Towards the Twenty First Century

I would like to thank the organizers for inviting me to the jointlaunching of the Institute of Islamic Understanding, Malaysia, and theopening ceremony of this congress.The idea of the Institute of Islamic Understanding, Malaysia, was firstsuggested because of the confusion among Muslims and non-Muslimsregarding Islam. This discord has led to misunderstanding and animositynot only between Muslims and non-Muslims but among Muslims themselves.Whether we like it or not, many non-Muslims consider Islam areligion that is closely related to backwardness, poverty, and weakness.Of late, some Muslims have also been closely associated with violenceand irrationality-an act or thought which is without principles.We are deeply disappointed with such incorrect views. But the truthis that Muslims and Islamic nations are far behind, weak, and dependenton others for their various needs. At the same time, Muslims themselvesfind cooperation and unity difficult. They allow themselves to be used astools and to serve the interests of others. They are unable and often Wlwillingto help each other, whlch leads to disunity, animosity, disagreement.The administration of Islamic countries is usually weak andbackward, chaotic and disorderly. No Muslim country can be considereda major power worthy of international respect. Rather, all are considereddeveloping countries, even though some have enonnous wealth. The mainreason for this is that they lack technology and sophistication.This was not always true, for in the past Islam and MusUms enjoyeda prolonged period of success and prosperity, respect and esteem. Afterthe death of the Prophet, Muslims spread Islam from Spain to China.Through their missionary activities, military might, and efficient rule, theyerected the largest empire in world history. Islamic countries evolved andwere famous for their high and sophisticated civilization. They producedexperts in administration, development, agriculture, industry, engineering,defense, science, mathematics, shipping, navigation, medicine, and other

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