Religion doesn’t hinder national development, by Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim
Someone on Facebook argues that religion hinders countries from developing. I fail to see the connection. Politics is chiefly responsible for a country’s development or lack thereof.
Islam and Christianity, the religions I am most familiar with, do not prevent their adherents from attending school or pursuing any field of study.
My family is, I can confidently say, quite religious. Despite this, we have members who are Ph.D. holders and other graduates. We also have nurses, midwives, and teachers, etc., among us (both members and their spouses).
Qatar, Malaysia, and Indonesia are three good examples. They are “conservative” Muslim countries. However, they are developing on a fast track.
Iran and Bangladesh have some of the highest female literacy rates in the world. Women work in almost all sectors in Saudi Arabia today. The examples are many.
It’s sad our youths are misinformed about religion and modernity. They always look at Westerners’ lifestyles as synonymous with development and civilization. No, they are more than that.
To the vast majority of the Muslim world, Boko is not only halal but essential. Thus, don’t pigeonhole your views. Or rely on some ill-informed writers and sensationalized mainstream media headlines.
May we be guided, amin.
Muhsin Ibrahim is a PhD who teaches at the University of Cologne, Germany and he can be reached via muhsin2008@gmail.com