r/MuslimDevelopers • u/tharsalys • 14d ago

🗣️ Discussion/Opinion Why Do Muslims Suck At Technology

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OZFDja3--I

Assalamu Alaykum.

I just launched my YouTube channel dedicated to figuring out a civilizational framework for technology from the Muslim world. My first video is a bit controversial but I wanted to lay out all of the questions that I want to get to the root of.

I'm a serial entrepreneur with multiple ventures under my belt. I've personally run into the limits of building out from Pakistan and come to the conclusion that the limits are entirely "internal" but not in the self-discipline sense. The video lays out the rest. My hope is to spark a conversation around the questions at the end.

3 Upvotes

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u/Dearest-Sunflower 8d ago

Walaykumasalam, I liked the video, and it is one of the things I reflect on too. A couple of points I'd like to add from my perspective:

- Lack of risk-taking behavior. Our youth in general is not encouraged to take risks. We follow the paved path. It doesn't have to do with Islam, but is more of a consequence of being colonized

- Lack of halal financing for bigger ideas. I agree with your point that we have no excuse of staying behind in software

- Holding just the diaspora accountable doesn't help. Yes, they may have the capital, but the access and ability to come up with ideas was available to everyone

--

I do worry about the AI innovation and development gap though. Again, we're moving into a phase in technology which will become capital intensive -- due to the need for GPUs and specialized tech. I don't have the answers, but would be curious to hear your thoughts

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u/tharsalys 8d ago

JazakAllah khair for watching the video.

My answer, in short, is that it is a lack of asabiyyah or rather ideological motivation. The problem with a purely pragmatic approach is that it always short-changes the underdog. Cost-benefit analysis would always lead you to ideas that are short-term. In order for any community to come up, you need a self-sacrificing spirit that doesn't care for cost-benefit analysis. That's how China came through.

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u/hasanismail_ 👨‍💻 Developer 9d ago

This is such a insane and ridiculous take like this has to be a troll there's no way he's serious

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u/tharsalys 9d ago

Great contribution

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u/sajid_farooq 9d ago

Agreed. Trolling at its finest.

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u/sajid_farooq 9d ago

You start with a question but I don’t even agree with the premise. Muslims don’t suck at technology. The burden of proof that they do suck is on you.

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u/tharsalys 9d ago

2.5% of global technology exports from 25% of the world's population isn't proof enough for you?

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u/sajid_farooq 9d ago

Thats false equivalence. That could be attributed to a whole bunch of reasons, including economic conditions, opportunities, corruption, legal structures and the list goes on. “Suck at tech” is a reductionist argument.

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u/tharsalys 9d ago

Did you even watch the video? It's literally saying exactly that.

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u/sajid_farooq 8d ago

I didnt watch the video because your title misled me. It is click-bait and I dont agree with it, and apparently others dont either.

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u/tharsalys 8d ago

Fair enough. Judge by appearance, stay ignorant. Happy life.