TECHNOLOGY today advances at an unbelievable rate. What is new today can become obsolete tomorrow. The progress made in research and development (R&D) has enabled mankind to advance and move into the third millennium with new technologies that once were regarded as science fiction.
Most of the technological advancements are made possible by improvement n information and communication technology (ICT). Even ICT itself is continuously being improved almost daily. This probably prompted a professor at BT Laboratories in Britain to compare making comments on Internet advancements to shooting at a speeding bullet with an arrow.
In other words, it is well-nigh impossible to do so. The rapid progress in R&D has also brought about new ways of living for us. Tools and gadgets which were once expensive are now cheaper.
Personal computers and cellular phones are some of the obvious examples of things which are now regarded as a necessity rather than a luxury. The technology used for these tools and gadgets is also improving.
Technological convergence has enabled us to use only one tool or gadget for a multitude of applications.
Cellular phones, for instance, are not merely telephones that are simply mobile these days.
They also act as diaries, personal organisers, alarm clocks, calculators, Internet browsers, radios and have other wide-ranging applications.All these changes brought about by technology have altered the way in which we live. For people forever on the move, these technological changes have also brought about convenience.Without a doubt, Islam welcomes any progress or development as long as it is not against the precepts of the religion.
Progress or development which can improve man’s quality of life is very much encouraged by Islam.
Nonetheless, whenever new technological advancements are introduced into a society, there is bound to be some problems. For instance, how will these advancements affect society? How then will Islam respond to these changes?
In the past, societal changes brought about by technological advancements were relatively slow.
Any changes then could be studied without much haste. Today, if an issue crops up as a result of technological advancements, a quick response by Muslim scholars is needed.
They cannot afford to take their time to look at the issues at hand.
This is simply because in the age of the Internet, news and information travel as fast as blinking an eye. A slow response from Muslim scholars in addressing any issues will provide the opportunity for irresponsible quarters to spread their opinions.
By simply posting these opinions on the Internet, millions across the world can access them with ease.
This is why Muslims are reminded to always check the source of any information or news obtained.In this respect, God says in verse 6 of Surah al-Hujurat in the Quran to the effect that: “O ye who believe! If a
wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest ye harm people unwittingly, and afterwards become full of repentance for what ye have done.”
Secondly, as mentioned earlier, technological progress is very rapid. Issues which arise as a result of technological progress should be addressed promptly before a new issue crops up.
Muslim scholars cannot afford to take their time as technological advancements will continue to bring about a barrage of issues, problems and challenges which require immediate response.The recent issue of divorce through short message service (SMS) is one good illustration of why Muslim scholars and the authorities need to address the situation quickly. Slow reaction from the scholars could result in restlessness and agitation.
The issue will then become a polemic which, more often than not, is damaging and destructive to society.
The response from the relevant authorities to the SMS issue should have been a lot quicker.
This is simply because in Malaysia, under the Islamic Family Law, there is a set of procedures for marriage and divorce that must be followed.
As such, the issue of SMS divorce should not have been a polemic in the first place.
Some people may argue that the procedures under the Islamic Family Law are more than what is required by Islam.
This is true, but the purpose behind such strict procedures is to ensure the well-being of the Muslim community.
This is what is known in Islam as maslahah. The greater good of the public is the priority. This is the reason why under the Islamic Family Law in the country, divorce through SMS is not allowed.
If it is allowed, then many questions would arise. Islamic jurisprudence looks at many elements to ensure justice
is done. These elements include intention, the state of affairs of the person or persons involved and the situation.
SMS divorceinvolves the element of communication which is integral in ICT. SMS is basically an automated message sent by one cellular phone user to another. The nature of the message is speedy, paperless and faceless.
The last element, the faceless factor, can bring forth many uncertainties and doubts. How can one be sure the message was sent from the owner of the cellular phone? Even if it was,how can one ascertain his condition or state of affairs? Had he been forced?
These are just some of the uncertainties pertaining to divorce via SMS. That is why Malaysian Islamic Law requires the pronouncement of divorce to be made in front of a judge so that these uncertainties can be eliminated.
Having said that, the issue of SMS divorce seems to have settled over the past few days or so.
This is because of the response given by the relevant religious authorities.
However, issues such as this will continue to emerge from time to time, especially with every progress made in technology. It is imperative, therefore, for Muslim authorities and Muslim scholars to be aware of these technological advancements and their effects on society so that appropriate and prompt response can be given.