ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Pioneer Culture to the Rescue of Mankind - An Introduction to Islamic Culture Appendix Let us first consider the ideas of several Western scholars on the history of science in Islamic societies:[^1] John Bernal has written: "Islam has been the religion of science and knowledge from the very beginning. Furthermore, unlike the Roman Empire, Islamic cities did not isolate themselves from the rest of the East. Islam was where Asian and European sciences met.

Thus, inventions were made that were totally unknown -or even unachievable- to Greek or Roman technology, such as steel products, silk paper and enamelled chinaware. Such inventions also led to other advances, bringing about more activity in the West and eventually the 17th and 18th industrial revolutions.” [^2] Isaac Asimov explains: "In the seventh century, the Arabs conquered Damascus, and then Egypt, thus inheriting a vast treasure of Greek knowledge and science.

This historical paint is highly significant, for if Muslims hadn't become so powerful and sophisticated, the whole civilized world might have become a battle field for barbarian tribes. During the thousand years of the Byzantine Empire, science and technology were completely forsaken among the intense struggles and battles for power. Calinicus was the only glitter of science and wisdom in that era. Western Europe was in a deep sleep of ignorance and darkness.

The Muslims were the only guardians of science. They not only saved Greek science and philosophy by translating them, but also enriched science with their amazing works of research and excellent books. Alchemy was of particular interest to them. [^3] Sigrid Hunke agrees: "We have inherited science and technology not only from Rome and Greece, but also from the world of Islamic thought.

The West undoubtedly owes Islam a great deal.” Philip Hitti adds: "No civilization achieved as much scientific progress during the medieval era as the Muslims did.” John Bernal writes: “The Muslims were culturally independent, and received a warm welcome having conquered the Mediterranean areas… In fact, it would have been more logical to consider the history of science confined to the period between the seventh (1st century Hijra) and fourteenth centuries ...The basic topics (of Islamic culture) are interestingly not only worldly, but also scientific.