Development of Information Systems from an Islamic Perspective - A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Since the onset of Western modernity, no other technology has such immense influence on Muslim societies as Information & Communication Technologies (ICT). While adopting such systems for the usage, development or advancement - need to be scrutinized from Islamic perspective being the Shari‘ah as a complete way of life, imposes certain individual and collective responsibilities upon Muslims to which they are accountable hereafter. In this regard the proposed study considered three factors creativity, productivity and quality related to information technologies then explored the current trends in IT, analyzed the impact of ICT on Muslim societies and explained the reasons for each factor – finally concluded with a way forward solution. For that purpose (1) To assess the innovation, development and the utilization of Technology, Business and Internet applications - selected the secondary data from leading players’ rankings of these applications in the IT industry; (2) To measure the impact of ICT on Muslim societies in terms of risks and opportunities - data has been collected from FTI Report on emergence of new technologies, WEF report on socio-economic development through ICT, and the cultural influence on Muslim societies due to internet usage - a Pew research report; (3) The results of the study indicates that whether the existing technological competencies or epistemology of innovation, development or ontology of business solutions and the internet usage related ethical standards from the Western perspective are found to be insufficient to mitigate those risks and optimize benefits vis-à-vis Muslim societies. (4) As a way forward solution for the development of Islamic information systems - considered (i) the importance of Islamic concept of creativity and innovation for the technological advancement in Muslim countries; (ii) the potential of Islamic business process based solutions to rebuild Islamic systems and key performance indicators at horizontal and vertical levels; and (iii) the possibilities of Shariah compliant information systems ethical standards. Due to the high significance and wide scope, further in-depth research is required to identify other factors and parameters for the design and implementation of a comprehensive Islamic information systems developmental model. To begin with, study concludes with a suggestion to form Muslim ICT professionals’ standards body in collaboration with academic and research institutions as middle layer between higher goals of public policies and their realization benefits reaching to masses.