An Examination on the Contributions of Islam to Sciences and Civilization

Abstract

Several attempts have been made by scholars, both medieval and contemporary on the impact of Islam on scientific discovery. Less attention, however, is always accorded to the historical antecedents of the earlier Muslim scholars, who made frantic efforts towards the discoveries. Islam as a divine religion places high premium on the acquisition of knowledge especially that of sciences. It considers knowledge as a comprehensive whole, which covers both spiritual and material aspects of human life. The religion, Islam torches every aspect of human life for the growth, development and advancement of society. Acquisition of knowledge of humanity, social sciences as well as the pure and applied sciences is comprehensively expressed in Islamic education. Not only this, the history portrays the leading indelible roles played by the early muslims on these various fields of knowledge. That is why Islam has declared acquisition of knowledge compulsory for all Muslims. This paper therefore analyses the contributions of Islam to civilzation with particular references to sciences. It as well affirms that Islam is beyond only the religion of prayers and rituals. The work is historic, analytic and explorative in nature. Recommendations are also also put forward as suggestions for the present generation cum postertity in general and muslims in particular.

Keywords: Interplay, Religion, Science, Case, Islam.