The second is to emphasize Ethics and Morality. Islam places great emphasis on ethics and morality in every action, including the development and utilization of technology. Islamic ethical principles guide Muslims to use technology in ways that are beneficial and in accordance with religious values. As in Al-Qura’n in Surah Al-Imran (104)

وَلْتَكُن مِّنكُمْ أُمَّةٌ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى الْخَيْرِ وَيَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَأُوْلَئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ

Which means: “And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful.”

This verse encourages us to invite others to goodness, and in today’s digital age, technology becomes a powerful means to fulfill this duty.

The third is community empowerment. Islam encourages community empowerment and sustainable development. The use of technology is directed at improving the welfare of society and providing solutions to the challenges faced by humanity.

The fourth is a concept of benefits and harms. The principles of maslahah (benefits) and mafsadah (harms) in Islam guide the use of technology. Technology is expected to provide real benefits and not cause excessive negative impacts. For example, we can use technology, especially social media, to spread the Islamic religion, such as publishing Quranic verses,…

The fifth is Development of Science and Innovation. Islamic history records a glorious period in the development of science and innovation during the golden period of Islam. Scientific contributions in the fields of mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and engineering during the Middle Ages are historical evidence of Islam’s role in advancing knowledge and technology.

The last is environmental preservation. Islam emphasizes human responsibility as khalifah (leader) of the earth. Therefore, the development and use of technology is expected to follow the principles of sustainability and environmental preservation.

By guiding technology through these principles, Islam plays a role in directing the use of technology, so it is in line with religious values, ethics, and the welfare of humanity.

Dear happy audiences

Last but not least, the aim of science and technology in the perspective of Al-Qur’an is to achieve prosperity, safety, and happiness in the world and hereafter. It is also used in carrying out human duties as Abdullah and khalifatullah based on Al-Qur’an and Al-Hadith and to avoid inappropriate use of science and technology which causes damage to the various aspects of life.

Well, Maybe just it from me. I am Muhammad Ihsan Musyaffa. I am sorry if I have so many mistakes in my speech, and the last I say

Wassalamualaikum Wr. Wb.

*) Naskah pidato disampaikan pada PKM MA Kabupaten Sleman di Ponpes Sunan Pandanaran pada Rabu, 10 Januari 2024

Penulis Muhammad Ihsan Musyaffa, kelas XI Sains MA DIponegoro Yogyakarta