Chapter 2

Part 1
Introduction to Islamic Civilization

Learning Objectives
Define definition, principles and objectives of Islamic civilization.
Describe attributes and sources of Islamic civilization.
Describe the development of Islamic civilization and the meaning
of Jahiliyyah.
Describe the contribution of Islamic civilization to the world.
Discuss the issues and challenges faced by the Muslims
nowadays in upholding Islamic civilization.
Analyze Islamic teaching application by the government in
Malaysia.

The Concept of Islamic Civilization

To understand
Islamic
Civilization

View Islam as
a way of life
)al-Din)

View Civilization
in Islamic
context

Weve already know about

definition of civilization, then
what is Islam?

WHAT IS
Islam is the
teaching that
possesses the
attribute of its
name.

?
Derived from the
word salama,
salima.
Islam is also the teaching
brought by all prophets since
Adam a.s.

Islam is derived from the Arabic root "Salema":

peace, purity, submission and obedience. In
the religious sense, Islam means submission to the
will of God and obedience to His law.

To place the will of Allah at the utmost level

(Redha Allah)
peace
pure
Surrender
Salama = salima
ISLAM

MEANING OF ISLAM

BASIC FUNDAMENTAL OF
ISLAMIC SYSTEMS
1.
2.
3.
4.

Aqidah (Islamic Belief)

Ibadah (Islamic Worship)
Syariah (Islamic Law & Jurisprudence)
Akhlak (Islamic Ethics)

Definition of Islamic Civilization

Islamic civilization means

When

A Society
Which Has
Achieved Its
Distinguished
Moral Values
and Culture
-al Attas-

established

based on
Islamic
teachings
Syed Qutb,
Malik Bennabi,
Prof. Richard
E. Sullivan

the element
of humanity laid by
Allah becomes the
utmost value in the
society, then the
society can be
considered as
Islamic & civilized
society
-Syed Qutb
Fi Zilalil Quran-

The Characteristics of Islamic

Civilization
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Rabbaniyyah (Godliness)
Alamiyyah (Universal)
Syumuliyyah (Complete/Comprehensive)
Thabat wa Murunah (Constant and Flexible)
Waqiiyyah (Realistic)
Inqilabiyyah (Total Replacement)
Tawazun (Balanced) between material &
spiritual)
8. Wasatiyyah (Moderate)

1. Rabbaniyyah
Definition:
Islam comes from Allah. Man simply
executes based on Allahs orders
Ianya membawa erti bahawa Islam ini datangnya
daripada Allah. Manusia hanya sebagai pelaksana
segala ketentuan yang ditetapkan

Category of Rabbaniyyah :
1. Rabbani in terms of goals and intentions
Ones intentions has to be specifically for
Allah
Ones ultimate goal in life is to get Allahs
pleasure.
2. Rabbani in terms approach and resources
Ones approach and resources should be
based on the divine revelations to Prophet
Muhammad (s.a.w)

2. Alamiyyah (Universal)
Definition:
The teaching of Islam is not for a
certain race or community but it is for
all ummah from all layers of society.
Risalah Islam ditujukan untuk semua umat dan bangsa
serta untuk semua lapisan masyarakat. Ia bukan risalah
untuk bangsa tertentu.

Alamiyyah also means:

- Universal/ Suitable in the sense that the teachings
of Islam transcend across time, space and
geographical boundaries.
- Applicable anywhere and anytime from past to the
present and the future.
Sesuai di semua tempat sama ada di Kutub Selatan,
Khatulistiwa dan sebagainya.Ia juga sesuai untuk
semua zaman sama ada zaman Rasulullah SAW
atau zaman teknologi moden yang canggih ini.
Sesuai sampai ke hari qiamat.

3. Syumuliyyah
Definition:
The teaching of Islam is complete and
comprehensive.
The scope of Islam is all-encompassing with
guidance for all aspects of human life not
excluding the smallest to the biggest of human
conduct.
Ajaran Islam lengkap dan menyeluruh. Ruang lingkup
ajaran Islam adalah mencakupi seluruh aspek kehidupan
manusia tanpa kecuali dari sekecil-kecil urusan sampailah
ke sebesar-besar perkara.

4. Thabat & Murunah

Definition:
Fixed and firm in principles and flexible in practice
Tetap dari segi prinsip dan hukum tetapi anjal atau
fleksibel dari segi perlaksanaannya.
Sebagai contohnya: Solat adalah wajib dan
perlaksanaannya boleh dibuat secara jama dan
qasar bagi mereka yang bermusafir. Begitu juga
ketika seseorang Muslim itu sedang sakit maka dia
boleh melaksanakannya dalam keadaan duduk
atau baring mengikut kemampuannya.

5. Waqiiyyah
Definition:
Islam is realistic.
Islam adalah mengikut realiti.
e.g: human nature in marriage and build a family.
Contohnya: Manusia dari segi fitrahnya ingin hidup
berpasangan, maka Islam mensyariatkan perkahwinan.

6. Inqilabiyyah
Definition:
Islam should be strictly practiced in all
situations. It is clearly distinguished and
should not be intermingled with any
jahiliyyah practice or system
Menegakkan Islam atas keruntuhan jahiliyyah. Islam tidak
boleh bercampur dengan jahiliyyah. Islam juga tidak boleh
ditempel-tempelkan pada sistem jahiliyyah. Islam

menggantikan zaman jahillyah

7. Al-Tawazun
Definition:
Balance and integrated state between
spiritual and physical (material) of the
human life.
e.g. Struggle for properties for life, and at the same
time pay the zakat and give donation/sedekah.
Kewujudan keseimbangan dan kesepaduan antara
kehidupan rohani dan jasmani.

8. Al-Wasatiyyah
Definition:
1)Keep it everything in which lawful according to
Syarak such wearing clothes, eating, worship, pray
etc in the middle track, not too extremes and not
too simple.
2)Manage your life in properly and good condition
such as time for study habit, eating habit, social
life, sport etc.
Bersederhana dan mengamalkan pertengahan dalam
melakukan setiap perkara yang diharuskan oleh syarak
seperti berpakaian, makan, melakukan ibadah sunat dan
seumpamanya.

Objectives of Islamic Civilization

GENERAL OBJECTIVE OF
ISLAMIC CIVILIZATION

To uphold Islam as
ad-Deen.
(a complete and
comprehensive
way of life)

Objectives of Islamic Civilization

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
To create a bond between man
and the Creator Allah s.w.t

To create
relationship
between man

To create
relationship
between man
and the
universe

The Sources of
Islamic Civilization

Primary Sources
AL-ADILLAT ALQATIYYAH
(absolutely sure arguments)

1) AL-QURAN
(absolute & final
authority)

2) AL-SUNNAH
(explanation of the
Quran)

Secondary Sources
AL-ADILLAT
AL-IJTIHADIAH

3. AL-IJMA
(unanimous
agreement of the
Muslim community)

4. AL-QIAS
(Analogical
reasoning)

AL-QURAN AL-KARIM
Definition:
The word Quran is an infinitive noun from the
word, qaraa means;
(He collected together, he read or recited)
( al-lafzul arabi, al-munazzal ala Nabi s.a.w, almu jizu bi suratin minhu, al-manqul tawaturan,
al-muta abbun bi tilawatihi)

The Content of Al-Quran

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Belief system
Legislative & Jurisprudence
Worship
Akhlak (Ethics)
Family & Social System
Muamalat
Jenayat
Past history
Judgment Day
etc

AL-SUNNAH
Literally, Al-Sunnah means a way, rule,

a manner of action or mode of life

Both Hadith and Sunnah, cover the same

ground and defining the prophets actions,
sayings and silent approval

The Categories of Sunnah

1) Sunnah Qauliah: saying of holy prophet which has
influence a religious matters
e.g: none of you (truly) believes until he wishes for is
brother what he wishes for himself.

2) Sunnah Fiiliyyah: an action of prophet.

e.g: perform your prayer as you see me praying
3) Taqrir: his silent/tacit approval of the action or practice
of another. e.g. the case of eating Dhab among
Sahabah (Companions)

AL-IJMA
"Consensus" of legal scholars representing all
Muslims (mujtahidin)
Persetujuan di antara ulama-ulama Islam selepas
kewafatan Nabi Muhammad mengenai sesuatu
hukum syarak.

Example:

AL-QIYAS
Al-Qiyas is the process of analogical
reasoning from a known injunction (nas) to a
new injunction
Menerangkan hukum sesuatu yang tidak ada nasnya
dalam al-Quran dan Hadis dengan cara
membandingkannya dengan sesuatu yang ditetapkan
hukumnya berdasarkan nas.
Bermaksud menyamakan sesuatu yang tidak ada nas
hukumnya dengan sesuatu yang tidak ada nas hukumnya
kerana adanya illat hukum.

Example of Al-Qiyas
P1: Semua yang memabukkan adalah haram.
P2: Arak adalah minuman yang memabukkan dan merosakkan akal.
Kesimpulan: Jadi, arak adalah haram.
(ia haram sebab (illat) adalah memabukkan dan merosakan akal.

DRUG???
P1: Semua yang memabukkan adalah haram.
P2: Dadah adalah sama kesnya dengan arak.
P3: Dadah adalah memabukkan dan merosakkan akal.
Kesimpulan: Jadi, dadah adalah haram.
(ia haram sebab (illat) adalah memabukkan dan merosakan akal.

FOUNDATIONS OF ISLAMIC
CIVILIZATION

Maqasid Shariah (Objectives of

Shariah) as the foundations of
Islamic Civilization

Maqasid Shariah in Islamic Civilization

1) Protection of al-Deen (religion)
To fulfill the basic
religious needs of
man.
Islam brings the
message that suit the
nature of man.
Islam forbids its
followers from any ill
intention to ridicule its
teachings.

2) Protection of life (self)

Prevent actions that
can cause
destruction to
oneself. e.g killing
Encourage actions
which contribute to
survival of mankind.
Eg; The concept of
dharurah

3)Protection of Intellect (Aqal)

Knowledge
acquisition is the
foundation of life.

Encourage
rationalization.

Prevention
from
anything
that can
destruct
intelligence

4) The Protection of Descendant & Dignity

(Nasab & Muruah).
Human blood is sacred in
any case and no man can
be deprived of his right to
live. Violating this rule is
equivalent to killing all of
humanity

It is not permissible to oppress

women, children, old people, the sick
or the wounded. Women's honor and
chastity are to be respected under all
circumstances. The hungry must be
fed, the naked clothed, and the
wounded or diseased given medical
treatment

5)The security of property & Wealth

Riba (interest) /
fraud / oppression
/ robbing /
gambling are
prohibited in Islam.

To own
individual
property is
allowed.

To
monopolize
increase gap
between the
poor and the
rich is not
allowed.

Part 2:
Introduction to Islamic Civilization

THE RISE AND EXPANSION OF ISLAM

The Establishment And Development Of

Islamic Civilization

((

))
2 :
He is Who sent among you the
unlettered ones, a messenger from
among themselves, reciting to them
His verses, purifying them from the
filth of disbelief and polytheism, and
teaching them the book (this Quran,
Islamic Laws I Islamic jurisprudence)
and al hikmah (al-Sunnah; legal
ways, orders acts of worship of the
prophet Muhammad) and verily they
had been before in manifest error.

(Al-Jumuah: 2-3).

Dia-lah yang mengutus kepada kaum

yang buta huruf seorang Rasul di antara
mereka, yang membacakan ayat-ayat-Nya
kepada mereka, mensucikan mereka dan
mengajarkan mereka Kitab dan hikmah
(As Sunnah). dan Sesungguhnya mereka
sebelumnya benar-benar dalam kesesatan
yang nyata.

PHASE
ONE

Phases of establishment and

development of Islamic Civilization

Chosen by Allah as
the last prophet at
40

Underground
preaching (3 years)
family & close friends
Open preaching
(20 years)
Makkah & Madinah
Gua Hira

THE TEACHINGS OF MUHAMMAD s.a.w

Tawheedic concept

Tawheed
Uluhiyyah

Tawheed
Rububiyyah

Tawheed
Asma'
Wa sifat

Methods of teaching by the prophet (S.A.W)

1. Teaching & Lecturing
2. Discussion

3. Q & A Session
4. Memorizing
5. Repeating
6. Debating / reasoning
7. Story

8. Use of sense
9. Drawing
10.Example

KALIMAH TAYYIBAH/SYAHADAH

Literally means:
I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except
Allah, the One, without any partner. And I bear witness that
Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger .
The effectiveness of the words lies in their meaning. If they do
not penetrate deep in to your hearts and have an impact
powerful enough effect a change in your thoughts, in your
morals, and in your actions, then their utterance is meaningless
and ineffectual.
(Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi)

1) Tawheed
Uluhiyyah
(Believe in Allah as
the only God Who
Has the right to be
worship and obeyed)

2) Tawheed
Rububiyyah
(Believe in Allah as
the only Creator,
Sustainer and
Benefactor)

3) Tawheed Asma
Wasifat
(Believe in Allah as
the only God Who
has the perfect
names and attribute)

Improving the
marketplaces system

Phase
Two

Establishment of brotherhood
between Muhajirin & Ansar

Establishment of the
1st Mosque / Mosque Quba

Migration to Yathrib /
Madinah

Preaching Islam to people from outside Mecca

(Ethiopia, Taif, Yathrib / treaty of Aqabah 1&2)

Phase
Three
Treaty of Madinah
(Sahifah Madinah)

Matters
pertaining to
responsibilities
among muslim to
muslim

Matters pertaining
to engagement of
the Jews as part of
Islamic Madinah
Societies

Madinah Administrative policies

To ensure the progress of Madinah the Prophet had
introduced a system where these elements were applied;
One nation
Syura system
Regional rules system
Judicial system
Educational system
Defense system

The principal of life

(Quran & Sunnah)

Blood and souls,

possession and
dignity must be
kept sacred

Equivalent
Rights /

THE LAST
SERMON
(KHUTBAH ARAFAH)

The Right of husband

& wife

The
brotherhood of
Islam

Eliminate usury/ khianah

To save
mankind from
worshiping other
God than Allah

Saving
mankind
from
destruction
in the
world &
hereafter

The ultimate goal of the teaching

Islam

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& Barat

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JAHILIYYAH IN MODERN
WORLD

What is your
opinion
regarding the
pictures?.

QUESTION:
Discuss the concept of jahiliyyah based on
your understanding
Is there any possibility that jahiliyyah exists
in this modern world? Give examples.

The Concept of Jahiliah

Neither messenger, nor
guidance book exist - Society is
loosing their;

Moral value and

civilization.

Sense of
humanity and
hospitality.
Ability to read
and to write.
According to Mahayudin Yahaya, Islamic
Civilization, 1999. -

THE MEANING OF JAHILIYAH

Islam calls the pagan life of Arabs 'Jahiliyah'
(ignorance). This label specifically identified the
lifestyle to be found in the land of the Arabs
before Islam.
It included the beliefs and customs of the pagan
Arabs who lived in a most decadent and
perverse manner. This stage in history was full
of chaos and corruption, and witnessed a
decline in the sociology and ideology of the age.

Islam calls that miserable historical

period of Arab lifestyle 'Jahiliyah'
because it is a word which represents
ignorant beliefs, practices, rules, laws,
customs, values and behavior of a
perverse society.

DEFINITION OF JAHILIYYAH/

Jahala

Jahlun / Jahlatun
JAHILIAH /
IGNORANCE

JAHILIYYAH/ IN THE
QURAN

JAHILIYYAH/ IN THE QURAN

Definition of Jahiliah
assumption
(Ali Imran: 154),

make up
(al-ahzab: 33),
Al-Quran
Life style
(Al-jumuah:2)

Syed Hawwa,
Jundullah Thaqafatan wa akhlaqan-

against the
rule of Allah


..while another band was stirred to anxiety by
their own feelings, Moved by wrong suspicions
of Allah-suspicions due to ignorance.
al-Imran:154

154. Kemudian setelah kamu berdukacita, Allah menurunkan kepada kamu keamanan
(berupa) mengantuk yang meliputi segolongan dari pada kamu, sedang segolongan lagi
Telah dicemaskan oleh diri mereka sendiri, mereka menyangka yang tidak benar terhadap
Allah seperti sangkaan jahiliyah.

And stay quietly in your houses, and make not a dazzling display, like

that of the former Times of Ignorance; and establish regular Prayer,

and give regular Charity; and obey Allah and His Messenger. And
Allah only wishes to remove all abomination from you, ye members of
the Family, and to make you pure and spotless .
Al-Ahzab (33:33)

33.

Dan hendaklah kamu tetap di rumahmu[1215] dan janganlah kamu berhias dan bertingkah
laku seperti orang-orang Jahiliyah yang dahulu[1216] dan Dirikanlah shalat, tunaikanlah zakat
dan taatilah Allah dan Rasul-Nya. Sesungguhnya Allah bermaksud hendak menghilangkan dosa
dari kamu, Hai ahlul bait[1217] dan membersihkan kamu sebersih-bersihnya.

[1215] Maksudnya: isteri-isteri Rasul agar tetap di rumah dan ke luar rumah bila ada keperluan yang dibenarkan
oleh syara'. perintah Ini juga meliputi segenap mukminat.
[1216] yang dimaksud Jahiliyah yang dahulu ialah Jahiliah kekafiran yang terdapat sebelum nabi Muhammad s.a.w.
dan yang dimaksud Jahiliyah sekarang ialah Jahiliyah kemaksiatan, yang terjadi sesudah datangnya Islam.
[1217] Ahlul bait di sini, yaitu keluarga rumah tangga Rasulullah s.a.w.

Do they then seek after a judgment of
(the days of) ignorance? But who, for
a people whose faith is assured, can
give better judgement than Allah ?
50 :
50. Apakah hukum Jahiliyah yang mereka kehendaki, dan
(hukum) siapakah yang lebih baik daripada (hukum) Allah bagi
orang-orang yang yakin ?

WHAT ARE THE

CHARACTERISTICS OF
JAHILIYYAH SOCIETY?

CHARACTERISTICS OF JAHILIYYAH SOCIETY?

When neither messenger nor guidance

book exist
Uncivilized society
Society has no moral value
Unable to read and write

Self worship/
love ones
own desires

Society &
culture
Three reasons
why people get astray

Obedience to
human beings

Reason 1: LOVE OF ONES OWN DESIRES

50. but if They hearken not to thee, know that They only
follow their own lusts: and who is more astray than one
who follow His own lusts, devoid of guidance from Allah.
for Allah guides not people given to wrong-doing.
50. Kemudian, kalau mereka tidak dapat menerima
cabaranmu (Wahai Muhammad), maka ketahuilah,
Sesungguhnya mereka hanyalah menurut hawa nafsu
mereka; dan tidak ada Yang lebih sesat daripada orang
Yang menurut hawa nafsunya Dengan tidak berdasarkan
hidayah petunjuk dari Allah. Sesungguhnya Allah tidak
memberi pimpinan kepada kaum Yang zalim (yang berdegil
Dalam keingkarannya).
(Surah Al-Qashas,28:50)

Reason 2: SOCIETY AND CULTURE

170. when it is said to them: "Follow what Allah hath
revealed:" They say: "Nay! we shall follow the ways of
Our fathers." What! Even though their fathers were void
of wisdom and guidance?
170. dan apabila dikatakan kepada mereka" Turutlah
akan apa Yang telah diturunkan oleh Allah" mereka
menjawab: "(Tidak), bahkan Kami (hanya) menurut apa
Yang Kami dapati datuk nenek Kami melakukannya".
Patutkah (Mereka menurutnya) sekalipun datuk
neneknya itu tidak faham sesuatu (Apa pun tentang
perkara-perkara ugama), dan tidak pula mendapat
petunjuk hidayah (dari Allah)?
(Al-Baqarah: 2:170)

Reason 3: TOTAL OBEDIENCE

TO HUMAN BEINGS
116. Wert Thou to follow the common run of those on
earth, They will lead Thee away from the way of
Allah. They follow nothing but conjecture: They do
nothing but lie.
116. dan jika Engkau menurut kebanyakan orang
Yang ada di muka bumi, nescaya mereka akan
menyesatkanmu dari jalan Allah; tiadalah Yang
mereka turut melainkan sangkaan semata-mata, dan
mereka tidak lain hanyalah berdusta.
(Surah Al-Anam: 06:116)

THE PEOPLE OF JAHILIYAH

Politically: Absence of political organization (civil war

among the Arab tribes)

Socially: Arabia was a male-dominated society.

(racism, hero-worship, gender bias,)

Intellectually: few persons who could read and write

(artist, poet)

Economically: (slavery, capitalists)

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS
Ideological Deviation
Emotional and Psychological Deviation
Behavioral Deviation

MODERN
JAHILIYYAH

Example of Modern Jahiliyyah lifestyle

Killing & Murder.

Spreading of disease such HIV, AIDS,
Drugs.
Free sexual.
Gay & Lesbian.
Aggressive behavior-e.g. Mat Rempit,
gangsterism.
Misunderstanding of religious teaching.
Etc.

How can we get rid of ignorant

backgrounds?
Achieving a full understanding for life
according to original divine methods
the reconstruction of both the
personality and the society.
to establish an religious (moral &
akhlak) society.

Part 3:
Muslim Contribution to Civilization

Jamal A. Badawi
St. Marys University
Jamalbadawi@hotmail.com
www.Islamonline.net/Islamic
Teachings

An Outline
I. Introduction
II. Conceptual foundations: beliefs about:
1. Allah [God]
2. Human nature
3. The world & human trusteeship on earth

III. Quranic motivation to explore

IV. Some examples of contribution
1. An historical perspective
2. Specific examples of contribution

V. Conclusions

I. Introduction
Islam & the European Renaissance
New spirit of research, experimentation,
observation & measurement
New spirit sparked by Islamic worldview
Allah
The human
The world

II. Conceptual Foundations

1. Faith in Allah
Tawheed > Monotheism
Creation, Worship, Entity & Attributes

Implications
Unity of the core divine message
Unity of the human race
Unity of all aspects of human life
Unity of present & future lives

II. Conceptual Foundations

2. Human Nature
Human nature
Physical
Intellectual
Spiritual

Purpose of creation
Broader concept of worship
No compartmentalization of life

II. Conceptual Foundations

3. The World
Resources & trusteeship
Conditions of trust
Legitimate acquisition & use
Respecting the rights of others
Pay what is due on property [Zakah]

Work = a form of worship

Infinite time scale

III. Quranic Motivation to Explore

Agricultural resources [13:4, 6:141]
Water resources [39:21, 45:12]
Fisheries & seafaring [16:14]
Animal resources [16:5-9]
Laws in nature [3:190-191]
Role of learning [96:1, 58:11, 35:28]
Experimental method [16:69, 57:25, 53:28]

IV. Examples of Contributions

An Historical Perspective
Contribution began in the late 7th Century
Golden Age
750-1258 Abbasid era
755-1492 Muslim Spain

Schools, libraries, endowments, bursaries,

research centers
Contrast with Europe
Insufficient credit acknowledged

Specific Examples of Contributions

1. ASTRONOMY
Catalogue maps of visible stars
Correcting sun & moon table
1st to use pendulum/build observatories
Invention of the sun dial [11th Cent.]
Predicted sun spots, eclipses, comets
Names incl..Ibn Yunus, Abul-Wafa, Al-Batani,
Al-Bayrouni, Ulug Beg, Ibn Rushd

Specific Examples of Contributions

2. CHEMISTRY
Discovery of Nitric Acid & description of
distillation, sublimation, filtration, coagulation &
crystallization [Jabir: 8th Century]
Description of the properties of Sulphuric Acid
[Abu-Musa Al-Kufi 8th Century]

Distillation of water, plasters, ointments,

tampering of steel
Arabic origin of terms such as Camphor,
Alcohol, Elixir, Al-Kali and Syrup

Specific Examples of Contributions

3. MATHEMATICS
Popularization of the Arabic Numerals
Algebra [from al-Jabr; uniting broken parts]
Algorithm [from Al-Khawarizmi, 9th Cent.]
Non-Euclidean geometry [13th Cent.]
Dev. of trigonometry & first to use sine and
co-sine
Spherical trigonometry & trig. of tangents

Specific Examples of Contributions

4. PHYSICS
Optics [Ibn Al-Haytham, 11th Cent.]
Invention of the Compass
Investigation of Hydrostatics [9th Cent.]
Improving the use of the water wheel
Tables of specific gravities of liquids and
solids.

Specific Examples of Contributions

5. GEOGRAPHY
Columbuss debt to Ibn- Rushd [12th Cent.]
Caliph Al-Mamoon estimates the earths
circumference to be 24000 miles
Al-Idrisis description of earth as spherical
Al-Masoodis encyclopedic work [10th C]
Al-Yaqoobis Mujam Al-Bildan [12th C]
Al-Marakishis Mathl Geography [13th C]

Specific Examples of Contributions

6. AGRICULTURE
Al-Awwams description of 585 plants &
cultivation of several fruits [12th Cent.]
Improving irrigation
Use of organic fertilizers
Improving breeds of cattle
Introduction of peaches, apricots, cotton,
rice, bananas and sugar to the West

Specific Examples of Contributions

7. INDUSTRY
Advances in fabric manufacturing
Silk, cotton, wool

Leather industry
Manufacturing of glass and steel, drugs
perfumes and paper [798 in Baghdad]
Term ream : from Arabic Rezma which
means a bundle

Specific Examples of Contributions

8. COMMERCE
850 Saracen ships docked @ Canton,
China
System of cheques [Arabic Sakk]
Some form of letters of credit
Saracen coins found in Scandinavia
Anglo-Saxon coin with the Shahadah
[Muslim testimony of faith] on one side

Specific Examples of Contributions

9. HISTORY
Al-Tababaris universal chronicle [9th Cen.]
Al-Masoodis Muruj al-Dhahabor Golden
Pastures and lost 20 volume History
Ibn Al-Atheers chronicle [13th Cen.]
Most focused on collection & presentation
of information, some used critical
judgment adopted later in the West

Specific Examples of Contributions

10. ART & ARCHITECTURE
Unity in diversity; accommodating cultures
A lot destroyed by Mongols and during the
Crusaded and inquisition
Reminders in Al-Hambra & Cordova
Cathedral door with MashaAllah on it
A 9th Century Irish cross decorated in the
middle with Bismillah

Specific Examples of Contributions

11. Political Science/Sociology
Political science
Al-Farabis Model City [10th Cent.]
Al-Mawirdis [Book of the Rules of Power]

Sociology
Ibn Khaldoon: Greatest sociologist of all times
First comprehensive writing on the philosophy
of History [14th Cent.]

IV. Examples of Contributions-Medicine

A. 9th century: Al-Razi of Baghdad
One of the greatest physicians in Medieval times

His AL-Hawi: an immense medical encyclopedia

Main reference for 600 years
Contributions to gynecology, obstetrics,
ophthalmic surgery ..etc
Some works [measles & smallpox] were
translated several times until the 18th century

IV. Examples of Contributions-Medicine

B. 10th Century: Ibn Sa`d & Al-Mardini
Areeb Ibn Sa`d
Early systematic writings on pediatrics
Translated into Latin & Hebrew

Al-Mardini [Pharmacology]
Writings became standard work in Middle Ages

Others : Treated cataracts & hemorrhage and

used cauterization

IV. Examples of Contributions-Medicine

C. 11th Century
Ibn Sina [Avicenna]
Cannon in Medicine [5 volumes]
Topics include physiology, hygiene, pathology
Remained superior authority in Medieval Europe as
late as the 18th Century
Some translated into Latin & Hebrew

Abul-Qasim
Works on surgery, influence until 15th Century

IV. Examples of Contributions-Medicine

D. 12th/13th Centuries
Ibn Rushd [Averrose]
Illustrations of sections of the brains, eyes,
eye nerves and surgical instruments

Ibn Zuhar
Pioneer writer on dislocations and fractures
Was outstanding in treating skin diseases

Ibn Al-Nafees: Described blood circulation

IV. Examples of Contributions-Medicine

E. Hospitals
Began in the 8th century in Baghdad
2 wings [M/F], outside reporting hall
Decision on medication or admission
If admitted: bathing and clean clothing
In-patient treatment, food served in covered
trays, psychological strategies, entertainment
Air and water circulation in hospitals
Convalescent: [Eat a loaf of bread & a chicken]

IV. Examples of Contribution -Medicine

E. Hospital - Cont.

No hospital bills!
forget about Medicare
Discharge, clothes & interim financial help
Mobile hospitals to rural areas
Physicians, equipments, medications
Some required 40 camels to carry

V. Conclusions
Impact of Islams world view on contributions
Contributions includes preservation of old
classics as well as original contributions
Rich, voluminous works lost during destructive
assaults on the Muslim world
Impact on renaissance is put of sight
Boasting of past glories is insufficient
Joint responsibility for an ideal civilization

Any Reminder / Debriefing

about the topic in Chapter 2

THANK YOU