ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Role Of Islamic Scientists In The Advancement Of Science Nizamiyyah University Of Baghdad The spirit of Islam spread from Mecca and changed darkness into light; ignorance into knowledge and civilizations like that of the Romans, Greeks, Indians and Persians which were becoming extinct were revived and valuable books which had been gathering dust were put into use again.

In this universal scientific movement, universities were once again established in Islamic lands and scientific works were also revived. Palaces and Mosques Become Schools Although in the early days of Islam there were no special places for propagating science and culture and since there were no schools or universities as was explained in the previous chapter, study groups were formed in mosques and gradually even in the Caliph's palace, the minister's house.

Work areas and farms were converted into scientific, cultural or literary centres. Many people became scientists and writers and young and old, masters and slaves, were all busy learning. Some slave-owners even taught their slaves poems, narrations, history and literature and after learning these subjects, they were wonderful gifts. Zubaidah, the wife of Harun Al-Rashid, had hundreds of female slaves and all of them knew the Qur'an by heart.

In the early mornings they recited the Qur'an and filled the air with its pleasant sound[^1]. Is Nizamiyyah The First School In Islam? In the next stage of history, Islamic schools, universities and research centres were established. Some writers, such as Ibn Khalkan, believed that Nizamiyyah University in Baghdad was the first college for Muslims, which was established by Nizamal-Mulk, Shah Malik's Prime Minister.

These writers added that the "House of Wisdom" in Baghdad, which had been opened during the lifetime of Harun Al-Rashid, was merely an important library. Nevertheless, many experts and historians believed that prior to Nizamiyyah, there were many colleges and universities in Islamic lands.

A quotation from a British Encyclopedia states: "When Ma'mun was a crown prince, he established a university in Khorasan and for lecturing he invited experienced and educated professors from different countries." Chambers Encyclopedia writes that in Ma'mun's time, important universities were established in Baghdad, Basrah and Kufa.