Major Intellectual Advances in the Islamic World - Essay Example

?Introduction The modern Islam is not popular for involvement in scientific and intellectual developments, but the contemporary technological advancement in diverse disciplines borrows significantly from the ancient Muslims. The Abbasid rule that lasted for over 500 years remains one of the most eventful period where Muslims made immense contributions in intellectual and scientific developments. According to Ofek (2011), the early periods of Abbasid Empire was characterised by remarkable developments in arts, scientific disciplines, philosophy, engineering and religion. Development of these fields reached high academic levels and transformed the Muslim community profoundly (Ofek, 2011). According to Bennison (2009, pp43-56) Historians, aptly refer Abbasid era as the “Golden Age” mainly because of the great scientific and cultural transformations that occurred during the period. Western countries such as ancient Greece and Rome in addition to eastern countries especially China had initiated the path for scientific and intellectual development in the Arab empire. These early advancements converged in the Muslim world partly because of Abbasid rule, which established favourable environment for scientific and intellectual development. Various factors contributed to the desire for knowledge in Muslim world. Firstly, the expansive Abbasid Empire demanded new technologies and improvement to address the existing social, economic and political problems (Akabar, 1992). The vastness of the empire from North Africa to Iran comprised of diverse people with different cultural backgrounds. Interaction between these diverse cultures contributed to the spread of ideas and creativity in the region. Another reason was that during the period, the Arabic became the language of learning and hence Muslims from the Abbasids Empire had valuable opportunity for engaging in diverse scientific and intellectual pursuits (LeStrange, 2004). The eagerness of prominent Caliphs in the Abbasid empire such Al-Mamoun to collect and preserve the knowledge of ancient civilisations played a critical role in inspiring intellectual and scientific development in the empire (Akabar, 1992, p69-77). Espisito (1999) noted that Caliph Al- Mamoun initiated academic programs which involved translation of Roman, Indian and Greek works into Arabic. This was intended to educate the Arab scholars and encourage their contributions in expansion and creation of new knowledge. Astronomy is one of the disciplines that Muslim scholars made tremendous contribution during the Abbasid era. The initial contribution of the Abbasid rule in the field of astronomy commenced with translation of texts from earlier advanced civilisations in the discipline such as the Greek. (Ofek, 2011). Original contribution of Abbasids in astronomy without foreign input was in the formulation of moon and sun spatial motions into comprehensible tables. The discovery was done by Al-Khawarizimi and he later formulated tables denoting planetary motions of other several other planets (Hasan, 2005). Several equipments in astronomy discovered during this time included the astrolabe and the armillary sphere. The armillary sphere was used to calculate the time of the day or year, which assisted the Muslims in setting their sacred schedule. Astrolabe was the precursor of the modern magnetic compass, and was applied in calculating time and establishing position. Astrolabe was particular useful for Muslims because it enabled them establish their position relative to Mecca, where they face during prayers (Bennison, 2009, pp57-65). Astronomy was of particular interests for the Muslims because of the necessity to establish times of prayer and lunar patterns. In addition, the vastness of the Abbasid Empire necessitated the need of being knowledgeable about directions and locations (LeStrange, 2004). Muslims during the Abbasid rule made important contributions in mathematics and their influence is still felt today in that field. Muslims made valuable contribution in algebra and the term “algebra” in essence is Arabic, term al-jabr (Ofek, 2011, p11). Mohammad Ibn Musa Al Khawarizimi is one of the most renowned mathematicians during the Abbasid rule and he made valuable contributions in algebra. According to Ofek (2011), he is considered the “father of algebra”. Arabs developed zero numeral and Mohammad ibn Musa made important contributions in explaining its application in mathematics (Falagas, Effie, and Samonis 2006: 1582). During the Abbasid rule, Arab literature expanded dramatically and one of the most popular work included The Thousand and One Nights, which comprised of a collection of fairly tales, short stories, legends and parables (Bennison, 2009, p38). Abbasid scholars added several themes in the existing literature to include literature genres such as poems on love, environment, and joys of life among other aspects (Bennison, 2009). In arts and architecture, the Abbasid Empire made remarkable contribution and some of the ancient buildings lasted for many years. The empire is particularly credited for development of calligraphy that was mainly applied in making decorative partners on clothes, buildings, ceramics and other surfaces. According to LeStrange (2004), the intricate and colourful Islamic art devoid of animal and human images developed in this era. This art developed out of reverence for Allah, which provided artists with limitless opportunities of expressing their creativity without using the living images (Arkoun, 1994). In building and engineering, the Abbasids used arches and domes in construction of mosques. Some of the popular mosques constructed during their rule included the Great Mosque of Damascus and the Great Mosque in Cordoba. Construction of these buildings blended earlier technologies from previous civilisations, particularly the Roman (LeStrange, 2004). Muslim academicians made remarkable contributions in optics during the Abbasid rule. Before then, Greek scientists were considered undisputed authorities in the field. Ibn Al- Haytem was one of the most prominent opticians during Abbasid rule. Some of his most remarkable achievements included writing a book on optics, which formed the basis of early development of optical instruments such as telescopes and lenses. His insights in optics transformed theory of vision by demonstrating that an object reflects light on the eye, making vision possible (Falagas, Effie, and Samonis 2006, p1582) The Abbasid intellectual and technological development was not confined to sciences and mathematics alone. In philosophy, Ibn Rushd is considered the pioneer of Islamic philosophy. An ardent reader of Aristotle and Plato’s works, he blended philosophy with Islamic teachings. Other prominent philosopher during Abbasid rule includes Maimonides who wrote a philosophical book titled The Guide for the Perplexed (Bennison, 2009). The empire also made important contributions in development of Islamic law. Some of the most influential pioneers of Islamic law include Malik ibn Anas, Abu Hanifa, Imam Ash-Shafi’i and Ahamad ibn Hanbal. Islamic law continues being one of the most influential teachings of the religion up to date (Abu, 2001). Several Arabic scholars made valuable intellectual and scientific contributions in development of chemistry. Jabir ibn Haiyan is one of the most prominent Arab scholars in chemistry during Abbasid rule and is considered the father of the scientific discipline (Falagas, Effie, and Samonis 2006, p1585). Jabir ibn Haiyan developed and refined several important processes in chemistry currently used in separation of various mixtures. These discoveries established the foundation of applied chemistry and alchemy (Falagas, Effie, and Samonis 2006, p1582). These early discoveries led to development of various ancient industries especially in clothing and metal sectors. Muslims were most popular in contributing to medicine during the Abbasid rule. Some of the prominent physicians in the empire included Al-Razi, a highly educated scholar from Persia. He wrote a comprehensive encyclopaedia in medicine that blended medical knowledge from Syria, Persia, Greece and India. In addition, Al- Razi also diagnosed measles and small pox (Falagas, Effie, and Samonis 2006, p1583). In addition, Al-Razi was of the earliest medics to recognise the importance of clean environment in sustaining health. Other influential physicians in Abbasid Empire included Ibn Sina, credited for writing Canon of Medicine, a voluminous medical book. According to Ofek (2011, p16), the book became an influential medical literature beyond the Abbasid Empire. Its medical importance then is demonstrated by the fact that it was used for over six centuries and translated into Latin and other languages. Conclusion Abbasid rule was one of the most productive eras that witnessed remarkable contributions of Muslims in intellectual and scientific development. Various factors contributed to Abbasid success in stimulating intellectual and scientific progress in the empire. These included the stability of empire that lasted for over 500 years and the multicultural background which facilitated exchange of ideas and information within the vast empire. In addition, the Muslim Caliphs encouraged acquisition of new technology and knowledge in the empire. Bibliography Abu, Z. (2001). The four imams: Their lives, works and their schools of thought. London: Dar Al Taqwa Ltd. Bennison, A.(2009). The great caliphs: The Golden age of the Abbasid Empire. New Haven, Connecticut: Yale University Press. LeStrange, G.(2004). Baghdad during the Abbasid caliphate. Oxford: Kessinger Publishing LLC Akabar, A.(1992).Postmodernism and Islam: Predicament and promise. New York: Routledge. Arkoun, M. (1994). Rethinking Islam: Common questions, uncommon answers. New York: Westview Press. Espisito, J. (1999). The Oxford history of Islam. Oxford, USA: Oxford University Press. Falagas, M., Effie, Z., and Samonis, G.(2006). Arab science in the golden age(750-1258 C.E.) and today. 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