Futures are shaped by what is happening in the present: the established trends, the embryonic drifts, the insignificant looking events, topics and problems that become emerging issues which could have profound impact in the coming months and years. Many of these trends and emerging issues simply spread and continue into the future; we may describe this future simply as extended present. The past is important too; it contains deep, long and entrenched trends – some of which we recognise as traditions, some have become established paradigms – and their momentum propels us towards what we may describe as recognisable, familiar futures. Sometimes past and present collapse in the future. Other times, well established historic trends and emerging issues combine to generate the totally unexpected – something that is not totally unthinkable but represents our unthought – things we could not think of because of our a priori assumptions, principle and axioms.
The Atlas of Muslim Futures gathers news, events and happenings that may or may not have a direct impact on futures of Muslim societies. Some of them are directly relevant to all Muslim communities. Others may be significant only for a few. Some of these represent well established trends, some of them may evolve into trends, others could be emerging issues that may disappear or transform into trends – but most, in one way or another, would have an impact on Muslim futures. And some will have a global reach effecting the futures of the planet itself.
Currently, the Atlas consists of four maps – one focussing on current affairs with potential to transform our futures, one concentrating on emerging issues which could develop into trends, and two directed towards specific subjects of knowledge and education and developments in Islamic and ethical economics. We will add other maps on specific issues in the coming months and years.
Dominant trends with potential implications for Muslim societies are highlighted. First presented in Muslim Societies in Postnormal Times, these trends have been updated on the Atlas; and will be constantly revised as new data and information emerge. There is also a Repository of research material – books, papers, articles, essays, reports and scholarly blogs – that can be accessed for further investigation and exploration.
The Atlas provides a snap shot of what is happening in the Muslim world in our rapidly changing present, and how futures are being shaped and transformed. It is for the users to decide what kind of future they would like to inherit and leave for future generations.
We invite you to enter and explore the Atlas.