The contribution of information technology (IT) in conceptualizing the Qur`anic approach on programmed systems of biology

• Main Authors: Shogar, Ibrahim Adam Ahmed, Che Azemin, Mohd Zulfaezal
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English; English
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: Q128 Islam and Science
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/90760/1/Abstract%20%282%29.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/90760/3/Presentation%282%29.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/90760/17/Abstract.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/90760/

Background: the analytical study on understanding the programmed systems of organisms is increasingly becoming necessary for its practical contribution in enhancing the environmental and human health. The holy Qur`an, in numerous passages, has addressed the design and harmony, in both the physical and biological worlds. The main objective of this Qur`anic approach is to shift human attention to study and understand the natural processes for temporal and religious purposes. Although laws of the physical world are well investigated and established, the natural processes governing the complex systems of biological world, however, are yet to be mastered. The major problem of this field is not only in complexity of the biological phenomena, but also in the relevant method for investigation. To achieve the Qur`anic objectives on study of the natural and human phenomena, however, we need to investigate both of the above problems. Objective: This paper aims to investigate method of conceptualizing the programmed systems of biology as introduced by the Holy Qur`an, and how information technology (IT) can contribute in achieving this important goal. The basic presupposition of the paper is that the new developments of information technology play a vital role in codification and understanding programmed systems of living creatures. Such codification is essential for predicting the future directions of the goal-guided processes of biology. Methodology: The method adopted in the paper is theoretical and analytical in nature. The analytical method of systems biology, based on mathematical modeling and information technology, that aims at codification of the programed systems of biology will be adopted. The relevant Qur`anic verses on natural design and harmony, especially on the biological phenomena at both individual and collective levels, will be collected. Method of understanding such verses from both perspectives of (i) the classical view of Muslim scholars, and (ii) methods of modern evolutionary biology will be investigated. Finally, the paper investigates how modern information technology can contribute in codification of the programed systems of natural biology as embedded in Qur`anic verses. Results & Conclusions: The paper presupposes that proper codification of programed systems of biology has three major implications: (i) explanation and understanding the biological phenomena; (ii) predicting the future directions of the goal-guided processes of biology; and (iii) Mastering the biological processes, by explanation and prediction, has great implication on environmental and human healthcare. Sufficient data on biological phenomena, mathematical analysis, and effective information technologies are essential to achieve these noble goals.