Core Vision: Decentralized Communities Guided by Ethics
Bram advocates for small, self-reliant groups connected via open-source technology (e.g., Home Assistant) to rebuild trust and solve global crises.
Islamic Alignment:
- Mirrors the Qur’anic concept of Ummah (global community) rooted in local solidarity (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13).
- Echoes Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ emphasis on community bonds (e.g., the Medina Charter uniting tribes).
- Aligns with Islamic governance principles: Power should serve people, not oppress them (Qur’an 4:58).
Philosophy: “Golden Processes” as Divine Stewardship
Bram’s three processes resonate with Islamic duties:
- Lead (Negligible): Distractions that don’t serve Allah’s purpose.
- Metal (Linear): Worldly tasks (e.g., work, education) done with niyyah (intention for Allah).
- Golden (Circular): Sacred cycles demanding protection:
- Family (Qur’an 30:21),
- Community service (Surah Al-Ma’un 107:1–7),
- Environmental care (Hadith: “The Earth is green and beautiful; Allah has appointed you stewards over it”).
Key Insight: Bram’s warning against harming “golden processes” aligns with Islam’s ban on zulm (injustice/oppression).
Groups as Modern “Ansar”: Tools for Ummah-Building
Bram’s tech-enabled groups can empower Muslims to:
- Organize locally: Launch halal food cooperatives, Islamic schools, or disaster relief teams using open-source platforms.
- Protect privacy/data: Avoid surveillance (Qur’an 49:12 forbids spying).
- Resist corruption: Decentralize power away from tyrants (Qur’an 28:83).
Islamic Model: Like the Ansar (Helpers of Medina) who supported the Muhajireen (migrants), these groups embody ta’awun (mutual cooperation).
Critical Warnings Through an Islamic Lens
- Reject Violence: Bram’s “violence is weakness” reflects Islam’s preference for peaceful resolution (Qur’an 41:34).
- Avoid “Caves” of Deception: Bram’s cave allegory warns against falsehoods (e.g., conspiracy theories). Muslims are commanded to seek knowledge (Hadith: “Seek knowledge from cradle to grave”) and verify truth (Qur’an 17:36).
- Combat Greed/Pride: Bram lists vices Islam condemns (Qur’an 57:23; Hadith: “No one with an atom’s weight of pride will enter Jannah”).
Tensions and Resolutions
- Technology vs. Shariah:
- Opportunity: Use open-source tools for halal innovation (e.g., apps for Zakat management).
- Caution: Ensure platforms avoid haram (e.g., interest-based financing, privacy violations).
- Inclusivity vs. Islamic Boundaries:
- Groups must uphold Qur’anic principles (e.g., no alliances promoting shirk).
- “Circular Processes” and Tawhid:
- All “golden” cycles (family, worship) must center Allah—not become idols (Qur’an 31:33).
Call to Action for Muslims
- Build Ethical Groups: Create Shariah-compliant open-source platforms for mosques, charities, or youth groups.
- Guard “Golden” Trusts: Protect family, environment, and faith from exploitation.
- Lead with Knowledge: Use technology to revive Islam’s tradition of ilm (knowledge) and ijtihad (critical reasoning).
- Unite Beyond Borders: Connect Muslim groups globally to address Ummah challenges (e.g., Gaza, Rohingya).
“Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”
(Qur’an 13:11)
Final Reflection
Bram’s project is a tool, not a doctrine. Muslims can harness its framework to strengthen the Ummah while anchoring it in Qur’an and Sunnah. As Surah Al-Imran (3:110) reminds:
“You are the best nation produced for mankind—enjoining good, forbidding evil, and believing in Allah.”
Explore the project: yetanotherprojecttosavetheworld.org
Get involved: Start local. Use FOSS. Prioritize justice (Adl) and compassion (Rahma).
Note: Bram explicitly rejects violence and centralized control—principles deeply aligned with Islamic ethics. His call to “free groups” echoes Islam’s liberation of communities from jahiliyyah (ignorance).