Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues — Page 4
4 islam’s response to contemporary issues advancement of science and technology in every sphere of human requirement at a mind-boggling pace. No doubt, the more fortunate sections of human society, known as the First and Second World, have a much larger share of the fruits of scientific progress in the contemporary age, but the Third World has also benefited to a degree. Rays of progress have penetrated even the innermost recesses of the darkest areas, where a section of human society still lives in a remote past. Nevertheless, man is not happy and content. There is growing restlessness, fear, premonition, lack of trust in the future and dissatisfaction with one’s heritage. These are some of the important elements, which challenge the nature of the contemporary world. It, in turn, gives birth to a deep-seated dissatisfaction of man either with his past or with his present; particularly, it runs deep in the formative thought processes of the younger generation. Man is in search of peace. Islam’s Contribution to World Peace The word Islam literally means peace. In this single word, all Islamic teachings and attitudes are most beautifully and concisely reflected. Islam is a religion of peace. Its teachings guarantee peace in every sphere of human interest and aspiration. For today’s address, I have categorised some areas in which the contemporary world stands in need of guidance: 1. Inter-religious peace and harmony 2. Social peace, in general