The Islamic Golden Age, a period from the 8th century to the 13th century, was characterized by scientific, economic, and cultural flourishing in the history of Islam. It began during the reign of Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid (786 to 809) with the inauguration of the House of Wisdom in Baghdad. This early Islamic period, sometimes called the Golden Age of Islam, was a significant period in the Islamic world, ruled by various caliphates. There were three Islamic Golden Ages, the first two occurring concurrently in the Abbasid Empire and Umayyad Spain, and the second during the middle phase of the Ottoman Era.
Sunflowers, such as jasmine and rose, carried rich symbolism reflecting the values, beliefs, and aspirations of early Muslims. Sunflowers symbolize munificence, balance, harmony, abundance, chance, and individuality. In the Islamic Golden Age, plant science thrived through translation and Islamic addition to medicinal works of ancient plant scholars. Sunflower growing developed throughout the 1700s and spread across Europe into Russia and Ukraine by the turn of the 19th century.
The Islamic Golden Age was centered in Baghdad, the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate, where caliphs built a “House of Wisdom” and became a leading center of science, medicine, maths, and other fields. The sunflower symbolized unwavering faith and constant orientation towards the light, reflecting the values, beliefs, and aspirations of early Muslims.
📹 How The Islamic Golden Age of Science Changed History As We Know It
The Islamic Golden Age of Science is largely to thank for our scientific developments today. Around 750-1250 CE, the Islamic …
What is the birth flower in Islam?
Maryam, also known as mariym booti, Nabi booti, or Madina leaves, is a plant found in Pakistan and Iran. It is believed to aid in labor, delivering babies, and strengthen the womb. The leaves are available in market places near Mount Uhud in Madina, resembling dried curry leaves. The Prophet (SAW) gave these leaves to a woman struggling with conception. Maryam is not only specific to labor but also has uses for other illnesses and diseases. In the delivery room, the mother soaks the plant in warm water, and the flower ball opens up to a full shape.
The mother gently perspires as the flower ball softens and expands into a woody flower. Sometimes, the mother is given water to speed up the process. As the flower blossoms, so does her body, and when the flower is in full shape, she is ready to bring the child into this world.
What is the birth Flower in Islam?
Maryam, also known as mariym booti, Nabi booti, or Madina leaves, is a plant found in Pakistan and Iran. It is believed to aid in labor, delivering babies, and strengthen the womb. The leaves are available in market places near Mount Uhud in Madina, resembling dried curry leaves. The Prophet (SAW) gave these leaves to a woman struggling with conception. Maryam is not only specific to labor but also has uses for other illnesses and diseases. In the delivery room, the mother soaks the plant in warm water, and the flower ball opens up to a full shape.
The mother gently perspires as the flower ball softens and expands into a woody flower. Sometimes, the mother is given water to speed up the process. As the flower blossoms, so does her body, and when the flower is in full shape, she is ready to bring the child into this world.
What are the sacred plants in Islam?
Nineteen medicinal plants have been identified in the Quran, including camphor, date palm, fig, ginger, grape, garlic, lentil, olive, onion, pomegranate, summer squash, sweet basil, Athel tamarisk, tooth-brush tree, Arak, mustard, Acacia, cucumber, leek, and cedrus. Five plants were chosen due to their numerous therapeutic properties, such as hypotensive, antimicrobial, and cancer-preventive activities, cardiovascular benefits, ginger’s effectiveness for nausea and vomiting relief, and olive oil and leaves’ hypoglycemic, hypotensive, hypocholesterolemic, antiviral, antimicrobial, and immunostimulant agents. These phytotherapeutic benefits have been supported by numerous scientific publications, but further research is needed to explore the therapeutic benefits of other plants found in the Quran.
What is the holy flower of Islam?
Ramadan is a holy month in Islam, marked by the consumption of flowers. The jasmine flower, a symbol of purity, humility, and grace, is commonly used in Islamic ceremonies and is often used to decorate mosques, homes, and public spaces. Roses, a symbol of love, passion, and devotion, are also popular during this time. The fragrance of roses is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and body, making them ideal for use during Ramadan.
Darcey Flowers offers a range of Ramadan flower arrangements, including vibrant Crescent Moons, Iftar table centerpieces, boxed arrangements, and hand-tied bouquets. These fresh floral creations are sure to inspire and bring joy and meaning to our lives. By browsing Darcey Flowers’ Ramadan flowers collection, you can find the perfect flowers to elevate your Ramadan experience and remember the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
Which flower is mentioned in the Quran?
The Quran, the sacred text of Islam, uses flowers, including the lotus, to convey spiritual truths. The lotus symbolizes purity, grace, and the beauty of Allah’s creation. It blooms in paradise, representing the divine beauty and tranquility that awaits righteous believers. The Quran serves as a reminder of the eternal rewards and blessings that await those who strive for righteousness.
Florals were also significant in the cultural practices of the Arabian Peninsula during the time of the Quran’s writing. They were used in ceremonies, celebrations, and perfumes, oils, and natural remedies, adding beauty and elegance to these events. The presence of flowers in both religious and secular realms during that era highlights their deep-rooted significance and their ability to connect people with nature and the divine. The Quran and the Bible also contain flower symbolism.
What were the things in the Islamic Golden Age?
During the Islamic Golden Age, various art forms such as ceramics, glass, metalwork, textiles, illuminated manuscripts, and woodwork flourished. Manuscript illumination became a respected art form, and portrait miniature painting in Persia thrived. Calligraphy, an essential aspect of written Arabic, developed in manuscripts and architectural decoration. Islamic art often depicts nature patterns and Arabic calligraphy, rather than figures, as depicting human forms was considered idolatry and a sin against God.
Repeating elements, such as geometrical floral or vegetal designs, are used to symbolize the transcendent, indivisible, and infinite nature of God. Mistakes in repetitions may be intentional as a show of humility, although this theory is disputed.
What is the history of rose flower in Islam?
In Islam, the rose, also known as the Flower of Heaven, symbolizes Prophet Muhammad in Mecca. The early rose culture is linked to Arab conquests and the history of the caliphate. Roses represent divine beauty and the Prophet Muhammad’s face, with his grave resembling a “rose garden”. The name Jouri, meaning Damascus rose, is written in Arabic as جوري. The phrase “Whoever would smell my sent, let him smell the Rose/ Prophet Muhammad” is a common Islamic chant.
Is it OK to give Muslims flowers?
There is a diversity of opinion among different Muslim sects with regard to the sending of flowers to families. Islamic teachings emphasise simplicity and moderation, which often result in the avoidance of gift-giving. In lieu of a gift, donations are often made to a charity in the name of the deceased. Immediate family members typically order flowers and place them near or inside the casket.
What were the artifacts of the Islamic Golden Age?
The Islamic Golden Age began with the rise of Islam and the establishment of the first Islamic state in 622. The 10th century saw the introduction of paper, enabling Islamic scholars to write manuscripts and save classic works of antiquity. Arabs assimilated scientific knowledge from various civilizations, including ancient Greek, Roman, Persian, Chinese, Indian, Egyptian, and Phoenician. Scientists advanced fields such as algebra, calculus, geometry, chemistry, biology, medicine, and astronomy.
Art flourished during the Islamic Golden Age, including ceramics, metalwork, textiles, illuminated manuscripts, woodwork, and calligraphy. Averroës, a medieval Andalusian polymath, was famous for his translations and commentaries of Aristotle.
When did Islam rose?
The Rashidun Caliphate, which existed from 632 to 661 CE, saw considerable expansion during this period. In contrast, the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates witnessed the evolution and sophistication of the caliphate, a novel Islamic political structure.
What was the downfall of the Islamic Golden Age?
The Islamic Golden Age, a period from 786 to 809, is believed to have begun with the inauguration of the House of Wisdom in Baghdad, where scholars from around the world translated classical knowledge into Arabic and Persian. The period ended with the collapse of the Abbasid caliphate due to Mongol invasions and the Siege of Baghdad in 1258. Alternative timelines include the end date around 1350, including the Timurid Renaissance, or the end of the Islamic Golden Age around the 15th to 16th centuries, including the rise of Islamic gunpowder empires.
The metaphor of a golden age was applied in 19th-century literature about Islamic history, in the context of Orientalism, with the author of a Handbook for Travelers in Syria and Palestine describing the beautiful mosques of Damascus as relics of the golden age of Islam.
📹 The Golden Age of Islam, an Introduction
When you go out in the middle of the night and look at the seemingly billions of stars, you start to realize your position and scale in …
I just wanted to say I really, really appreciate your explanation of algebra. Of why it was important, why it was invented, and what the practical applications of the math were back then, as well as today. You helped me make a cognitive connection that I wish I could have made 25 years ago, back when I was in 3rd grade. Thank you.
In 807, Emperor Charlemagne was sent a brass clock by the Abbasid caliph, Harun al-Rashid in Baghdad. According to the Emperor’s biographer, it was a “marvellous mechanical contraption, in which the course of the twelve hours moved according to a water clock, with as many brazen little balls, which fell down on the hour and through their fall made a cymbal ring underneath. On this clock there were also twelve horsemen who at the end of each hour stepped out of twelve windows, closing the previously open windows by their movements.”
Great article! Thank you. I guess you tried to keep it short and that’s why we miss people like Ibn al-Haytham “the father of modern optics”, Zakariyyā al-Rāzī, Al-Biruni, Al-Farabi, Jabir ibn Hayyan, Nasir al-Din al-Tusi, and Omar Khayyam the great mathematician. I’ll just put their names here for those who want to know more and look them up. I would also like to note that some of the greatest pieces of poetry ever known to mankind were produced in this era, some of which were the subject of great admiration by people like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Thank you, Scishow, for your constant objectivity! I studied medieval interactions between Islam and Christianity for years in grad school, and I honestly have a mini panic attack before i watch articles like this because they’re usually a disaster. It’s such a relief to see a article this good in a time where most people can’t discuss anything remotely related to any religion with any degree of competence and impartiality.
Nice article! I’d like to add to that: Ibn Al Haythem: founded the scientific method, invented the camera obscura and wrote about optics, he’s known as the father of modern optics. Al-Idrissi: drew a world map “Tabula Rogeriana” in 1154 which still very accurate to this day, he also explained why the earth is spherical. Jabir Ibn Hayyan: the father of chemistry, real chemistry. al-Khwarizmi: founded Algebra and made great contributions to Arithmetic. Ibn Sina: the father of early modern medicine. Ibn Al-Nafis: the first to describe the pulmonary circulation, he also made other medical contributions. Al-Khalil ibn Ahmad al-Farahidi: a philologist and lexicographer he wrote the first dictionary for the Arabic language called “Kitab al-Ayn” and made great contributions to the nature of Arabic language. Zakariya al-Qazwini: a physician, astronomer and geographer famous with his cosmography book “The Wonders of Creation”. Ismail al-Jazari: mechanical engineer and mathematician famous with his invention “The elephant clock” and his book “knowledge of engineering tricks”. These were only few names, what Muslims contributed back then was translated in the mid centuries into latin then into German and was taught in European universities until the 17th century, it was also one of the factors of the Renaissance and to this day the world still benefiting from such knowledge. So as a Muslim and an Arab I’m proud even though some of those weren’t Arabs yet they considered themselves to be Arabs as they spoke and wrote in Arabic and what’s common between them all is that they were Muslims and believed in the same book: The Quran, the divine book that its first revealed verse to the prophet peace be upon him was “Read: In the Name of your Lord, who created.
I’m going to give a 8/10 on these comments in this comment section! I was so ready to be like “Oh boy, here we go, these comments are going to be entirely cancerous”, but they really aren’t. Thank you, everybody, for not being super awful about this. Just goes to show how a love of knowledge and science can bring people together, and how science is and has been a universal tool.
The first scientist, even according to secular historians, was a Muslim by the name of Hasan ibn Haythem who developed the modern scientific method. During the Golden Age of Islam, Muslims were economically, politically, militarily and technologically far ahead of most of the world whilst Europe was in Dark Age. West has taken a lot from the Muslim world. It was the justice and tolerance of Islam that made science flourish and awoke Europe from Dark Age giving birth to European Renaissance. Professor Thomas Arnold writes that the European Renaissance originated in Islamic Spain: Muslim Spain had written one of the brightest pages in the history of Medieval Europe. Her influence had passed through Provence into the other countries of Europe, bringing into birth a new poetry and a new culture, and it was from here that Christian scholars received what of Greek philosophy and science they had to stimulate their mental activity up to the time of the Renaissance. – The Preaching of Islam: A History of the Propagation of the Muslim Faith by Thomas Arnold, p. 131 Translations of Arabic works on science were made for almost three centuries, starting from the 10th to the 13th century and gradually spread throughout Europe. Professor George Saliba penned a book on this very topic and stated that: There is hardly a book on Islamic civilization, or on the general history of science, that does not at least pretend to recognize the importance of the Islamic scientific tradition and the role this tradition played in the development of human civilisation in general.
This is such a delightful and important article! My knowledge about science and scientists is so overly saturated with stories about white scientists which is more likely to go hand in hand with a “western-centric” arrogance that’s very present in many forms. Thank you for producing this article that might counteract those tendencies a bit
Diversity was intrinsic to their government system. They created huge empires thanks to big trade routes. Important trade routes favor the exchange of ideas and the exchange of ideas, favor science. Diversity is therefore intrinsic. But I wouldn’t say it’s the cause. I’d say that a mentality with few cultural prejudices, a government that is not cruel against its people or the conquered peoples, is the true cause of scientific progress. Diversity in my opinion is a phenomenon derived from it, which undoubtedly influences its maintenance. What I mean is that there are many ways to interpret those finding about scientific articles. When a team tries to include scientists from different places is for some reason. Usually that people have something important to contribute to the team.
Great article! But one of the best scientists didn’t cover was Ibn Al-Hytham. Besides his important contribution to optics, Ibn Al-Hytham was one of the first scholars to emphasize experimental verification and probably the first to express the importance of doubt in testing out the correct hypothesis. Experimentation is what makes science what it is. Rozer Bacon, by his own word, was applying Al-Hytham’s empirical methods rather than Aristotle’s arguments in search of the truth.
Also kind of reminds me of that old series, Connections. It traced the development of modern things from strange and seemingly unrelated topics, showing that influence and inspiration can come from far-removed places. Everything is connected, perhaps not obviously at first, and not intentionally, but creativity and lateral thinking definitely shine when it comes to science.
6:03 when you said Ibn-Sina observed a supernova and contemplated life I thought about how the sight of a supernova (probably a bright spot in the sky for multiple weeks) would have impacted many, if not all civilizations on Earth at that time. I think even the most remote civilizations would have remembered this spectacle for generations through storytelling, maybe even building whole religions based on the phenomenon. Would love to see a article about it! Groetjes
I am not Arab or Muslim but the westren world owes everything to them with a sprinkle of Persians. I mean I know it was an Arab empire at its core, but when Arabs and Persians work together they make great things. I am currently planning for a trip post COVID to the Middle East particularly Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Oman . I am kind of scared of going to Iran but I am really considering it.
Sometimes I find myself thinking “what could have been if religion hadn’t interfered?” I do the same for other religions but the Muslim world was the pinnacle of science, philosophy, and overall knowledge. Then someone said God and numbers don’t mix and the progression was ceased. It’s just sad to think about lessons the humans race lost or are relearning.
It should be called “the golden age of ppl under islamic rule that made contributions despite being persecuted for teaching science, philiosophy and other things not in the Quran” because all of these ppl they talk about were persecuted by islam and made contributions despite islam not because of it.
There are 2 main reasons why Islamic Culture was conducive to scientific advancement besides diversity and access to other cultures’ knowledge. 1) Islam Has no Centralized religious Authority, no Pope or Church hierarchy to police thought the way there was in Europe. No one had the authority or power to declare something forbidden or shut down an avenue of science (despite what people like Neil Degrasse Tyson would have you believe). Scholars were free to pursue their interests and were more likely to be hindered by political entanglements or loss of patronage than they were by any religious policing. Central to this freedom is: 2) Islam’s view of knowledge and science, not as a threat to God’s Authority but, in fact, the only true path to understanding the majesty and might of God. The Quran itself is FULL of Verses that Spur people to go look and examine the natural world, find out how things were created and made the way you see them now from plants and animals to stars and mountains and by doing so get to know God more clearly. The lack of those 2 obstacles in Islamic cultures helped spur on the desire and the success of those institutions of learning. Unfortunately when the Mongol invasion came, it destroyed most of the economic infrastructure of the eastern half of the Muslim world while the Western Half suffered the aftermath of International trade shifting west to the cross-Atlantic with the discovery of the new world. It was mostly the Loss of wealth and patronage system in most of the Islamic world that did away with that Golden age and not any religious doctrine.
God, i love this vid so much. it’s not only talk about science, but culture and diversity as well.. it told us that diversity and “accepting” or learning from different cultures are very good for science (cmiiw). first, i’m really sorry for citing holy book here, but i think this sentence match perfectly well with this article O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may ˹get to˺ know one another.(Surah Al-Hujurat – 49:13) and i’m really sorry for my broken english, wish you can understand what i’m sayin
I like your article in such a polarized moment of human history. I just have two remarks: I have never come across a source claming that Muslims translated Roman treatises. Science in antiquity was Greek, Persian and Indian. 2. Why the focus on mathematics, physics only and not logic and philosophy? Aristotle’s Poetics survived because of its Arabic translation, for example. Thanks anyway for making historu relevant to our modern era.
The Ancient Romans had cataract surgery. They used a bronze scalpel, since only bronze could be sharpened enough at the time, and slice off the cataract. This was done without any anaesthetic. They also did tonsillectomies, again without anaesthetic, using a long bronze tool with a sharpened hook blade on the end. They ould stick it past the tonsils and slice it off when withdrawing the tool. Unfortunately it had a high mortality rate though.
I knew they gave us mathematics and algebra and also the foundation of what we consider to be modern medicine today. What I did not know was the lengths they went in creating mechanical motion through gravity, heat and pressure. But as the presenter pointed out, a huge amount of other stuff also came out of it. After all, the brother’s “crankshaft experiment is how toilets work today refilling themselves.
The real pioneer of modern algebra and of algorithms was Diophantus with his famous 13 books called Arithmetica that (600 years before al- Khwārizmī) introduced symbolic manipulations. Al-Khwarizmi used only words in sentences to contribute fairly minor results about what amounts to certain 1st and 2ond order equations. “Al-Khwarizmi’s scientific achievements were at best mediocre, but they were uncommonly influential,” says Toomer in the Dictionary of Scientific Biography.The concept of algorithm (sequential steps in a calculation) was hardly the invention of al- Khwārizmī, the idea goes back to practically all ancient civilizations that did Math. The word “algorithm” just come from the Latin title of a book al -Khwarizmi wrote in Arabic about Hindu-Arabic numerals; the Latin translation of the book title was Algoritmi de numero Indorum (in English Al-Khwarizmi on the Hindu Art of Reckoning). Muslims just love to exaggerate their contributions to science. Islam𝜄c orthodoxy was the main destructive force that brought this “golden age” to an end.
Another reason for the better performance of diverse teams can be languages. Each language shapes differently a person’s way of thinking, and the need to use a common language makes everybody keen on clarity of concept. Like, in Spanish there is a difference between to be permanently (ser) and to be impermanently (estar), while in English you can turn easily subjects into verbs and waltz into a situation. Try Japanese for a humbling experience and exercise in context subtleties.
Isn’t it diversity of ideas not people that creates good science, because it can be clearly extrapolated from this article that the golden age of Islam was catalyzed by many cultures all working in conjunction, and cultures are indeed a collective of various concepts/ideas mutually shared by a population.
For those Hindus who are barking in comments let me educate you guys Fristly yes the Muslims scientists took a lot ot things related to science From Hindus scientists and Greek and mesopotamia. They took they didn’t steal because they’re are many Muslims scientists wrote in their book this they didn’t say that they have founded all science but they also develop theses science which is taken From Hindu and Greek….. . Let me ask you guys one question is the math and astronomy etc same Stage of development before ancient period and now of course it evolved and who played main role of this Muslims they took and evolved it . There also many things that doesn’t began from Hindus Greek …… These things Muslims invention it astrolabes and camera origin world is From Arabic word alkamra and chemistry is Arabic organic world and gebra Muslims not just invention but they also correctet some misconceptions about science in ancient period like how do we see things they used to think when we open our eyes a beam comes out that hits things so we see this false information are corrected by Muslims scientists there many things that was false in many science fields that corrected by Muslims
People have to let go of the notion of the dark ages in Europe. While the Roman Empire fell, the Germanic tribes carried on much of its legacy and we not as benighted as often suggested. More important, advanced Roman/Greek civilization continued uninterrupted in the Eastern Empire (Byzantium). Most of the knowledge ascribed to Muslim conquerors in the so called Golden Age was acquired from former Byzantine territory. For example, cataract surgery mentioned here had a long history among the Greeks before the supposed Golden Age.
Interesting. I wish muslims strived for advancement in tech like they did beforehand. From what I’m seeing online, nowadays people are the same all around, I can barely tell the difference between westerners and middle easterns, excluding physical appearance (mostly). Unfortunately not many people want to advance the society, they just care about the present and what they have right now, its shameful really. Good article though, I really enjoyed it, keep up the good work guys.
Babylonians already worked with quadratic and cubic equations. Egyptians with linear equations – the Rhind Papyrus (Egypt, 1650 BC) explains problems where linear equations of the form x + a x = b and x + a x + b x = c are solved. The Greeks created a geometric algebra, Thymaridas (c. 400 BCE – c. 350 BCE) for example worked with simultaneous linear equations. In Euclid’s Books V and VII of the Elements the commutative and associative laws for multiplication are demonstrated. In China, The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art, written around 250 BC, is composed of some 246 problems. Chapter eight deals with solving determinate and indeterminate simultaneous linear equations using positive and negative numbers, with one problem dealing with solving four equations in five unknowns. Many more examples could be given. The scientists and mathematicians of the Islamic Golden age built up and expanded on prior knowledge, sadly, you’ll rarely hear Muslims mention this – they want you to believe that Islam made them so brilliant they the invented ALL these things by themselves.
When ‘middleman’ gets more praise than they deserve,Islamic invasions destroyed much more than what we could see today .The ancient Indian university of Nalanda was destroyed three times but was rebuilt only twice. It was ransacked and destroyed by an army of the Mamluk Dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate under Bakhtiyar Khalji in c. 1200 CE
Not sure if many people know this, but I was told that the Renaissance was only allowed to happen because of people bringing over and translating texts from the Golden Age of Islam to Europe and benefitting from the science that they did. This started a massive chain reaction where from the Renaissance was birthed the modern Scientific Method, which then in time birthed the Industrial Revolution, which lead way to the modern life we have now.
They used to be at the forefront of human progress, then they entered a dark age from which they have not recovered from. Shouldn’t be looking 1000 years into the past going “Wow they did so much!” you should asking “What caused them to abandon the Maths and Sciences?” The answer is there, but I suspect most people will not like the answer.
The question is, though, were the scientists actually Muslim? The Islamic empires were tributary empires. as was the old Roman Empire. The Roman Empire is famous for its Greco-Roman culture. Meaning that the science of the Empire was Greek/Egyptian in its nature. Likewise, the science and philosophy of the Muslim Empires were Greco-Roman/Persian/Indian. Not until past the year 1000 did the majority off their subjects begin to be Muslim. One of the ironies of the Crusades was its failure to win meant that by the 13th century most of the population had become Muslim, because fundamentalism had replaced a more lenient version of Islam because of the Crusades.
I think under the Islamic empire regardless your nationality, they all learned in arabic like alkhawarazmy he didn’t write his books in Persian he used arabic. Thanks to the Khalifa aducated them and opened schools. Most of those scholars used the Quran as their reference and as their highest reference. Many physicians and Astronomy scientists they used Qur’an which was in arabic, they took information to help them with their research. What will Persians do for alkhawarazmy. He contacted the Abbasid Caliph al-Ma’mun and worked in the House of Wisdom in Baghdad and gained the caliph’s confidence, as al-Ma’mun appointed him to the House of Wisdom, as he was entrusted with drawing a map of the land on which he worked more than seventy geographies.
To the Muslims. If the Quran contains scientific fact then 1. Name one Muslim who came up with the science BEFORE it was verified and accepted as FACT by the international community. 2. Did that Muslim base their discovery on the basis of Quranic evidence, or independent of the Quran? Provide your evidence. 3. There were many who claimed scientific discoveries such as the Ancient Greeks, that were proved correct centuries later, and many years before Islam, an individual (s) claim to scientific facts, does not prove their Hellenism, culture or religion had a bearing on their discovery. Hope you can see how important this point is.
The philosophy of the empire at that time was secularist and open-minded compared to Europe. Depiste the rigid protocols but they had the most diverse and welcoming centers for sciences such the massive translation and teaching movement. First university was founded in 6th century by a muslim woman enterpuner–her name, Fatimah. She welcomed non-muslims students in her university. Diversity in education is a major value comes from the Holy book, Quran💛👑
I’m so confused about the cataract surgery. I’m a PA and been working in the operating room for the past 7 years and done many cataract surgeries. Cataract is when the lens that basically allows your eye to focus from far to close becomes clouded itself. After cataract/lens removed, it’s is replaced with an artificial lens. So that’s the part confuses, how moving it out of line of sight restore vision as that’s same as now having cataract surgery but never actually replace with a lens. Yes u will be able to see light/darkness easier but basically nothing else, your eye won’t be able to focus/see anything really.
Bījagaṇita, which literally means “mathematics (gaṇita) by means of seeds (bīja),” is the name of one of the two main fields of medieval Indian mathematics, the other being pāṭīigaṇita or “mathematics by means of algorithms.” Bījagaṇita is so‐called because it employs algebraic equations (samīkaraṇa) which are compared to seeds (bīja) of plants since they have the potentiality to generate solutions to mathematical problems. Bījagaṇita deals with unknown numbers expressed by symbols. It is therefore also called avyaktagaṇita or “mathematics of invisible (or unknown) (numbers).” Algebraic analyses are also employed for generating algorithms for many types of mathematical problems, and the algorithms obtained are included in a book of pāṭī. Bījagaṇita therefore also means “mathematics as a seed (that generates pāṭī (algorithms)).”
I would argue that the people who are likely to engage in researching with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds is a sign of openness to experience, which is linked to creativity. But going back to why the Islamic Golden Age was so golden, I think it was because of 1) relative acceptance of outside ideas, 2) literacy, and 3) seeing art and science as related. The Koran is written in a poetic meter, much like a song, and it wasn’t uncommon for people to memorize entire sections. So we see that music and literature are linked here. We also see that people are encouraged to read and study the Koran, while Christian’s were not encouraged to study the Bible. With relative religious tolerance comes different traditions, including new ideas that can be synthesized. Islam at it’s best is built on the shoulders of other cultures. At its worst, it’s built on their ruins.
There are many Hadis where prophet Mohammad (pbuh) encourage us to gain knowledge. Back to the history of 800-1300 were golden era of Muslim. At that era Muslim were closer to Quran and Sunnah and also advance in Medical Science, Physics, Biology, chemistry, Economy, commerce, Politics, Diplomacy, History, Art, Mathematics, Technology, Weapons, Archeology and all others. We got two advance place Baghdad and Damascus. But now we are fare away from education and Hard work. Allah told us “After your pray complete get out from the mosque and go for work, But he Didn’t tell us to pray more and more. Now if look nowdays How many giant companies we Muslims have? How many CEO we Muslims have? How many startup we Muslims have? How many Scientist we Muslims have, How many advance College and universities we Muslims have? We always scream to boycott western products. Even the app you and me using were invented by west. Then how can you believe that we Muslims can make influence in the world. This is 1000 years thar take a Sword and Horse and lets go for war. This 20s Century today war fighten by Economy, Diplomacy and Technology. War is not the only option. And for all this Muslims should be advance in Education. And we should live our life Under Quran and Sunnah following the path of our Prophets (S.W)
This has nothing to do with the content of the article, but… Could you start making your articles in 4K? I mean, 8K screens are already coming and 4K screens are cheap as dirt and you are still on 1080p (that looks absolutely terrible on Youtube). I really want to see your individual beard hairs you know! 😀
Western Middle Ages were not a “Dark” Age. This interpretation isn’t used anymore. There were Medieval philosophers, engineers, architects, physicians and “scientists”. Actually, things like Spanish Inquisition and Witch Hunt belong to the Early Modern Period, after the 15th century. Early Modern scientists, artist and philosophers also worked with Theology and Demonology, like Newton, Bodin, Da Vinci, Marcilio Ficino, Michelangelo… Religion only was separed of Science with 18th century’s Iluminism. Medieval people, in fact, developed Engineering, Ship construction, Mathematics (like Fibonacci), Military Tactics, Armors and Weapons, a vast Trading Net etc. Give up the idea of Dark Ages, it doesn’t work…
Muslim scholars weren’t the one translating Greek texts to Arabic. A bunch of desert dwellers weren’t proficient in the Greek language to do this. It was Nestorian and Chaldean Christians living in Syria, most of whom were Arab themselves and were well educated in Greek and Syriac, who began the translation process.
God ” Allah ” said in the holly Quran: Oh people we have made you into different nations so that you may know each other, the best one among you is the one most conscious of God.” Different is a blessing, different fruits, different vegetables, different food and people. If there was no variety then everyone would look the same, do the same, eat and drink the same and if everyone likes strawberry as a fruit then other fruit will go instinct. You go on vacation to the other side of the planet but everyone looks like you, the language and food is the same . Extremely boring why go on vacation stay home because it’s the same.
Humans are capable of speaking to aliens, we do it all the time. (Larry Niven had a whole essay on it in fact.) It’s fascinating to think that doing so actually improves us in ways previously not considered. I also notice that a lot of the people mentioned here were polymaths, which seems somehow “more common” in the Islamic Empire? (or perhaps just that they wrote more things down, so we know about the various and wonderful individuals, whereas any geniuses existing in Europe at the time might not have been recorded in writing, or talked about…or possibly even permitted to live…)
When I was in Istanbul I went into a building labelled “Museum Of The History Of Science And Technology In Islam.” Being a science geek and it only cost TL10, I went inside. There was a article playing with about 30 ottomans (get it?) placed in front of the screen so I sat down to watch, expecting a summary of the scientific work I was about to see in detail. Nope. It was at least 15 minutes (I got up and walked away at this point) of repetitious commentary with English subtitles about how Islamic science has been covered up, and others have taken credit for earlier Islamic work. I get it, they did a lot of early pioneering work, and as your article says coalesced a lot of knowledge from those who came before them, but then they dropped the ball in favour of religious ignorance over science.
Not to mention astronomy and stellar names, with Arabic and Greek names, such as Rigel Kentarus, that is Alpha Centauri, Rigel, a different star, Deneb and Deneb Algiedi, and Altair, and Sirius. Orion though is Greek Egyptian, and the 12 then known zodiac constellations are both but mainly Greek, but not in China where they’re completely different. The name Zodiac is Babylonian.
Most of the info is wrong!!! 1.Quadratic equations and solutions existed in India by Brahmagupta, 7th century findings 2.Algebra was a translation done into Persian,it wasn’t invented 3.world’s place of knowledge was Nalanda and takshashila which were in 3BCE 4.Cataract surgery was done by susruta an Indian medicinal genius way way before even Islam started 5.The world acknowledge Muslim scholars for modern medicinal tools but reality is the surgical tools were used in 800 BCE
I’m all for ethnically diversity in sciences, as a note though, ethnic diversity is not what improves research quality, but diversity of thinking. That being said, if diversity of ethnicity is not allowed you will by that nature end up hurting chances of having diversity of thinking. That being said, having a white American and a white Frenchman might end up being more diverse in research terms than a white and black American.
Diversity for diversity’s sake doesn’t work. If someone is included in a research group or a movie cast just for their ethnicity, race, gender or sexual orientation, it’s wrong. Things like gender, race, ethnicity and other features that are in no way related to the purpose of any activity must not be used as a criterion or a quota. People like Neil deGasse Tyson and Stephen Hawking are valued not for their skin colour or disability. They’re valued for their contribution to science and popularization of science.
A long long time ago a king sends his most intelligent scholar to a far away land known at the time as Cathay. His scholar came back explaining what he had learn in his travels. The scholar explained to his king. He saw a pot shooting fire into the sky and when this fire reached its peak in the sky it burst and glowed like the sun! The king said to his servant. “How dare you insult and lie to your divine king, we all know that fire can only exist on the ground. And only the Sun has the power to light the sky.” Sadly the king ordered his war general to cut off his servants head. This is probably why the Dark ages were dark while at the same time in the Persian empire there was a golden age of science.
Star Wars was inspired by a Japanese filmmaker, who was himself inspired by American filmmakers. Jackie Chan has inspired generations of stunt work and he was cribbing off Buster Keston. Picasso had a period of artwork based on African sculptures. Some of the greatest works in the worls have always come from diversity and a combination of influences, and it’s incredibly stupid to think ‘purity’ is better.
Unrelated, but I feel like the Islamic Golden Age has glistering potential for modern sci-fi. Perhaps even SCPs based off it? I really love the fact that they incorporated knowing about the universe as much as possible with science as a religious duty. And basically served as a medieval version of Sci-Hub.
While most history website on youtube emphasize on the history of Roman and European history, this website take a different route and cover on the history of Islamic faith that is often not covered by other website. This is the reason this website is my fav history website uptodate. Keep up the great work.
Hey, I am a french students in Sorbonnes University and i wanted to tell you that you work profoundly influenced my vision on the islamic world and history, as much as I love my country I wish more would knew about the greatness of the islamic civilisation : i hope that one day i will be able to share with all my love for this civilisation
I have to say, this website is one of the few sources available for historical middle eastern events that is in english and I appreciate it very much. Often I like to learn history from multiple sources but unfortunately there arent many sources for this information that is easily digestible in english. My arabic isnt great so seriously thank you. (from an arab american who can only speak broken arabic)
Great article Al Muqaddimah, keep up the good work! One very important thing I’d like to point out is that Muslim scholars and scientists had the integrity to credit the works they built on to their original sources as it was considered dishonest to not do that. Unfortunately, this was not the case with most Europeans and Westerners works as they seem to only credit the works to themselves without mentioning where they got the ideas or the bases of their ideas. This is why a lot of people do not know about Muslim scholars and the Islamic golden age. Furthermore, when they mention the Islamic golden age, they mostly just mention the translation they did without mentioning their contributions and their invention of totally new fields such as the science of optics ( first studied by ibn al-haytham). This is truly sad 🙁
The fact you mentioned the christianism contribution to the Islamic Golden Age, besides you being a Muslim, shows how committed to the truth you are and not with a partial narrative. And for that I congrat you! Besides the fact I live in Brazil (South America) where like 92% of the population is Christian, I am not. I just became a huge fan of your website because I love to know and understand everywhere culture; we do have an extremely euro centric teaching here in the western. Even the great civilizations that lived here in all Americas are not highlighted in our teaching. Have you ever heard about the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas? They had extremely advanced astronomy, mathematics, architecture and agriculture! They conquered all that knowledge completely isolated from the rest of the world, quite impressive, no? This planet has its richness and uniqueness in every corner, that’s why we should work for a better world and prosperity and peace for every civilization. We deserve the best!
Please make topical chronological playlists on your website, i.e. playlist about a certain topic/era in which articles are sorted according to historical timeline (e.g. 1CE at top, 21CE at bottom). I’ve seen that you often upload articles out of chronological (historical timeline) order where article on an earlier era topic is uploaded after the the article on newer era topic. thanks.
During the Sasanian Dynasty, which ruled over the Persian Empire from the 3rd to the 7th century CE, there were notable Zoroastrian scholars and scientists who made significant contributions to various fields. While specific information about individual Zoroastrian scientists from that period may be limited, here are some areas of knowledge in which Zoroastrians made advancements: Astronomy: Zoroastrians, influenced by their religious beliefs, had a strong interest in astronomy. They developed astronomical observations and calculations, including the compilation of star charts and the study of celestial phenomena. These observations and calculations aided in the development of the Persian calendar, which had a solar foundation. Medicine: Zoroastrians in the Sasanian period contributed to the field of medicine. Prominent physicians such as Burzoe and Bakhtishu played key roles in advancing medical knowledge and practices. They translated and compiled Greek medical texts into Persian, thereby preserving and disseminating medical knowledge throughout the empire. Alchemy: Zoroastrian scholars in the Sasanian period were involved in the study and practice of alchemy. Alchemy encompassed various disciplines, including the search for the philosopher’s stone, the transmutation of metals, and the pursuit of elixirs of immortality. These studies laid the foundation for later developments in chemistry. Philosophy and Theology: Zoroastrian scholars engaged in philosophical and theological discussions, exploring concepts related to ethics, cosmology, and metaphysics.
You need a good environment to grow a beautiful flower There are many Muslims now a day who have their own contribution in scientific development But the problem is that our ignorant leaders in Arab countries who worship money and destroy our countries in the process by the blessings of the country who loves oil
Their is a reason the Middie east is referred to as the “The Land of Fallen Empires.” Or “Forgotten Empires” I heard that on a podcast about Rome. When I heard it, it struck me because of how true it is. But I believe that the region will prosper once again soon. I pray for Syria and Yemen in particular it’s not so good there right now.
This useful, thank you, but I wonder why there is so much emphasis and repetition on the idea of inclusion of old knowledge! Surely translating a book from 1000 years ago is useful but definitely after a 100 years or so, that old knowledge becomes history and obsolete and replaced with much advanced and innovative inventions.
3:04 Was it just that the Abbasids happened to have the right geography? If a Zoroastrian Persian empire or Christian Byzantine empire took held those regions instead of an Islamic Arab empire would we be talking about a Zoroastrian or Christian golden age instead? Was there some quality to Muslims and/or Arabian culture that created the golden age?
بلغ العصر الذهبي للإسلام اوجه خلال العصر العباسي الأول ويضع الكثير العصر الذهبي للإسلام في عصر هارون الرشيد وابنه عبدالله المأمون اي عصر الرشيد والمأمون ازدهرت في عهدهم الفنون والعلوم والثقافة والحضارة والأدب والترجمة والنقل والكتابة والتجارة والصناعة وعاشت الخلافة العباسية عصرها الذهبي وعاصمتها بغداد سميت اثينا الثانية وهذا العصر العباسي الأول وهو ذروة العصر الذهبي وخصوصا عصر الرشيد والمأمون وتخرج علماء كثر من العراق وخراسان والشام وجزيرة العرب وغيرها مثل يعقوب بن اسحاق الأشعثي الكندي حنين بن اسحاق العبادي جابر بن حيان الأزدي الخليل بن احمد الفراهيدي الأزدي الاصمعي الباهلي المفضل الضبي عمر الثقفي وغيرهم وبدأ العصر العباسي الثاني وهو عصر التفكك والتقسم والضعف وظهور الدويلات والعوائل المستقلة الاخرى وهذا العصر يبدي بعد مقتل الخليفة العاشر المتوكل بني سامان بني حمدان بني بويه السلاجقة والغزنويين الدولة النزارية الأسماعيلية (الحشاشون) الخلافة الفاطمية وهذا يسمى العصر العباسي الثاني ونعم ازدهرت العلوم والفنون والثقافة والحضارة والادب لكن بتصدع سياسي ونضج حضاري ويسمى هذه العصور العصر الساماني العصر السلجوقي العصر البويهي العصر الفاطمي العصر الحمداني العصر الغزنوي عصر الموحدين وغيرهم وكانت دول مستقلة وكان حكم بني العباس اسميا وصوريا وشكليا ودمية ليس لهم سلطة ابدا لكن بدا عصر النهضة العباسية في عهد ثلاث خلفاء الموفق. المعتضد. المكتفي. وهناك العصر العباسي الأخير الممتد من سنة 1158 الى سنة 1258. وشهد هذا العصر العصر حكم الخلافة العباسية على العراق والحجاز دون وصاية من أحد بل حكم فعلي ورجعت بغداد والكوفة والبصرة وواسط ومكة والمدينة وتكريت والخ. الازدهار والتقدم والمكتبات والقراءة والثقافة والحضارة والأدب والفلسفة والمدراس مثلا عندك المدرسة المستنصرية ووصل هذا العصر اوجه في عهد الخليفة المستنصر بالله وقام ببناء الجامعة المستنصرية وكان بها مكتبة كبيرة واعاد بناء بيت الحكمة وكانت الكوفة الأموية في الأندلس في البداية كان بشكل امارة تسمى إمارة قرطبة تحت سلطة بني أمية ويمتد من عهد صقر قريش الداخل الى حين الأوسط والربضي وبعدها فوضى قرطبة.
نزل لنا عن الدولة النزارية الأسماعيلية (الحشاشون). وهناك مصادر انصح بها الحشاشون. برنالدو لويس كتب دفتري عن الحشاشون والنزارية الاسماعيلية كتاب الاسماعيلية النزارية الحشاشون لخميس عثمان وكتب التي ذكرتهم مثل الهمداني والجويني وابن الأثير والذهبي واهم رؤساء الحشاشون النزارية الأسماعيلية في الدولة النزارية الأسماعيلية وقلاعهم في خراسان والديلم وسوريا (الشام) والعراق وغيرها حسن الصباح في خراسان والديلم راشد الدين سنان بن سلمان في سوريا في الشام
It must be called the Abbasid Golden Age. No one calls The Greek Golden Age: The Cult of Zeus Golden Age The Mesopotamian or Egyptian: The Polytheistic GA The Ancient Indian: The Hindu The Current Western/ SEA: The secular Golden Age!!!! Just like anywhere else, Social and economic stability and openness to other cultures and their sciences, were the catalyst for the Abbasid Golden Age. Muslims were Muslims BEFORE and AFTER that Golden Age. By the way, their was another dynasty that had a similar Golden Age: The Umayyads in Spain. However, no Golden Age in North Africa, the Levant or Arabia the birth place of Islam.
i see that even you are appealed by the atrocities of your people you are not alone i too am shocked at the behavior of the modern Islamic population from treating women like property and giving them no rights to all that terrorism stuff there should be either a Islamic revolution to abolish these ways of thinking or a second Arab spring then again that might not be a good idea
Scholars were from different religions which promoted science and seeking. While Islam as a religion constricted the thought process and limited to Quran & hadith and nothing else. The tree which has more fruits will face the most stone throwing. Pioneers you call, but I see barbarism, conquest, expansionism. Greed can never be satisfied.
“Islamic golden age” is a wrong term. We should say Abbasid Golden Age. Because Haron and Mamoon were more like a secular ruler. They did not care about religion. And remember the name “Baghdad”, the most important political and cultural city of the empire, is not islamic at all. It is not even monotheistic.