How does Islam view the dominance of industrialised countries over developing countries?

In this world the stronger usually prevails, and industrialised countries became strong mainly through knowledge, hard work and order. Weaker countries will not change their situation by complaining, but by acquiring these qualities themselves.

This imbalance is nothing new. In nature and in history, the stronger side usually prevails in the struggle for survival and influence. That does not mean strength is always right. It simply describes how the world works.

Where does the strength of industrialised countries come from? Above all from knowledge, and from many other qualities they have developed over a long time, such as hard work, order and perseverance. This is true of Western countries and equally of a country like Japan. Those who are weaker should look carefully at what made these countries strong and make those qualities their own.

Simply railing against the powerful achieves nothing. Yet politicians in weaker countries often do exactly that. At home they loudly attack the rich nations in order to be seen as champions of their people. When they visit those same nations, they behave with great submissiveness. This double face does nothing to change people’s lives.

The Holy Qur’an places responsibility first in the hands of a people themselves. The first verse above says that God does not change a people’s condition until they change what is within themselves. The second links success to one’s own effort. A country that cultivates knowledge, honesty and work grows stronger and can then meet others as an equal.