Science and Mathematics in Medieval Islamic Cultures
Science & Mathematics in Medieval Islamic Cultures
Introduction: There were astonishing (surprising) achievements by Muslim scholars (people who study, students) and scientists during the period from approximately 750 to 1050 A.D. This period is called a "Golden Age" of the Islamic World. Great advances were made in the Abbasid Islamic Empire (with its capital in Baghdad) even up to 1258 when the Mongols invaded the empire and destroyed its capital. Great achievements also continued in Muslim Spain, in Cairo, Egypt at later time periods, but the glorious "Golden Age" was the best period for science and mathematics. These achievements greatly influenced learning in Europe, as well. Without the Muslim achievements at this time, much of the learning from ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt would have been lost forever.
I. Why was there a Golden Age?
What were the factors (all the reasons) that brought about a "Golden Age"? Why did it end? [The following is a simplification and reworking of an article from "Islamic History in Arabia and the Middle East: The Legacy" and other sources. Also see The Golden Age of Islam.] A. Encouragement of Scholarship (studying) within Islam
The Muslims were encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad himself to "seek learning even as far as China". In the area of medicine, the Prophet Muhammad also encouraged a scientific approach. He said, "For every disease, Allah has given a cure," and scientists were encouraged to find those cures. This attitude toward learning and research was a powerful reason that science developed so much under Islam. Moreover, Islam encouraged learning in order to read the Qur 'an, which begins: "Recite!" (which is also translated: "Read!").
Here are some more Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) which encouraged learning:
"He who pursues the road of knowledge Allah will direct to the road of Paradise... The brightness of a learned man compared to that of a mere worshiper is like that of a the full
Introduction: There were astonishing (surprising) achievements by Muslim scholars (people who study, students) and scientists during the period from approximately 750 to 1050 A.D. This period is called a "Golden Age" of the Islamic World. Great advances were made in the Abbasid Islamic Empire (with its capital in Baghdad) even up to 1258 when the Mongols invaded the empire and destroyed its capital. Great achievements also continued in Muslim Spain, in Cairo, Egypt at later time periods, but the glorious "Golden Age" was the best period for science and mathematics. These achievements greatly influenced learning in Europe, as well. Without the Muslim achievements at this time, much of the learning from ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt would have been lost forever.
I. Why was there a Golden Age?
What were the factors (all the reasons) that brought about a "Golden Age"? Why did it end? [The following is a simplification and reworking of an article from "Islamic History in Arabia and the Middle East: The Legacy" and other sources. Also see The Golden Age of Islam.] A. Encouragement of Scholarship (studying) within Islam
The Muslims were encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad himself to "seek learning even as far as China". In the area of medicine, the Prophet Muhammad also encouraged a scientific approach. He said, "For every disease, Allah has given a cure," and scientists were encouraged to find those cures. This attitude toward learning and research was a powerful reason that science developed so much under Islam. Moreover, Islam encouraged learning in order to read the Qur 'an, which begins: "Recite!" (which is also translated: "Read!").
Here are some more Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) which encouraged learning:
"He who pursues the road of knowledge Allah will direct to the road of Paradise... The brightness of a learned man compared to that of a mere worshiper is like that of a the full
Cited: Books and Magazines 1. Beshore, George, Science in Early Islamic Cultures, Franklin Watts/Grolier, New York, 1998 2. Silver-Burdett: Rise of Islam by Moktefi, 1986, pages 56-57. Also a good introduction for middle school students; however, this book is out of print. 3. Rise of Islam by J 4. The Arabs in the Golden Age by Moktefi, Millbrook Press, Conn., 1992, pages 50 - 51 5. Science and Civilization of Islam by Seyyed Hossein Nasr (especially Chpt 8. ARAMCO World: May-June, 1982 "Science: The Islamic Legacy" 9. ARAMCO World: May-June, 1992 "Muslims and Muslim Technology in the New World" p