SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: BASES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A COUNTRY

                                   

          The industrialized countries constituting less than 25% of the world population account for 4% of the world GNP and thereby dominate the world economically, politically and militarily. On the other hand, the Muslim countries representing about 20% of the world population produce less than 5% of the world GNP. The difference lies in technology, which enables nations to generate wealth and multiply the value of their natural and human resources.

No developing country can advance unless science becomes a part of its culture and is accepted by its people. Countries, which are aware of the crucial importance of science and technology, are doing better. In Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a good example. There is no doubt that those developing countries which are doing better have to give high priority to science and technology in the overall national development programmes.

The technological transformation of the Muslim countries will pose formidable challenges and demands strong commitment, unwavering determination, relentless persistence, major investments and sustained and organized efforts over a long period of time. There is neither short cut nor an easy way out. Institutions of higher learning play an important role in developing the techno-scientific base. A strong base in scientific research has to be established in the universities and research organizations.

Science is universal in character and has converted the world of today into a global village. Technology grows from science which is a strong cultural force. Technology penetrates easily and effectively into various levels of progressive societies and brings enormous benefits with it. Problems of a, society, the quality of life and the environment are global in their causes and effects, and are strongly connected with the development of science and hence technology.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, the most valuable resources of the Muslim countries are not oil or mineral wealth but its people who think, plan, create, and produce. The ultimate resource of a nation is its brainpower. The latter is developed through education at all educational levels. It is a historical fact that no country has become truly developed nation without having a sound scientific foundation.

Planning for a scientific manpower in the country is a long-term exercise. In the short run, a country can set up almost overnight, if funds are available, an impressive array of research institutions and laboratories. However, it is quite another matter to produce a pool of local personnel to run them. Successful production of sophisticated local manpower is a multigenerational process requiring practical planning over several decades.

Muslim countries should engage actively in the enterprise of science and in creating scientific knowledge not only because it is a holy injunction to seek knowledge but also because the role of science is very important in the development of these countries. An affluent Muslim country has its important role to play in partnership with the ummah. A right step towards the development of a scientific infrastructure will help it to equip itself in the use of its natural resources to its and the ummah's best advantage and to improve the governance and economy of the country. Today, knowledge is power, and science in application, the major instrument of material progress.

Not only does the creation of an indigenous scientific and technological capacity help in the betterment of a country, it will also help developing Muslim countries to lessen and eventually cease their dependence on technological and technical transfers from the industrialized developed nations.

The pursuit of scientific research is a rewarding intellectual exercise in itself. It is a universal human activity that has fascinated scholars for millennia. History bears out that scientific brilliance is always accompanied by economic efflorescence. The ancient Greeks and the Muslims of the 8th to 11th centuries A.D. had pursued it for the glory of the human mind. As the renowned mathematician, Professor Graham Higman, has said:

            We do fundamental research, not only to acquire results solely but because the process is an ennobling one; it is one that makes you more worthwhile than before.

An entire generation educated to appreciate the beauty and power of science will have far reaching effects on the scientific and technological culture of a country.