‘We shall show them Our signs in the universe and within themselves, until it becomes clear to them that this is the Truth.’ (41:53)

This verse clearly foretells the developments which took place in western nations one thousand years after the revelation of the Quran. This civilization of the West was, in reality, based on research in the field of science. There are two aspects to this: the theoretical and the practical or applied aspect. The applied aspect of western civilization may also be called the technological aspect. It is this aspect that is mentioned in the following tradition of the Prophet: God will certainly support His religion with the fajir or non-believer. (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 3062) Fajir here means a secular person. This saying of the Prophet is, in fact, a prediction of the emergence of western civilization which, in essence, was pro-human. That is, it would benefit all of mankind as well as the divine religion.

The evolution of western civilisation has two sides to it. One pertains to the intellectual revolution brought about in the social and political world. For instance, one major step forward was the replacement of monarchy by democracy. The other side pertains to the benefits introduced by science and technology such as the modern means of communication. This has given people a thorough knowledge of geography and facilitated travel from one place to another. The printing press too has greatly facilitated the dissemination of ideas across the whole world. Electronic technology has, indeed, turned the whole world into a global village. Now it has become possible to speak from one part of the globe and be heard and watched across the world.

What is the rationale for the contribution of the West?  A saying of the Prophet of Islam indicates this: A Companion, Al-Mustawrid reported: He said in front of Amr ibn al-‘As that he heard the Messenger of God say, “The Hour will be established while the Romans are the majority of people.” To this, Amr added, “If the Prophet said that, indeed, there are four good qualities in them: they are the most forbearing of people in tribulation, they are the quickest to recover after a calamity, they are the most eager to return after a retreat, and they are good to the poor, the orphan, and the vulnerable. Their fifth quality is good and beautiful: they are the best at stopping the oppression of their kings.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2898)