"Islam emphatically calls upon the Muslims to progress in the intellectual and scientific fields and to attain perfection in technology and industry in order to accomplish the vicegerency of earth. Drawing inspiration from these same teachings of the glorious Qur'an and the Sunnah of the holy Prophet (PBUH), the Muslims had made rapid strides in this field in the medieval ages. It is therefore

Sheikh Mohammed Shihabuddin Nadvi (extreme right) Addressing the Conference

in these arts and sciences and show the humanity the right path," said Sheikh Mohammed Shihabuddin Nadvi presenting his research paper on 'The Attitude of Islam towards Globalization and Scientific Progress' in the 10th General Conference of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs at Cairo between 2-5 July, 1998. 

He said, "This is an era of science and technology which has direct relevance to the martial power.  Those nations and communities who master them, rule over the other nations of the world.  If Islam guides the Muslims to the path of righteousness, in the same vein it calls upon them to progress in the fields of science and technology."

 Relationship of sciences with human life

Sheikh Nadvi further said that the Almighty had revealed two kinds of sciences for the prosperity and well-being of man both in this world and the hereafter.  The first of them is that which pertains to the Shariah, which binds man to his Almighty Creator.  The other one being the science of nature.  This latter science has a deep significance in the life of man.  Man cannot remain isolated from the manifestations of nature either in his individual or collective life.  Today these sciences have progressed in bewildering proportions unparalleled in the annals of the entire human history.

 Attitude of Islam towards science & Technology

These technologies are symptomatic of the development of man and the society today.  Those who shy away from them remain backward and exploited.  These sciences enjoy immense significance in Islam.  The holy Qur'an therefore employs a variety of styles and phrases in emphasizing the Muslims to progress in science and technology. The divine emphasis is on two counts: first, to ponder in to the natural phenomena, and second, to exploit the material benefits concealed in them.  The holy Qur'an says: "Say: 'Behold all that is in the heavens and on earth".  (Yunus: 101).  It further says: "Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies, of Allah and your enemies."  (Al-Anfal: 60)

 Theoretical and applied sciences

Sheikh Nadvi explained that the first of the divine injunctions pertains to the theoretical sciences whereas the second one relates to the applied and practical ones.  In the former category, man enlightens his mind and wisdom with the study of nature and the physical forces embedded in it which leads him to the ultimate reality of the existence of a Supreme Being.  The second category of applied sciences is the product of the former wherein man exploits the natural phenomena to his benefit in reward to his contemplation upon the nature.  The glorious Qur'an says: "On the earth are Signs for those of assured Faith, as also in your own selves: will yet not then see?" (Az-Zariyat: 20-21)

In a nutshell, if the theoretical sciences enlighten human mind and protect him from fallacious ideologies, the applied ones bestow upon him the divine bounties found in the form of material benefits in them.  It is in this context that Islam prevails upon man to ponder deep in to the natural phenomena benefit by the divine rewards.  

 Contribution of Muslims in the development of applied sciences

He further said that the Muslims were the first in this world to lay the foundation of practical sciences in the medieval ages.   Acting upon the divine injunctions, they took these sciences to alarming heights.  They played an important role in the development of science and attained the leadership of world.  Quite a few unbiased intellectuals have dully acknowledged their accomplishments on this score.