ElizabethDWallace

Grand Knowledge, Globalization,  & the Muslim World! – Part Eight

Hasan Yahya, Ph.D

The assumption reads: “Religion cannot be perceived as an objective truth.” Is scientifically, true. Because objectivity in science, has rules and measures, cannot be applied to religions. In the Arab and Muslim world, however, the legitimate authority to produce ideas, and have the right to interpret, and to speak for certain objectivity matters is judged by Islamic subjectivity.  Which I believe, stands as an obstacle for rapid change to accept new technologies and innovative ideas, which seems unacceptable taking the nature of the Muslim world into consideration. Take for example, civil society and NGOs organizations, building nations,  democratization, and other secular inventions.           

Building nations may represent partly or completely,  the concepts mentioned above. Historically, took  two approaches of governing nations: One is Top-Down [TD] and the other is Bottom-Up [BU]. Bureaucracy and development, however,  are in congruity with both approaches. This may include local, regional, and international organizations. Efficiency of political systems nationally or globally, depends on which type or approach is followed or practiced.  In terms of indigenous local volunteer based civil society, Problem solving levels [Local, national, global] , Spread of disease, malnutrition reduction, purify water, and improve agricultural production these are adapted in strongly in some nations with less extent in the Arab and Muslim nations[the OIC members]. 

Community based or home-span implies that the idea originated in the neighborhood and was developed in partnership with village elders that took indigenous insights assets and cultural norms into account.

Admit failing of last 60 years plus, of development assistance.

Producer-consumers among the poor communities should be encouraged.

We live in a ready made network for connecting Third and First world , North-South, Rich-poor, Developed-underdeveloped, and haves-have-nots.

In conclusion of this series of articles on “Grand Knowledge, Globalization,  and the Muslim World!” is to ask the question: What’s needed ? Part of the answer is common in management and conflict resolution schools and theories. Such as: problem solving, decision making process, and leadership styles which  begin with what, when? how? And where? Planning of each answer to these questions is, I believe a good start. Any answer have to be identified,  suggesting alternatives, discussions and selecting the vital and most highest probable  solution to the problem in hand.  For example: The need for information is necessary to acquire knowledge of the issues under each question. Another example: priority questions may be applied to create a seedbed base through accumulating potential body of knowledge determined by reliable research methodologies. In so doing, this includes energizing university students and establishing technical schools is necessary to doing research on various local, regional, and global levels. And the utilization of problem solving and critical thinking to tackle the immediate and far challenges to prioritize the needs of the three levels.  The role of colleges and universities, and higher education institutions have to play a vital role on the three levels. The topic continues. (517 words)

Hasan Yahya, is an American Arab scholar, a professor of Sociology, a columnist at wfol.tv, Malaysia, and TINA International News Agency, Chicago, USA. www.hasanyahya.com