Studies in Islamic Civilization: The Muslim Contribution to the Renaissance

Ahmed Essa, Othman Ali

Paperback

9781565643505

Studies in Islamic Civilisation draws upon the works of Western scholars to make the case that without the tremendous contribution of the Muslim world there would have been no Renaissance in Europe. For almost a thousand years Islam was arguably one of the leading civilisations of the world spanning a geographic area greater than any other. It eliminated social distinctions between classes and races, made clear that people should enjoy the bounties of the earth provided they did not ignore morals and ethics, and rescued knowledge that would have been lost, if not forever, then at least for centuries. The genius of its scholars triggered the intellectual tradition of Europe and for over seven hundred years its language, Arabic, was the international language of science. Strange then that its legacy lies largely ignored and buried in time. In the words of Aldous Huxley, "Great is truth, but still greater, from a practical point of view, is silence about truth. By simply not mentioning certain subjects... propagandists have influenced opinion much more effectively than they could have by the most eloquent denunciations."

Studies in Islamic Civilisation is a compelling attempt to redress this wrong and restore the historical truths of a "golden age" that ushered in the Islamic renaissance, and as a by-product that of the West. In doing so, it gives a bird's eye view of the achievements of a culture that at its height was considered the model of human progress and development.

Contents:

1. Islam's Role in History

2. Learning and Islamic Civilisation

3. The Establishment of the First Muslim Community

4. The Islamic World Order

5. Islamic Civilisation in Europe and West Asia

6. Trade

7. Agriculture and Technology

8. Flowering of Islamic Learning

9. The Sciences

10. Medicine

11. Arabic Literature

12. Persian Literature

13. The Arts

14. Ottoman Contribution to Islamic Civilization

15. Islamic Impact on the Renaissance