The Role of Muslims in the Formation and Development of Science (Part Three)
Stages of Development and Expansion of Basic Sciences Among Muslims
2. The Stage of Building Scientific Thought in Basic Sciences
At this stage, Muslims made valuable contributions in various scientific fields such as mathematics, natural sciences, chemistry, astronomy, and medical sciences. It can be said that this phase was characterized by the development of scientific thought among Muslim scholars in various fields, heavily influenced by Greek civilization in terms of logic, mathematical proofs, and philosophy. Also, significant progress was made in algebra, natural sciences, chemistry, biological sciences, and zoological sciences.
This phase continued from 198 AH to 300 AH and was led by Ma’mun, the Abbasid caliph. He made countless efforts to quote and translate as many Greek books as possible and was able to obtain great wealth and treasure from the land of Rome. He paid very high and legendary salaries for translation at this stage; for instance, the salaries of “Hunain bin Ishaq Nasrani” and “Thabet bin Qara Sabi” reached five hundred dinars per month. Additionally, every Tuesday, he distributed prizes for the best scientific and literary works. As a result, engaging in writing and studying science became one of the most esteemed professions, and this proverb became popular: “After the job of caliphate, the most honorable job is writing.”
3. The Stage of the Idea of Scientific Progress in Basic Sciences
This stage is distinguished by significant advancements in all branches of basic and non-basic sciences and is considered an important tool for transferring Islamic Arabic knowledge to the Western world through Latin translations, most of which occurred in Spain. As a result of these translations, Europe emerged from its dark ages and was able to achieve scientific progress.
The centers established in the Islamic world for the expansion and development of science represent important Islamic achievements in this endeavor. Notable institutions include Bait al-Hikma in Baghdad, Dar al-Hikma in Cairo, Dar al-Ilm in Mosul, and Jameh Kabir in Sana’a, Yemen. These Muslim scientific centers attracted students of science from around the world, allowing them to acquire modern knowledge and expertise.
This expansion of science and the prosperity of Muslim scientific centers continued until the period of laxity and dispersion of Muslims in Andalusia (Spain) and Sicily. After this period, Christians and Europeans established their own scientific centers, translating Islamic Arabic texts into Latin and using them to disseminate knowledge within their communities.
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