Analysis and Criticism of Modernism in the Light of Islam (Part 11)

Author: Mohajer Azizi

Analysis and Criticism of Modernism in the Light of Islam (Part 11)

During the glorious period of Muslim presence in Andalusia, a unique civilization in human history was formed and Muslims presented many achievements to the world in various fields. Now, we will mention the most important of these developments:

1. Scientific prosperity and the establishment of scientific centers

Muslims established large libraries, universities and advanced schools; including:

– The University of Cordoba, which was one of the largest scientific centers of that time in Europe.

– The Al-Zahra School and Palace, which was a place for training scholars and scientists in various sciences.

2. Progress in natural and experimental sciences

Muslim scientists became the leaders of their time in various sciences:

– In medicine: Ibn Zahr, Al-Zahrawi, Ibn Rushd and others wrote books that were taught in Europe for centuries.

– In mathematics: Muslims transferred the concept of zero, algebra and Indian numerals to Europe.

– In astronomy, chemistry, physics and philosophy: they built observatories and precise instruments and founded scientific thinking.

3. Magnificent Islamic architecture

Muslims created lasting works in the field of architecture, including:

– The Great Mosque of Cordoba with its spectacular minarets and arches;

– Al-Zahra Palace near Cordoba;

– and the Alhambra Palace in Granada, which is still considered one of the artistic wonders of the world.

4. The flourishing of literature and art

In Andalusia, poetry, literature and philosophy reached their peak. Andalusia produced poets, writers and philosophers who were inspiring not only in the Islamic world, but also in Europe.

5. The development of agriculture and the economy

Muslims invented complex systems for irrigation and agriculture. They imported plants and trees from the East and brought various industries such as weaving, pottery and metalworking to their peak.

6. Social Justice and Peaceful Coexistence

Under the shadow of Islamic civilization, justice, religious freedom, and an advanced judicial system were established. Jews and Christians lived alongside Muslims and participated in scientific and economic affairs.

Europeans benefited from this brilliant civilization. European youth came to Andalusia to study and learned science, culture, refinement, hygiene, and urban life techniques from Muslims; whereas before that, they lived in the forests and were unaware of the manifestations of civilization.

Alas, today the same civilization on whose shoulders Western civilization stood is slandered and ingratitude. Muslims, who were once teachers of civilization and civility, are now accused of backwardness, and Islam, which lit the lamp of reason, justice, science, and humanity, is accused of regression and opposition to progress. This is not only historical persecution; it is also a betrayal of the truth.

1. Progress and Achievements of Muslims in the Military Field

Muslims also made significant progress in the military field and presented many strategies and inventions in this field. Below, we will mention some of these achievements:

1. The trench strategy in the Battle of Ahzab:

In the Battle of Ahzab, when different tribes had united to attack Medina, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) consulted with his companions. Hazrat Salman al-Farsi (may Allah be pleased with him) suggested that deep trenches be dug around Medina; this method of defense had no precedent among the Arabs before that. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) accepted this strategy and himself participated in its implementation. [1]

2. Use of advanced war tools in the Battle of Tayef:

In the Battle of Tayef, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) upon the advice of Hazrat Salman (may Allah be pleased with him) used two types of war weapons: the catapult (which is equivalent to artillery in modern times) and Dababe (which can be considered a prototype of today’s tank). According to some narrations, Salman (may Allah be pleased with him) himself had made these tools. [2]

3. Dispatch to learn military industries:

It is narrated that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) sent two of his companions, “Urwah bin Mas’ud” and “Ghulid bin Muslimah” to the industrial city of Jarsh (in Sham, present-day Syria) to learn the industry of making tools such as the tank, catapult and Sabur (a type of armored fighting vehicle).

Sabur was a tool similar to today’s tanks that was used in the ancient Roman army. [3]

4. The tactic of stealth at night:

In the Battle of Za’at al-Salasil, Hazrat Amr ibn al-Aas (may Allah be pleased with him) first implemented this tactic of the Islamic army not lighting fires at night; when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) asked the reason for this, Amr said: “Our number was small. I was afraid that the enemy would become aware of our scarcity through the light of the fire and attack.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) approved this strategy and thanked Allah Almighty. [4]

Another important achievement of the Muslims in the military field was the use of various tactics and strategies of war. The Muslims used three main methods in wars:

1. Partisan warfare, which they used well in battles such as Badr, Mu’tah and Yarmouk.

2. Fast and light movements such as the use of agile cavalry, which was very effective in the conquests of the Levant, Iran, North Africa, Andalusia and Transoxiana.

3. Taking advantage of natural conditions such as mountains, wind, night, water and other natural factors in the design and implementation of military operations.

Other signs of Muslim progress in the military field include the construction of castles, military cities and trenches. Cities such as Fustat (in Egypt), Basra, Kufa and Samarkand were established as military bases; which was considered a kind of innovation and progress at that time.

Muslims also made great progress in the manufacture of military equipment. In different periods from the Rashidun Caliphate to the Ottoman Caliphate and the Baberi Sultanate of India, they made tools such as catapults, Dababe (primitive tanks), flamethrowers, battle ladders, chainmail armor, Damascus swords, advanced bows, and naval fleets and warships.

From these materials, it becomes clear that Islam not only does not hinder progress, but also encourages its followers to innovate and progress; therefore, contrary to the absurd and nonsense beliefs and propaganda of Western modernism, Islam is a religion that is in line with and accompanies civilization, progress, and development.

Continues…

Previous Part/ Next Part

References:

1. Al-Bedayah wa Al-Nehayah, vol. 1, p. 95.
2. Al-Bedayah wa Al-Nehayah, vol. 4, p. 348.
3. Modernism from the perspective of Islam, p. 10.
4. Jam ul-Fawayed, vol. 2, p. 27.