Islamic civilisation and its impact on science, technology and mathematics that ushered in the Industrial Revolution (700AD–1700AD)
THE core essence of this subject is to build unflinching confidence in our youth globally. It is a reminder of our glorious past and an attempt to provide a springboard that propels us into the future with hope, courage and determination.
This exposition of the enduring legacy of Muslim civilisation to humanity, spanning more than 1,000 years from Spain to China, with its fountain springing from the Muslim world of the time, helps build a platform that nurtures our progeny into productive citizens.
Between 700AD and 1700AD, Islamic scholars made immeasurable contributions to human progress through scientific discoveries.
Among the inspiring Quranic verses that ignited the pursuit of academic excellence from around 700AD to the present day is Surah Fussilat (Quran 41:53), which is translated as an admonition to research across the universe and within ourselves to affirm that the Quran is of divine origin.
Quran 5:3 (Surat Al-Ma’idah) states: “Today I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.”
This assurance brings to rest all that mankind requires from its Creator to sojourn on earth in peace, tranquillity and hope for a comfortable reception in heaven.
The Quranic injunctions that encourage Muslims to become productive members of society are summarised here:
- Quran 53:39–40: “And that there is not for man except the result of which he strives, and that his effort is going to be seen.”
- Quran 62:10: Go out and work.
- Quran 53:39: True success comes through effort.
- Quran 94:7: No idle time; task after task.
- Quran 28:77: Maintain balance and pursue excellence.
Surat Al-Hujurat (49:13) states:
“O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes so that you may get to know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Wise.”
This verse spells out clearly our shared origin from Adam and Eve.
Remarkable eulogistic statements have been made by notable world leaders and acclaimed historians on the timeless legacy of Islamic civilisation and its positive impact over 1,000 years, which the writer argues helped precipitate the Industrial Revolution.
I wish to present here a few selected quotations.
King Charles III
The first is a statement by King Charles III, presented at the Oxford Islamic Centre in 1993, in his speech titled Islam and the West.
“If there is much misunderstanding in the West about the nature of Islam, there is also much ignorance about the debt our own culture and civilisation owe to the Islamic world. It is a failure which stems, I think, from the straitjacket of history which we have inherited. The medieval Islamic world, from Central Asia to the shores of the Atlantic, was a world where scholars and men of learning…”
The supplied quotation is incomplete at this point.
President Barack Obama
Another equally inspiring speech was delivered by President Barack Obama in the grand hall of Cairo on June 4, 2009.
He said:
“As a student of history, I also know civilisations’ debt to Islam. It was Islam, at places like Al-Azhar University, that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe’s Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovations in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra, our magnetic compass and tools of navigation, our mastery of pen and printing, our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Timeless and elegant calligraphy. Muslims demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality.”
Sir George Bernard Shaw
Our next stalwart in intellectual objectivity is the British professor and literary giant, Sir George Bernard Shaw.
He said:
“I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion that possesses that assimilating capacity to the changing phase of existence which can make itself appeal to every age…”
— Sir George Bernard Shaw, The Genuine Islam, Vol. 1, No. 8, 1936.
Since the advent of Islam, Muslims not only ruled the world, but Muslim scientists also came up with cherished inventions. Through their various scientific experiments, they contributed to medicine and developed extensive knowledge in astronomy and other fields of study, including architecture, biological sciences, chemistry, dentistry and zoology.
Some of the prominent figures in Islamic history, such as Jabir Bin Hayan, Al-Khwarizmi and Ibn Battuta, enlightened the world through their extensive knowledge and made lasting contributions. Their discoveries and works not only contributed to their respective periods but continue to influence the world today.
Their priceless books, which are beyond the reach of many African students, will be disseminated consistently and free of charge across Africa through effective digital technology. Interested persons may make requests through my email, babaadammusah1960@gmail.com, or WhatsApp on 233243829579.
1. Algebra
We use algebra in our daily lives without even realising its importance. Algebra was developed and systematised by the Muslim Persian mathematician Al-Khwarizmi. He was one of the renowned Muslim mathematicians who contributed to the development of algebra and the systematic study of equations.
Other Muslim mathematicians, such as Al-Khayyam and Sharaf al-Din al-Tusi, introduced the world to algebraic geometry and methods for solving cubic equations.
Moreover, Al-Khwarizmi and Al-Kindi contributed to the development and dissemination of numerical systems that became widely used around the world.
The discoveries of Al-Khwarizmi also form the basis of algorithms, which underpin computer systems, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and many other industries today.
2. Surgery
A Muslim surgeon named Al-Zahrawi brought significant advances to the world of surgery and is often regarded as one of the fathers of modern surgery.
He developed hundreds of surgical instruments, some of which have influenced instruments used in modern medical practice, including precision scissors, needles and bone saws.
He was also the author of one of the most influential medical books, Kitab al-Tasrif, which discusses the treatment of numerous diseases and various surgical methods.
3. Quadratic equations
Among the major contributions of Muslim scholars to mathematics was the development of methods for solving quadratic equations.
The Persian Muslim mathematician and poet Omar Khayyam made significant contributions to algebra, including geometric methods for solving cubic equations. Abul Wafa Buzjani also made important contributions to mathematics.
4. Vaccinations and drugs
Muslims contributed widely to medicine. The process of vaccination against smallpox was also introduced through practices in the Ottoman Empire and later brought to Europe by Turkish practitioners.
The use of plants in medicine also received significant attention from Muslim scholars.
A notable scientist, Ibn Sina, author of the book Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb, contributed greatly to medicine. The work described several pharmacological methods and numerous drugs.
5. The first university
Islam placed great importance on the pursuit of education. Many small schools and educational centres were established during early Muslim history.
However, in the ninth century, a princess named Fatima Al-Fihri established an educational institution in Morocco, known as the University of Al-Qarawiyyin. It focused on education and scholarship, and its establishment became an important milestone in the history of higher learning.
Conclusion
The attention of all Muslim professionals is drawn to the following strategic steps that will enable us to live up to expectations, assert our presence and build productive and trustworthy Muslim youth.
- Holistic education for all: Education for both males and females should be pursued to the highest level possible. This should cover both Quranic studies and physical sciences.
- Emphasis on skills acquisition: Greater attention should be given to skills acquisition that meets current industry needs, particularly technical skills through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) schools.
- Annual proficiency competitions: Annual Quranic, mathematics, science and language proficiency quiz competitions should be established at district, regional and national levels. An attractive award system should be introduced, with the competitions forming part of the activities for the two Muslim festive holidays.
- Digitalised Muslim community database: Muslims in Ghana should establish a digitalised data platform covering all community, district and regional mosques. The platform should reflect their GPS locations and key leadership structures, with all information linked to the national mosques and national Muslim leadership.
“Allah will not change the condition of a people who fail to change what is in themselves.” — Quran 13:11.
BY HAJJ B.M. ADAM
The writer is the former CEO of the Zakat Fund of Ghana and an advocate for Kuwaiti philanthropic projects in the Upper West and Savannah regions.
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