Tech & Auto
ISLAM
and technology
WRITTEN by. Umar MOHAMMED
I
nformation and
communication
technology (ICT) has
undoubtedly become
the central drive for the
evolution of a modern
society. The Muslim
world, like the rest of
the world participates in
this evolution. Muslims
have learnt how to use
IT to obtain Islamic
materials. Such materials
include among others
the translation of the
Qur’an, Tajweed, Hadith,
and Tafseer. In most
cases, language is not a
limitation as often one
can find material in his/
her preferred or native
language. Such materials
are available in text, audio
and video forms through
digital content or via
interactive chat rooms and
forums. ICT has connected
the world including
students with scholars and
seldom is one left without
a means to answer his/
her queries. Information
Technology not only
makes Islamic literature
globally accessible, but also
assumes an essential role
in spreading Islam all over
the world and clearing up
the misapprehensions of
non-Muslims about Islam.
And He said about
those who believed and
acquired knowledge:
“Allah will raise up, to
(suitable) ranks and
(degrees), those of you who
believe and who have been
granted knowledge. And
Allah is well-acquainted
with all you do.”
(Qur’an, Al-Mujadilah
58:11)
56 | Ihsaan | Issue 1
When a servant of Allah
is granted knowledge,
he appreciates Allah’s
creation more, and
becomes more acquainted
with Allah’s attributes and
qualities. Consequently, he
wholeheartedly witnesses
that his Creator is the only
one worthy of worship,
and then submits to Him
humbly. This, in return,
generates in his heart a
fear, which is akin to a full
appreciation and love of
His Lord.
Internet and Mobile
Applications
Although initially
the Internet became
popular for messaging
and chatting, it steadily
became a more popular
medium for training
and education. Islamic
books, literature, lectures
and speeches by famous
researchers, translation
and interpretation of the
Qur’an and much more are
available online. Several
sites now offer Islamic
material, internet TV
programming, live lectures
and eventsglobally. There
are Islamic universities
and institutes that are
accessible online; no longer
do we need to physically
attend a class to seek
knowledge.
Many smartphone
apps cater to religious
needs. Some show mosques
and halaal businesses close
to a user’s location. Salaah
3D is an iPhone guide to
how to pray. Another app,
Quran Majeed, includes
text and audio versions of
the Quran not only in Arabic, but other languages,
making the holy book more accessible to Muslims
whose first language is not Arabic. It has been
downloaded more than three million times, how can
that not be beneficial?
With the right intention, technology can be a means
of reward; through seeking knowledge of Deen and
spreading the message of Islam.