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Measurement in the Qur'an - the association with precision

Haji 2003

Entry posted by Haji 2003 in Ethics

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Summary

This post and the replies to it explore the notion of measurement in the Qur'an and the range of meanings that it conveys, from the mundane to the more esoteric and divine. These posts then focus on the association between measurement and precision in the Qur'an and how intertwined the two concepts are. Given that improvements in precision are associated with technological development - it is hypothesised that the latter could be considered a 'good' thing.

Introduction

A previous blog post, that I had written by myself) on this subject disappeared after it was posted. So here is another attempt, but this time I have resorted to posting a conversation with GPT4, pursuing lines of thought that had motivated the previous post. So usual caveats apply i.e. the references it gives etc. do need to be checked for accuracy.

 

Please give some examples of the usage of the word 'measure' as used in English translations of the Qur'an.

Sure, I can provide some examples from well-known English translations of the Qur'an that feature the concept of 'measure'. However, please remember that translations can vary based on the translator's understanding and interpretation. Here are a few examples:

  1. In the context of divine creation: In Surah Al-Furqan (25:2), the concept of 'measure' is used to describe the precision and orderliness of God's creation: "He to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and who has not taken a son and has not had a partner in dominion and has created each thing and determined it with [precise] determination."
  2. In the context of sustenance and livelihood: In Surah Al-Isra (17:30), it is said that God provides for whom He wills in measured amounts: "Indeed, your Lord extends provision for whom He wills and restricts [it]. Indeed He is ever, concerning His servants, Acquainted and Seeing."
  3. In the context of time and life: In Surah Al-Insan (76:3), the term 'measure' is used to refer to the predetermined life span of every individual: "Indeed, We created man from a sperm-drop mixture that We may try him; and We made him hearing and seeing."
  4. In the context of moral and ethical standards: In Surah Al-Mutaffifin (83:1-3), those who give less than due when they measure or weigh for people are condemned: "Woe to those who give less [than due], Who, when they take a measure from people, take in full. But if they give by measure or by weight to them, they cause loss."

These are just a few examples to illustrate how the concept of 'measure' is used in the Qur'an. It's a multi-faceted term with different implications depending on the context.

 

Please expand on the references to the notion of measurement when applied to moral and ethical standards.

The Qur'an, as the central religious text of Islam, contains numerous references to moral and ethical standards. These standards are often articulated in terms of measures, weights, balances, scales, or equivalents, metaphors that imply fairness, justice, and equity.

Here are some instances where the notion of measurement is applied to moral and ethical standards:

  1. Fair dealings and honesty in transactions: In Surah Al-Mutaffifin (83:1-3), it is emphasized that people should be fair and honest in their transactions. The word 'measure' is used metaphorically to represent the moral standard for economic transactions. Those who cheat or give less than due when they measure or weigh for others are condemned.
  2. The recompense of deeds: The metaphor of scales or balance is often used in the context of judgment in the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Qari'ah (101:6-9), it is mentioned that on the Day of Judgement, people's deeds will be weighed, and those whose scale of good deeds is heavy will be successful, while those whose scale is light will have lost their souls. Here, 'measure' is used to metaphorically represent the weight of a person's good and bad deeds.
  3. Justice: Justice is a key value in Islamic ethics. The Qur'an urges believers to uphold justice, even against themselves or their kin. In Surah An-Nisa (4:135), it states, "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives." Here, the notion of 'measure' is inherent in the concept of justice, implying fairness and impartiality.
  4. Equitable treatment and reciprocity: In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:279), the Qur'an provides guidance about dealing with debts and emphasizes the importance of writing down the amount borrowed to ensure fairness and prevent disputes. This is a metaphorical use of 'measure', representing clear and fair dealings in social and economic transactions.

These examples demonstrate how the Qur'an uses the concept of 'measure' to prescribe moral and ethical standards for individuals and societies. The consistent theme is a call for fairness, justice, and honesty in all dealings.

 

Please expand on the issue of measurement where the references are to do with fair dealings and honesty in transactions.

In the Qur'an, the concept of fair dealings and honesty, especially in business transactions, is heavily emphasized. The term 'measure' is often used as a metaphor to reinforce this principle. Here are some key examples:

  1. Surah Al-Mutaffifin (Defrauding; 83:1-3): "Woe to those who give less [than due], who when they take a measure from people, take in full. But if they give by measure or by weight to them, they cause loss." These verses clearly condemn dishonest business practices, specifically those involving shortchanging or defrauding others in measurements or weights. 
  2. Surah Al-An'am (The Cattle; 6:152): "And give full measure when you measure, and weigh with an even balance. That is the best [way] and best in result." This verse underscores the importance of giving full measure and maintaining a balanced weight, both literally in commerce and metaphorically in all dealings.
  3. Surah Al-Isra (The Night Journey; 17:35): "And give full measure when you measure, and weigh with an even balance. That is the best [way] and best in result." This verse is a near-repetition of the one in Surah Al-An'am, further emphasizing the importance of honest measurements and dealings.
  4. Surah Hud (11:84-85): "And O my people, give full measure and weight in justice and do not deprive the people of their due and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption." These verses were spoken by the prophet Shu'aib, admonishing his people to act justly in their business transactions and warning them against spreading corruption.

These verses underscore the Qur'anic emphasis on integrity, honesty, and fairness in business transactions. From a broader perspective, these principles can be seen as fundamental to the Islamic concept of 'Adl (justice) and Ihsan (doing what is good and right). This includes upholding trust (Amanah), being truthful (Sidq), and avoiding deceit and corruption. Such principles are seen as crucial for maintaining social harmony and economic justice in society.

 

You used the word metaphorically in your last answer. Can you please expand on the notion of how measurement refers in the Qur'an on a more metaphorical basis in the context of dealings?

In the Qur'an, the concept of measurement is often used metaphorically to convey deeper moral and ethical lessons. When applied to the context of dealings, especially in business transactions, the 'measure' becomes a symbol of integrity, fairness, and justice. 

  1. Symbol of integrity: When the Qur'an instructs to give full measure, it's not just about the literal physical measure in transactions, but also about being fully truthful and transparent in all aspects of life. For example, when you promise something, you should fulfill it completely, not partially or deceitfully.
  2. Indicator of fairness: The measure in the Qur'an often symbolizes fairness. When it instructs to give full measure, it's urging fairness not just in transactions, but in all interactions with others. This includes treating others with respect, not taking advantage of others, and giving everyone their due rights.
  3. Representation of justice: The Qur'anic emphasis on accurate measurement can be seen as a metaphor for justice. Just as you wouldn't want to be cheated out of a full measure in a transaction, you should not cheat others out of their rights. This concept extends to social justice, implying that everyone should get their fair share of society's resources and opportunities.
  4. A signifier of balance: The Qur'an often pairs the concept of measure with balance, especially in the context of dealings. This can be interpreted metaphorically as a call for balance in all aspects of life, including personal conduct, social relationships, and economic activities. This balance is crucial in maintaining harmony and preventing exploitation or excess.

These metaphorical interpretations of 'measure' highlight the depth of Qur'anic teachings, where simple instructions carry profound moral and ethical implications. It's a reminder that the principles of integrity, fairness, justice, and balance should permeate every aspect of a person's life, from business transactions to personal relationships and societal interactions.

 

Can you give references to any commentators who have written about these metaphorical uses of measurement in the Qur'an, quotations from their works would be useful.

Islamic scholars and commentators have indeed explored the metaphorical aspects of the Qur'an's teachings on measurement, particularly in the context of ethics, justice, and societal dealings. While I don't have direct quotations available, I can provide an overview of these interpretations based on various well-known exegeses (Tafsir). 

  1. Tafsir Ibn Kathir: Ibn Kathir, a renowned medieval scholar, in his commentary on Surah Al-Mutaffifin (Defrauding; 83:1-3), explains the metaphor of measurement in terms of fairness and honesty in transactions, and extends this to mean fairness and honesty in all aspects of life.
  2. Tafsir Al-Jalalayn: The two Jalals, Jalaluddin Al-Mahalli and Jalaluddin As-Suyuti, in their Tafsir Al-Jalalayn, provide succinct interpretations of the Qur'an. Regarding verses about measurement, they stress the importance of justice and integrity, interpreting these metaphors in both a literal and ethical sense.
  3. Tafsir Al-Tabari: Al-Tabari, a prominent early Islamic scholar, interpreted the verses related to 'measure' as moral and ethical guidelines applicable to all aspects of life, not just business transactions. His interpretation also highlights the repercussions of dishonesty and deceit.
  4. Tafsir Al-Qurtubi: Al-Qurtubi, known for his emphasis on the practical and legal implications of the Qur'an, interpreted the verses about measurement and balance as guidelines for just dealings and the establishment of a fair society.

For direct quotations and a more in-depth understanding, I would recommend consulting the mentioned Tafsirs or commentaries. They are widely available in various languages, including English. 

Remember, interpretation of religious texts can be complex and subjective, and different scholars may have different interpretations of the same verses. For a nuanced understanding, it's important to consider the historical context, the entirety of the Qur'an, Hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad), and scholarly interpretations.

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Haji 2003
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I focused specifically on the roots associated with measurement and GPT4 came up with the following answer, in the next reply I will show how I built on this answer.

The concept of "measure" in the Qur'an is conveyed through several Arabic roots, each capturing a specific nuance or aspect of the broader idea of measurement. Here are some key roots related to the notion of measure:

1. ق-د-ر (Q-D-R): 
   - Central Meaning: Measure, Destiny, Decree, Power
   - Derived Words: قَدَر (Qadar) - measure, quantity, proportion; قَدِير (Qadīr) - capable, powerful; تَقْدِير (Taqdīr) - determination, ordainment.

2. م-ك-ي (M-K-Y):
   - Central Meaning: Extent, Length
   - Derived Word: مِكْيَال (Mikyāl) - a measure, standard of measure.

3. و-ز-ن (W-Z-N):
   - Central Meaning: Weight, Measure
   - Derived Words: وَزَن (Wazn) - weight, measure; مِوزُون (Mīzān) - balance, scales.

4. ع-د-د (‘-D-D):
   - Central Meaning: Number, Count
   - Derived Words: عَدَد (‘Adad) - number; مَعْدُود (Ma‘dūd) - counted, numbered.

5. ح-س-ب (H-S-B):
   - Central Meaning: Reckon, Calculate
   - Derived Words: حِسَاب (Ḥisāb) - calculation, account; مُحَاسَبَة (Muḥāsabah) - accountability.

6. م-د-د (M-D-D):
   - Central Meaning: Extend, Measure
   - Derived Words: مَدّ (Madd) - extent, length; مُمَدَّد (Mumaddad) - extended.

These roots capture the multifaceted nature of the concept of measure in the Qur'an, ranging from the idea of divine decree and proportion in creation to the more tangible aspects of weight, length, and number.

 

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Summary

Some (but not all) of the roots associated with measurement are inherently tied with the notion of precision. The references to precision are always such that it is shown to be a good thing. Scientific and technological development can be argued to have improved our ability to precisely measure many different phenomena. The hypothesis is therefore, that such development is a good thing from a moral and ethical perspective.

This post identifies the relevant roots.

Introduction

I was interested in the links between measurment and precision. This interest is because precision or increasing levels of it are innately associated with technological advancement. My lay-person's hypothesis here is that if precision is a 'good' thing then (at least certain types of advancement) are also good. This post, therefore pursued a line of enquiry related to measurement and precision.

In terms of background, for a non-technical explanation of the key issues watch this BBC documentary about measurement and precision:

 

This is the answer that I received.

The concept of precision in the Qur'an is often intertwined with the aforementioned roots associated with measurement. Precision, in this context, denotes exactness, meticulousness, and the absence of error or discrepancy. Let's explore how the mentioned roots relate to the idea of precision:

1. ق-د-ر (Q-D-R):
    The root conveys the notion of divine measure and decree, which inherently possesses precision as it is divinely ordained. 
    - Surah Al-Furqan (25:2): _"...and has created each thing and determined it with [precise] determination (taqdīr)."_ 
    Here, the "taqdīr" (determination) emphasizes the precision with which God has created every entity.

2. م-ك-ي (M-K-Y):
    This root specifically denotes the idea of a standard of measure.
    - However, direct references to precision with this root aren't prominently found in the Qur'an.

3. و-ز-ن (W-Z-N)
    This root inherently carries the idea of precision as it relates to weighing.
    - Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:112): _"He will say, 'What number of years did you stay on earth?' They will say, 'We stayed a day or part of a day. Ask those who **count** (yūzūn).'" Here, the act of counting or weighing is precise.

    - Surah Ar-Rahman (55:7-9): _"And the heaven He raised and imposed the **balance** (mīzān) That you not transgress within the balance. **Weigh** (wazn) with justice and do not make deficient the balance."_
    The verses emphasise precision in the act of weighing and maintaining balance.

4. ع-د-د (‘-D-D)
    Counting and numbering inherently require precision.
    - Surah Al-Jinn (72:28): _"...And He **counts** (‘adda) everything in numbers."_
    The precision of God's knowledge is emphasized here, as He has numbered all things.

5. ح-س-ب (H-S-B)
    This root often overlaps with the idea of precise reckoning or calculation.
    - Surah Al-Isra (17:14): _"Read your record. You are sufficient this day against yourself as a **reckoner** (ḥasīban)."_ 
    The reckoning here is precise, as individuals are shown their deeds.

6. م-د-د (M-D-D)
    Though it deals with extension and length, the idea of precision is not directly associated with this root in the Qur'anic context.

In summary, several of the roots associated with measurement in the Qur'an also intertwine with the concept of precision. This is especially true when discussing the meticulous nature of God's creation, His knowledge, and the exactness of reckoning and weighing.

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Haji 2003
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ChatGPT (again) allows internet searches (with an interesting result)

I asked it:

On the internet what have been any comments about the notions of precision and measurement in the Qur'an?

The notions of precision and measurement in the Qur'an can be glimpsed through various lenses, as seen from different sources:

1. **Measurement and Precision**: 
    - A discussion on ShiaChat.com titled "Measurement in the Qur'an - the association with precision" suggests a relationship between these concepts within the Qur'anic text, although the details of the discussion are not available due to an error accessing the page【54†(source)】.

2. **Recitation Precision**:
    - The precision in Qur'an recitation is highlighted as a unique aspect, reflecting a level of speech precision unlike any other. This precision has been honed over years through a rigorous practice and study of Qur'an recitation, underscoring a form of precision related to the oral tradition of the Qur'an【55†(YouTube)】.

3. **Islamic Astronomy and Measurement**:
    - Although not directly tied to Qur'anic text, the Islamic tradition of astronomy exemplifies a dedication to precise measurement. The invention and refinement of instruments like the astrolabe for measuring celestial bodies showcase a historical emphasis on mathematical precision within the Islamic world【56†(Explorable)】.

https://explorable.com/islamic-astronomy#:~:text=Islamic Astronomy ,the Greeks%2C but the

4. **Word Centrality Measure in Qur'an**:
    - A study aimed at analyzing the effect of word centrality measure on the topic classification of Qur'an verses hints at a form of precision in understanding and categorizing Qur'anic content, although it may not directly refer to the textual notions of precision and measurement【57†(ResearchGate)】.

The mentioned sources reflect diverse ways in which the themes of precision and measurement intersect with Qur'anic and Islamic traditions, whether directly through textual analysis, the practice of recitation, or historical developments in science and scholarship within the Islamic world.

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      He approached their table with a wry smile, having overheard the tail end of their conversation. “Mind if I join you?” he asked, not waiting for an answer as he pulled up a chair. “I couldn’t help but overhear. Your worries sound awfully familiar.”
      Clara and Daniel exchanged glances, intrigued by this interruption. Vincent continued, his voice thick with the weight of years spent battling his own obsolescence. “You know, there was a time when I was the one being pushed aside. When digital art first started gaining traction, I was furious. How could something created on a computer, with no paint, no brush, no tactile connection to the canvas, be considered real art? I watched as galleries that once displayed my work shifted to showcasing digital creations. I felt like the world was moving on without me.”
      Clara leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. “What did you do?”
      Vincent chuckled, though there was a trace of bitterness in his laugh. “I adapted. I learned to incorporate digital techniques into my work, found a way to blend the old with the new. But the feeling never quite left me—that nagging fear that everything I’d worked for could be erased with the click of a mouse.”
      Daniel frowned, his youthful confidence shaken. “So, this is just… a cycle? Each generation of artists fears being replaced by the next?”
      “Seems that way,” Vincent replied, his eyes softening with empathy. “But here’s the thing: art isn’t just about the tools we use. It’s about the vision behind it. Machines, AI, computers—they can mimic, they can replicate, but they can’t feel. They can’t see the world the way we do. That’s something they’ll never take away from us.”
      The three artists sat in silence, contemplating the inevitability of change, but also the enduring nature of creativity. In that moment, they understood the irony that connected them—a shared fear of obsolescence that, in truth, only underscored the timelessness of art itself.
    • Haji 2003
      Satan's slipstream or the good in evil
      By Haji 2003 in Contemporania
         1 comment
      [Originally posted in 2021, updated with a summary and small corrections. Further additions in 2024, with references to Oppenheimer and supporting quotations.]
      Summary
      Good people can focus on doing good. Bad people who are motivated by the nafs can be told of the harms in engaging in it, but it's likely that they will persist. Sometimes however evil leads to some positive outcomes - good people can benefit from these, while still maintaining the wrongfulness of the initial action. 
      The slipstream
      Where you have two runners or cars, for example, the runner/car who is second benefits from the slipstream of the person in front. The slipstream refers to their meeting less air resistance due to the air being pushed to the side by the person/car in front.
      I still remember a Goldman Sachs report from around 2000 which predicted that the technology for streaming videos would initially be funded by the purveyors of porn - which is where the money was.
      Once online video streaming became mainstream, it was used by others, e.g., to educate others, pass on useful instructions to others, and even disseminate religious knowledge. Islamic scholars don't deny the use of such streaming technology because of its antecedents.
      It is said that Robert Oppenheimer lived with the guilt of his atomic bomb being used on Hiroshima and Nagasaki:
      https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/did-oppenheimer-ever-apologize-for-the-atomic-bomb
       
      But there was also a spin-off benefit for the rest of us:
      https://bioethicsarchive.georgetown.edu/achre/final/intro_3.html
       
      When evil leads to good
      We can see similar examples where evil people inspired and motivated by greed or domination go on to do things that can then be used by good people for better ends. Some medical advances in the 20th century (which we all use today) can be attributed to the evil of the Nazis
      https://www.irishtimes.com/news/science/is-it-acceptable-to-use-data-from-nazi-medical-experiments-1.4388509
       
      and the NASA space programme was a prime beneficiary of Nazi developments in rocketry.
      https://www.nasa.gov/people/wernher-von-braun/
       
      An historical precedent
      I think an early example of bad people doing things with positive consequences is Khalid ibn al-Walid's initial foray into Persia followed by Umar ibn Khattab's conquest of the country.
      and the evil-doers acted out of free will
      Indeed, if there are people who, despite information to the contrary, are willing to undertake tasks that contravene moral/ethical scruples - then who are we to complain? No one held a gun to their heads to force them to take those actions. They acted out of free will. If their actions have unintended benefits for others who can put those achievements to good use - that's a gain courtesy of Satan.
      It's not just good and evil...
      At the moment there are various technologies that are problematic for Muslims e.g. using pigs for human transplantation. But these are only a point along the development journey to having similar technology being used without pigs. So the current work of non-Muslims has the potential for future Muslim benefit.
      A personal insight
      In the financial markets there are various financial instruments that to my understanding are haram. Spreadbets involve paying interest to a financial intermediary in order to buy far larger quantities of shares (or other commodity) than one could afford with ones own capital. The 'bet' is that the investment will rise and enable the investor to walk away with a much larger return than would have been possible without the leverage provided by the spread betting company. This type of investing can cause harm to the individuals practising it, because losses can be greater than the amounts invested and it can lead to greater volatility in the markets themselves. Knowing that some shares are popular with small investors using spread bets means that other investors may consider it wise to sell when shares are peaking (because leveraged investors are buying) and to buy when they collapse because leveraged investors have had their trades closed. What is wrong behaviour by market participants can therefore create an opportunity for those who are prepared to play the long game.
      Yet it could be argued that a capitalist system that encourages such a speculative mentality has enabled the funnelling of trillions of dollars across the world towards the development of e.g. internet technology that may otherwise not have happened or it would have happened at a much slower pace.
      For Muslims then, there needs to be a recognition that what is happening around them may well be beneficial in the long-run, but in the short-run there may be practices that are wrong and in which they should not partake.
      Individuals and societies
      This works at both the level of the individual and that of societies. The latter may well achieve great accomplishments, while still being 'bad', and there are historical examples of societies being much more advanced than others of their time in technological and scientific terms, but still undertaking evil cultural practices. Any scientific knowledge that they passed on would still have been valuable.
      Today there can be a tendency of those who have made technological gains to ascribe these to their cultural norms and values - which Muslims may consider to be wrong from an ethical perspective. The ideology of their cultures may or may not have facilitated the advancement - but it does not validate the the ethics of their ideology. For example communism brought a large section of Eastern Europe and Western Asia out of the feudal age and arguably enabled the world to beat Nazism - but does that endorse Communists' correctness of mass collectivisation and the stamping out of religion? No it does not.
      a. Communism
      Communism is an interesting ideology that shows how it is possible to achieve success for a limited period of time, but to ultimately lose out in the war of longevity. Individuals who subscribed to Marxism were wrong. The whole society was bad. But while condemning both, we can walk away with the benefits they left us with.
      b. European slavery system
      There was a whole ideology underpinning this purely evil practice. Argued by some to be based on a reading of the Bible that held black people to be sub-human and treated as property*, the system enabled the development of cash crops in the Americas and provided the foundation of modern consumer societies. Ultimately it came to be seen for the evil that it was.
      What Egyptians, Communism, Nazism and the European slavery system of the 19th century and other ideologies have in common is that they are now defunct. They enabled progress to be made in some areas, but in the long term they offered no solutions to address human needs.
      The lessons for Muslims (starting with Pharoah's wife) has simply been to hang around in order to pick up the pieces and ensure that our ideology persists and outlasts the next round of evil-doers.
      In an ideal world ...
      People would be inspired to innovate, create and advance based purely on the motivations provided by God. But this ideal does not always happen. 
      *Muslims have been accused of having slavery systems as well. But those were completely different in terms of both practice and moral implications.
    • Haji 2003
      Downsizing the Empire
      By Haji 2003 in Contemporania
         2 comments
      The proposition that the British Empire "never really went away" but instead "downsized" reflects a view of post-colonial influence that suggests continuity between the British Empire's formal rule and its present-day economic and political ties, particularly with the rich Arab Gulf states. While the British Empire as a formal political entity dissolved in the mid-20th century, this perspective argues that Britain's influence persisted, transforming from direct colonial rule to a more subtle but still significant form of power and influence.
      Economic Ties and Arms Trade
      One of the most visible aspects of this continuing influence is the strong economic ties between the UK and the Arab Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and others. The UK is a significant exporter of arms to these countries, with Saudi Arabia being one of the largest customers. This arms trade not only supports British industries and employment but also reinforces political and military relationships between the UK and these Gulf states. The reliance of these nations on British military technology and expertise can be seen as a continuation of the influence that Britain once exerted more overtly during the imperial period.
      Investments in British Property and Economy
      Arab Gulf states have also invested heavily in the British economy, particularly in real estate, financial services, and other high-profile sectors. London's property market, for instance, has seen substantial investment from Gulf monarchies and sovereign wealth funds. These investments benefit the British economy and contribute to the UK's status as a global financial hub. The economic interdependence created by these investments is another form of influence, where former colonies (or regions within the imperial sphere) now play a crucial role in the British economy.
      Employment for British Expats
      The presence of British expatriates in the Gulf states, particularly in high-skilled sectors such as finance, education, and engineering, reflects another layer of this ongoing relationship. British professionals are often sought after for their expertise and experience, and their employment in these regions can be traced back to historical ties established during the colonial period. The continued demand for British expertise suggests a lasting influence and a form of soft power, where British culture, education, and professional norms continue to shape the region.
      Political Influence and Leadership Support
      The assertion that the leaders of these Gulf states were either appointed by Britain or have their tenure supported by Britain touches on the historical reality that many current Gulf monarchies have roots in British colonial or protectorate arrangements. For example, the Al-Saud family in Saudi Arabia and the Al-Thani family in Qatar consolidated power during periods when Britain had significant influence over the Arabian Peninsula. While these leaders are now independent, the historical ties and ongoing strategic partnerships suggest that Britain continues to exert some level of influence, particularly through defense agreements and diplomatic support.
      Continuity of Influence
      The idea that the British Empire "downsized" rather than disappeared reflects the continuity of influence, albeit in a different form. The mechanisms of control and influence have shifted from direct colonial administration to economic dependency, strategic partnerships, and soft power. The British Empire in its classical form may be gone, but the relationships, institutions, and dependencies it created continue to shape international relations and economics in ways that can be seen as a legacy of that empire.
      Counterarguments
      However, it is also important to consider the counterarguments to this proposition. The Gulf states are now sovereign nations with their own complex political dynamics, and their relationship with Britain is one of mutual interest rather than imperial domination. The influence of other global powers, such as the United States and China, also plays a significant role in these regions, which complicates the notion that Britain maintains a unique or dominant position of influence.
      In conclusion, while the British Empire as a formal entity no longer exists, the networks of influence, economic ties, and political relationships established during the imperial period have persisted in ways that benefit the UK. These relationships, particularly with the Arab Gulf states, suggest that Britain's influence did not vanish but instead evolved, leading to a form of continuity that some might argue represents a "downsized" empire.
    • Haji 2003
      Androids and inheritance
      By Haji 2003 in Contemporania
         4 comments
      In this thread there was a half jokey but also serious issue that I raised:
      At some point Muslims will ask whether conjugal relations with androids are allowed and we can predict the answer will be no.
       
      Since I first started that thread a lot has happened and I think it's worth introducing some new variables to the discussion.
      There was a time when men who dressed as women (and vice versa) did so either for humour or if it was in some way related to their sexuality the attempt would seem a bit ridiculous. Nowadays though fantasy can be more readily realised with the aid of technology.
      In a similar vein men who play with dolls (this is serious, stay with me) are faintly creepy and weird. But technology moves on and at some point the dolls will pass for humans. While orthodox Muslims may well be aghast at the idea of relations between us and the androids, clearly this will be considered to be progress amongst some people. They may not currently regard it as such but their ideological progeny will.
      But then another issue will emerge. If someone gains emotional and other forms of support from their android, what if they want to pass on their wealth to the android?
       
      https://www.ft.com/content/b9b78aae-1f32-11e9-a46f-08f9738d6b2b
       
      So while we have had dystopian science fiction prognosticating about robots AI becoming 'self-aware' and stealing the planet from us what if such a loss can happen without such a confrontational dystopia?
      What if large numbers of humans give up on human-to-human relations and instead take up with androids who will never argue back, will always say yes and be physically whatever people want them to be.
      And as a reward for this their human companions leave their possessions to robots?
      It could be that it is selfishness and narcissism that disinherits us and nothing more sinister.

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