Islam and Muslims played a crucial role in opening the way to civilization in Europe. The Islamic Golden Age, spanning from the 8th to the 14th century, was a period of intellectual and cultural flourishing in the Islamic world. During this time, Muslims made significant contributions to science, mathematics, medicine, philosophy, art, and literature, which later influenced the Renaissance in Europe.
One of the most significant contributions of Muslims to Europe was their preservation and translation of Greek and Roman texts. When the Roman Empire fell in the 5th century, much of its knowledge was lost. However, the Muslim world preserved and expanded upon that knowledge, and Muslim scholars translated these texts into Arabic. These texts were later translated into Latin by Christian scholars in Spain, Sicily, and Italy, which helped spark the Renaissance.
Muslims also made significant contributions to the field of mathematics, particularly in algebra and trigonometry. The word “algebra” comes from the Arabic word “al-jabr,” which means “reunion of broken parts.” The Muslim mathematician al-Khwarizmi wrote a book titled “Kitab al-jabr wa-l-muqabala,” which laid the foundation for algebra. The Muslim mathematician al-Battani made significant contributions to trigonometry, including discovering the sine and cosine functions.
In the field of medicine, Muslim physicians made significant advancements in pharmacology and surgery. The Muslim physician Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, wrote the famous medical encyclopedia “The Canon of Medicine,” which was used as a medical textbook in Europe for centuries. Muslim physicians also developed new surgical techniques, such as the use of catgut for sutures and the use of anesthesia during surgery.
Muslims also made significant contributions to the arts and literature. Islamic art is characterized by intricate geometric patterns, calligraphy, and the use of vibrant colors. Muslim literature includes works such as “The Thousand and One Nights,” which is a collection of stories from the Islamic Golden Age. These works influenced European literature, such as Dante’s “The Divine Comedy.”
Muslims made significant contributions to the field of astronomy, which had a profound impact on the way Europeans understood the universe. Muslim astronomers made numerous observations and discoveries, including the development of the astrolabe, a device used to measure the positions of stars and planets. The Muslim astronomer al-Tusi also developed a mathematical model that accurately predicted the movements of celestial bodies. These discoveries had a profound impact on European astronomy and paved the way for the work of Copernicus and Galileo.
In the field of architecture, Muslims developed a unique style that combined intricate geometric patterns with calligraphy and arabesque designs. This style is evident in many famous Islamic buildings, such as the Alhambra in Spain and the Great Mosque of Cordoba. These designs later influenced European architecture, particularly during the Gothic period.
Muslims also made significant contributions to agriculture and farming practices. The Muslim scientist al-Jahiz wrote a book titled “Book of Animals,” which contained detailed observations and descriptions of various animals and their behavior. This book later influenced European naturalists such as Darwin. Muslim farmers also developed new irrigation techniques and introduced new crops, such as citrus fruits, to Europe.
In the field of philosophy, Muslim scholars made significant contributions to the study of metaphysics and ethics. The Muslim philosopher al-Farabi developed a theory of knowledge that was influential in the development of European scholasticism. The Muslim philosopher Ibn Rushd, also known as Averroes, wrote commentaries on the works of Aristotle that were later studied by European scholars during the Renaissance.
Moreover, Muslims played a key role in facilitating trade and commerce between Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Islamic world acted as a bridge between the East and the West, and Muslim merchants established extensive trade networks that facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas. These trade routes, known as the Silk Road and the Spice Route, played a crucial role in the development of European economies.
And before Shakespeare, there was Rumi
Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman
English 
