The pursuit of innovation and advancement has long been a defining characteristic of the West, while the Middle East has struggled to keep pace in scientific and technological progress. This disparity is evident when examining the origins of everyday inventions and significant advancements. The Nobel Prize history from 1901 to 2023 illustrates this gap starkly, with only 14 Muslim laureates and 11 from India, compared to 214 Jewish laureates, who make up a mere 0.2% of the global population but have won 22% of the prizes. In contrast, Christians have secured 783 Nobel Prizes.
Everyday innovations, from sewing needles to modern printers, bear the mark of Western ingenuity, predominantly British. The West’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and improvement stands in stark contrast to the Middle East’s focus on fashion, entertainment, and superficial pursuits. While the West has embraced and refined the tools of modernity, the Middle East remains a consumer rather than a creator.
This stagnation extends beyond technology into political science, sociology, economics, and education. Even notable indices like the Human Development Index (HDI), which measures life expectancy, education, and per capita income, are often mistakenly attributed to Western origin despite contributions from other regions.
The reasons for this disparity are manifold. The West’s culture of inquiry and perseverance, exemplified by figures like Newton, Galileo, and Einstein, has driven its progress. Conversely, the Middle East has shunned the rigorous intellectual pursuit encouraged by the Quran, resulting in a lack of innovation and progress.
The Middle East’s inability to emulate the West’s critical thinking and work ethic has led to a reliance on Western advancements without contributing significantly to the global pool of knowledge. This dependency extends to digital technologies, where Western-developed platforms and software dominate.
Reflecting on the West’s achievements, it is clear that meditation and hard work are integral to progress. The Quran’s emphasis on these attributes has been adopted by the West, propelling it to great heights while the Middle East remains mired in stagnation.
To break free from this cycle, there must be a renewed focus on intellectual rigor and innovation in the Middle East. Embracing the Quranic principles of hard work and meditation, as well as fostering a culture of inquiry, can help bridge the gap and restore the region’s contributions to global progress.
For further reading on the subject, the author’s book “Islam, Science, and Research” is available. Contact Shabaz Rashid at [email protected].
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