[Cyph0n]

You've got it backwards. We as Muslims believe that Islam comes first and is our main identity. Nation, region, and race come second. I'm Muslim first, then Tunisian, then Arab.

I never said I'm going to mix circuit design with Islam. I will follow Islam, and I will make it my goal to further Islam and its status through my contributions to whatever field I'm working in.

[kken]

Science is supposed to stand in its own. Neither state nor religion are relevant here.

[Cyph0n]

They are relevant to the comment I replied to. If you think that scientific progress is not a valid technique to improve the standing of one's nation or religion, then I think you've got it wrong.

[kken]

Surely it is a noble goal for a state or a religious community to fund scientific endeavours. But in absolutely no way they should be connected by content.

Even in the western world, I am not aware of a single example where a religious community is funding research without taking influence and without using it to advance their own goals. There surely is no shortage in dubious research institutes funded by christian sects or even more moderate entities.

There is little disagreement in the scientific community about keeping science separate from religion and preferrably even the state.