SPECULATING ISLAMIC FUTURES: CIVILIZATION, ETHICS, AND THE UMMAH IN THE 22ND CENTURY
Indonesia 
Malaysia Malaysia 
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Ethics, Futures Studies, Islamic Civilization
Abstract
Rapid technological advancement, environmental uncertainty, demographic transformation, and geopolitical restructuring are expected to reshape the foundations of human civilization during the twenty-second century. Muslim societies will encounter increasingly complex challenges related to governance, ethics, identity, sustainability, and technological adaptation. Islamic intellectual traditions provide ethical and civilizational resources that may contribute to navigating these transformations, yet future-oriented studies examining the long-term trajectory of the Muslim Ummah remain limited. This study aims to explore possible futures of Islamic civilization and examine the role of Islamic ethical principles in shaping resilient and sustainable societal pathways. A qualitative futures research design was employed through environmental scanning, trend analysis, scenario construction, and conceptual synthesis. Data were derived from scholarly publications, strategic foresight reports, policy documents, and expert perspectives concerning technology, governance, sustainability, and civilizational change. Findings identified artificial intelligence, environmental adaptation, digital governance, educational transformation, and ethical leadership as the most influential drivers of future development. Scenario analysis revealed that the most desirable and plausible trajectory is an Ethical Renaissance Scenario characterized by the successful integration of technological innovation with Islamic principles of justice, stewardship, consultation, and collective welfare. The study concludes that the future resilience of the Muslim Ummah depends on its ability to harmonize scientific advancement with ethical governance, knowledge development, and social cohesion. Islamic ethics remain highly relevant as a strategic foundation for cultivating sustainable civilizational futures.
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References
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