History of Science & Islam

The historical relation between Science and Islam, including the extent to which Muslim scientists helped usher in the European Renaissance

“We ought not to be ashamed of appreciating the truth and of obtaining it wherever it comes from, even if it comes from races distant and nations different from us.”

Al-Kindi, ninth-century muslim scholar who studied in Baghdad, Iraq

The enduring legacy of Muslim civilization

For more than a thousand years from the seventh century onward (632-1796), the Muslim world stretched from southern Spain as far as China. During this period scholars, male and female and of many beliefs, worked collaboratively to build and improve above ancient knowledge. They made breakthroughs that led to an incredible expansion of knowledge and prosperity – a golden age of civilization.

Islam and contemporary science issues

Contemporary debates on Islam and modern science

“Scientific thought is the common heritage of mankind.”

Abdus Salam

• Islam & Cosmology
• Islam & Design
• Islam and the anthropic principle: was the universe created for man?
• Islam and evolution (human and biological)

Practical Astronomy & Islamic Fiqh (Ramadan, Prayer Times, etc.)

The practical problems of Islamic life where Science plays an important role, for instance the determination of the start of holy months and occasions (Ramadan, Eids, Hajj) and the determination of prayer and fasting times at high-latitude locations

Philosophy

The conceptual questions that Modern Science raises vis-à-vis the Islamic worldview (naturalism vs. occasionalism, divine action in the world, the question of miracles, etc.)

• Philosophical implications of contemporary science
• Science and islamic ethics
• Faith and reason in Islam

Science in dialogue

Interface between science & theology and/or philosophy

• Miracles and science
• Science and prayers
• Divine action
• The nature of time
• And so on.