Abdul Qahar
Introduction
Allah instructs in the Holy Qur'an to read in the name of thy Lord who created mankind out of a mere clot and taught him which he knew not (96:1-5). This is a direct commandment to seek and cherish knowledge and thus is an act of worship if done with this intention. Allah also states in the Holy Qur'an that:
We will show them Our signs in the universe and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that this [Qur'an] is the truth. Is it not enough that your Lord is a Witness over all things [Surah Fussilat 41:53]
Examples of such revelation had such a profound impact on our pious predecessors that they sincerely sought knowledge throughout their lifetimes. Such zeal created the greatest minds of human history in every subject they pursued! Muslim scholars were highly sought after, and people of faith and no faith traveled great distances to sit at the feet of Muslims and learn art, science, humanities, technology, literature, etc.
Few people realize the significant contributions Muslims have made to the making of the modern world. This article briefly explores only four key areas, from thousands, which Muslims have gifted the world, making it what it is today—without which, Western civilization would have remained in the Dark Ages for longer.
Hygiene
The medieval times are often portrayed as smelly, dark, and unclean. However, in the tenth-century Islamic world, hygiene practices could compete with modern practices we have today. Due to the cold climate, bathing was a rarity even amongst royalty in Europe. The stench of European cities was unbearable, with waste and sewage running down the streets, making disease and death commonplace.
The Islamic world, however, was far more advanced by following the guidance in the Holy Qur'an and Sunnah. Cleanliness is incumbent on Muslims, and the five daily obligatory prayers cannot be performed without washing and being clean (Surah Al-Ma'ida 5:6). Sayyiduna Muhammad narrated:
Allah is Beautiful, and He loves beauty (Sahih Muslim 91)
Personal hygiene was thus essential for Muslims. An Andalusian by the name of Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Nafi, from Spain, introduced underarm deodorants and improved detergents for washing clothes. Another Muslim, Al-Jazari, invented an elaborate wudhu machine, which can be compared to the tap and sink of today. It was portable and appeared like a peacock on a tray. Guests would tap the head, and water would ensue in eight short spurts, taking care not to waste water as our beloved advised, yet providing enough water for ablution. Some variants even provided a towel.
Being advanced chemists, the Muslims developed soap by mixing oil (usually olive oil) with al-qal (a salt-like substance), which was then boiled and left to harden. Soap then arrived in Europe with the Crusaders' return, giving rise to bathing houses such as Sheikh Dean Mahomed's Vapour Baths in Brighton during the 1770s and 1780s.
Using a miswak is a Sunnah of the Prophet, who did this before each prayer. The pharmaceutical company **Pharmak Basle**, a Swiss firm, carried out experiments on miswak and found that it contains antibacterial substances that destroy harmful germs causing infection and tooth decay. The modern toothbrush with toothpaste is still no match for the miswak Muslims used over 1400 years ago!
Mathematics
Muhammad Al-Khwarizmi is known as the most influential mathematician of all time. He joined the Bayt al-Hikma in the early 9th century, and his treatise: Hisab al-Jabr wal-Muqabala (Calculation of Integration and Equation) changed mathematics forever. Algebra, the fundamental concept in math, takes its name from the title of the book, Al-Jabr. His book became a standard text in Europe for over 400 years, where it was translated and studied meticulously by non-Muslims.
At the time, Europeans were using the cumbersome Roman numeral system, which did not allow them to perform calculations efficiently. They learned their current numbering, called the "Arabic numeral system," from Muslims. The most astounding of his findings is *sifr* or zero, which is not a value but the absence of it—helping solve many problems in mathematics.
Al-Khwarizmi also invented algorithms, a branch of mathematics that derives its name from his hometown of Khwarizm. Algorithms are the foundation of computer science, and without them, the development of computer systems and the modern electronics world would not be possible.
Coffee
"Coffee is the common man's gold, and like gold, it brings to every person the feeling of luxury and nobility." - Sheikh Abdul Kadir, who wrote the earliest known coffee manuscript in 1588
Hardworking people of all ages have fought to stay awake in order to increase their productivity. Before coffee, people were not aware of such a stimulant that would allow them to stay awake and alert. Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world today. However, little was known about stimulants until Khalid, a Muslim livestock herder, made an interesting observation more than 1200 years ago. He noticed that his goats became lively as they grazed on a particular type of berry.
He took a sample of the berries home and boiled them to create al-qahwa. This stimulant allowed Muslims to stay awake at night for dhikr, and it soon spread throughout the Muslim world through travelers and traders. This qahwa (coffee) later appeared in Europe through trade with Muslim merchants of North Africa and later made its way to the UK in 1650 CE. The first coffee house was based in Lombard Street, London. Eight years later, the Sultaness Head Café emerged in Cornhill. Even the famous insurance company Lloyds was originally a coffee shop called Edward Lloyd's Coffee House Today, almost two billion cups of coffee are consumed daily.
Education
"Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave." -Muslim proverb
The great importance of education was embraced by Muslims long before the Western world. The Noble Qur'an is the most read, studied, memorized, recited, and best-selling book in human history. It was compiled into book form following the demise of our beloved Prophet.
Muslims knew how to make paper, so they began producing various books, manuscripts, and treatises on many subjects in large proportions. This gave rise to personal and public libraries. Mosque libraries were called Dar al-Kutub, or the "House of Books."
The world's first university is Al-Qarawiyin in Fez, Morocco, founded by a Muslim woman, Fatima Al-Fihri. She was a devout, pious, and educated young woman who, after inheriting a large sum from her father, vowed to spend the entire amount on building a university masjid for her community.
Al-Qarawiyin was so popular and overwhelmed with applicants that a rigorous selection system was introduced, just like universities today. However, unlike current universities, students did not pay fees and were provided accommodation, food, and a full allowance as part of their educational package.
Even the graduation ceremony is indebted to and copied from Islam, imitating the gown, scroll, and hat from the Muslims who wore qamees and turbans and carried their ijaza during their ceremony.
This article concludes the four examples of Muslim inventions from thousands. The Islamic Golden Age provided the ideal stimulus and conditions for a shared intellectual culture that gave birth to astonishing achievements in all facets of life. Many of the Muslim inventions and innovations greatly influenced the European Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment, helping shape our modern world.
Engineer, Teacher
Currently studying Alimiyyah Course with
Shaykh Faizulhaq Abdulaziz Hafizahullah
The contributions of Islam to world are amazing !!
Masha Allah very beneficial article. Jazakallahu khairan to brother Qahhar
Thank you for the lovely written article which shows us how truly talented our Salaf were
Mashaa Allah
Allahuma Barik, very nice article, may Allah swt reward you in abundance.