The Rise of Modern Knowledge and Its Influence on Religious Circles

By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam 1 August 2025 This article critically examines the academic and intellectual decline within religious institutions, particularly in the Muslim world. While modern science and technology have expanded the horizons of human knowledge and inspired curiosity among youth, many religious circles continue to resist these advancements due to rigid ideological boundaries. The author argues that the division of knowledge into “religious” and “worldly” has weakened the intellectual foundations of religious seminaries. Furthermore, the dominance of sectarian ideologies has stifled independent thinking, open research, and academic freedom. This has led to a culture where critical inquiry is discouraged, and engagement with differing viewpoints is viewed with suspicion or hostility. The article calls for a fundamental shift in mindset—one that values balanced reasoning, research without bias, and intellectual openness. By embracing these values, religious institutions can overcome stagnation and once again become centres of knowledge, relevance, and enlightenment in the modern era. Main Points: 1. Scientific progress benefits humanity but brings intellectual challenges too. 2. Religious institutions suffer due to ideological and sectarian limitations. 3. Dividing knowledge into religious and worldly weakens educational motivation. 4. True research requires neutrality, not pre-fixed beliefs or biases. 5. Rejecting modern knowledge without analysis harms societal growth. 6. Balanced, open thinking is essential for lasting academic revival. ----- Introduction: The emergence of modern scientific discoveries and technological advancements has significantly impacted societies across the globe, including religious communities. These developments have opened new avenues for intellectual growth and inspired many, particularly the youth, to pursue knowledge beyond traditional religious frameworks. As a result, students from religious seminaries are increasingly engaging with modern universities and excelling in diverse fields such as science, medicine, and engineering. This shift reflects a growing awareness within some religious circles about the value of contemporary knowledge. However, the integration remains limited, as resistance persists in parts of the religious community due to rigid mind-sets and fear of ideological compromise. To truly benefit from modern knowledge, religious institutions must recognize its potential and engage with it critically and constructively rather than reject it outright. It is an undeniable fact that scientific inventions and technology have brought countless benefits to humanity. At the same time, these innovations have also introduced many intellectual and ideological challenges. Many new fields of knowledge have opened, awakening a sense of awareness and a spirit of inquiry in academic circles—especially among the youth. This wave has now reached religious seminaries as well, where students are increasingly turning to modern universities and excelling in various fields. They are making valuable contributions in areas like sociology, science, medicine, engineering, and other sensitive fields. This shows that a significant section of the Muslim community not only recognizes the importance of knowledge and skills but is also striving to acquire them. However, a serious question arises when some people among us divide knowledge into "religious" and "worldly" categories. They present modern sciences taught in universities, colleges, and schools as inferior or even harmful. This attitude weakens the desire in society to pursue these subjects. In extreme cases, people claim that since a particular field of knowledge was developed by someone of a different faith, studying it leads to irreligiousness. We must remember that in any matter, balanced thinking and serious reasoning are the real keys to success. If we want to move forward and face modern intellectual and ideological challenges, we must eliminate the division between religious and worldly knowledge. However, dividing knowledge into beneficial and non-beneficial categories is logical and acceptable. We also need to understand that while some new inventions have negative aspects, they also have many positive uses. The real tragedy is that some groups, tied to rigid thinking, see every new thing as a threat to society. Instead of trying to understand the true nature of these developments, they issue fatwas (religious rulings) against them. This creates unrest and chaos in society. In reality, it is this kind of thinking that pushes our community and future generations toward intellectual decline. We must avoid such rigid attitudes. When the habit of analysing situations wisely and objectively becomes weak—or if bias and partisanship take over—it affects every area of life. On the other hand, nations and societies that maintain the habit of thoughtful analysis and benefit from new developments are always remembered for their achievements in history. Unfortunately, we ourselves have neglected the great contributions made by Muslims in the past across many fields of knowledge. Today, it is not enough to simply discuss this situation; we must deeply reflect on it. Let us take a closer look at the Muslim community: Today, Muslims are not only behind in modern sciences and arts, but also suffering from serious decline in Islamic knowledge and scholarship. This calls for deep thinking by all religious, intellectual, academic, and research institutions, as well as social and political organizations. There is a fast decline in research, investigation, and broad-minded thinking in our religious seminaries. The situation in Islamic academic circles has become deeply concerning. It is essential to analyze these changes and understand their root causes. According to this writer, the most fundamental reason is that our religious institutions, research academies, and think tanks are not independent. They are tied to certain ideologies, sects, and belief systems. Because of this, there is less space for open intellectual and academic work, and more focus on representing and defending specific sectarian views or personalities. In fact, in some institutions, even the heads have made it a condition that anyone working there must represent their specific ideology. Just imagine: how can intellectual or scholarly work thrive in such a limited and closed environment? Sadly, this problem is no longer limited to religious seminaries. It has now also entered modern universities. The reason is that those who carried sectarian biases from religious schools into universities have infected academic environments with their narrow-mindedness. This is clear evidence of academic and intellectual decline. People representing nearly all sects and institutions are, knowingly or unknowingly, involved in this behavior. This has prevented many valuable contributions in the fields of knowledge and literature from coming forward. Think of it like this: when a researcher or scholar begins their work already aligned with a particular ideology or pre-formed opinion, they can never truly do objective academic or critical work. One of the basic principles of research is that one should not begin with a fixed conclusion. Instead, one should allow arguments and evidence to lead to the conclusion, even if it contradicts the researcher’s personal beliefs. In truth, ideas that emerge from genuine inquiry and evidence are far more powerful and valuable. This narrow thinking has also created another problem: we have stopped learning from those who hold different beliefs. Some people have become so extreme that even if they see someone reading or benefitting from the writings of a scholar from another sect, they consider it a sin. What is now urgently needed is that, if we want honour, success, and respect in the world, we must take every possible step to promote knowledge, research, and scholarship. Before issuing blanket prohibitions on every new development, we must consider both the positive and negative aspects. Only then can we successfully continue our intellectual journey. The decline in Islamic scholarship and the risk of further deterioration must be taken seriously. If we want our religious institutions and organizations to become beacons of knowledge and produce great thinkers, critics, and scholars, then we must leave behind all those traditions that block the path of academic progress. When our institutions begin to adopt a balanced and moderate approach, the long-term positive effects will be clearly visible—and undeniable. Conclusion: The decline of academic and intellectual integrity within religious institutions is a serious challenge that threatens the future of Islamic scholarship and the broader Muslim community. This decline stems primarily from rigid ideological control, the artificial division of knowledge, and the rejection of modern sciences without objective analysis. True academic progress requires open-mindedness, freedom of thought, and a commitment to evidence-based inquiry, regardless of sectarian boundaries. If religious institutions are to play a meaningful role in the modern world, they must free themselves from narrow traditions, embrace constructive dialogue, and foster a culture of balanced, critical, and research-driven education. Only then can they regain their historical legacy as beacons of knowledge and enlightenment. 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