Contributions of Islamic Civilization to European Renaissance - Essay Example

Contributions of Islamic Civilization to European Renaissance The renaissance in Europe, which followed the Middle Ages was characterized by increased interest in learning and values. Exploration, discoveries, and innovations constituted the renaissance period in Europe. Powerful innovations such as the gunpowder, printing invention of marine compass were seen during the renaissance period in Europe. Philosophers and elite of the time considered that time a time of rebirth of the classical learning.

The renaissance was the platform for the new civilization with culture and new thoughts coming into being. A number of factors facilitated the European renaissance and it is with no doubt that Islamic civilization played an important role in the European renaissance. It is believed that the European renaissance started in Spain, which had relationship with the Arabs in the early years. Printing, research methods, anthropology, and other academic techniques in Europe are believed to have been contribution of Islam community in Europe.

Islam preserved and natured learning as part of their tradition. History shows that Cordoba was the most civilized city by the end of tenth century in Europe. It had lending libraries in Spain, which had a variety of books in store. This was made possible by the knowledge of printing and paper making which Islam had acquired from china a long time before the other non-Muslims in Europe. The Arabs implying Islam introduced most of the mathematical and physics ideas in Europe during the renaissance.

Although the historians believe that numerical originated in India, it is important to acknowledge the contribution of Muslims to the mathematical techniques that were later developed by the Europeans. For instance, the concept of zero meaning void was introduced by Muhammad Bin Ahmed. The Arabs first developed algebra, which means calculation by symbols and trigonometry. These ideas were translated in Latin by scholars during the tenth century and formed the basis for development of various mathematical concepts later in Europe.

The works of Muslim physicist Al-Hassan pioneered the development of optical sciences, which led to invention of cameras, telescopes, and microscopes. The Islam also contributed to the European renaissance in agriculture, growth of commerce in the early 10th century. In agriculture, new methods of irrigation were introduced in Muslim Spain and even artificial lakes for fish farming were first used in Muslim Spain. According to historians, coins and systems of cheques were found that had the Arabic inscriptions.

Industrialization saw the establishment of paper factories as early as 794 in Baghdad. The industries manufactured clothes, perfumes, glass among other items which later spread to other parts of Europe. Muslims in Europe inspired most of the early architectural designs. For instance, Muslim inscriptions decorated one of the cathedral doors at Puy. The Islamic designs are found in most churches in Spain, which is an evidence of great contribution to Islam on arts in Europe. The Arabs mainly developed Mosaic art and calligraphy in Europe.

The inscriptions or artwork brought out the fusion of Islam culture (Badawi 19). These ideas later spread to other parts of Europe during renaissance. Islam did not only contributed to the European renaissance through scientific innovations and discoveries but also contributed to the foundational values of Europe. During the 10th century, Islam thought dominated most parts of Europe specifically the southern Europe. Some philosophers argue that the post renaissance Europe civilization is Islam civilization.

Foundational values such as man dignity, humanity, human rights and freedom, the rule of law and justice might have also been influenced by the Islamic ideologies. The last pilgrimage address by Muhammad where he stressed the equality of human regardless of where they come from is seen to have been the basis of human rights charter. In conclusion, the European renaissance was characterized by great advancement in classical learning and knowledge acquisition. The renaissance was accompanied by explorations, innovations, and great wisdom.

The Muslim was the major contributors to the European renaissance owing to their culture that attached importance to documentation. The documented ideas were later translated to Latin and formed the basis of most scientific work and discoveries that were later seen in Europe. In addition, values such as human rights are seen to have their root in Islam ideologies. It is important to acknowledge the contribution of Islam to the European renaissance since most of their contributions are applied on a daily basis.

Works Cited Badawi, J. A. (2002). Islamic worldview: Prime motive for development. Humanomics, 18(3), 3-25. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/203020584?accountid=45049