How does one respond to those who claim the permissibility of interpreting the Qur’an and Sunnah to keep pace with the changes of the era, on the grounds that times have changed and technological means have advanced?

The call to "interpret the Qur’an and Sunnah in a way that is compatible with our era" carries two possible understandings:

The first: Is invalid if the intention is to re-interpret the constants and the definitive texts in a way that deviates them from their originality and certainty, making them change with the alteration of time and place, under the pretext that the texts are tied to the reality of their revelation or that they are human texts. This would nullify the text of the Qur’an and intellect. The Qur’an was revealed as a straight Arab judgment, without any crookedness, and as a constant guidance that does not change. Its objectives are clear and are not contradicted by the illusions of possibilities. Allah knows best what is suitable for His servants in every time and place.

The second: Is valid if the intention is renewal in applying the texts of revelation to the novel issues of our time, in a way that serves the objectives and constants of the Qur’an and Sunnah, and taking into account the changes in time, place, and situation in matters of ijtihad (independent reasoning) where no specific text has been revealed. This also includes understanding the philosophy of the Qur’an and its message in a way that addresses the concerns of modern man. This is governed by controls, among them: adherence to consensus (ijma'), the rules of the Arabic language, considering all legitimate proofs, and that it be undertaken by qualified individuals from among the people of knowledge and piety.