Modernization and the Qur‘anic Stand Balancing Progress with Divine Guidance
أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Assalamu-Alaikum-wa-Rahmatullahi- wa-Barakatuh!
Introduction We are living through an age in which things change at a tremendous pace all within a Short time; the then standard technologies we familiarised are now out of date; religious societies are losing members and; that same society has alienated itself from the past resulting from modern perception.
Modernization is a general concept (from Marshall to Marcos which), in general, it can be defined as the process of adjusting to modern modes of life; implementation of innovation; and the progress of accumulation of knowledge, infrastructural adjustment and the government policies etcetera.
But for Muslims asking for(that seek to Know what's the Qur'an perspective on the mordernization and remain up-to-date here we go ) this crucial question like:
Does modernization deny the Qur‘an?
The answer, as we will see, is far more complex than a yes or no. The Qur‘an, revealed over 1,400 years ago, holds universal truths that not only allow for progress but promote knowledge, reflection and prosperous growth within a moral and ethical paradigm( you're allowed to be modern provided that you keep with the Qur'an guiding principles, right and straight)
What Is Modernization in a Layman's Terms?
Modernization : This encompasses advancements in everything e.g. Technology & Digital Tools Innovative Ideas, Educational Standard Governmental Policies (as justice, equality , etcetera) institutional development, Economy & trade, entrepreneurship among others.
The Qur'anic Perspective on Progress and Knowledge
- The Qur'an Encourages the Pursuit of Knowledge
Here is a Reference Some Chapters from the Qur'an as follow;
"Read in the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous,who taught by the pen , taught man that which he knew not."
In Surah Al-Alaq (96:1-5)
- Reflection and Exploration Are Encouraged
"Do they not look at the camels, how they are created? And at the sky, how it is raised? And at the mountains, how they are firmly set? And at the earth, how it is spread out?"
In Surah Al-Ghashiyah (88:17-20)
"Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding."
In Surah Aal-(E)-Imran (3:190)
- Change and Improvement Begin Within
"Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves."
In Surah Ar-Ra'd (13:11)
- Balance and Moderation Are Key
"And thus We have made you a moderate nation that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you.
"In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:143)
- Corruption and Excess Are Warned Against
"Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea because of what the hands of people have earned, so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness]."
In Surah Ar-Rum (30:41)
"And do not desire corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters."
In Surah Al-Qasas (28:77)
Where Caution Is Needed from YOU !
Modernization becomes problematic when it:
Promotes materialism over spiritual well-being.
Encourages immorality in the name of freedom.
Leads to injustice or exploitation of the vulnerable.
Causes environmental destruction for profit.
Replaces divine guidance with purely secular ideologies that dismiss your faith in (Allah) God at all.
God says in the Qur'an:-
"The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception( by the Satan)." Be alert!
In Surah Aal-E-Imran (3:185)
Conclusion:
The Qur'an does not oppose modernization (not at all but) it opposes heedlessness, injustice, and moral corruption(this could be found in any other God divine books). Progress that is guided by knowledge, justice, compassion, and God-consciousness is not only permitted but praised (encourage and motivated throughout).
Muslims are called to be contributors to civilization ; to also build, innovate, heal, educate, and lead but; all while holding firmly to the ethical and spiritual framework that the Qur'an provides.
Modernization, when guided by revelation, becomes not a threat to faith but a fulfillment of it( already complementary guide).
God(Allah advises his prophet in the Qur'an to ask for more advanced knowledge, reference chapter as follow;
"And say: My Lord, increase me in knowledge."
In Surah Ta-Ha (20:114)
فَتَعَٰلَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡمَلِكُ ٱلۡحَقُّۗ وَلَا تَعۡجَلۡ بِٱلۡقُرۡءَانِ مِن قَبۡلِ أَن يُقۡضَىٰٓ إِلَيۡكَ وَحۡيُهُۥۖ وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدۡنِى عِلۡمًا
Masha'Allah! May Allah accept all our good will Ameen.
Written with reflection and reverence. May it benefit all who read it.