what Islam has already contributed to the world's civilization,
education, culture and to scientific development.
Unlike Christianity where Religion and Science are two separate
elements, the study of Science has always been compatible with Islam.
Many young Muslims are discouraged when they see the poor standard of
living of Muslims throughout the world and their limited
opportunities. They also know the undeveloped status of technology
within the Muslim countries in comparison with the West. From these
observations, they immediately leap to the conclusion that the Muslim
countries are 'backward', because Islam cannot adapt itself to the
changing conditions; cannot assimilate new knowledge. Some even go so
far as to say that Islam is actually against progress and against
scientific advancement. However, those Muslims who have studied the
later part of Islamic history will know that this is a complete
fallacy and misconception.
Let us do a brief review of the contribution of Islam to civilization
as we know it.
Trigonometry, Sine, Tangent, Co-Tangent
The Arabs developed these functions in trigonometry and Ibn Moosaa's
workHisaab-Al Jab-Wal Muqaabala)The Calculation of Integration and
Equation( presented 800 examples in the 8thcentury CE. His work was
translated from Arabic into Latin and until the 16th century CE, it
wasEurope's main textbook on the subject.
Algebra and Geometry
Muhammad bin Moosaa Al-Khawaarizmi is considered to be one of the
founders of Algebra. The word 'Algorithm' or 'Algorizm' is a
corruption of his name or the name of the town Khwaarizm )Kheva(, in
what is now Uzbekistan, where he wasborn. He adopted the use of
'cipher' )zero(, that was devised in India some centuries earlier, a
numeral of fundamental importance, leading up to the so-called
arithmetic of positions and the decimal system. The very word 'zero'
is a derivative of the Arabic 'sifr' or 'cipher'. His pioneering work
on the system of numerals is well known as "Algorithm," or "Algorizm."
In addition to introducing the Arabic numerals, he developed several
arithmetical procedures, including operations on fractions.
Another great mathematician was Omar Khayyaam, who offered to the
world geometric and algebraic solutions of the second degree.
Naseeruddeen wrote the treatise on quadrilateral trigonometry, as well
as plain and spherical geometry.
Physics and Chemistry
Kamaaluddeen examined the refraction of sunlight in raindrops and
offered an explanation of the genesis of primary and secondary
rainbows. The story of the invention of the pendulum and the
presentation of a water clock to Emperor Charlemagne by Haaroon
Ar-Rasheed is well known.
The great historian Gibbons wrote in hisDecline and Fall of the Roman
Empire)Volume 5( that the science of chemistry owes its origin and
improvements to the Muslims.
Science of Mechanics
The development of the science of mechanics in Islam is an act of
genius. Moosaa bin Shaakir described one hundred pieces of mechanical
equipment in his book of artifices. Other outstanding Muslim treatises
includedAl Kitaab Fi Ma`rifat Al-Hiya Al-Handasiyyah)The Book of the
Knowledge of Ingenious Geometrical Contrivances( by Abul Fiaz bin Al
Raz andAl Kitaab Meezanal-Hikmah)The Book of Balance and Wisdom( by
Al-Khazini. He also did work on accurate weighing, and determination
of the specific gravity of substances.
Camera Obscura
In the field of optics, Camera Obscura was invented by Ibn Haytham in 1038 CE.
Theory of Relativity
Qaadhi Abu Bakr had developed the theory of relativity in the
8thcentury CE in terms of time and space by means of mathematical
equations and astrophysics. Imagine, Einstein was not even born in the
Western world, who propounded the same theory of relativity much later
in the 20thcentury CE.
Geography
As far as geography was concerned, Muslim scientists established that
the world was round in the 9thcentury CE, and the first map of the
globe was made during the Caliphate of Ma'moon.
Paper Making
This was one of the earliest skills attained by the Muslims. As early
as the 8thcentury CE, high quality paper was being manufactured in
Samarqand.Egyptwas known to have its first paper mill in the year 900
CE. The earliest Arabic manuscript written on paper that has been
discovered is theGhareeb Al Hadeethby Abu 'Ubayed, dated 837 CE. It
can be seen inHollandpreserved in the library at
theUniversityofLeyden.
Advances in Industry
Under Islamic rule,Spainwas an industrial center. It was one of the
wealthiest and most thickly populated of the European countries.
Muslims were leading in weaving wool, producing silk, pottery,
jewelry, leather and perfume industry. In the Middle Ages, world trade
was commanded by Muslims andBaghdad, Bukhaara and Samarqand remained
centers for world fairs until the 16thcentury CE. The Bayt Al-Hikmah
atCairocontained two million books, the library atTripolicontained
some three million, but this library was burned down by the Christians
during the first Crusade.
Miracles of the Quran
Let us consider the hundreds of scientific facts mentioned in the Holy
Quran. For example, the fact that the earth was previously a part of
the sun and after its separation, it became a habitable place for
humankind, as mentioned in chapter 21, verse 30. That matter is made
up of sub-atomic particles )chapter 10, verse 61(. That the embryo in
the mother's womb in enclosed by three epithelial coverings )chapter
39, verse 6(. That each human being has a unique fingerprint )chapter
75, verse 4( etc. There are thousands of other scientific facts in the
Holy Quran.
Regrettably, today the West is at its peak and we have lagged behind
so far. However, our downfall is not due to Islam, as the West would
like us to believe, but due to our sheer neglect of Islamic
principles. We must realize that Islam is undeniably the most
progressive religion, which is in fact a way of life with a very wide
scope.
Of course, life is a very hard struggle. However, struggle is an
inbuilt instinct of human nature. Struggle is a way but not an
accomplishment or attainment in itself. We should make an effort and
struggle but at the same time make Du'aa. This is where Tawakkul, i.e.
trust in Allaah comes because destiny supersedes thought. We must
trust in Allaah for our betterment, because if success depended merely
upon one's personal struggle, then nobody in the world would be
unsuccessful. Furthermore, struggle is itself predestined by Allaah.
Man should do his best, then leave the rest to Allaah, Most High.
--
-
Regards,
NAJIMUDEEN M/
-
-
-
*- Online Translator -*
http://translate.google.com/m?hl=en
No comments:
Post a Comment