ABSTRACT
In the West people often complain that Islam did not develop its philosophical and theological system so that the believer could orientate himself easily in modern times. Although there exists a broad discourse in Islamic Societies which concentrates on the so-called Western challenges - technical development, medical standards, sciences, unions, social security, etc, there is a background question that does need discussion. This background question is: whether the Islamic countries could adapt to these standards without being forced to pay the tribute which Western nations paid and do pay? This, of course, is how King Faisal formulated the issue.
