DR. ANWAR NASIM

Science, Technology, Sustainable Economic Development and Islam

The paper explores briefly the role of technology for achieving sustainable economic development with special emphasis on examining these correlations from an Islamic perspective. The concept of sustainable development is now fairly well defined and relates to the 'development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'.

Economic prosperity or well being in one approach can be quantified using measurable indictors such as GNP and GDP (measures of the amount of the economic production of a particular territory in financial capital terms during a specific time period. It is often seen as an indicator of the standard of living in a country, but there are some problems with this view).

From a more philosophical point of view this kind of materialistic well being is certainly not a measure of the contentment and happiness of the majority of people living in any society. The overall social set up, the prevailing moral and ethical values and human relationships finally determine the true nature of any society. This kind of an interactive, intricate system is the one that will define a balanced, healthy and happy society. From an Islamic point of view where the concepts of reward and punishment, life here after, contentment, shying away from greed are some of the basic teachings the ideal society may be significantly different from the present day world.

Islam an overview

The word Islam is an Arabic word that means “submission” to the will of God.  It also means “peace” since its root SILM has the meaning of being at peace.   “Submission” means to the will of Almighty God also means the acceptance of the One and Only God (Allah) as the Source of all blessings that humans enjoy as God’s creatures. Peace signifies inner peace (peace with oneself), peace with the Creator, as well as