This study conceptualizes development paradigms as forms of social technology and argues that their long-term effectiveness depends on the coherence of an analytical chain consisting of “epistemic foundations,” “knowledge production,” “institutional prescriptions,” and “performance outcomes.” Using an analytical-comparative approach, the paper explores the roots of epistemic-foundational rupture within this chain in the Western development paradigm and contrasts it with the alternative capacities of the Islamic model of progress. The findings indicate that the structural vulnerabilities of the Western paradigm can be traced back to its epistemic framework, particularly secular humanism and individualism. The novelty of this research lies in presenting an explanatory model that demonstrates how specific epistemic foundations generate systemic crises, whereas the Islamic model of progress—through a logical derivation from monotheistic principles—possesses the capacity to design institutions with intrinsic structural resilience. By envisioning an alternative civilizational horizon, the study emphasizes the necessity of moving beyond superficial reforms toward a fundamental rethinking of governance foundations in order to achieve just and sustainable progress.