The Sixth Islamic Governance Symposium

History is a testament to the Muslims’ innovative zeal and technological advancements to tackle contemporaneous needs. During the Golden Age of Islamic civilisation (184 – 802AH / 622 – 1258AD), technological progresses, ranged from architectural designs of minarets, astrolabes and surgical tools, along with mathematical concepts like algebra, only scratch the surface of Islam’s invaluable knowledge contributions. Such innovative advancements are still utilised, even in today’s seemingly sophisticated world.

However, the Muslim world currently experiences and delivers less significant scientific and artistic progress, coupled with receding technological innovations, exacerbated by globalisation rapidly gaining prominence, and the increasing capitalistic prioritisation of economic profit over societal benefit. Although many advantages manifested from such socio-economic evolution, it has been partnered with heavy, and sometimes fatal, consequences; from environmental degradation, such as the insatiable deforestation of the Amazon, to societal deprivation, including fast fashion’s utilisation of modern-day slavery. These repercussions, combined with moral poverty and spiritual starvation, have pushed global civilisation to the brink of collapsing under its own weight. Alternative approaches are not only needed for Muslims, but the world at large.

One such alternative is an ageless, timeless tradition, that is, the Maqāṣid, or Objectives, of the Sharī’ah. Founded upon the internal structure of the Qur’ān, the Maqāṣid foster innovations beyond the economically oriented invention, or betterment of commercial goods and services, as well as, the wider concerns, disciplines, and industries. Within an Islamic System of Governance, social innovations, underpinned by the Maqāṣid and driven by theological motives, integrate revolutionary solutions, via the collaboration of various societal levels, in order to address challenges within civil society.

Qur’ān as the source of Innovative Thinking

The Qur’ān possess a time lock, in way that it will reveal itself when the time comes, and the necessary conditions allow for various innovations. An example of such discovery is the scientific explanation regarding pregnancy. The Qur’ān offers solutions and guidance to both divine and worldly matters. This significance of the Qur’ān was understood by past Muslim scholars. Hence, they integrated Qur’ānic knowledge in all aspects of life, including education, science, and technology.