Stephen Hawking has recently died after living a difficult life physically, but one which was highly productive in terms of intellectual journey and contributions. While acknowledging the tremendous value of the contribution of Stephen Hawking in Cosmological Physics, an attempt is made to clarify the limitations of science in exploring the meaning of life.
Science does nothing more than substantiating that the design, variety and balance in universe is more ‘complex, intricate and detailed’ than previously thought of before scientific advancements. In light of the scientific body of knowledge developed thus far, the assertion of chance argument for the origin and dynamic organization of this universe becomes all the more weak.
Human welfare in Islamic worldview encompasses economic welfare, but comprises much more than that. The achievement of human welfare is sought in both aspects of human life, i.e. worldly life and eternal life hereafter.
As much as people can be selfish, they can be altruist as well. They have free will and they can be as much responsible as they can be reckless. What we need is a conditioning mechanism that nurtures positive tendencies.
Islamic Economics Project 