Change and Continuity: The Dynamics of Institutional Behavior in Islam

Abstract:     
The Muslim world is facing stagnation due to a lack of balance between two opposing forces: the force for continuity/stability and the force for change. This paper makes the case that these forces must be in balance for healthy, Islamic progress of the Muslim society. This paper analyzes the relevance of institutions in a broader sense to the Islamic perspective on 'continuous change.' The paper also deals with some important aspects of change as part of the agenda of Muslim social scientists.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 29

Keywords: Islam, social science, myrdal, normative-positive, change, continuity, traditionalism, technological change, autonomous change, sunnatullah, natural law, institutions, ceremonial behavior

JEL Classification: 030, 033

Accepted Paper Series