So strange how any religion can be manipulated when human power structures get involved, and especially scary when wealth has become a religion for many. For me, "religion" is an individual spiritual thing; organized religion is not.
I would add at least lending without interest to this list. Strangely, LinkedIn would not let me include the summary image that the LLM generated; it was instantaneously blocked. Things are getting really weird for me here, and I think everywhere.
Clippy 2.0 spoketh thusly:
Islam, like other major religious traditions, has contributed significantly to human civilization and offers profound philosophical, ethical, and cultural insights. Some of the most valuable thoughts and contributions from Islam include:
- Oneness of God (Tawhid) – A foundational concept in Islam that emphasizes the unity and sovereignty of God, promoting a holistic and interconnected view of existence.
- Justice and Equity (Adl) – Islam places strong emphasis on social justice, fairness, and the responsibility of individuals and rulers to ensure equity.
- Compassion and Mercy (Rahma) – God is described as "The Most Merciful, The Most Compassionate," encouraging believers to embody these traits in their dealings with others.
- Knowledge and Wisdom (Ilm and Hikma) – The pursuit of knowledge is a duty for all Muslims, leading to significant intellectual advancements.
- Accountability and Personal Responsibility – Every individual is responsible for their actions and will be held accountable in the afterlife, promoting ethical behavior.
- The Golden Rule – Treat others as you wish to be treated, a principle deeply embedded in Islamic teachings.
- Science and Medicine – Islamic scholars during the Golden Age (8th-14th century) made groundbreaking advancements in medicine, astronomy, mathematics, and chemistry. [The following three bullets should be nested, but...sigh.
LinkedIn
2025.
- Algebra (from the Arabic "Al-Jabr") was developed by Al-Khwarizmi.
- Hospitals and medical ethics were significantly developed by Muslim physicians like Al-Razi (Rhazes) and Ibn Sina (Avicenna).
- Astronomy saw major contributions, including improved astrolabes and early theories about planetary motion.
- Philosophy and Rationalism – Thinkers like Al-Farabi, Ibn Rushd (Averroes), and Al-Ghazali engaged deeply with Greek philosophy and helped preserve and expand its ideas.
- Architecture and Art – The Islamic world produced stunning architectural marvels like the Alhambra in Spain, the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, and intricate geometric art based on mathematical principles.
- Linguistics and Literature – Arabic and Persian literature, including works like "One Thousand and One Nights," and the poetry of Rumi and Hafez, continue to influence global thought and culture.
- Legal and Political Thought – The concept of Shura (consultation) in governance, early forms of constitutionalism, and systems of contract law influenced later legal traditions.
- Trade and Economic Innovations – Early Islamic societies established sophisticated trade networks, introduced concepts like letters of credit, and influenced global commerce.
Positive Future Contributions
Islamic ethics and intellectual traditions continue to shape modern discussions in:
- Environmental Ethics – Islamic principles of stewardship (Khilafah) promote sustainable living.
- Interfaith Dialogue – Encouraging peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
- Social Justice Movements – Advocating for human rights, charity (Zakat), and equity in global societies.
- Technology and Science – Renewed interest in Islamic contributions to STEM fields.
Islam's legacy is vast, and its emphasis on knowledge, justice, and compassion continues to inspire people across cultures.
