Profession: Professor of Physics at the University of Surrey
Background: Born in Baghdad with an English mother and Iraqi father. Left Iraq in the late 1970s due to Saddam Hussein's rise to power.
Focus: Investigating the contributions of medieval Muslim scientists to modern science.
Motivation for Exploration
Scientific Heritage: Initial focus on Western scientific tradition (Newton, Einstein).
Cultural Heritage: Nagging feeling of ignoring Islamic scientific heritage.
Objective: To unearth the contributions of medieval Islamic scholars and their relationship with science and Islam.
Islamic Golden Age of Science
Time Period: 9th to 12th centuries.
Regions of Influence: Baghdad, Damascus, Cairo, and Cordoba.
Contributions: Significant advancements in scientific knowledge during this period.
Language and Science
Impact of Arabic: Modern scientific terms like algebra, algorithm, and alkali have Arabic roots.
Medieval Legacy: Awareness of Islamic contributions has diminished in the West.
Key Historical Figures
Al-Khwarizmi: Introduced decimal system and algebraic concepts to the West.
Work: His book outlined the use of Hindu-Arabic numerals and decimal point, revolutionizing arithmetic in Europe.
Islamic Scholars' Approach: Translating and preserving knowledge from diverse cultures including Greek, Indian, Persian.
Islamic Influence on Mathematics
Decimal System: Originated in India, refined by Islamic scholars with the addition of the decimal point.
Contribution to Arithmetic: Simplified calculations and introduced efficient methods for solving mathematical problems.
Cultural and Scientific Exchange
Translation Movement: Initiative to translate scientific texts into Arabic from various languages like Greek, Syraic, Persian, and Sanskrit.
Baghdad's Role: Central hub for scholarly activity due to its strategic location.
Islamic Empire and Scientific Advancements
Caliphs' Role: Political leaders like the caliphs understood the significance of science for governance and military success.
Religious Duty: Encouraged by religious teachings to pursue and preserve knowledge.
Medicine and Islamic Science
Integration of Knowledge: Islamic medicine combined Greek, Indian, and folk traditions.
Key Figures: Avicenna (Ibn Sina) with his Canon of Medicine.
Hospitals and Public Health: Establishment of hospitals and pharmacies, showcasing practical applications of medical knowledge.
Alchemy and Chemistry
Alchemical Practices: Transition from mystical beliefs to practical chemistry.
Advancements: Islamic scholars contributed to developments in metallurgy, glass making, and distillation methods.
Astronomy and Islamic Influence
Observatories: Built across the Islamic world for astronomical research.
Precision in Observations: Islamic scholars made precise measurements, influencing later European astronomers.
Decline and Legacy
Factors for Decline: Political fragmentation, external invasions, and the rise of European powers.
Western Renaissance: Integration of Islamic scientific advances into Western thought during the Renaissance.
Conclusion
Universal Language of Science: Science transcends cultural and religious boundaries, benefiting all humanity.
Historical Recognition: The importance of acknowledging and integrating the scientific achievements of Islamic scholars into the broader narrative of scientific progress.