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As a multi-dimensional phenomenon, information has six components which are known
as; 'absolute', 'substitution', 'philosophy', 'subjective', 'culture' and 'objective'.
The first component refers to the type of information which is true, thus, explanation
is unnecessary. The second component refers to such cases where the concept of
information is being used for a number of facts. At this point, the information
will sometimes be replaced by 'communication'. The third component is related
to a concept which connects information to knowledge and 'hikmah'. The forth component
connects information to human feelings and emotion.
The fifth component refers to certain types of information and the last one
refers to the dimension of information culture (Sardar, 1988). All these
information components are connected and are reliant on each other.
In the Islamic perspective, we should realize that information would only be
significant if it is found within the knowledge frame of community; and only
when its target components are parallel to the aspects of absolute, substitution,
culture and subjective in a community. In this case, the information would be
able to a provide positive contribution to that particular community. That kind
of analogy could possibly exist if Islamic countries produce their own information
with all its preparations and tools that could fulfill the necessities of the
decision makers and community (Sardar, 1994). In fact, the Islamic world
should frame a convincing strategy deliberately to deal with the challenges
of the 21st information century. Some of the challenges are as follows;
- Every Islamic country should develop a precise information structure and
be able to analyze the related information for the significance of users.
The basis of that structure should coverdocumentation centres, national libraries,
specific information centre of science and technology, medical centres, plantation,
financial centres, law and other fields that are significant. This information
centre could function as a centre of information in the exchange and sharing
of information.
- We need to develop an International Islamic Network of information system
which has access to all the information centers and libraries of the Islamic
countries. A type of a network system which is similar to the internet could
be suggested for this purpose and this will surely need the help and expertise
in many fields that could be assembled by leaders of the Islamic countries.
- Islamic countries have to increase the numbers of training centers and higher
education institutes that could produce information specialists or librarians
who are going to be involved directly in the information world. These information
specialists should be able to understand their role in dealing with the challenges
of the information world. They must also be aware of the latest development
in knowledge. This is important so that information and knowledge provided
will be profitable towards a harmonious life. In other words, Islamic countries
will also need a holistic approach towards information and should be able
to understand the existence of cultural, philosophic and subjective dimension.
On top of that it means we should establish information with knowledge and
'hikmah'..
Obstacles that are currently challenging the Islamic World could possibly be
dealt with if we are able to form a practical outlook towards the concepts and
values of Islam in dominating information technologies so as to prepare ourselves
and avoid types of information which contains ideological and manipulative traps.
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