The youth are the driving force behind the technology demand in Muslim countries, and there isn’t a more perfect example of this than within Saudi Arabia. Read More

Looking at how the Taliban have been out-manoeuvring the sophisticated high-tech west with the innovative use for propaganda, for recruitment around the world, for logistical support, and appealing for funding.

The Islamic world has a rich scientific tradition but in more recent times has fallen behind. In 2005, 17 Arab speaking countries put together produced fewer scientific papers than Harvard University. This will all change with the commitment - both financial and ideological - to a new wave of scientific endeavour.

A lot of the investment is coming from the oil-rich states. They see the need to diversify their economy and it would appear that science and technology is a route they have chosen. It is refreshing to see countries built on oil investing so heavily in research into alternative energies. And it is not just the oil-rich countries. Turkey, Egypt, Iran and Pakistan are all showing strong commitment.

While modern Western civilization shares many of these traits, the civilization I’m talking about was the Islamic world from the year 800 to 1600, which included the Ottoman Empire and the courts of Baghdad, Damascus and Cairo, and enlightened rulers like Suleiman the Magnificent.

Although we are often unaware of our indebtedness to this other civilization, its gifts are very much a part of our heritage. The technology industry would not exist without the contributions of Arab mathematicians. Sufi poet-philosophers like Rumi challenged our notions of self and truth. Leaders like Suleiman contributed to our notions of tolerance and civic leadership.

And perhaps we can learn a lesson from his example: It was leadership based on meritocracy, not inheritance. It was leadership that harnessed the full capabilities of a very diverse population–that included Christianity, Islamic, and Jewish traditions.

This kind of enlightened leadership — leadership that nurtured culture, sustainability, diversity and courage — led to 800 years of invention and prosperity.

iHijab is an application on the Apple iPhone that makes photos of your friends look like they’re wearing a hijab. At first I didn’t think much of the application, but as I looked more through the application and came to a sudden realization. Is this app mocking the hijab? I ask myself and all our readers – are they laughing with us, or at us?

From coffee to cranks, items we couldn't live without today are Muslim inventions

In a new move to improve America’s relations with the Muslim world, the administration of President Barack Obama has launched a multi-million-dollar fund to achieve technological development in Muslim countries....

With many using popular online social networking sites to get fasting tips and exchange Ramadan diaries, modern technology is giving the holy fasting month of Ramadan a special taste.

BOSTON — The US government is covertly testing a new technology in China and Iran to help opponents evade web access restrictions by their own governments..