Human development in the MMCs: Uniformity of purpose, diversity of actions

Abstract

This chapter elucidates in philosophical and practical terms the rationality and effectiveness of five possible 'catalysts' of enhancing human development in the Muslim majority countries (MMCs): deliberate actions through value creation for economic diversity, distributive justice, community preference internalising governance, organised cooperation among individuals and states for power enhancement, and ethical practices for sustained capability. The chapter argues that the above five 'catalysts' have supports in Islamic tenets, are less resource intensive, and are likely to institutionalise a system to improve human development status in the MMCs because of a possible increase in highly skilled labour force, productive health, merit-based income to promote savings for investment, manufacturing activities, economic diversity, open and fair market system, and international cooperation (for economic and political security); and a reduction of inequality, and that of dependence on natural resources, external resources, and lower-end foreign workers.