Prize for performance in the Islamic world
Dr. Zakir Husain, On e-mail
The Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) is probably the single largest entity of the entire Islamic world today. Since its inception, the OIC has done many things to turn the Islamic world into a political and strategic forum; it has brought together countries with Muslim majority and endeavoured to forge a common stand on contemporary issues that challenge the Islamic world in particular. The world has changed much and is still is changing. Of all things, science and technology have advanced farthest and fastest. Yet, the Islamic world as a whole has lagged behind and failed to catch up with the West. It is an irony that the Arab and Muslim scholars, thinkers, scientists, mathematicians, and even statesmen and warriors had, in the bygone centuries, enlightened the people of Europe. Today the Islamic world is indebted to them and depends on their inventions for survival. The OIC has the opportunity and responsibility to renew and restore what have been lost over centuries of neglect, internal turmoil, civilisational inertia and regression into rigidity and backwardness brought about by a stubborn and misguided refusal to change, adapt, adjust, and regenerate. The OIC should officially recognise the scholars of the Muslim countries by giving a prestigious award. It will be something parallel to the Nobel Prize. The Prize will attract and enthuse the current generation of scholars, scientists and artisans and re-establish the talents of Muslims in the world of scholarship and research. Above all, it will help to improve the existing solidarity, unity, pride and dignity of the Islamic world.
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