IPB University Professor: Science and Technology is Not Just Material Progress, But Also a Moral Responsibility

Advances in science and technology are often viewed merely as instruments of material progress. In fact, science and technology should be a blessing that brings benefits to humanity and maintains harmony on earth.

This was emphasized by Professor M Faiz Syuaib, Professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FTT) IPB University, during a dawn study session at Al Hurriyyah Mosque, Dramaga Campus.

The study session carried the theme “Science and Technology as a Blessing to Build Benefits for Humankind and Maintain Harmony on Earth,” which was part of the 1447 H Ramadan Celebration.

“Allah has honored humans with various privileges. One of the greatest forms of this honor is the gift of reason, which enables humans to think, innovate, and distinguish between right and wrong,” he said in front of the student congregation.

Three Missions
Prof Faiz explained that because of this reason and intellectual capacity, humans have a great moral responsibility to use their advantages for good. According to him, there are three main missions for humans on earth that are interconnected.

The first mission is as servants who worship (abd-Allah). He emphasized that the concept of worship should not be reduced to mere religious rituals.

“Worship includes complete loyalty and devotion in all aspects of life. This means that every productive activity, such as studying, working, innovating, and creating, can be considered worship if done according to His will,” he explained.

The second mission, he continued, is humanity’s role as stewards or managers on earth (khalifah). In this context, humans are required not to cause destruction and to manage natural resources wisely and sustainably using science and technology.

Meanwhile, the third mission is to be builders of civilization and nurturers of the earth. Prof Faiz reminded that development should not be exploitative and materialistic.

“Humans have the duty to build a civilization based on faith, knowledge, and morals. A good and resilient civilization will only arise from a balance between spiritual values of religion and scientific progress,” he concluded.

Through an understanding of these three missions, students as members of the academic community are expected not only to excel cognitively but also to be able to utilize their knowledge as solutions to various environmental and social crises in society. (*/Rz) (IAAS/KQA)