Technology vs Muslim Scholars

Religious Scholars and Modern Technology: 

A Tale of Resistance and Adaptation 

Throughout history, religious scholars in many Muslim societies have exhibited resistance to technological advancements. This pattern of initial rejection followed by eventual adoption has left lasting impacts on the cultural, technological, and economic development of these societies. The historical reluctance to embrace innovation reveals both the challenges of reconciling tradition with progress and the consequences of delayed adaptation.

 

The Clock That Marked Progress but Was Smashed as Heresy 

When the mechanical clock first arrived in Ottoman Turkey in late 1570, it was dismissed as a heretical invention. A crown prince even went so far as to publicly smash it in a square, branding it a symbol of unwelcome innovation. However, the first clock tower in Turkey was erected in 1797 in Safranbolu.

Yet today, watches and clocks are ubiquitous, including among religious scholars who once deemed them unacceptable. 

 

The Camera and the “Sin” of Images 

The invention of the camera and the subsequent development 1816-1826 of photography faced staunch opposition from clerics, who labeled it un-Islamic, later in 1924, when the Turkish Republic officially adopted secularism, images accepted.

In parts of the Indian subcontinent, taking photographs was considered sinful well into the 20th century.

However, fast forward to the present, and the same religious leaders who opposed photography now frequently appear on camera, their sermons and discussions broadcasted across television and digital platforms.

 

The Case of Coffee: A “Forbidden” Brew 

Even something as mundane as coffee did not escape controversy. When coffee arrived in the Ottoman Empire around 1620, riots broke out, fueled by the misconception that it was a product of Western infidels. Ironically, coffee’s origins trace back to Muslim regions in Africa, underscoring the resistance rooted in ignorance rather than substance.

 

Technological Resistance: The Printing Press and Beyond 

Perhaps one of the most detrimental examples of technological rejection was the printing press. For over 500 years, Muslim societies barred its use, fearing it would erode the art of calligraphy and disrupt the livelihoods of scribes. The Mughal Emperor Akbar reportedly dismissed the printing press, arguing it would lead to unemployment among scribes. Such short-sighted decisions left Muslim societies lagging behind in education and innovation for centuries. 

In contrast, European societies embraced the printing press, sparking a revolution in knowledge dissemination and literacy.

Loudspeakers and the Evolution of Religious Practice 

The arrival of loudspeakers in South Asia was similarly contentious. Initially deemed haram (forbidden) by prominent scholars like Maulana Ashraf Thanvi, loudspeakers were eventually embraced and are now indispensable in mosques. Today, however, their misuse—such as overlapping broadcasts from multiple mosques—raises questions about thoughtful integration rather than outright rejection. 

 

Lessons from the East: Adopting Technology Without Losing Identity 

While religious scholars in Muslim societies resisted technological advancements, countries like Japan and China took a different approach. They embraced modern innovations while safeguarding their cultural and religious traditions. By doing so, they positioned themselves as exporters of technology, leading global industries in manufacturing, robotics, and artificial intelligence. 

This adaptability contrasts sharply with the stagnation observed in many Muslim-majority countries, where fear of cultural erosion or perceived religious incompatibility often delayed progress. As a result, these nations became dependent on technological imports, limiting their ability to compete globally.

 

The Cost of Resistance 

The opposition of religious scholars to technology often stems from a fear of change disrupting societal norms. However, the repercussions of such resistance are borne by society at large. When societies fail to adopt and integrate new technologies promptly, they risk falling behind, not just technologically but economically and politically. 

Religious scholars eventually adopt the very technologies they once opposed, evident in the widespread use of platforms like YouTube by many prominent clerics. Yet, the initial resistance often results in lost opportunities for advancement and growth.

 

A Path Forward: Bridging Tradition and Modernity 

The resistance to technology in Muslim societies highlights a broader challenge: finding a balance between preserving religious and cultural identity while embracing progress. Religious scholars hold significant influence and could play a constructive role by guiding their communities toward thoughtful adoption of innovations. 

 

Rather than viewing technology as a threat, it can be framed as a tool for amplifying positive values, improving education, and fostering economic development. Learning from other societies that have successfully navigated this balance can offer valuable lessons for the future. 

 

The history of technological resistance in Muslim societies serves as a cautionary tale of missed opportunities and delayed progress. To thrive in an increasingly interconnected and competitive world, these societies must move beyond the reflexive rejection of change and instead embrace innovation as a means of empowerment. Only then can they shed the legacy of technological dependency and reclaim a place of leadership in global progress.

References:

ISLAM AND PHOTOGRAPHY