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
