The masjid, Islamic center, and community are no longer rooted to the physical world. Now they all have a place in the digital realm. In 1995, Internet access hit the mainstream with ISPs (Internet Service Providers) offering customers dial-up access to the World Wide Web.
Today we find ourselves in a new era of digital speed and possibility, with more people than ever before having access to the Internet and other communication technologies. The Digital Masjid, a series of technology articles available from Readingislam.com, will explore the theoretical frameworks, obstacles, and possibilities in using technology to benefit our world with Islam.
The digital frontier is wide open and ready for new developments. The Muslim community worldwide has an exciting opportunity to harness information technology so that Islamic culture and teachings can continue to grow. Further technological innovations can help Muslims find new ways to organize Islamic activities and distribute the message of Islam.
Muslims must continue to embrace the spirit of scientific experimentation and learning inherent in Islamic teachings. Through messages in the Qur'an that place a high value on knowledge, Allah inspired the pursuit of learning within Islamic culture. This inspiration gave rise to a period of scientific enlightenment far surpassing any progress at the time.
During the medieval age, Muslims actively synthesized knowledge from other cultures, producing innovations and developments whose impact would ripple through to the modern age. Architectural developments like the dome, medical developments like The Canon of Medicine written by Abu Ali Al-Husayn ibn Abdullah Ibn Sina (Avecinna), mathematical developments like the Arabic numbering system, algebra developed by Al-Khwarizmi, can all be credited to the Islamic value that embraces the pursuit of knowledge, learning, and scientific discovery.
[High above all is Allah, the King, the Truth. Do not be in haste with the Qur'an before its revelation to you is completed, but say,"O my Sustainer! Increase my knowledge."] (Ta-Ha 20:114)
In seeking knowledge of all things that Allah has created, we learn more about Allah and about His Truth. By understanding and utilizing the latest in digital technology, we make use of the knowledge that Allah has given us, and what better way to use it than to spread the hope of Islam and to benefit Muslim endeavors for the sake of Allah Most High.
Read the series:
1- Incorporating IT Into Your Masjid Management Strategy
2- Pooling Community Talent
3- Planning the E-Masjid
4- The Digital Madrasah
5- The Da`wah Database
6- Fixing the Risky Masjid: Data Protection in a Hostile World
7- Building a Bridge
