I get off topic myself. No harm done Z.Al-Rashid (and mayam11). Besides, PureAmbrosia is here so there's no telling what will happen next! Hee Hee.. :giggling:
I woke up earlier than usual before work to answer any replies so I was in my morning-mood, anyway. Was getting worried that this thread would digress into science bashing. And not to get off topic again, but I did google the question and from what I found Bill Gates is Agnostic. If that is true then he believes in a higher power. Although, like many, including me, organized religion cannot accurately describe the way we view God/Allah so we do not belong to any single group. Many scientists seem to be that way although there are some very regular church going scientists so that is not the rule.
Maybe this is also a good time to mention that I have no formal college education or a "degree". I'm a self-learner that has been learning from home courses, books, electronic and science kits, discussions with scientists and educators, and the free internet tutorials are the greatest thing that has happened to education in my lifetime. When I was young there were no science classes in school at the level I wanted to learn at, so I had no choice but to find books at the library to keep me busy and talk my parents into buying science supplies they could afford. Resources for kids that want to know more than they normally learn in school is also important.
When I talk about science education I'm not normally thinking expensive colleges that many cannot afford. I'm thinking about the kind of education anyone who enjoys science can obtain off the internet. Of course, going to college has advantages, but that is not necessary to become a respected man or woman of science. Besides, many graduate from expensive colleges with a fancy degree but never make anything of it. So what is primarily required is love for science and dedication.
There are many things that require no college degree. From the looks of things there are now opportunities for Muslims who know how to reconcile modern science and religion. Are no college degrees in that. And this Muslim oriented Health and Science forum is one of the greatest places I can think of work through, don't need an expensive laboratory. Can collaborate with others right here. Might not be much money in reconciling science and religion but people will remember you. Especially if your work then helps begin another Islamic golden age of science.
Like NYCmuslim pointed out, it's a worthy thing to do in a religious sense. I would say it's like being a prophet. Might even find that scientists will follow you but I doubt that many would fully convert to Islam. I would expect that some would incorporate some of your religious views into their agnostic religious views and doing just that is an accomplishment to be very proud of.
And as NYCmuslim also pointed out there is a point where worship becomes damaging to both Islam and the one that becomes too immersed in ritual. I believe it because I have seen it happen to people from other religions. Finding a better balance makes one a peacemaker like Muhammad. Hopefully someone here will take on that honorable calling.
I have to also add that there seems to be enough recognition of Muslim math and science in Western history books and it's been on TV too. Might be better just to bring that golden age back again. Then it will seem like it never really ended.
And hopefully maryam11 can find something to add to the thread. They seem to like the topic, it's moving in the right direction, and I don't want to leave anyone out. All Muslims in this forum have great value to this discussion.
If we focus on a solution then I think we will find one that works. Of course, I can't call myself a Muslim, just someone who sees the good in Islam. I'm happy to leave the glory to Muslims who can do a better job than I can with the religious aspects of this. And if this thread leads to something good in the future then that would be an accomplishment for me to be very proud of.
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:-[ :hiding:
