IT is not difficult to see why some people do not regard technology as being important to Islam. Technology" is a word that could not to be found in the Quran nor the prophetic traditions. The word has Greek and Latin origins. "Technology" is derived from the Greek word "tekhnologia" and the Latin word "technolo-gia" which can roughly be translated to "a systematic approach in doing things".
Since the word "technology" is not of Arabic origin, it is of no surprise that it could not be found in either the Quran or Hadith. However, this does not mean that there is no mention of the usage of technology in both these im-portant sources of reference for Muslims.
For anyone who studies the Quran as well as the Hadith, they would easily find many instances where the usage of "technology" is mentioned. Of course, most of these instances are subtle, but if a person were to think deeply, he or she would find the use of technology is implied.
The Quran, for example, mentions various technologies to be found throughout civilisation such as ship-building, navigation, metallurgy, construction and information and communication technology (ICT).
In Verse 23 of Surah al-Mukminun, for instance, God tells of the story of Prophet Nuh who was instructed to build an ark as a refuge for the believers from the great storm that was approaching. No doubt there is no mention of "technology" from this verse.
Nonetheless, one can deduce from this verse that in order to build an ark that could withstand the terrible thunderstorm and at the same time carry many people and animals without sinking would require the appropriate knowledge in shipbuilding.
This knowledge is "technology". That is why Islam always stresses the importance of gaining and mastering knowledge, and thus, gaining and mastering technology.
This has always been the prerequisite for any civilisation to advance; and the same still rings true. Looking at what is transpiring in today's world, one could see that "he who possesses technology controls the world".
Much has been said about the need for Muslims to master technology, but unfortu-nately little has been done about it. As a result, we see Muslims of today being belittled and left behind in all areas. Muslims must realise that knowledge 'and technology' will benefit the Muslim world at large.
All this while, ICT has been used to disparage Islam with negative images such as terrorism, poverty, illiteracy and the likes. Muslims should realise that ICT also provides a level playing field for everyone.
Hence, anyone with knowledge of ICT, including Muslims, could make full use of it. Efforts should be taken to ensure Muslims capitalise on this technology to correct the distorted image of Islam. Muslims could make use of ICT to de-demonise Islam.
Technology could also be used to further enhance the understanding of both Muslims and non-Muslims on Islam. When we say "technology", we are not just limiting ourselves to ICT. This fact should be realised by the preachers of Islam.
[Source: http://ikimnt.ikim.gov.my]