Industrialization in Malaysia : a comparative analysis from western and Islamic perspectives

Abstract

Islam encourages a type of industrialization that brings about not only economic prosperity and sustainable development, but also one that is in harmony with the environment. This is a different approach to that of Western industrialization which aims at accelerated economic development, while paying less emphasis to the spiritual dimension which leads to various types of social problems and environmental degradation. This study examines industrialization in Malaysia from the perspective of the Qur’an and Sunnah and compares the Islamic perspective to which the ideological underpinnings that have been the driving philosophy behind the process of industrialization in Malaysia. Some of these ideologies are counter to the universal values and teachings of Islam. Selected Qur’anic verses and ahadith are the centre of this research which evaluates the philosophical foundation behind industrialization in Malaysia; compares the notions of industrialization according to Islamic and Western perspectives, and derives the guiding principles and values that can bring about a process of industrialization that suits human needs and is in harmony with the role of Man as a servant and vicegerent of Allah on Earth