Perhaps shifting a mentality amongst the Muslims (or in general the citizens of a future Caliphate), to encourage trying innovative techniques of learning and developing. Conservatism will stifle new ideas and thoughts, as it fears change and enforces rigidity. The Counter-reformation in Europe challenged the old way of ruling and concepts of divine rule, unquestioning obedience, and accepting the world as it was. Both religious and secular authorities feared the new ways of thinking and implications of scientific discoveries. Changes in society (as ideas travelled more freely after the arrival of printing) were harder for authorities to contain. Even when conservatism was re-established in the early 1800’s, the new discoveries in geology and fossil finds challenged the authority of the Bible again. The deep questions such as the origin of life and age of the Earth really undermined the tradition teachings of the world being created about 6000 years ago.
What does the enquiring human being do when he/she finds some long held belief or reference to be false? If there are physical evidences, perhaps fossils, dating of rocks, and empirical proofs; these now become sought after. Europe continued in this vein ever since. Russia, North America and Far East Asia continue this development of inquiry.
Perhaps some good places to start would be to renovate the observatories and large complexes which once housed the leading thinkers and scientists of the time. Along with museums and exhibits this could reignite the interest in science and learning which can once again find a patron in the Islamic civilisation as was the case before.
Any brave ideas? - Zeital
↧