In this modern era, technological advancement has brought various changes in human life. However, there are still some people who easily forbid everything that smells of modern technology.
They assume that technology is something that goes against Islamic values, even though Islam is a flexible religion and is able to adapt to the developments of the times.
In Islamic studies, there are concepts of qiyas and ilat which are the basis for establishing laws on new matters that are not explicitly mentioned in the Quran and Hadith.
Why Do Some Ban Modern Technology?
Some individuals or groups often consider modern technology as something dangerous or contrary to Islamic values. There are several reasons underlying this view:
- Ignorance of the Nature of Technology – Some people do not understand that technology is only a neutral tool and its use depends on the user's intentions and goals.
- Fear of Negative Influences – Technology does have positive and negative impacts. Some individuals focus more on the negative impacts such as the spread of immoral content, dependence on gadgets, or the influence of foreign cultures that are considered to be damaging to Islamic values.
- Rigid Understanding of Sharia – There are groups who understand religion textually without considering the ijtihad method, including qiyas and ilat in determining the law.
- The Existence of Conspiracy Thinking – Not a few believe that modern technology is part of a big conspiracy to distance Muslims from the teachings of their religion.
Qiyas and Ilat in Islam
Islam as a perfect religion has a method in determining the law for new matters that are not directly mentioned in the Qur'an and Hadith. The two main concepts that play a role in this are qiyas and ilat .
Qiyas (Legal Analogy)
Qiyas is an analogy method in Islam that is used to determine the law of a new case that is not explicitly mentioned in the text by comparing it to another case that already has a clear law. Qiyas is done by looking for similarities in essential nature (ilat) between the two.
Ilat (Legal Reason)
Ilāt is the cause or reason that is the basis for establishing a law in Islam. Ilāt must be objective and unchanging.
Islamic Attitude towards Technology
Islam is a religion that does not reject progress, but rather directs that progress be utilized for good. Some of the principles of Islam in responding to technological developments are:
- Technology as a Means, Not an End – Islam does not prohibit the use of technology as long as it does not conflict with sharia values.
- Using Technology Wisely – Muslims must use technology wisely and in accordance with religious guidance, such as avoiding the spread of hoaxes and negative content.
- Maintaining Morals in the Digital World – Technology should not be an excuse to violate Islamic ethics, such as spreading slander, hate speech, or committing cybercrime.
- Supporting the Advancement of Science – Islam encourages its followers to continue seeking knowledge and innovating for the good of humanity.
Conclusion
The easy attitude of forbidding everything that has to do with modern technology without considering qiyas and ilāt can cause the Muslim community to be backward in facing the developments of the times.
Islam has provided clear principles in establishing laws regarding new matters, so that Muslims should be able to understand and use technology wisely.
By applying qiyas and understanding ilāt, we can determine which are truly prohibited and which can be utilized for the benefit of the people.
Therefore, we should be wiser in responding to technology, not rejecting it blindly, but using it responsibly according to Islamic teachings.